Teppay Japanese Restaurant

05/27/11

Best sushi I've found in Houston

by mizzv

It's been a while since I've been here because I've since moved, but this is the freshest sushi I've found in Houston. They use real wasabi (ground instead of the powder mix) and shiso leaves instead of the plastic "grass" sheets. I love sitting at the bar since the chef usually gives us freebies off the ends of the rolls or new creations to try.

The food is very traditional, so you will not find exotic rolls that are in the new, hip joints. There are usually many Japanese dining there and the service is friendly, though they can get backed up.

03/11/11

Best Authentic Japanese Restaurant in Town

by jldtecmag

When the Japanese consul wants to have a reception at the consulate, he asks Toshiro Sato to prepare dinner for him.

When James Baker (former Secretay of State) wants to have Japnese food, he goes there (I met him several times).

I took some Japanese customers there, and they were, at first very sceptical. When they entered the restaurant, one of them said: "It smells like Japan".

That says it all. I have been to Japan many many times. This is the only original Japanese restaurant in town. Period

03/25/09

Outstanding

by sushibandit

Chef Toshihiro Sato knows what the heck he is doing. Contrary to the previous negative post this place will meet your traditional sushi desires. Of the "Big 4" Japanese owned/operated places in town I like Teppay the best because Chef Sato takes such personal care of his clients, even 1st timers. There are minor issues, the mentioned restroom is not a resort and the waitstaff will try your patience if you sit at a table from time to time, but the quality and diversity of food is truly top drawer. Try the aji sashimi served on the fish carcass, then have the bones fried up kara age style. It's quite the presentation and adventure, not to mention that it's highly edible. Last week Chef Sato had tobiwu, flying fish, flown in from Japan. The nigiri from this bad boy was ridiculous. Topped with finely shredded scallion and ginger with a drizzle of the Chef's own ponzu, it was amazing. Don't let the ulcerated opinion dissuade you, this place is the real deal.

• Pros: High quality traditional sushi experience
• Cons: Service at tables can be slow

04/13/08

Licensed Robber. Even one star is a mercy for Teppay.

by melvinhsie

If you want to make someone suffer from gastric ulcer, please take him/her to Teppay on Westheimer.

The memorable dinning experience I had in Houston began with a strong anchovy smell when stepping into Teppay. Since we were not that hungry, we just ordered Sashimi and Sushi. Nearly half of the sushi menu items were marked with 'Market Price', so that we had to ask one by one for the price in order to make sure they would not rob on any mysterious item, let alone the waitress became a bit not patient. The taste was OK, but I am sure I myself can make better Sushi than the chefs there. The service was incredibly poor, because I had to ask every time to let the waitress refill the tea. The toilet was impressive too, since I bet Walm**t's or any fast-food restaurant's toilet can beat this one. Here came the bill for the last moment: a bill for three here can feed an army almost anywhere else, even though we didn't feel full yet!!!

Not finished yet: The next day I had a hard time at restroom, of course it was because of the wonderul sushi I had in Teppay.

Honestly there are lots of good Japanese restaurants here in Houston. Any of those near Rice University is far better than this one. However, if you want to enhance your dining experience of being fooled, please don't forget to stop by Teppay. Douzo, jibun de tabe te mi te kudasai.

• Pros: gastric ulcer
• Cons: you should have donated your money to charity organizations, or even paid a speeding ticket

10/31/07

Try Kenny's Special Sushi Rolls!

by superlluclkycat

My boyfriend and I go here for entertainment, good sushi and sake! The fish is fresh (no dyes in the tuna) and the wasabe is hottt! Japanese food made by a Japanese chef, who has studied in Japan - although he is young - is better than a Mexican behind the sushi bar slicing your sashimi. If you ask the chef to be creative, he has come up with some signature rolls that aren't on the menu, but if you give him an idea of what ingredients you like, he can come up with something tasty as well as asthetically pleasing. However, if you prefer authentic fare, they offer it as well. We recommend this establishment to sushi beginners, as well as those who are experienced Japanese culinary experts, and we've been to all the sushi spots in Houston!!

• Pros: Sushi, Parking, Sake and Tatami Rooms
• Cons: none