Domodomo Ko Is Dallas’ Best-Kept Sushi Secret

Dallas offers a wide range of sushi options. Restaurants in general, actually. Even just new restaurants can be overwhelming. Scouting through what’s what is a job, for even the most seasoned foodie (or food journalist).

If an effort to run zone coverage, we visited Domodomo Ko recently and had a surprisingly delightful meal, which was — this is going to be hard to believe at first – not only damn good, but affordable.

Brian then trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and opened his first Domodomo in New York City in 2016. The restaurant, known for blending Japanese and Korean influences, landed in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction from 2018 through 2023.

Chris says that from the start in New York City, their philosophy was to offer a great-value dining experience without compromising on quality or service (which is in line with a Bib Gourmand). They priced a three-course tasting menu at $35 when they first opened in NYC, then adjusted it to $49 in 2020, and have maintained that price point since, including at the new restaurant in Dallas.

“Even as costs have continued to rise and margins have gotten tighter, we’ve chosen to keep the menu at the same price point,” Chris says.

The New Quad

Domodomo Ko is part of The Qaud 2.0, the recently bulldozed and rebuilt block in Uptown. The neighbors include Mamani, which received a Michelin star this year. Two Hands Australian Cafe is a more casual spot, located next to the Michelin-recommended Written by the Seasons. The Bread Club is under construction, which is from the same group that owns Mamani.

When Domodomo Ko opened early last year, it offered only a seasonal seven-course tasting menu, or domokase, for $95 per person, or $135 with wine or sake pairings.

Then this summer, they introduced the à la carte menu and eventually the $49 three-course tasting menu.

Don’t let “three-course” fool you, though: this is a substantial meal that includes hamachi, 10 pieces of nigiri and two hand rolls.

The Highlight Reel for Budget Diners

A highlight of the à la carte menu is the hwe dupbap, which is served in a layered orb (a ball-shaped plate) that is unpacked at the table (see photo at top). Inside it are seven pieces of sashimi, a scoop of rice topped with gochujang, along with ginger, wasabi and nori (seaweed paper). It’s a build-your-own handroll set, and it’s so much fun. And the best part is that it’s $28 for this high-end meal.

We also ordered the Korean fried chicken as an appetizer ($18) and dumplings ($13), both of which were perfect. Altogether it was too much food for two people — and we mean as the highest compliment.

We walked out spending just under $200 for two, including tax and tip, along with two non-alcoholic drinks and a couple of bottles of water. We could have easily kept it to just the tasting menu and waltzed out, bellies full with sushi, at a very reasonable price.

Lunch Menu

Unlike most omakase-focused restaurants in Dallas, Domodomo Ko is also open for lunch. They have bento boxes that range from $15 (roasted cauliflower) to $26 (miso black cod with a kobacha puree). Or get three handrolls for $23. There are also about eight a la carte items.

The Cozy Space and Drinks

The restaurant somewhat resembles a large, elegant greenhouse from the outside, with lots of glass and an open design. Inside, the space feels more like a café than a high-end sushi spot; there’s not a sushi counter or bar. We dined at night, and the lights were kept low and relaxed.

The service is fast and attentive; our server helped us understand the menu and its various options. We didn’t order alcoholic drinks, but someone did stop by our table to ask us about drinks — perhaps someone who is over the drink program. There’s a full cocktail and wine menu.

The menu, with its smaller options, feels right for the space. It’s a cozy and easy-going omakase, which is something Dallas needs.

Party note: Domodomo Ko is closed for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant is closed all day on Monday.

Domodomo Ko, 2681 Howell St. Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 – 2 p.m.; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Monday Closed