Keiichi

500 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201, United States
+1 940-230-3410
$$$ Sushi restaurant , Asian restaurant , Japanese restaurant
(224 Reviews)
Price Range $100+

Keiichi is a sushi restaurant tucked just off Denton’s downtown square that feels like a quiet retreat for serious sushi lovers. The space itself keeps things simple—no flashy decor, just a focus on the food and the craft behind each dish. If you come expecting traditional and authentic Japanese fare, you’ll find plenty to appreciate, but Keiichi doesn’t shy away from subtle fusion touches, thanks to the chef’s diverse culinary background.

The menu strikes a balance between classic sushi and sashimi options, like tuna and salmon sashimi plates, alongside standout items such as beef tataki, broiled cured salmon collar, and spicy tuna tartar that push the sushi experience a bit further. Those who enjoy mixing surf and turf will find the beef sushi and tenderloin steak especially memorable. The desserts, including tiramisu and banana custard cake, offer a welcome contrast that rounds out the meal without overwhelming the palate.

Visitors often highlight the freshness of the seafood and the care taken in preparation—something that clearly sets Keiichi apart in the Denton dining scene. Service feels personal with staff and chefs who take time to suggest dishes tailored to your preferences, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s size is modest, which means reservations are essential, and getting a spot during peak times might require patience, but the payoff is a quiet, focused setting well suited to anyone craving high-quality sushi beyond the usual chains.

Keiichi also caters to those who appreciate meticulous detail, from the seasoning on squid sashimi with Hawaiian red salt and lime to the carefully crafted sake and pomegranate cocktails. The vibe is low-key and intimate rather than boisterous, making it a solid choice for date nights, small groups, or anyone wanting a more contemplative dining experience.

For locals, Keiichi has developed a reputation that commands respect—even sushi fans from the Dallas area make the trip specifically for this spot. Its location near the heart of Denton means it’s an easy addition to an evening out—just be ready to call ahead and book early, as the seating caters to a limited crowd focused on enjoying each bite without rush.

Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

224 Reviews
Brandon Torrens

04 Jan 2026

WARNING: eating here will ruin sushi for you anywhere else you go. By far the best Sushi restaurant I have been to in TX and probably one of the best I have been to anywhere. So unbelievably fresh, staff is amazing. Sushi Chef is also classic Italian trained so their fusion dishes are unlike anything I have had anywhere else. Their Tiramisu is so creamy (I dont even like Tiramisu, but theirs is fantastic.) It is pricey and you need to get reservations well in advance as it's a small venue which is only open a few hours a day.

T Bambrick

25 Dec 2025

Keiichi is by far the best restaurant in Denton. It is always worth the wait. The owners + staff are incredibly friendly, and the food is consistently creative, gorgeous, and delicious. I literally have dreams about the squid sashimi and sea trout. They serve pasta and INCREDIBLE steak. Also they have a bidet? When I talk about why I live in Denton I always mention this place.

Local and Small

22 Dec 2025

Once you go to Keiichi, you basically won't trust anyone else to give this kind of quality, authentic sushi anywhere else. This isn't your typical sushi joint, either. Even sushi chefs from Dallas come to Denton to eat here. It's a hole-in-the-wall, easily overlooked sushi restaurant right off the Denton Square, and he just recently put out a sign to advertise his long-time business location. Book in advance! Only open Wed-Sat I think and only takes reservations by phone. Keiichi (the owner's name) is the only sushi chef there and cooks right in front of you. The prices aren't cheap but I've never been more satisfied about spending $75-100 per person at any restaurant, ever, and gladly give up my wallet to eat his sushi. My all time favorites are the beef and jalepeno cream cheese rolls (OMGGG), beef tataki, and any of the sashimi plates. My husband and I did the "chefs special" on a special occasion and got to try many of his incredibly fresh and delicious sashimi (that I probably normally wouldn't have the courage to order) and it was so worth it — definitely expanded my palette to develop a new love of sushi. But I don't really trust eating sashimi / raw fish anywhere else because I know his fish is top notch quality. It's such a treat coming here every time. Also it's pretty casual and not a fancy place, so all are welcome.

cactus flinthead

16 Dec 2025

I somehow got lucky enough to get a single spot. He heard I was a single and said if I came at 5 I could get a seat. I found out later that the entire year of 2025 is booked. It took one week to fill up. That's the reputation the man has built. And I say well deserved. The food was amazing and the service too. Everything was great and 10/10 would do it again.

Rahul M

10 Dec 2025

Fantastic Sushi restaurant....one of my favorite for authentic, fresh and high end sushi. They have a long wait for reservations, but worth the wait. Due to Covid their seating is very limited. Call ahead and get a reservation, you won’t regret it. The beef roll and trout sashimi are too die for. The service was very friendly, the chef made incredible suggestions, the waitress was super efficient and the food was reasonably priced for the quality of fish/ingredients. A meal like this at Nobu would have been twice the price with perhaps lesser quality ingredients. The portions are very generous and filling. A must try place if you are a sushi fan.

Brad Cooper

08 Dec 2025

Small restaurant of few seats, requiring reservations. Keiichi becomes your personal chef for the evening. He prepares everything while you watch. Your not at a hibachi grill. This is more like a sushi bar in a side street in Tokyo. The setting and food presentations are simple, but the payoff for me was a Beef that melted in my mouth, wrapped around a cream cheese with Jalapeño. You are in Keiichi's house, so you will not see a chef's toque blanche or Japanese chef's jacket. There is no pretention or ostentatious fronts.The restaurant is cozy, quiet, and pleasant. The menu can change on a whim. The food? Well let's just say, I would take a bite, close my eyes, sit back, and smile,........each and every time. This is a Denton experience; one you do not want to miss.

Doug Schwartz

25 Nov 2025

Good, fresh fish. Good mix of fusion food and classic sushi. The sashimi plate is great for two. The mustard green salad is amazing... Tiramisu was very rich, and served with coffee upon request... and probably the only public bidet seat in Denton! Don't come for the rolls!

Connie Zhang

05 Oct 2025

Absolutely the best Japanese restaurant in DFW area. This restaurant looks so unassuming from outside but once you get in, you feel like being in Japan. The food is so amazing. It is an interesting combination of Japanese and Italian. Every dish is great. The seafood is so fresh. Remember to reserve two months in advance. What a special restaurant! Will come back again and again!

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