Norigami — Restaurant in West University Place

It’s clear they are still working out a few kinks that would make the service a little smoother, but overall we had a very good experience.

Reasons to go: The quality of the food is excellent. We got a couple of the small bites, and almost every hand roll on the menu between the two of us, and every single plate had a perfect combination of super fresh seafood and unique toppings to add a really enjoyable texture.

The “holy shiitake” cocktail - I ordered it mostly out of curiosity because I didn’t recognize the ingredients, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it considering the savory mushroom flavor profile. We ended up ordering several more throughout the meal because it paired so well with all of the different dishes. It’s the kind of drink you’re not likely to find elsewhere.

Ambiance - the storefront does not LOOK like an impressive date night spot, but they’ve made excellent use of the interior space to create a modern/trendy/intimate atmosphere. Between the sushi bar, the “hidden bar” for cocktails, and even the bathrooms decked out with infinity mirrors and neon lights, the experience feels very detached from what you might expect from what’s essentially a strip mall in Texas.

Things that need work: Communication between employees - within 6-7 minutes of being seated, we had 4 different people ask us if we had any questions / were ready to order (plus one of them asked a second time for 5 total introductions). I’d much prefer too MUCH service over not enough though, and it was actually kind of funny, so it ultimately didn’t take that much away from the experience. It was a busy night and we laughed it off, but they could definitely use a little better system. Everyone was super friendly and helpful.

Things to keep in mind: The food is noticeably higher quality than your typical “combo platter with a bunch of California rolls and a specialty roll” sushi spot, and the quality is reflected in the price. If you’re wanting to have a nice evening with a few courses and some drinks, expect to pay $100+/person.

Tip: Go ahead and get the “foursome” or “Norigasm” right off the bat. It’s small portions, and you’re very likely going to want at least 3-5 rolls per person anyway. It will save you a few buck, and cut down on decision fatigue a little bit so you can spend more time chatting instead of staring...

I originally heard about Norigami from a Chef at Sushi by Hidden who mentioned it's run by the same chef as Hidden and he recommended checking it out. Finally got the chance the other night and it was an experience, to say the least.

When we arrived, despite it being a busy Friday evening we did not have any issues finding parking near the front door. We did not have a reservation and seating wasn't available when we arrived. This worked out though because we opted to put our names on the waitlist and grab a drink at the hidden bar, which ended up being way nicer and a better experience than if we were to be seated immediately.

The hidden bar had a very nice, dark, upscale feel. Although it was busy and the bar was a little smaller in size we still got a spot at the bar and ordered two glasses of Hibiki on the rocks. The noise level at the bar was perfect and still allowed for conversation. We drank and talked and before we knew it we were getting a text that our seats were ready.

When we got to our seats we went a little crazy with the menu...as you can see from the pictures alone. I really wanted to see what this place was made of so we ordered a wide variety of menu items to get a good feel of this place. What ensued was one of the best meals of my entire life. Every bite that came out was seemingly better than the last and each was packed with flavor to an utterly preposterous degree. I won't go into detail on each item but my standout favorites of the night were the Steak and Eggs, Uni Toast, Spicy Scallop, and Otoro.

The food was great, but the service here was equally amazing. The hostess was very kind when she told us there were no seats and she was the one that suggested checking out the bar while we waited. The waiter was very attentive and made sure we got everything we ordered to our liking, made some perfect menu suggestions throughout the meal, and made sure our water glasses never got past half empty. The chefs were also a big part of this experience as they made sure the menu items came out at the perfect time and they even handled a few order customization requests with ease.

As you can tell from this review, I cannot say enough good things about Norigami. If you're looking for an unforgettable date night or just a special treat for yourself, this place is an...

Norigami, the latest addition to the Hidden Omakase family, continues to showcase the group's impeccable expertise in crafting unforgettable dining experiences. With each restaurant under their belt, they've consistently delivered impressive and unique concepts that never fail to impress.

Stepping into Norigami, you're immediately struck by the enchanting ambiance and meticulously curated decor. The hidden bar adds an extra layer of allure, boasting an extensive selection of top-grade and premium drinks. The inclusion of an LED picture-taking scramble photo booth adds a playful touch to the overall atmosphere, making every visit a memorable one. Even the restroom reflects the attention to detail, further enhancing the O-Matic experience.

Now, let's talk about the food. Norigami takes pride in its craftsmanship, evident in every dish presented. Each item is meticulously prepared using the freshest ingredients, with careful attention paid to presentation.

As the chef serves each dish right in front of you, you're reminded to savor every moment and enjoy the crispness of each bite. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you leave feeling fully satisfied.One standout aspect is the sauce they put with the fish dishes. The flavors are expertly balanced, giving the impression of premarination while still maintaining the freshness of the ingredients.

Chef Jimmy's presence adds to the dining experience, as his patient explanations elevate your understanding and enjoyment of each dish.In conclusion, Norigami comes highly recommended, not just as a sushi restaurant, but as a dining destination that surpasses expectations.

Bravo to the Hidden Omakase team for yet another stellar addition to...