The best Japanese restaurants in Austin

Sazan has fast become a beloved ramen spot by locals to Airport Blvd. They specialize in the paitan variety, which comes in a rich cloudy broth, available in original, spicy, or vegan. For more traditional ramen, the Ma-Yu Black Ramen is an excellent choice, made with a savory broth and topped with a rainbow of vegetables. As for accompaniments, try the Indomitable Chicken Wings, twice-cooked and seasoned with their house spice rub, and for dessert, there’s Mochidoki Mochi (mochi ice cream) in a variety of flavors such as Matcha and Ube (purple yam).

DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya is not only an awesome new-school shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot) experience but also one of the most enjoyable things to do in ATX. Unlike traditional shabu-shabu, where guests share their broths, here, everyone gets a personal cast iron pot. You start with the “Shabu Shabu Ozen,” with koshihikari rice, ponzu, and gomadare dips, and a choice of broth (if going for the Kombu Dashi, be sure to add Negi for flavor), then choose a dipping adventure. We recommend doing the omakase if it’s your first time; the Baller option features a mix of seafood, A5 wagyu from Kyushu, Japan, and funky gyoza stuffed with crab and lemon butter. Sake pairings are available, and for dessert, walk round to the front for the most Instagrammable ice cream stand around.

You’ll recognize Lucky Robot (the first sustainable sushi restaurant in Texas, no less) by the bright pink, white and black geometric street art adorning the outside. Inside, you’ll find a similarly hip vibe with stunning Sakura decor and swings taking the place of booths at some tables. The menu is Nikkei-inspired by the brilliant Chef Jay Huang, who takes Japanese dishes and punctuates them with the chiles and spices of Latin America. It’s extensive, featuring hot and cold appetizers, omakase, sushi and sashimi, ramen, steamed buns, and brunch. Our faves are the dumplings (all of them) with a funky dipping sauce selection and the fried zucchini katsu. Don’t forget the sake.

For an authentic Japanese experience, head to Airport Blvd for Austin’s very own conveyor belt sushi. Kura has over 140 menu items, which can be found on the dual belts or to order via tableside tablet. You’ll find everything here from nigiri to rolls, tempura, and udon, drinks (sake to green tea), and dessert (mochi to watermelon). Stack your plates up high and feast on goodies made with premium, fresh ingredients that are free from anything artificial. The salmon toro, tamago (omelet), and takoyaki (octopus balls) will transport you to Tokyo, while the tempura Philly roll and the Texan roll will circle you right back. Download the app and book a table before heading over for fun times.

Best known as Austin’s premier date spot, Sushi|Bar’s an intimate omakase experience with just 10 seats and a Texas-sized waitlist. Chef Ambrely Ouimette and her dapper team prepare 17 courses of creativity-designed sushi in front of your eyes. The menu is rotating, but sample items include roasted bone marrow with fresh wasabi and soy sauce and a Wagyu that’s so soft and buttery that it retains the texture of toro (there’s that, too). Sake pairings and special additions are available. Finish with the toasted coconut shaved ice. Reservations are released at noon on the first of every month for the next month. If unsuccessful, check their social media for dropouts.

For a balanced Japanese chow down, look no further than Bento Picnic. Owner and chef Leanne Valenti opened the adorable eastside hangout in 2015 with the art of Washoku at its core: a Japanese cooking practice of using five colors, five tastes, and five techniques to create meals packed with nourishment and, of course, flavor. You can’t go wrong with one of the signature bento boxes; the chilled soba noodle option with brisket is our Texan heat respite, or the fresh salmon chirashi-don, heaped with king salmon sashimi, ikura (salmon roe), avocado, and colorful seaweed salad. Side anything with their addictive blistered shishitos and end with the mochi butter bun with Okinawan swirl—the kind of dessert you’ll wanna chew on all day long. Happy hour specials run Tue - Sat.

The newer omakase restaurants in A-town aren’t the only ones strict about guest participation. Otoko’s 12-seats mean the same effort must be made to enjoy a multi-course omakase experience helmed by Chef Yoshi Okai. You purchase tickets ahead of time, and reservations are available the first of every month on a rolling three-month basis. Each dining experience blends Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki into a unique tasting menu based on ingredient availability and seasonality. All reservations for the restaurant include a 30-minute cocktail reservation in their attached bar, Watertrade.

Got a nice ATX pad? Then it’d be a shame not to throw a private chef into the mix. Sushi master John Gocong (who has worked with the likes of Nobu and Uchi, no less) whips up the ultimate omakase tasting experience—a journey of 15-23 courses composed of a mix of crudos, nigiri, and yakitori, finished with a seasonal dessert and option for sake pairing. Expect the finest cuts money can buy delivered anywhere within Austin and the Hill Country (including Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Dripping Springs). Simply reserve in advance, let him in 30 minutes before dinner time, and let the magic happen.

Fukumoto is a sushi bar and yakitori izakaya headed by former Musashino chef Kazu Fukumoto. The sushi here is as fresh as they come, the marinated and grilled yakitori menu is extensive, and with a music selection that’s a kooky mix of country, ’80s, and techno, you’ll find that any pretension is drowned out. Enthusiastic servers will help you navigate the menu and offer beverage pairings, and Fukumoto himself is always on-site, actually working, meaning what leaves the kitchen does so with his blessing. Try to get a seat at the sushi bar, where the chef will check in on you in his typically reserved and gracious manner. We recommend ordering his choice sushi platter and allowing the server to recommend yakitori specials.

The original team behind Sushi|Bar ATX have opened their own omakase experience within the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek out to the woods, but the quality of catch, to most, is worth the gas. Like its famous predecessor, Sushi by Scratch offers 10 seats in an intimate setting, 17 courses of nigiri and more from land and sea (think: Texas wagyu and Wilk, a New England sea snail), alongside options to add sake pairings and chef-special extra courses (we had the foie gras). Every dish is expectedly delicious, so for sure, come on over. But if you’ve already done Sushi|Bar ATX and have no interest in golf or Bastrop, you might want a little more bang for all that highway effort.

In the mood for Japanese food with a view? Tadashi is located in the Hill Country Galleria, and the menu makes the trek worth it. Head out for wild-caught super bluefin, jack mackerel, barracuda, and smooth flutemouth. The roll selection is huge and varied. Check out the non-sushi portion of the menu as well, which features the likes of Donburi (steamed rice, minced shrimp, carrots, green onion, choice of eel or yellowtail), Chicken Katsu (topped with Japanese barbecue sauce, with rice and cabbage salad) and Teriyaki (choice of meat, seafood or tofu) with rice and vegetables.