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

The sushi at this longstanding Galleria-area restaurant is a favorite of Japanese businessmen and area sushi purists.

by Contributor

In Short
Among dozens of sushi spots along Westheimer, this restaurant has been serving sushi without the hype for more than a decade. A handful of tables and a busy sushi bar create an intimate atmosphere although it can sometimes be overly smoky. Owner Toshihiro Sato ensures that the authentic Japanese menu offers a variety of flavors. Choose from a number of small plate appetizers, sukiyaki (prepared at the table), noodle dishes or flavorful rolls. Sushi and sashimi are always fresh.

07/21/05

YUMMY!

by zptabby

The freshest Sushi I have found in town! The Sushi like butter in your mouth. No chewy Sashimi here! The rolls are excellent as well. My only complaint is they allow smoking and for such a small restaurant, it should certainly be non-smoking! Other than that, the service is great and it is quite cozy inside. Perfect for eating alone or with a very small group. Not great for large parties.

• Pros: Fresh Sashimi, Friendly Staff
• Cons: They allow smoking

02/21/04

Ex-favorite Jap rest.

by tony_luk

Used to be my most favorite Japanese rest---best quality in town after Fuji! Extremely expensive---friends used to call it $80 buffet!(per person of course). But it was still worth it due to the quality. Unfortunately, quality has gone down(even the sea weed for the sushi has changed from crispy to soft(very BAD in a highly-rated, real Japanese rest).

After all, quality still better than most Am-Japanese rest.

• Pros: location, quality
• Cons: , service

06/27/03

Best sushi I've found in Houston

by vli76

This is the freshest sushi I've found, they use make real wasabi (it's been ground instead of the power mix), and I love sitting at the bar since the chef usually gives us freebies off the ends of the rolls or new creations to try. There are usually many Japanese there and the food is very authentic. Unfortunately it's in a strip mall--I wouldn't have gone in to try it if a friend hadn't recommended it. It's kinda small so if you're going during peak hours you might consider making reservations.

• Pros: very fresh, authentic
• Cons: expensive, in a strip mall

02/11/03

Cozy Kitchen

by CaptHook

I live around the corner and every time I walk here the staff always takes great care of me and my company. The food is always exceptional and I don't think I have every heard a complaint from any table while I dine there.

11/05/02

Fun, but not the best

by sushipig

Teppay's new sushi chef is very funny but a little young (21-25 I would guess) to have enough experience to prepare a quality sushi meal. You wont be bored but for the best and most authentic sushi, teppay just isnt there yet. Better than miyako or cafe japon but just not the cream of the crop.

• Pros: fun chef, uncomfortable bar
• Cons: sushi, ask for water