Tins — Restaurant in Houston

This Is Not Sushi (TINS): When we were the only ones being served at a reservation-only restaurant, little did we know that our experience would be not only exclusive but exquisitely exceptional!

Chef Sky is an artist who ensures the food is crafted for you. Chef Matthew ensures that your Sake Cup is never empty - so go slow, as unlimited truly means unlimited!

The 14-course Omakase experience was an authentic culinary journey that transported us into the heart of Japanese cuisine. The sleek and intimate ambiance allowed Chef Sky’s artistry to shine like a diamond with every course. From the first bite to the last, each dish was meticulously crafted, showcasing the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques with a modern twist.

The meal began with delicate sashimi, each fish slice bursting with oceanic flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures. As the courses progressed, the flavors evolved—ranging from subtle to bold, with beautifully balanced sauces and garnishes that never overpowered the star ingredient. Highlights of the menu included the toro, buttery and rich, and the uni, which brings a unique briny sweetness.

Throughout the experience, Chef Sky & Chef Matthew engaged with us, explaining the nuances of each dish, which added a personal touch to the meal. The pacing was perfect, allowing us to fully savor each course without feeling rushed. The presentation was impeccable, turning every serving into a visual masterpiece—worthy enough to be framed in a wall portrait!

For sushi lovers and food enthusiasts alike, the 14-course (and a few more) Omakase at Tins Houston is a memorable dining experience that elevates Japanese cuisine to an art form. It’s a must-try for those seeking a unique, high-end culinary adventure in the city. Remember, though, that “This...

TINs is best kept secret for sushi lovers and omakase aficionados; I have no idea why this place isn't constantly booked. I won't gate-keep though, and I want them to do well, so I am encouraging everyone I know to try this place. I have been here three times and each experience has been more memorable and enjoyable than the last. TINs isn't flashy from the outside; it's situated in an unassuming and small shopping center off of I10. Venture inside and you're going to find some of the best sushi and omakase experiences you will ever have. Inside you'll find seated sushi bar seating about 9-10 people. Each seating is about 60-90 minutes depending on how busy they are that evening. They usually offer two services each night. The omakase at TINs is approximately 14 courses, a dessert, and unlimited sake. You begin with 3-4 appetizers and the different courses range from small plates to nigiri. Each course is jam packed with so much flavor and creativity, and you'll have a tough time picking your absolute favorites. Personal highlights for me were the madai sashimi in a fresh jalapeno sauce, as well as scallops in a sesame ponzu. What I appreciate about the omakase at TINs is that while creative, it is consistent in taste and execution. With 14 courses, you're going to be entertained, delighted, and leave full. Past 8pm, if you have one too many glasses of sake, you might find yourself belting out to "I want it that way" alongside your omakase companions, as TINs turns into a karaoke bar. Going to an omakase experience might seem intimidating, but rest assured, this place is anything but that. Come, enjoy, eat great sushi, sing or don't sing, but you're going to have a...

Best sushi (omakase) I’ve had in Houston! While I haven’t been everywhere, I’ve been to a lot of places like Uchi and Kata Robata, and TINS beats them out.

This is a small, no frills omakase hidden gem. It’s run by two friends (Chef Sky and Matt) and they buy there sushi per reservation so it’s fresh!

Location-wise, it’s in a two store shopping center on Durham and I-10. Nothing special. When you walk in, it first looks like a 10-top cocktail bar with a lounge area in the back. The lighting is low and the decor is simple. Again, no frills, but the magic is the food and drink.

For the food, Everything Sky served was a hit. We had toro, amberjack, salmon, uni, eel, yellow tail, oyster, and flounder. Probably more, but it all seemed to run together with the conversation and drinks. Some pieces were simple and some more extravagant. Nothing, however, felt over complicated or gimmicky. One piece was a flame roasted king salmon that I swear melted in my mouth. Another piece was a light and fresh amber jack with lemon zest and truffle. Again, the highlight was how the sushi was the focus with how fresh it tasted. Sky didn’t try to mask the sushi with other ingredients.

Also, as a side note, Sky and Matt told us they host private parties with advance reservations and have karaoke available.

Definitely...