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Must Eats
The Best Sushi in Austin, TX For All Price Ranges!
Looking for the best sushi spots in Austin? Look no further! This post rounds up the top sushi places in the city, from upscale omakase experiences to affordable casual joints.
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UPDATED 5/23/24
Hi everyone! I often get asked about the best sushi places in Austin, TX, so I've compiled a list of my top recommendations across different budget ranges. To make things easier, I'll be using money signs to indicate price ranges: $ for around $20 per person, $$ for around $50 per person, and $$$ for $100 or more per person.
I'll start with the pricier options and work my way down. Just a heads up, my personal preference is for sushi that is less fishy or of high quality. Although Austin may not have a wide selection of high-quality fish, I've found a few spots that are pretty good. So here are my top picks!
Tsuke Edomae $$$
Chef Mike offers an 21-course meal featuring both cooked dishes and Edomae-style sushi. In 2024, the price for this luxurious experience is $135 per person + 20% service fee in lieu of tip. Chef Mike's sushi is widely regarded as the best in Austin. In fact, I've had a $200 per person omakase in LA that doesn't even come close to the quality here.
What sets Chef Mike's sushi apart? He serves the fish at room temperature, allowing the high quality of the fish to shine. The rice is also exceptional - each granule looks like a glistening pearl. The source of this rice is a closely guarded secret, known only to a handful of restaurants around the world. With every visit, I find that the omakase only gets better and better! He recently returned after training under Hiro Sato from Hakkoku Japan.
One important rule to keep in mind: you must eat each sushi piece within 15 seconds, or Chef Mike will take it away and replace it with a fresh piece. This ensures that the fish is enjoyed at the perfect temperature and freshness. At the end of the meal, you have the option to order a la carte options of any of the fish you tried, as well as specials. Personally, I always ask for handrolls!
Click here to make a reservations. Click here for his instagram.
Craft Omakase $$$
Craft Omakase, spearheaded by three talented chefs—Charlie Wang, Nguyen Nguyen, and Tim Boyer—originates from their collective experience at Uchiko, fueled by their personal investment.
The 22-course omakase experience, priced at $175, excludes a 20% service charge.
In essence, the culinary journey at Craft Omakase is a meticulous curation. The rice hails from Hokkaido, meticulously stored in a controlled cold environment to preserve its authenticity. Primarily, the seafood is sourced from Japan, save for select items like ocean trout. The philosophy here is minimalism; garnishes are sparingly used to accentuate the natural flavors and textures of each delicacy. The rice, a fundamental component, is impeccably cooked and seasoned to perfection, earning it a flawless rating of 10/10.
What sets this omakase apart is its innovative approach—60% of the seafood undergoes curing, smoking, or dry aging processes, resulting in a symphony of unique flavors and textures. The presentation is not just culinary but an art form, with each small bite exquisitely arranged.
Furthermore, the infusion of cultural elements adds depth to the experience. Condiments like fish sauce and chili crisp reflect the diverse backgrounds of the chefs, infusing each piece with personality and passion.
The pacing of the omakase is commendable, ensuring a harmonious progression through each course. Portion sizes are satisfyingly substantial yet consistently executed.
In conclusion, Craft Omakase is a culinary marvel worthy of recommendation, a testament to the dedication and creativity of its talented chefs.
Click Here for their IG and Here for Reservations.
Toshokan $$$
I recently had the pleasure of dining at @toshokanatx, one of the most sought-after omakase spots in town. Their 14-course omakase experience is 150 pp, offers the option to add three extra courses. I highly recommend opting for the additional courses, as they include standout bites like uni and foie gras, which were among the highlights of the meal. Guided by the talented chef, @sainew, each course is inspired by his travels, incorporating elements of fire, smoke, and powdered toppings.
One standout dish was the Atlantic cod, which was not only delicious but also evoked memories of the kaiseki meals I enjoyed in Japan. Overall, I would confidently recommend @toshokanatx as one of the finest omakase experiences in Austin. However, I do have one minor critique regarding the rice, as I personally found it slightly mushy and would have preferred a firmer texture. Nevertheless, the overall omakase experience was incredibly enjoyable and flavorful.
For those with hearty appetites like mine, I suggest opting for the 17-course option, as the standard 14 courses may leave you wanting more. @toshokanatx undoubtedly offers an exceptional omakase journey that is sure to please discerning palates. Reservations can be made here.
Tare $$$
The tasting experience at Tare offers 15 courses over approximately 1.5 hours with 12 seatings available. Reservations can be made online in advance, priced at $135 per person with additional tip and service fee prepaid, although the tip fee can be adjusted. Chef Michael initially introduced Tare as an omakase at-home concept, which has now expanded to a location in an office building up north. The omakase menu incorporates Mexican, South Texas style influences, and more, presenting a fusion concept. However, I found the rice a bit too mushy and served on the colder side, despite being made with koshikari rice, similar to what Toshokan uses. It's essential to approach this omakase as very non-traditional. Standout pieces included the scallop, knifejaw, and the akami imo. While the menu leaned heavily on lime and lemon flavors, I craved more savory and salty options. The service was excellent, and additional à la carte options, often featuring Uni specials, are available at the end. Although Uni was unavailable during my visit, the tres leches dessert was outstanding—perfectly balanced with just the right amount of matcha. Here is where you can make reservations.
