Whether you're craving melt-in-your-mouth toro or a decked out hand roll, Austin’s sushi scene delivers something for every kind of diner. From MICHELIN Starred omakase counters to beloved neighborhood gems serving up Japanese comfort food, this city proves you don’t have to be on the coast to find exceptional sushi. We've rounded up some of the best sushi spots in Austin, whether you're celebrating something special or just looking for a solid spicy tuna roll.
Chef Yoshi Okai of Otoko. Credit Kate LeSueur.
Omakase Experiences
Tsuke Edomae
If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation at Tsuke Edomae, you'll experience and exclusive, artful, and intimate sushi meal. Of course, because the seatings are so limited, it can be difficult to get a reservation so definitely plan ahead for what will be an epic night of remarkable sushi.
Otoko
Otoko is an omakase only restaurant with limited seating. Chef Yoshi Okai brings together Tokyo- and Kyoto-style dishes. They release tickets on the first of the month and if you snag one for the 12-seat restaurant, prepare yourself for an incredible night of flavor artistry.
Tare
Tare is an intimate 12-seat Japanese omakase restaurant located north of the Domain in Austin. Chef Michael Carranza offers a kappo-style experience, blending Tokyo-style sushi with Texas flavors, using local, seasonal produce and premium fish sourced directly from Japanese markets.
Craft Omakase
Craft Omakase presents a 22-course seasonal tasting menu that showcases Japanese culinary craftsmanship. Recognized with a MICHELIN Star, the restaurant emphasizes thoughtfully sourced ingredients and seafood, offering a refined dining experience.
Endo
Endo offers a 20-course omakase experience crafted by Chef Endo Yasuhiro, in collaboration with the renowned Sushi Nakazawa. Located in West Campus, the restaurant provides an intimate setting to enjoy meticulously curated dishes.
Courtesy Fukumoto.
Uchi & Uchiko
Uchi is the most recognizable name in sushi in Austin. After winning the James Beard award in 2015, Tyson Cole somehow continues to hone his legacy through Uchi and “little sister” restaurant Uchiko. The approach is farmhouse Japanese — which is to say the food is thoughtful and beautiful but also somehow eating here feels casual and cool. The menu changes frequently so return visits are always warranted to see what they’ve dreamed up next. For people on a budget, their social hour is always a good place to start.
Musashino Sushi Dokoro
Musashino Sushi Dokoro is a classic place for sushi in Austin. It has also served as a training ground for some of the most lauded sushi chefs in the city (e.g. Tyson Cole). They use shari rice and wild-caught seafood flown in from all over the world. Sushi purists will head straight to the nigiri and sashimi parts of the menu but their inventive takes on hand-rolls and traditional rolls are delightful.
Soto
Soto shows a high level of creativity and craft in their sushi. Chef Andy studied with Morimoto before moving to Austin to enrich our sushi scene. Beautifully presented, expertly prepared, and diligently explained, this is a place to linger over a kumamoto oyster with ponzu, momiji oroshi and ossetra caviar or snap 100 insta-pics while the server lights the fire under glistening strips of salmon with raspberry chili.
Neighborhood Sushi
Neighborhood Sushi, with its light woods and modern aesthetic, actually feels like a neighborhood joint. The menu (changes daily) features shareable dishes, a solid tempura list, and many varieties of fresh nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and handrolls.
Fukumoto
Kazu Fukumoto, of Fukumoto Sushi and Yakitori Izakaya, learned at Musashino before opening his restaurant, a traditional Japanese spot with a gastropub feel. Lovers of sushi can get their fill of specialties like bluefin belly, raw octopus, and yellowtail tuna.
Courtesy of Tancho Sushi.
Budget-Friendly Sushi
Tancho
Tancho aims to make the omakase sushi experience more accessible in Southwest Austin. Offering four different omakase options for varying appetites, the restaurant provides a fresh, approachable sushi experience without the high pressure or pretentious atmosphere typically associated with omakase dining.
DK Sushi
DK Sushi is famous for their Flaming Volcano Roll and their affordable sushi. Book one of their traditional tables (shoes off, pull up a pillow) for a bit of extra cache.
Kura Revolving Sushi
Though it didn’t originate in Austin, Kura Revolving Sushi is both a sushi dinner and a really fun time. Diners sit side-by-side choosing sushi bites off of a conveyor belt, winning points, and getting prizes. A cool way to get your sushi fix and have a unique evening.
Tadashi
Tadashi, out in the Hill Country Galleria, flies their fish in from Tsukiji market twice a week. Their outdoor patio and daily specials make this a go-to spot for a good sushi dinner without pretension. In addition to the rolls you might expect (dragon, rainbow, spicy tuna), they also venture into fusion territory like the Southern with shrimp tempura, garlic green bean, seared fatty salmon, and sweet potato strings.
Midori
If you’re in North Austin, try strip-mall surprise Midori. This local joint has been quietly doing its thing since 1999. They’re known for having a good selection, lively atmosphere, and reasonably priced traditional and specialty rolls like the Superman Burrito (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, crab, and avocado wrapped with soy paper.)
Tomodachi Sushi
A little further north is Tomodachi Sushi, an intimate sushi restaurant with Japanese specialties and sushi. Fans of this sushi spot come here for the inventive dishes dreamed up by Chef Riad, formerly of Nobu.
Looking for more locally-owned Asian restaurants? Check out our guide to Asian-Owned Restaurants in Austin.