Sushi by the Heights — Restaurant in Houston

I really wanted to like this place. I left with pretty strongly mixed emotions. My wife, daughter, and I dined here for restaurant week. First courses were 2 ea house salad w/ ginger dressing and spicy edamame. House salads were small affairs simple, I'd say a snack to cleanse the pallet. The spicy edamame was plenty of garlic with some heat. It was pretty one dimensional, and we were all looking forward to it - most of it went to the back of the kitchen, unfortunately. Likely the best course was #2, I had nigiri, my bride and daughter has the sashimi. Everybody enjoyed this round, though I must say, the nigiri rice wasn't properly prepared and 2-3 of 5 pieces "broke" when dipped in soy sauce.

For our 3rd course, I had the duck, my wife the lamb and my daughter had the scallop risotto. The duck was good if sparse, I estimated 3-4 ounces of duck on the plate. The hummus was tasty as were the vegetables. My wife had a similar presentation w/ her lamb. Flavors were good to very good - BUT - really - both plates were barely luke warm. This isn't about medium rare vs. medium vs medium well - this was food that sat in the back on cold plates and "rested" for entirely too long.

The chef came out and offered to replate for both of us. While, I didn't particularly want to - we did (restaurant week or not, we were spending a sizeable amount on dinner). NET, both my wife and I were re-served. wamer portions, but strangely - and inappropriately - noticeablely smaller portions and the lamb was noticeably overcooked.

I honestly think the star of the show was the scallop risotto - which my daughter had. cSallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto was lovely. (I tend not to order risotto because, all too often, I find it to be lumpy cheese sauce. Simply not my preference.) By contrast - the risotto here was quite exceptional.

We had the creme brulee cheesecake and the japanese donuts for desert. I think the donuts were best, I was not really a fan of the creme brulee cheesecake.

At the end of the evening, I requested a double espresso, as I quite frequently do to end my meal. After waiting what seemed like ages, I gave up (we had already paid our main bill) - as I am walking past the waiter and bartender - I see they are making espresso - which they eventually offer. Rather than leave it there, I decided to go ahead and take it - to go. (in a styrofoam cup no less) and I was charged $10 plus tax for a double espresso. I am no stranger to expensive dinners/drinks or bottles - but $10 for a double espresso was the final straw. I paid it and took my styrofoam cup.

If I knew how to give 3.5 stars for service, I would. Phil, was mostly terrific, until later in the meal when he became increasingly difficult to find.

I think this place has a a chance.......but - well let's just say - if/when I go back - I'll skip the double espresso.

One last thing.....I personally think that restaurants which "auto-calculate" tips based on including taxes - do a disservice to their staff. I am 110% comfortable tipping in excess of 20% (before taxes) - but when the restaurant chooses to mislead guests - and calculate the tip including taxes - well - that causes the opposite reaction.

Like I said, I think they can make it - but they have...

I wanted very badly to like this place but it just didn't happen. Had way better sushi especially for the price.

I called the location to ask some questions that was not posted on the website. Someone answered with just a hesitant 'Hello' and I had to ask if this was the number for Sushi By The Heights. She responded with 'Hello, this is sushi by the heights - how may I help you'. I proceeded to ask my questions about the dinner for two and she was super patient and answered all my questions. Even said if I have a request, she can put in to the chef to change things. All pleasant. I reviewed my order with the others and called back to place my order. The line was busy, no big deal I'll call again in a minute or two. I proceed to try calling for the next 37 minutes with no success. I even had others try calling thinking it was my service. They have two phone numbers, one on their website and one on Google. The google number rang and immediately dropped (I'm assuming it's a forwarding number). The number on the website stayed busy.

I finally just gave in an ordered the food with the specifications I wanted. Added on extra sauce and toppings (PAID).

I arrived and the chef greeted me to wait a moment and went to the bar to do something. Came back and had my food ready to go. Quick and easy pick up. Parking is on the side and you can have the option do curbside.

I get home and I have paid over $100 worth of sushi BEFORE taxes. Thinking it'll be a fulfilling meal with even leftovers (this is always the case at other sushi places we've ordered from - NOT UCHI obviously).

To my disappointment, the sushi was tiny. The fish wasn’t fresh. The rice wasn’t even or rolled correct. All the extra sauces/drizzled I asked and was charged for was not on the sushi. Nothing special. Probably a half tier or even same tier as H‑E‑B. At least H‑E‑B a would give you more bang for your buck and might be slightly more fresh.

I get we live in a world where inflation is at its worst as of recent and the restaurant are trying to thrive, especially one in the heights. I just think for the amount being paid and even paying extra for certain things, not getting the appropriate requests is upsetting.

The inside of the place looks nice and clean. Outside patio is covered and was cute. The packaging of the sushi was nice and high quality chopsticks. But I rather be charge less for better quality sushi and the extra paid requests I made be fulfilled. Three little to go containers of sushi for $100. Barely any wasabi and ginger.

You're better going off to Osaka or Oishii for better quality sushi for similar or even better pricing.

I will say the best part of the meal was the Creme Brûlée cheesecake, that part...

I really wanted to like this place. Great location in the Heights, well appointed interior, the ambiance was acceptable. But alas, service and food were worse than lacking.

There were two waitresses for 16~ tables and 50-60 people. They were doing the best they could, but there was quite literally no time for them to engage and talk to me about the menu or the pieces of nigiri/sashimi I ordered. The green tea I ordered was forgotten. Great job with my zero proof cocktail request though. Thank you.

I found it odd that the Uni Shooter (which appears to be a really cool menu item) was "out" at 7p on a Friday.

I came in solo with a reservation and spent $109. It took at least 15 minutes for them to take my order and another 30 minutes before the items arrived. All throughout the meal I noticed the chef staff helping deliver food, which seems fine on the surface, but it was indicative of how low staffed they are, particularly for a Friday night. They could have easily used two more waitstaff. The couple next to me waited at least 20 minutes to put their order in and they were told that "appetizers will come out fast, but any sashimi will take 25-30 minutes".

The miso soup was good. The seaweed salad seemed previously prepared perhaps? It didn't taste fresh. I rate the uni 3/5 stars. I've had worse, but not by much. The mackerel was quite fishy and the chu toro was unremarkable. These were just 3 of the 9 pieces I ordered. I ordered the Yellowjack, amberjack, Scottish salmon, and several other pieces. None tasted fresh and all the tastes just melded together. There was no explanation of what was delivered to me. It was just set down on the table and the waitstaff left. I wanted to order the green dragon roll, but waited 10-15 minutes for someone to come check on me and decided that the poor quality food + wait time was not worth the $17 it would cost. Plus, they had a line of people at the entrance and I felt it best for them if I left so they could push some more people into my double table.

This all seems odd to me for a sushi restaurant, particularly at this price point. Go to Nippon. You will pay less for the same food and the quality and service are impeccable.

I'm sorry, Sushi by the Heights. I really wanted to like you. I...