About Us

Yoichi ( "Yogi" ) Ueno, owner, established Kubo's in 2001 out of his love for fine food and to introduce traditionally-healthy Japanese cuisine to Houston. While the restaurant's name pays homage to its first chef, Hajimi Kubokowa, Yogi now has teamed two of the finest Japanese chefs in Houston, Executive Chef Manabu ( "Hori" ) Horiuchi and Sous Chef Yu Suzuki. Chefs Hori and Yu both learned the art of sushi and Kaiseki cuisine under Japan's most highly acclaimed master chefs. Chef Hori received his formal training at the prestigious Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka. Together, they are Houston's "Iron Chefs" bringing to Kubo's sumptuous and creative Japanese cuisine prepared using traditional methods and ingredients.

Whether it is an appetizer of Spicy Tuna Mushroom and Kubo's Miso-Bouillabaisse as a soup starter, or a special entree such as Salmon Hooba-Yaki, Kubo's Garlic Beef or Chirashi - Kubo's is committed to serving only the freshest, most exceptional seafood, meats and vegetables prepared innovatively. Monthly ingredient specials allow Chefs Hori and Yu to demonstrate their artistry and are highly anticipated by regular diners. Kubo's regulars also enjoy Sunday sushi specials.

Nestled in the upbeat Rice Village Arcade of Houston, Kubo's offers an elegant yet unpretentious dining experience perfectly suited for a casual lunch after shopping, an intimate dinner or a fun gathering spot for happy hour.

Allow Kubo's knowledgeable staff to plan a memorable occasion at Kubo's or your next special event location complete with an onsite sushi chef. Kubo's authentic Japanese cuisine is perfectly suited for every occasion.

Kubo's Reviews and Honors

• Ranked Houston's Top Japanese Restaurant - Zagat 2005
• Best Sushi - Houston Press 2004-2005
• "[At Kubo's] You'll get authentic hot and cold Japanese cuisine at a very reasonable price along with huge portions." - 104 KRBE Zone Magazine
• Houston's Best Sushi Bar - Houston Press 2002
• "Freshest [sushi] in the city. . .creative, large portions. . . vivacious service." - Zagat Survey
• "One of eight great sushi restaurants in the United States." - John Mariani, Delta Sky Magazine
• "So pristine are the fish and shellfish, so subtly tart-edged the rice, that soy dip is irrelevant." - Houston Chronicle
• "[Kubo's]. . . is one of the last redoubts of real Japanese sushi in Houston." - Houston Press
• "You can depend on melt-in-your-mouth-fresh sushi and sashimi in this second-story Rice Village hot spot." - Texas Monthly