Sushi By Scratch $$$
Sushi By Scratch is the brainchild of Michelin star chef Philip Frankland, and is located at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Cedar Creek, just outside of Austin. Although it's a bit of a drive, the beautiful colonial-style hotel is definitely worth the trip.
I was initially skeptical about trying this spot and making the drive, but I'm glad I did. The current price for the 17-course omakase is $165 per person. When I went, it was 16 courses and came with a drink. The pace is much faster than at Tsuke Edomae, and the sushi pieces are often served with sauce, searing, and garnishes. Some may argue that all the searing, bone marrow fat, and matcha powder would ruin the fish or hide the quality, but I found that it actually made the fish taste even more delicious and melt-in-your-mouth.
One downside is that some of the fish here can taste similar due to the same seasonings and cooking techniques being used for different nigiri. Additionally, there don't seem to be any strict rules about eating the sushi quickly, so I saw some guests allowing their fish to get cold while they chatted with each other.
The team at Sushi By Scratch consists of three chefs who will serve you, which is a different experience than with Chef Mike who does everything himself. However, this also means that it's easier to get a reservation.
If you're interested in trying out Sushi By Scratch, click here for reservation.
Musashino Sushi Dokoro $$-$$$
For the longest time, Musashino was my go-to spot in Austin for high-quality sushi. Despite the recent surge in fancy omakase spots, Musashino has managed to stand out with its consistent quality and delicious food.
Personally, I absolutely love the rolls here. The Roadrunner, Texas Hybrid, and Bumble Bee are my top picks. If you're looking for nigiri, the Avocado Kama and Scallop Nigiri are also must-tries. That being said, I would say the nigiri is only average here.
If you're interested in trying out Musashino, note that they don't take reservations for parties smaller than four. However, you can join their Yelp waitlist online to minimize your wait time. Check out their menu here.
Uchi $$-$$$
If you're looking for a great happy hour spot in Austin, Uchi is definitely worth checking out. They offer happy hour from 4-6:30 pm daily.
One of the things that sets Uchi apart is their cool and hot tasting menus in addition to their sushi offerings. Personally, I highly recommend the Hama Chili from the cool tastings menu, as well as the Brussels sprouts which are some of the best in town.
However, if you're looking for high-quality sushi, I would have to say that Uchi falls a bit short compared to spots like Tsuke Edomae or Sushi by Scratch. The fish here has a chewier texture and the rice isn't as well-seasoned. Check out their menu here, and note that they do take reservations.
Uchiko $$-$$$
This restaurant review is similar to Uchi as they are sister restaurants. While I find that the food at Uchiko tastes slightly better, their happy hour menu isn't as extensive. I particularly enjoy the Tiger Cry roll, Hama Chili, and the various specials they offer. The desserts are also quite delicious. You can check out their menu and hours by clicking here, and they do take reservations.
Soto $$-$$$
Soto first gained popularity when they opened their original location in North Austin's Lakeline area. They have since expanded with a second location on South Lamar. While their happy hour used to be one of the best, it has since changed. They now offer daily happy hour from 5-6:30, but it's not as extensive as before. One highlight of their menu is the lunch bento set, which feels like a fancy course meal. I highly recommend their Fire Salmon, Uni Pasta, and potato chip nigiri. However, I do feel that the nigiri portions are small for the price. Similar to Uchi and Uchiko, they tend to add fruit to their nigiri pieces. Here is their menu. They do take reservations.
Neighborhood Sushi $$-$$$
Neighborhood Sushi was a pleasant surprise for me! However, the parking is limited and located on SOCO. In terms of fish quality, I would say it's on par with Uchi and Uchiko. The rolls were also pretty good. Prices are comparable to other restaurants on South Congress, but they're definitely on the pricey side. The handrolls were probably my least favorite thing I ordered here since they're very impractical and hard to eat. They're folded like a taco with crispy bits on top, and as soon as you take a bite, all the toppings fall off. You can check out their menu here, and they also take reservations.
Kane Sushi $$ (Cedar Park)
I've found my favorite sushi spot in Cedar Park, which was quite a pleasant surprise! @kane.cedarpark recently opened in a new shopping center, and it's quickly become a go-to for me. We tried a variety of dishes, including the must-try Red Crane Roll, which was delicious, and the Spider Roll, a crispy delight. The fish here is served a bit on the colder side, but the well-seasoned rice and fresh taste make up for it. The Hamachi Carpaccio with uni and citrus sauce was a standout. I also recommend their buttery uni pasta! The portions are very large too! Service was excellent, with friendly and attentive staff ensuring we had a great dining experience. Plan to spend around $30 per person, or $50 if you're quite hungry. We even had some leftovers. Side note this is one of the most beautiful restaurant's I've ever seen!
