The Room
Kanau Sushi opened on Memorial Drive in 2021 — a modern-Japanese sushi-and-izakaya dedicated to the proposition that Memorial needed a serious modern-Japanese fine-dining destination. The dining room is intentionally polished: black walls, brass detailing, a long sushi counter at the front, banquettes along the eastern wall.
The Houston Press has held Kanau on its top-Japanese-restaurant list every year of operation. The booking window for the omakase counter has tightened to one to two weeks for weekend seatings.
The Food
The omakase counter at $185 per person runs sixteen to eighteen courses across roughly two hours. The à la carte menu handles a serious nigiri-and-sashimi programme. The izakaya hot-side menu runs yakitori, the wagyu-rice bowl, the karaage, and seasonal rotating plates.
Sake programme is one of the deepest in West Houston. Wine programme is short and Riesling-led. Service is informed and warm.
Best Occasion Fit
Solo Dining: The omakase counter at Kanau is one of the better Houston solo-dining seats.
First Date: First dates at Kanau's omakase counter are a serious commitment — the meal runs two hours, the courses are narrated.
Impress Clients: International visitors recognise the omakase format and the Toyosu fish supply.