Craving a culinary journey to Japan without leaving Houston? Taro Japanese Restaurant offers an authentic taste, blending traditional flavors with modern flair in a cozy atmosphere.

Whether you love ramen, sushi or BBQ, Taro has something for every palate.

A family tradition of culinary excellence

Taro was created by culinary graduates trained under award-winning Japanese chef Takeshi Kaneko. Their goal was to bring an authentic, high-quality dining experience to Houston.

Under Chef Kaneko’s guidance, the team turns the finest ingredients into beautifully crafted sushi and other Japanese dishes. Taro offers more than 100 dishes, bringing together a full range of cuisine.

“We wanted to create a place where people feel connected—not just to the food, but to the culture behind it,” owner James Shen said.

Hokkaido’s taste in Houston

At Taro, ramen is more than a dish; it’s an experience. Its Hokkaido style, inspired by Japan’s northernmost island known for its cold climate and rich, creamy broths, was developed under former Santouka chief kitchen administrator Nakawake and chef Kaneko, whose expertise shaped the restaurant’s signature flavors.

Signature options include:

• Chicken base shio
• Chicken base miso
• Tonkatsu original
• Tonkatsu base shoyu
• Taro Special No. 1
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Using advanced Japanese pressure cooker technology, Taro creates richly flavored ramen with homemade broths, tender noodles, fresh vegetables and quality toppings, all without MSG.

Introducing Taro’s new Lanzhou beef soup

Taro recently added Lanzhou beef soup to its menu, bringing a hearty new option to complement its traditional ramen offerings.

Lanzhou, in northwest China, is famous for its hand-pulled noodle soups, traditionally featuring beef as the main protein. The use of beef reflects local customs influenced by the area’s Muslim communities.

Inspired by Texas’ love of beef and northern Chinese noodle techniques, Taro’s version features tender slices of locally sourced beef simmered in a rich, aromatic broth.

More ways to enjoy Taro

Taro makes it easy to indulge with great deals and options for every occasion:

• All-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ: Originally $40, now $29.99, featuring more than 50 fresh meats, vegetables and sides.
• Bar cocktails: Enjoy 50% off all cocktails at Taro’s full bar.
• Alcohol to-go: Enjoy Taro’s convenient alcohol-to-go options for holidays or casual gatherings.

Planning a party or special event? Taro’s spacious dining area can accommodate large groups, catering and private events, making it the perfect spot to celebrate with friends and family. To book a reservation, click here.



Visit Taro Japanese Restaurant

Ready to experience Taro? Visit 8216 Kirby Drive, Houston. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–10 p.m.

Prefer Taro from home? Order online for pickup or delivery and savor authentic Japanese flavors anywhere.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.