Aiko
5-Course Opulent Omakase Tasting Event
Opened in April of 2022, this Japanese eatery on Washington Avenue whose name means “love child” is yet another creation from Chef/Co-Owners Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, who gave Space City the hugely popular Handies Douzo and Kokoro. Aiko has appeared on Houstonia’s "15 Hottest New Restaurants" of 2022 List and Eater’s “Best Omakase” Lists of 2022 and 2023. Chefs Pham and Lee have over 25 years of combined experience in Japanese cuisine and sushi and were nominated this year to Culture Map’s list of “Houston’s Tastemakers.” At Aiko, diners feast on the very freshest sushi, sashimi, crudo, and hand rolls. Eater says that “regular patrons of Handies Douzo might recognize the fantastic maguro crudo appetizer, or the signature negi toro handroll at Aiko,” and it’s all served up in a stunning industrial space that casts aside clichés. We’re really excited to visit here, to chat with the chefs, and to get what everyone agrees is some of the best Japanese food in town.
About the Hosts:
Patrick Pham
Chef/Owner
A graduate of the Art Institute of Houston, Chef Patrick Pham first cut his teeth as part of the opening team of Uchi, under James Beard Award‑Winning Chef Tyson Cole. Having risen through the ranks to Head Chef, he decided to strike out on his own with partner Daniel Lee with Kokoro and Aiko.
Daniel Lee
Chef/Owner
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, Chef Daniel Lee cut his teeth cooking in kitchens throughout DC, CA, and VA before coming to Houston. After 3 years as a sushi chef at Uchi, under James Beard Award‑Winning Chef Tyson Cole, he and Chef Pham decided they wanted to partner up on their own culinary projects: Kokoro and Aiko. He is also the culinary force behind popular pop-up Secret Taste.
The Lineup
Courses #1 and #2 will be served family style. Courses #3-5 will be plated individually. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Kombu Salad
marinated kelp, daikon, carrot, sesame soy sauce
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A5 Wagyu Toast
milk bread, japanese beef, mushroom duxelle
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Kinoko Uzuzukuri
sous vide king trumpet mushroom, white ponzu, king crab
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Chef's Choice Sushi
select nigiri, select makimono
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Matcha Semifreddo
strawberry shortcake crumble
Aiko
1902 Washington Ave Suite C
Houston, TX 77007
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Can I bring guests who are not members to this event?
- Yep! Members are able to purchase up to 3 guest tickets to this event (based on availability). However, guest tickets are $20 more than member tickets ($85 + tax/tip), and guests will not be allowed entry to the event unless they're accompanied by a member.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, parking is available through their private lot and/or garage.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event, we will be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with soy, raw fish, alliums, garlic, and sesame restrictions. Please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are.
