Kira

- 2800 Kirby Dr Suite B-128, Houston, TX 77098

Introduction / Overview

In the bustling culinary scene of Houston, Kira stands out as a unique and exceptional Japanese dining destination. This restaurant and sushi bar is more than just a place to eat; it is an intimate and artistic experience, celebrated for its phenomenal hand rolls (temaki) and a menu of meticulously crafted Japanese dishes. With a cozy and trendy atmosphere, Kira creates a setting that is perfect for a special date night or a memorable solo dining experience. The centerpiece of the restaurant is its open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs at work, a feature that adds an element of excitement and transparency to the meal. This interactive and engaging environment, coupled with the phenomenal food, has quickly made Kira a top-tier choice for Japanese cuisine lovers in Houston.

The culinary philosophy at Kira is centered on quality and precision. The menu, while focused, is rich in flavor and technique. The hand rolls are a signature highlight, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a level of care that sets them apart. Beyond the temaki, the restaurant offers an array of dishes, including Sashimi, Crudo, and Donburi rice bowls, each demonstrating the chefs' expertise. For a truly unforgettable experience, the multi-course chef's selections provide a curated journey through the best of what Kira has to offer. The bar at Kira also deserves special mention. It's known for its great cocktails, which are crafted to complement the delicate flavors of the food, along with a selection of beer and wine. This holistic approach to dining—where food, service, and ambiance all work in harmony—is what makes Kira a standout in the Houston food scene.

Location and Accessibility

Kira is located at 2800 Kirby Dr Suite B-128, Houston, TX 77098, USA. Situated on the prominent Kirby Drive, the restaurant is easily accessible for people across the Houston region. Despite its somewhat "hidden" location, as noted by some customers, finding the restaurant is well worth the effort. The establishment has been thoughtfully designed to be accessible to everyone. It offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their meal comfortably. For parking, a free parking garage is available, which is a significant convenience in this busy part of the city. This accessibility makes it a stress-free choice for anyone planning to visit.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full, interactive experience of the open kitchen and intimate atmosphere.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner, due to the restaurant's intimate size. This helps ensure a seat at the counter or one of the few tables.
• Table service: The restaurant provides full table service, with an attentive and knowledgeable staff.

Features / Highlights

• Great Cocktails: The bar is celebrated for its well-crafted and creative cocktails that perfectly complement the menu.
• Chef's Selection Menu: For a full culinary journey, the 7-Course and 8-Course Chef's Selection menus offer a curated tasting experience.
• Specialization in Hand Rolls (Temaki): Kira is renowned for its delicious and unique hand rolls, which are a must-try for any first-time visitor. The menu includes both classic and "Lux Temaki" options.
• Open Kitchen: Guests can watch the skilled chefs prepare each dish, adding an engaging and interactive element to the dining experience.
• Trendy and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s ambiance is a major draw, providing a modern and intimate setting for a memorable evening.
• Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu offers a variety of healthy choices and vegetarian options, such as the Tofu hand roll, which has been praised for being surprisingly delicious.

Contact Information

Address: 2800 Kirby Dr Suite B-128, Houston, TX 77098, USA

Phone: (281) 759-2858

What is worth choosing

When dining at Kira, the menu offers a selection of exceptional choices that cater to both the adventurous foodie and the lover of classic Japanese flavors. For the ultimate experience, the multi-course "Chef's Selection" is highly recommended. This option allows you to trust the chefs to guide you through a series of unique and expertly prepared dishes, from appetizers to a variety of hand rolls and donburi. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors and ingredients that you might not have chosen otherwise, and it consistently receives rave reviews for its quality and thoughtful progression.

If you prefer to order from the a la carte menu, the hand rolls (temaki) are a non-negotiable. The Maguro and Hotate hand rolls are classic favorites, while the Lux Temaki section offers decadent options like the Lobster and Uni temaki. One reviewer highlighted the A5 Wagyu Donburi, a dish where the meat is described as "tender, but soft and literally melt in my mouth," which is a testament to the quality of ingredients and preparation. Another reviewer noted how delicious the tofu hand roll was, proving that even a simple item is executed with perfection.

Beyond the main dishes, the "Crudo" and "Sashimi" sections showcase the freshness and quality of the seafood. The "Kakigori" (shaved ice) desserts, with flavors like Pandan and Raspberry, provide a light and refreshing end to the meal. The great cocktails are also worth indulging in, as they are a key part of the dining experience and are crafted to complement the food. The attentive and friendly staff, who are known for being interactive and providing "great service and hospitality," make every visit to Kira a genuinely wonderful and memorable experience. With its unique focus on high-quality hand rolls and a commitment to creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, Kira stands out as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in Houston that is well worth a visit.

Kira

2800 Kirby Dr Suite B-128, Houston, TX 77098, USA