Aiko

- 1902 Washington Ave suite c, Houston, TX 77007

Nestled on the vibrant Washington Avenue, Aiko is a sophisticated Japanese restaurant that brings an elevated and intimate dining experience to Houston's food scene. More than just a place for sushi, Aiko offers a culinary journey through authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine, from meticulously crafted handrolls and nigiri to an immersive Omakase experience. The name Aiko, meaning "love child," reflects the passion and expertise of its founders, chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, who have a combined three decades of experience in Japanese cooking.

Aiko is known for its high-quality ingredients and modern, trendy atmosphere. It’s a place that manages to be both cozy and chic, making it a fantastic destination for a romantic date night, a special occasion, or a focused solo dining experience at the sushi bar. The restaurant's reputation for exceptional service and a knowledgeable staff is a major draw, ensuring that every guest feels well-cared for and informed about the menu's offerings.

While the restaurant can get loud at times due to its intimate setting and industrial design, as noted in a customer review, this is a minor trade-off for the exceptional food and service. Aiko's focus on fresh, high-quality fish and its inventive menu have quickly made it a favorite among Houston's food enthusiasts and a highly-regarded addition to the city's premier dining options.

Aiko is conveniently situated at 1902 Washington Ave suite c, Houston, TX 77007, USA. This address places it in a bustling part of the city, easily accessible for locals and tourists exploring the area. The restaurant’s prime location ensures it is a great spot for both planned dinners and spontaneous outings.

The restaurant offers several parking options to accommodate its patrons. Guests can find both free parking lot and free street parking, as well as on-site parking and paid street parking. For added convenience, valet parking is also available. These options ensure that parking is a stress-free part of the dining experience.

Aiko is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. The establishment has a trendy and cozy atmosphere, and it is known for being a spot that is good for groups and also caters to locals and tourists. Amenities include a bar on-site, a gender-neutral restroom, and a standard restroom.

Aiko offers a premium dining experience with a focus on table service and reservations.

• Dine-in: The primary service option is dine-in, which allows you to immerse yourself in the intimate and cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy table service or sit at the sushi bar for a more interactive experience.

• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and they are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure you can get a table or a seat at the sushi bar during busy times.

• Counter Service: For those who want to be up close and personal with the chefs, the counter service at the sushi bar is a popular and recommended option.

Aiko is distinguished by its high-quality offerings and attention to detail. Here are some of the key features that make it a standout Japanese restaurant:

• Exquisite Omakase: The Omakase menu is a major highlight, offering a multi-course tasting experience where the chefs showcase their best and freshest creations. A customer review praised the lunch Omakase as "outstanding" and noted that there was "so much food for the price." The menu is curated and can include a variety of dishes such as Sake Crudo, Bara Chirashi, and A5 Wagyu, providing a true culinary journey.

• High-Quality Fish: The quality of the fish is consistently praised. The menu features premium options like Bluefin Tuna (Akami, Chutoro, and Otoro), Big Glory Bay salmon, and a variety of other fresh fish for both Nigiri and Maki.

• Unique Menu Items: Aiko offers a range of unique and creative dishes. The menu includes specialty items like A5 Wagyu Maki, Kinoko Foie Maki, and various crudos. The appetizer list features interesting selections like Kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) and Imo To Ikura.

• Great Drink Selection: The restaurant has a full bar onsite and offers an impressive selection of drinks. Guests can enjoy a variety of beer, wine, and hard liquor, as well as specialty cocktails like the Japanese Highball and Nectarine Lychee Spritz. They also have a great tea selection.

• Happy Hour: Aiko offers happy hour drinks and happy hour food, providing a great opportunity to enjoy their high-quality offerings at a more accessible price point. This is a popular feature for both locals and tourists.

• Attentive Service: The staff is known for being knowledgeable and attentive, as highlighted in a customer review. They are dedicated to making the dining experience enjoyable and can provide recommendations and details about the menu.

To make a reservation or for any inquiries, you can contact Aiko using the following details:

• Address: 1902 Washington Ave suite c, Houston, TX 77007, USA

• Phone: (832) 582-7525

Aiko is a fantastic choice for anyone in Houston looking for a high-quality, authentic, and memorable Japanese dining experience. While the atmosphere may sometimes be lively, the trade-off is well worth it for the quality of the food and service. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, top-tier ingredients is evident in every dish, from the delicate nigiri to the rich A5 Wagyu.

The Omakase is particularly noteworthy. A customer's review of the lunch Omakase shows that it is a great value for the price, offering a wide range of flavors and dishes that leave you feeling more than satisfied. For a special occasion, the Omakase is an excellent way to fully experience the skill of the chefs.

Beyond the main menu, the restaurant's impressive drink selection and the option of happy hour food and drinks make it a versatile spot for a variety of occasions. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge, highlighted by customer reviews, ensure that your dining experience is not only delicious but also educational and enjoyable. Aiko is not just a place to eat; it is a destination for a true taste of modern and traditional Japanese cuisine in Houston, and it comes highly recommended for those who appreciate fine dining and a cozy, trendy atmosphere.

Aiko

1902 Washington Ave suite c, Houston, TX 77007, USA