Toyama Japanese

The Toyama staff goes above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your experience and have delicious rolls too! I would recommend anyone check them out.
This is despite that we had an issue one time with the
certificate… i can understand because a lot of restaurants have had issues with using
so I am not putting that on the restaurant.

Maybe we came on an off night or maybe we have an outrageously high sushi standard or something, but I’m not seeing what all the buzz is about this place.
A friend and I decided to try Toyama out for happy hour before we hit up another get together. Seeing as it got fairly decent reviews on Unilocal,we thought what the heck.
I arrived first, around 6pm, and was promptly greeted at the door (and apparently they no longer accept
certificates — this was posted all over the doors and front entrance so I had to put this in the review). While he showed me to the table, I asked if they were doing Happy Hour just to be sure. He responded back, «Yes, I think so… until 6 or 6:30… I’m not sure… I’ll get you the Happy Hour menu.» Umm, can we say WTF?! You work here and don’t know the HH schedule? Reg Flag #1.
While waiting on my friend, I decided to order the HH shrimp tempura. I figured they should at least do this well. Boy was I wrong! The shrimp was soggy, the batter was too thick (where the batter next to the shrimp wasn’t cooked all the way), the sauce wasn’t even served with grated daikon, and there was no flavor. Red Flag #2. If they couldn’t get this right, I knew we were in trouble.
When my friend arrived, we ordered the salmon nigiri, the rock and roll, and the summer roll. Her nigiri arrived and as she picked it up with her chopsticks, the rice fell apart (and she is no novice with chopsticks). Red Flag #3.
The rest of the meal didn’t even register on our radars. It was so unappetizing, we didn’t even have words to say about the food… a very rare occurrence with us. We didn’t order any more (again rare for us at sushi happy hour), paid our check and left. Would I go back? Hmm, to a sushi restaurant that can’t do decent shrimp tempura or sushi rice? That would be a big NO.

I am so glad I finally tried this place out. I came here for dinner on a Friday night, around 8 pm.
There were not many people dining, so we were promptly seated at the sushi bar as requested, so that we could see the playoff football game.
We decided on a bottle of wine, which was very reasonably priced. We were then immediately brought complementary shrimp and seaweed salads followed by a complimentary shrimp appetizer. Both were delicious and a wonderful treat.
For dinner we ordered around 4 specialty rolls and a few pieces of plain sushi. Every specialty roll was truly unique and delicious! My favorite was the roll with fresh jalapeño and Sriracha. All of the fish was extremely fresh and the rolls were substantial and well made. The sushi chefs were helpful and engaging without interrupting our date.
I live very close to Toyama, so I will surely be here again soon!

My very first review for twenty-​twelve. Excitement!
Anyways, this place rocks. I had been searching for a new sushi place to be completely obsessed with in Houston and I definitely found it. The atmosphere’s very laid-​back, yet still nice, there is a nice variety of items on the menu and the service is fabulous. So really, what more can you ask for?
We came here on new year’s eve; it wasn’t too crowded, but still just a nice place to spend a cool night at. It’s right at the corner of Shepherd and Harold and once you enter, you notice that the parking lot isn’t that big. That wasn’t too big of a problem since it wasn’t filled up, but I presume it could be a problem during a happy hour (not sure if they have one of those) or busy lunch time.
Right as we entered, we were greeted by a man who looked like he would be the owner. He seated us, took our drink orders and made sure to tell us about the off-​the-​menu specials. We decided to order the shrimp tempura and the Volcano and KC Bomb rolls. The shrimp tempura was amazing, the volcano was a little too sweet for my taste and the KC was good, but just a little spicy.
To top off all the awesomeness, we actually got a complimentary appetizer, desserts and champagne. It was more of a «happy new year» kind of thing, but I honestly thought it was the coolest thing ever. The appetizer was some sort of a fried shrimp dish, which tasted similar to a shrimp tempura, but whatever it was, it was delicious. For the dessert, you had your choice of an ice-​cream that came with a banana fried in tempura batter. Yeah… Definitely nothing cheap; it was all delicious stuff.
The man (the owner, apparently?) was just so nice. He kept checking up on us to make sure we were doing okay. There were three other sushi chefs dressed in proper Japanese attire behind the sushi bar and they were busy the entire time, meaning they had plenty of orders from the rest of the people at the restaurant.
So. yes. New favorite sushi place, check check.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, free appetizer (veggie tempura) and free dessert (1 scoop of ice cream), service was pretty good
Cons: Sushi was alright but not wow (I had the osaka roll), sort of pricey for the amount you get, parking is either really good or the lot is full

