Fresher Than Fresh

From sushi to sake: The art of Japanese cuisine awaits at Azumi in River Oaks

Located in Houston’s River Oaks District, Azumi offers an exquisite fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and vibrant atmosphere, this dining destination is perfect for intimate dinners, group gatherings, festive holiday get-togethers, or special celebrations.

A culinary showcase
Azumi’s sushi program is a true highlight, featuring the freshest seafood flown in daily from Tokyo and beyond. Under the guidance of chef Timur Fazilov and his talented team, guests can enjoy expertly prepared nigiri, maki rolls, crudos, and hand rolls that reflect a mastery of flavor and technique.

The hot kitchen menu complements the sushi offerings with bold and innovative meat and seafood dishes, including guest favorites like fried rice and Yakisoba noodles.

Azumi Houston Photo courtesy of Azumi

Photo courtesy of Azumi

Azumi’s sushi program is a true highlight.

The restaurant’s dedication to quality extends to its beverage program, which boasts a curated sake list, a diverse wine selection, and signature craft cocktails, like the must-try lychee martini.

Lunch and happy hour highlights
For a midday treat, Azumi’s famous bento box offers a sampler of the restaurant’s best, including miso soup, wakame salad, fried rice, and a selection of sushi. It’s the perfect way to experience Azumi’s culinary variety in a single meal.

Azumi Houston Azumi’s famous bento box offers a sampler of the restaurant’s best. Photo courtesy of Azumi

Happy hour enthusiasts will love the offerings available daily from 3-6 pm at the bar and outdoor patio. Highlights include $10 lychee martinis, $8 spirits, $2 oysters, and $9 sushi rolls — a delectable lineup that ensures there’s something for everyone.

An unparalleled atmosphere
Azumi’s sleek and stylish interior sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether relaxing at the full bar or enjoying the inviting outdoor patio, the ambience is as exceptional as the food. The vibrant energy and attention to detail make Azumi a top choice for both casual evenings and elegant occasions.

Azumi Houston Photo courtesy of Azumi

Elevate your next night out
From the freshest seafood and premium Wagyu beef to expertly mixed cocktails, Azumi promises an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're indulging in its innovative menu, exploring the extensive sake list, or enjoying the lively atmosphere, Azumi redefines what it means to dine out in style.

Reserve your table today and discover why Azumi is Houston’s go-to destination for modern Japanese cuisine.

azumi dinner happy hour japanese sushi video promoted

burger bodega expands

Houston food influencer brings smash burger sensation to Katy

Photo by Michael Ma

Burger Bodega is coming to Katy.

Abbas Dhanani has a special Christmas present for burger lovers in Katy. He’s opening a second location of his smash burger restaurant, Burger Bodega, there next year.

Located at 21904 Franz Rd. (near the intersection of Mason Rd. and the Katy Fwy.), the new restaurant will build on the success of Dhanani’s first location, which opened on Washington Avenue in 2022. The restaurant distinguishes itself with a colorful interior that’s inspired by New York City bodegas. Its shelves are lined with cheeky, Houston-inspired products as well as goods from local restaurants such as Bludorn and Pudgy’s Cookies.

Burger Bodega serves a double-patty cheeseburger that’s smashed on a griddle, topped with grilled onions, pickles, and “bodega sauce,” and served on a Martin’s potato bun. It also serves a chopped cheese sandwich, fries with burger toppings, and milkshake flavors such as Vietnamese coffee and a mango lassi.

Regulars know to request off-menu specials like the “Choppy Joe,” a chopped cheese served on a burger bun, or to get their burgers spicy. True to its pop-up roots, Burger Bodega has hosted numerous collaboration pop-ups with Houston chefs such as Raffi Nasr (Craft Pita) and the late Alex Au-Yeung (Phat Eatery).

Dhanani, whose @houstoneatz account has almost 40,000 followers on Instagram and more than 100,000 on TikTok, created Burger Bodega after visiting smash burger restaurants in New York and Los Angeles. Ahead of its opening, he built a following for the restaurant with a series of sold-out pop-ups, including appearances at the Southern Smoke Festival.

Burger Bodega has earned considerable acclaim in its two years, including winning Best Burger in the 2023 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards and Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year in the 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards — all of which should contribute to excitement in the Katy area for its arrival.

"We are thrilled to announce our second location in Katy," Dhanani said in a statement. "Katy is such a vibrant and welcoming community, and we are excited to bring our concept to even more people in the area. The past two years at our first location have been incredible, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our customers. This support has been the driving force behind our growth, and we cannot wait to share this new chapter with everyone in Katy."

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