Andrea Jones
This was such a unique and memorable dining experience. With only 13 guests seated at a time, it felt incredibly intimate like being invited into the chef’s home for the evening
The chef’s passion really shines. He shared stories about sushi and Japanese culture while keeping the night fun and full of laughs. Every bite was incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Several dishes were a true foodie’s dream.
… moreChristian Montoya
Phenomenal omakase experience! I visited 5Kinokawa solo and felt incredibly welcomed from the moment I sat down. Chef Billy Kin is not only a master of his craft but also hilarious, making the atmosphere feel intimate and fun rather than stuffy. His daughter was also working and did a fantastic job. It’s clear they take great pride in what they do. The sushi was incredibly fresh and high-quality. If you’re in Houston and want a top-tier, personal dining experience, this is it.
… moreLuke Brady
As omakases become more and more popular in Houston, it’s hard to decide which to book. 5Kinokawa is a must! There are a few things that stand out when comparing them to your others options. The dishes are much more unique and bring many different textures on top of flavor to the omakase scene. Chef Billy and Jun are great hosts! Chef Billy has some fabulous jokes to go along with your food and Jun makes sure everyone is taken care of during their stay. Great experience and better food!
… moreTony Hsu
Had a great time at 5Kinokawa. There were 3 separate groups of people, but by the end of the meal we were all friends. I enjoyed the assortment of courses with their varying textures, and Chef Billy explained the source and preparation techniques for each dish. Everything I had was excellent, so rather than write a novel, just look at the pics.
… moreLauren Croft
Upon first walking in, I wasn’t sure what I got my friend and I into. It was obvious that the hostess was new, but that was no big deal. The idea of it being almost like a speakeasy with a door that blended into the wall was delightful and if Chef Billy is to be believed, I love that he did a chunk of the wood working…however having the woodworking tools in there was a bit odd. The intimate setting, and all of us sitting at the bar top was wonderful, though.
I liked the pacing of all of the courses as well as the explanation of what Chef Billy was doing, as well as the opportunity to ask questions as we went. Several of the courses were things I’ve had, while several were not. I appreciated that right off the bat he asked if people were adventurous, that he made mention of his journals that he uses to keep track of the various dinners, that you can make requests, and that if you’ve been before, he tries to make sure you get something new. I really like that he mentioned that they don’t go the route of “hey, for $X, you can have this” but more of a “would all of you like to try this” and it’s just part of the experience. It was, additionally, very educational and informative.
Overall, while it’s not one that I’d actively seek out again, I definitely think it’s one people should absolutely go to.
… morePat Flowers
Wonderful, enjoyable experience last night! Chef Billy’s service was well recieved even his jokes! The food and drinks, fresh, refreshing and tasty!!
I will definitely visit again. It was just an overall great evening
… moreJamila Huseynova
By far my favorite omakase spot in Houston. I love the creativity, flavors and portion sizes. It is priced fairly across omakase places. I love how chef and staff are engaging with the customers during the whole experience.
… moreTrisha
An absolutely unforgettable dining experience with Chef Billy! Every course was beautifully prepared, perfectly balanced, and showcased incredible freshness and creativity. You can really taste the passion and attention to detail in every bite. The omakase flowed perfectly from start to finish;
elegant, thoughtful, and truly special. The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming.
Definitely one of the best omakase experiences I’ve ever had.
… moreKatharina Werner
We booked it without knowing what we were walking into. We were pleasantly surprised that it was kind of like “dinner and a show” in one go: Omakase + a comedy routine by Chef Billy and bartender Jun. Liked that it is set up similarly to a hidden speakeasy. Good experience, just be prepared for group entertainment vs. date night setting / private convos.
… moreJill Goehring – Houston Realtor
Chef Billy was talented and knowledgeable. We loved his great sense of humor. Forgot to ask for our bartender’s name but he was great as well. Loved the experience and definitely will come back.
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