I must rave about their impeccable service again!
I called in on Wednesday night because I wanted to get a togo order for the next day but I had to be somewhere about 20 minutes away from Toyama at 11:00 which is when Toyama opens. The manager who I spoke with on the phone was amazingly accommodating telling me the chef’s come in to prep at 10:00 and he could get them to fire up my order at 10:30 or 10:45 if that was good for me. Then when I came in the next day they were super friendly and even included a free appetizer with my order. Just plain amazing. Usually most place only give the free stuff if you dine in. Toyama’s dedication to customer satisfaction is simply out of this world.

Besides the free appetizer and dessert which is already awesome, this place is awesome overall.
If you like raw fish, you HAVE to get the 911 Roll. Its an everything roll with everything you could possibly want all in one roll. Shrimp tempura inside with avocado and jalepeno. Salmon on top and then a mountain load of spicy tuna and LOTS of tempura flakes. VERY generous amounts of spicy tuna — like an overwhelming amount. I loveeee tuna and salmon so this is my favorite roll there AND its only THIRTEEN BUCKS. Anywhere else, this would be at least 15.
Fantasy roll (spider roll with unagi and escolar on top and mango inside) was pretty good — I had to ask for no cream cheese though.
Also got the scallop appetizer which was good but a bit pricey — came with three large scallops. The breading on it was interesting and delightful.
Overall — I come here allllll the time. Free appetizer, dessert (ice cream + banana tempura) and they have delicious rolls for a decent price! Usually my to go place now.

This is some of the best sushi I have had outside of Japan. The presentation was really nice, the staff were really friendly and attentive to our needs (admittedly the restaurant was not at all busy), and the restaurant itself was very stylish.
Although we were there outside of happy hour, the HH menu looks like it cannot be missed. All prices appeared to be less than half the regular price. I predict it wont be long before I make another visit to Toyama.

They have gone through some renovations since the last time I visited, moving their sushi bar and at least doubling in length. Took my student intern for what turned out to be a bizarre lunch. Well bizarre for me at least. The intern enjoyed his bento box but I was a little perplexed with mine.
There were no vegetarian items on the lunch menu but the waitress assured me that they could make me a vegetable udon. When the bowl came out it was just broth and noodles and a separate plate of stir fried vegetables. Shrugging, I threw some of the vegetables in the soup.
Five minutes later a guy came and grabbed my stir fry vegetables without saying anything and went off in a huff. When I asked the waitress, what had happened she sheepishly explained that she had made a mistake in placing the order so the manager went and grabbed the food. Most places when a restaurant serves something incorrectly they don’t take the food away from the diner unless the diner asks them to take it back. It’s not like they’re going to reserve the dish to someone else.
Bad form bad form. Of course the udon soup was oily from the stir fry so it didn’t taste right either.

I swear… A sushi joint is on every other block in my hood (around w Alabama and Greenbriar)
With such a large selection it was hard for me to imagine ANOTHER to have to choose from. Oh wellllll… I tried it last Thursday.
Toyama is good! Super friendly staff, no wait on week nights, decent prices and free appetizers. The parking is minimal but the food is better than a lot of other sushi nearby.
Plus, they apparently have a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Sushi party? Sign me up!

Dear Toyama,
You have successfully become my favorite sushi place.
I love your two free appetizers that you give me before my delicious nigiri and I love your tiny dessert that you bring me afterward.
The bf and I have been here twice and each time it was great. After getting the super tuna, I was hooked. The rolls were delicious and the service was good, glasses refilled constantly when needed and we werent hassled. The complimentary appetizers were different each time, there was a flat fried shrimp on a green leaf with yummy sauce over it, a really great roll with mango and super tangy squid salad. mmmmmmmm…
The first time we went we took advantage of the happy hour and ordered off of the 50% off menu. I couldnt have asked for more, everything that I normally eat was on there. yay. The second time we ate a little later but it was still well worth the price. We both escaped for about $ 45 for two people. The only complaint that I have and the reason that the 5 star review was withheld is that the white tuna was a little dry, screaming of, ahem, not new fish. It could have been that it was seared slightly… i dunno. Its still good… but just not my favorite.

