Houston’s newest hand roll restaurant has opened its doors. Norigami is now open for dinner daily with a speakeasy-style bar next door.
Started as a pop-up at Hidden Omakase, Norigami is the latest concept from Tuan and Thy Tran. Located in West University Place (2715 Bissonnet St.), it joins both Hidden Omakase near the Galleria and Sushi by Hidden in Rice Village in the Trans' portfolio. As at Sushi by Hidden, chef Jimmy Kieu leads the kitchen.
While both of their first two restaurants are tasting menus, Norigami is an a la carte experience where diners may order from a menu of hand rolls and shareable plates. Hand rolls are available individually or in three, four, or five roll sets.
The restaurant’s hand roll choices include creations such as yellowtail with cucumber and agua chile, spicy salmon with avocado and jicama, and blue crab with yuzu mayo and fried leeks. Diners may also splurge on rolls made with A5 wagyu, toro and caviar, or the signature Menage Foie Gras — a $26 hand roll with uni, toro, wagyu, foie gras, and caviar that’s adorned with edible gold.
Small plates options include crudos made with yellowtail, bluefin tuna, or salmon. The Steak & Eggs is a variation on beef tartare with pickled red onions, mustard, quail egg, and caviar.
Similar in style to other hand roll restaurants such as Hando and Handies Douzo, Norigami’s seating consists of a 24-seat, U-shaped counter. Design details include origami cranes, colorful LED lighting, and a speakeasy-style entrance.
Speaking of speakeasies, Norigami also includes Hidden Bar, a companion cocktail lounge that also serves as a waiting area. Its design features more origami cranes and an Ace of Spades champagne wall. Bartender Hao Ma (Bludorn, Wooster’s Garden) has created Hidden Bar’s cocktail menu.
“We are excited to bring the Norigami concept to a permanent location in Houston,” Kieu said in a statement. “After doing pop-ups for a while, now more Houstonians will be able to experience what we have to offer.”
Photo by Michael Anthony
Find hand rolls, crudos, and other bites at Norigami.
