When you want to treat yourself to a superior sushi dinner in Houston, Chef Hori’s restaurants should be at the top of your list of places to try.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd sits down with four-time James Beard Award nominee and mastermind behind some of Houston’s top Japanese restaurants, Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi. Together, they dive into all things sushi, wagyu, and sake.
Chris credits Chef Hori with helping to revolutionize Houston’s Japanese culinary scene. Through his dedication to authentic recipes, traditional techniques, and impeccable sourcing—nearly 95% of his fish comes directly from Japan—Chef Hori is bringing the essence of Tokyo’s sushi culture to Houston diners.
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Chef Hori shares his journey, beginning with his training in Japan as a sushi chef. After moving to the United States to serve as the chef for the Japanese consulate in Houston, he opened Kata Robata in 2009. There, he combined his relationships with Japanese seafood suppliers and cherished family recipes—like those from his mother—to create a truly authentic dining experience.
At Kata Robata, guests can enjoy expertly prepared sushi and sashimi, crafted with attention to the unique characteristics of each fish. The menu also features traditional Japanese dishes like tamago and chawanmushi, along with guest favorites such as the Texas Kobe beef skewers that take 72 hours to prepare.
But Chef Hori didn’t stop there. In 2023, he and managing partner Ryan Snyder opened Katami, a Montrose hot spot. Featuring rare ingredients like Emperor’s wagyu, Ensui uni, and nearly 90 varieties of sake, Katami is a playground for Chef Hori’s culinary imagination. In his mission to bring an authentic taste of Japan to Houston, he even sources ice—yes, ice!—from Japan for the restaurant’s shaved ice desserts.
Chris discovers that Chef Hori has no intention of slowing down. He’s working on a deeply personal new restaurant project that leaves Chris (momentarily) speechless. Watch to learn what’s next for one of Houston’s most influential chefs!
“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 28: FARM TO TABLE: Where Houston restaurants get the most fresh and flavorful produce
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 29: Houston Texans fans! These are the best bites you’ll find at NRG Stadium
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 30: What to order at some of Houston’s best neighborhood restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 31: Bring on the cookies! ‘Eat Like a Local’ visits some of the best bakers in town
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 32: This cocktail laboratory has a secret entrance
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 33: THEN AND NOW: How one of Houston’s most popular fried chicken restaurants came to be
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 34: Indian food to celebrate during Diwali and all year round
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 35: Pho and more 🍜 These Houston area restaurants have mastered the art of making noodles
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 36: Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 37: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 38: Take a tour of Houston’s tasty tamale scene with ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 39: The best of Houston’s Pakistani food scene
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 42: Meet the chef behind Houston’s Michelin Star restaurant BCN
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 43: So many perfect sandwiches 🥪 The journey to find the best across the Houston area
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 46: Rise and dine at exceptional Houston breakfast restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 47: Young Houston chefs put their own unique spins on Mexican food and it’s delicious
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 48: ‘Eat Like a Local’ lassos up tasty bites at RodeoHouston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 49: Johnny Carrabba and the first family of Houston restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 50: Get the scoop on some of Houston’s most delightful ice cream shops