It didn’t break the bank. The happy hour was quite good to the tune of 6 – 7 bucks a roll and there were some interesting cocktails on the menu. The service seemed a little short-​staffed as I had to keep flagging down the waitress/​waiter in order to get their attention.
The folks there were very upbeat and attentive, however, but the sushi was very normal. Some of the rolls that are on the happy hour menu are not on the regular menu so you don’t have any idea what you’re ordering. Also, there are no descriptions for the happy hour cocktails either. I ordered something called a Tokyo iced tea and it consisted of gin and coke «and something else» according to the waitress. Well, that something else really hit me hard since I wasn’t able to order another drink (if you know what I mean).
Overall, for the price, it’s not a bad place. However, in terms of flavor and quality, it’s not the best sushi place I’ve eaten at. Worth a try once but I’m uncertain I’ll go back.

I’m totally adding this to my Top Sushi places to eat.
They give you complimentary Apps, Sushi, & Dessert!
but besides the free food, their rolls are pretty darn good! This place has awesome service and they are always checking up on their customers. I totally recommend this place to everyone!

Came here with a large group of people that took up the whole resturant. This resturant is very small the the parking lot is even smaller.
The owner was very nice and friendly. He served us along with the Waiter. He made it a point to see all of us.
The salad that started the meal was really good.
The second entrée grilled scallop was delish.
We tried about 5 different rolls.
i just have to say. The rolls are hugh!!! Not very bite size at all.
The crawfish, eel and avacado roll was awsome. (All on one hugh roll)
They really give you your moneys worth here.
I’d go back .
***FYI** 16 parking spaces in parking lot. Be prepared to park in the neigborhood. Look for the towing signs.

FREE DESSERT AND APPETIZER! I should just end the review right there. But I won’t. If they offer free dessert and appetizers to blind you from all the bad stuff about this restaurant, IT’S TOTALLY WORKING.
Because I ordered the pheonix roll which was topped with the most disgusting sweet sauce ever. It was like egg roll sauce and it didn’t go at all. And it was everywhere so you couldn’t escape it.
The nigiri I ordered was also not so great. The portions are huge, but the flavor just wasn’t there.
One of the free appetizers I got was a like a shrimp ball and mint leaf tempura fried and served with tempura sauce. It was insanely good! and it was free.
The other free appetizer we got was a few pieces of the volcano roll, which was also tasty and better than the rolls we ordered.
The free dessert was a perfectly fried tempura banana with your choice of ice cream. I picked ginger and it was awesome! The green tea was also good of course. So overall this review doesn’t seem that positive but since they gave me free stuff, I feel I owe them a good review! Their evil plan is working perfectly…

Do you like Osaka?
Imagine it, a bit more trendy, not nearly as good.

I’m adding this to my top 5 sushi places in Houston. Their happy hour deals are great and their free appetizer/​dessert is is even BETTER. They are a newer establishment, but HH was not very crowded. I hope they advertise more so that they will stick around for a long time. Then again, if it gets too crowded and I can’t find a seat, I will be upset. :)
My faves for HH: seaweed salad, spider roll (I could do without the lettuce they added inside), lychee martini
Great roll: Osaka Roll
The waiters were very attentive, but they did take one of our plates away before we were done.