Here is their instagram
Sushi Yume $$ (Round Rock)
@sushiyume_ is leveling up the sushi scene in round rock Texas, maybe even Austin. I’ve heard a few people rave about their sushi so I went in to review l! I enjoyed the sushi so much! I was surprised but the chef gave alot of things on the house and I saw online google review with the same experience. They were really friendly when we walked in and despite being crowded the service was very quick. The nigiri was excellent. Fish to rice ratio was balanced and the rice was nicely seasoned. Not too sweet or sour, the perfect balance. If you’re a big sushi person this reminds me of chef choos sushi before he left hanabi! The fish is a bit of a higher quality than the old hanabi tho. The rice itself is cooked perfectly and not too mushy, my biggest pet peeve. Fish tasted very fresh. The chirashi bowl was a large size too.
You can make reservation here.
Yuki ATX $$
Yuki ATX stands out as Austin’s premier hand roll bar, offering made-to-order hand rolls available à la carte or in set combos featuring various options. While the concept is enticing, I'd suggest opting for the raw fish selections over the cooked crustaceans and shellfish, as they tend to be mixed with mayo that's overly sweet for my taste. Although the sushi can sometimes be on the sweeter side and the pieces inconsistent, I find solace in their flavorful green tea rice.
Uroko $-$$
I really enjoy Uroko for its casual omakase and handrolls. The handrolls are served cold in the traditional style, unlike the warm rice ones you might find in LA. They're also reasonably priced - you can probably be full after two of them for around $6-8 each. If you want the best value, try their make-your-own temaki set and assemble your own handrolls! Check out their menu online by clicking here.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Uroko's neighboring omakase concept, Tonari, offers a 45-minute omakase for $84 per person, which includes 12 tastings. I find the toppings to be excellent, but the fish is not as warm as I prefer, and the rice isn't as high quality as Chef Mike's at Tsuke Edomae. Nevertheless, it's still a great experience, and you can reserve the omakase here.
Chef Teddy $$-$$$
Chef Teddy is a personal friend of mine who offers at-home sushi box deliveries and hosts sushi parties for customers. He is a skilled specialist in making sushi rolls and nigiri sets. I discovered him through Instagram where he was originally selling poke bowls for delivery. Delivery costs are usually included in the price, and he regularly posts daily specials on his Instagram page. The quality of the sushi he serves is exceptional, with fresh and high-quality fish. His rolls are particularly delicious. You can easily reserve platters or private events by DM-ing him on Instagram.
Chef Choo Omakase $$-$$$
Chef Choo is a former sushi chef at Haru, Hanabi, and Ichiumi, and since leaving those restaurants, their sushi quality has gone downhill. During the pandemic, Chef Choo thrived by offering at-home sushi platters and omakase. He still offers the at-home omakase boxes and has also opened a brick-and-mortar store selling grab-and-go sandos and omakase boxes. The sushi quality is a lot better than what Haru used to offer. However, the cost of the take-home sushi may seem a bit high, in my opinion. It's better to buy a large box and share it with a group, as his larger boxes, which have around 45 pieces of sushi, cost around $390. A personal sushi bento costs around $30. You can reserve and purchase his products through this link.
Kome $-$$
Kome is my go-to spot for affordable sushi and rolls. While the fish may not be of the highest quality, I absolutely love their roll combos. I recommend trying the Spooky rolls, Sunshine roll, and more. The flavor combinations are truly unique and delicious. The only downside is that Kome can get pretty busy and wait times can be long, although it's not as bad during off hours and weekdays. You can find their menu here, but be aware that they do not accept reservations.
Osaka Mansun $-$$
As someone who grew up in Austin, I noticed that most sushi spots in town were Korean-owned. While many were average, Osaka Mansun stands out for its decent fish quality and well-seasoned rice. Some of the fish can be a bit fishy, but they offer large slices and affordable options. This mom and pop sushi joint is perfect for a casual weekday meal. Check out their menu here. It's my favorite Korean-owned casual sushi spot.
Muse Fusion $
I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and quality of Muse Sushi. If you're looking for Americanized-style sushi, this is the spot for you. The atmosphere is fast-casual, and the prices are low for sushi. However, it's worth noting that if you don't enjoy cream cheese, tempura in sushi, or imitation crab, then this may not be your favorite spot.
That said, I tried the salmon and hamachi, and both were really good and not too fishy. The flavor combinations are decadent and definitely cater to those looking for more American-style sushi and rolls. It's worth noting that Muse Sushi is owned by the same people who run Happyrito in Lakeline. You can check out their menu here.
