A new all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant on Woodlands Parkway will mark its official grand opening Sunday, Aug. 16, with a live bluefin tuna cutting show and a one-day-only tasting menu.
Ema Japanese Cuisine, at 6700 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 250, has been serving lunch and dinner since at least Aug. 1, when it began participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks, but will celebrate its formal launch with a 3 p.m. tuna demonstration led by owner Henry Zhu and his kitchen team, according to Hello Woodlands.
The restaurant also will offer a $49.99 Omakase Tasting Experience available only on opening day.
"Every plate that leaves our kitchen is prepared with the same attention to detail as an à la carte restaurant," Zhu said, adding that he wanted to change the perception that all-you-can-eat dining means sacrificing quality.
Zhu, who has nearly 20 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, has developed multiple restaurant concepts across Texas. He also owns Tokyouth Playhub, a Japanese-style arcade at 385 Sawdust Road in Spring that opened June 27, according to Community Impact. Both businesses operate under the same management.
Ema's concept centers on made-to-order sushi, sashimi, nigiri and hot dishes served in an unlimited format. Lunch runs $19.95 and dinner $30.95 for the all-you-can-eat tiers. Guests order from the menu rather than serving themselves from a buffet line.
The restaurant is also participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks through Sept. 7, offering a $25 lunch prix fixe and a $39 dinner prix fixe, with walk-ins welcome.
Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations and menus are available at sushiematx.com or by calling 281-651-2542.