Initially, I rated it 2 stars, but since the food was okay, I changed it to 3.
When I first entered the restaurant, the smell was like burning plastic which made me very sick.
The music was so loud that sometimes I had to repeat what I said. Sometimes, I even felt I was shouting at my boyfriend. (Thankfully, we’ve been together for 2.5 yrs., so he wasn’t shocked. XD)
Moreover, the music they played was what people would expect in a bar. However, this was a restaurant. Although they literally had a bar, they did not have any place to let you dance. As a result, physically, I sat tight, but the music made my stomach danced so hard that it almost twisted.
Maybe because this restaurant was now open, there were still rooms for them to improve their service and management.
There were only 3 other tables were taken at 6:15pm. We still stood there for a while to have someone setup a table for us. The manager just gave us regular menu and then disappeared. We could hardly find a waiter or waitress to ask about their happy hour menu and for some water. I even had to get my utensils from the next table by myself.
Finally, the manager took our orders, but we waited for our food for 30min. People at the other two tables came and ordered later than us, but they got all of their foods while we only got our free appetizer. We did not order anything fancy, simply california rolls, calamari, udon and soba. Neither the manager nor waiters noticed this.
I felt we were two invisible and helpless people sitting there!
When the manager passed our table, I finally got a chance to take his attention. Surprisingly, the first thing he asked was «Has anyone took your order?» There were only 5 of the tables were taken. He could not remember he took our order!!! I angrily said, «YOU TOOK THE ORDER!» What happened next was kind of funny. The manager immediately ran to the kitchen. It seemed that he was terrified. I did not mean to be difficult, but simply wanted to have my dishes. Then, we got our food within few minutes and became visible to them.
Overall, the food was okay which means they were edible. The quantity, except the calamari, was fine. In terms of the quality, tempura should come with white radish dipping sauce, but they did not have any dipping sauce actually. They only had soy sauce. In fact, this was not really a Japanese restaurant. It was kind of Japanese-​Chinese mixed, so it turned out weird. Honestly, I could get much better Chinese food in Chinatown with lower price; and get more authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine in Kubo’s, Nippon or Oishi with the same price and better service.
I won’t visit Toyama again.

Yeah I’m a fan… we stopped by here the other night and enjoyed a couple of rolls and some noodle soups. Service was very attentive and they had directv playing over the sushi bar. The rolls are a bit on the pricey side, but they were pretty tasty. The 911 roll was a favorite and the fantasy roll wasn’t bad (although my friend wasn’t so crazy about the cream cheese). I had a bowl of ramen — having just come from Tokyo on vacation, I’ll admit that this ramen was a little underwhelming and a little too much on the bamboo/​mushroom taste. I’d come back for more sushi, and they serve complimentary appetizers… very much like the Osaka sushi locations in Houston. For ramen, I still think Nippon is the best ramen bowl in Houston.

Looks like Osaka’s long lost sister was found!
Toyama is definitely «hipper» than Osaka, but you can expect the same AMAZINGLY CUT SUSHI and «waiting on you hand and foot» service.
I initially hit up Montrose’s newly constructed sushi spot for happy hour. We opted for bar service to rub elbows with the chef which payed off as he immediately served us a complimentary 2 piece sushi roll… crunchy and sweet… way to wet our appetite!
I perused the menu and went into food coma with all of their delicious apps, sushi combos, noodles, and specialty rolls…
…but alas, we were there for Toyama’s awesome happy hour specials — $ 3.50 rolls (all the basics), as well as $ 2.50 seaweed salad, shumai and more, and most importantly, $ 2.50 beers and cheap sake (though the price escapes me at the moment).
Well friends, Toyama may also serve as an underground crack ring, because I returned twice more within 2 weeks of my initial visit.
I’m about to let you in on how you separate the great sushi chefs from the lazy ones. It’s all in a basic spicy salmon roll…
…TOYAMA’S GOT THE GOLDEN TICKET! Their spicy salmon rolls were a nirvana of fresh amazingness without the lame use of siracha or red pepper powder on top. I also loved the thicker cuts of fish as opposed to overly minced rolls in most sushi joints. Similar to their rolls, I was also pleased with their thicker cuts of fish in the nigiri.
Having sampled a few of their specialty rolls, I highly recommend The Fantasy Roll complete with cream cheese, tempura, spicy tuna and eel — COMPLETELY INDULGENT and not for the dieting!
What brings this 4 star sushi experience to the ultimate 5 star rating? SERVICE AND GENEROSITY. The friendly staff cater to your every need with a smile. To top it all off, I have yet to leave Toyama without being offered 2 — 3 complimentary appetizers and dessert (a small portion of various Japanese ice cream complete with fried banana garnish) — a pleasant way to end a perfect meal.
The quality of Toyama’s fare matches its ambiance. I had imagined it would be very dark and cold based on the architectural design of the building, but really warmed up to the open dining room complete with shiny new cherry wood floors and red booths awaiting us. With that being said, the Asian pop music in the background — I can do without ;).
It’s always refreshing to welcome a new sushi spot to my rotation — especially one as pleasurable as this one. Toyama has definitely earned it’s spot in the Osaka family tree.