Otoko

1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Otoko
About This Sushi Bar

OTOKO is a 12-seat Japanese restaurant located at South Congress Hotel in Austin, Texas. The multi-course omakase experience from Executive Chef Yoshi Okai blends Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki into a unique tasting menu, selected and prepared by our culinary team based on ingredient availability & seasonality.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

The 20 course omakase is totally worth it!

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №2

Ambiance and cocktails were top notch. Pre dinner drink service was fantastic and even remade after a half comment of it not being our favorite. Bravo. On to dinner… food was very good and a cool authentic concept. Although, if you’re hungry, be sure to have something beforehand as it’s a drawn out dinner with small bites brought at timed intervals. Would say to skip the wine pairing as it was meh and didn’t elevate the experience - plus quite pricey. Least favorite part was snarky service during dinner. Overall I’d say try once but I won’t go again other than to the bar.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №3

Yummy food, cool cocktails, and an awesome atmosphere. The nine tailed fox cocktail was my favorite!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №4

Such a kind, welcoming, and immersive experience that i wouldn’t change for the world

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №5

Food was a bit too salty.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №6

Amazing omakase experience, the food, the sake pairing and drinks were top notch. All staff were attentive and informative. We went there for our anniversary and highly recommend it!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Amazing sushi experience in a chic, intimate setting. Exceptional service and exceptionally talented chefs.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

Best omakase I've tried in Austin! This service was phenomenal and the food was so good. Feels like you're in Japan!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

Truly one of the best and most unique culinary experiences. From start to finish, the level of detail and service is unmatched.
Masters of their craft!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

We finally made it out here yesterday for the dinner omakase experience. The food was really good, but we left a little underwhelmed. The service was meh, our waiter spoke too fast and the chef was offended we were chatting and half way through the meal stopped describing the nigiri or the presentation. I have been to other omakase experiences and this one left me wondering how worthy it was.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

We went to Watertrade for our anniversary and absolutely loved it! The space is unique and welcoming, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable (shout out bartenders Josh and Steve!), and the food is phenomenal. Highly recommend. We will definitely be back!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

I had the pleasure of dining at Otoko earlier this year while on a business trip in Austin, having previously experienced and thoroughly enjoyed Watertrade, the bar side of the establishment months prior. The food and overall experience was excellent. Each course was executed and presented at a high level. In particular, I found three standouts: the escargot with nanbanzuke and shiso leaf, the binchotan smoked hamachi done at the counter, and the pistachio and mint at the end. I also opted to do the sake pairing, and each selection melded well with the course with outstanding explanations of what to expect from each one. If you find yourself in Austin, Otoko achieves a 'must-go' ranking on my list.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Otoko's 20-course kyoto-style kaiseki omakase is the best kaiseki meal I've ever had anywhere in the world. It has become my go-to for very special occasions. The food is absolutely delicious. Yoshi, the chef, has multiple new dishes, even in the span of a couple of months. Dustin and Kat provide impeccable service that is both attentive and unobtrusive. The atmosphere is both trendy and elegant, always with an excellent selection of music. Looking forward to my next visit!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

A well-balanced omakase experience in a vibey little tucked away corner, perfect for a special occasion or visit to Austin. The staff were jovial and respectful, and the pace was kept up nicely throughout the courses. The sake pairing with the chef’s collaboration sake was very special. We especially enjoyed the tuna variations they served, and the custard dish.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

Impeccable attention to detail and service - among the best omakase experiences I've ever had. I came with my girlfriend for our anniversary and the staff there made us feel extra special. Can't recommend this place more.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

If asked the best meal in Austin, this is the place I name. Food is sublime, the experience is stellar, chef Yoshi is such a character. Definitely show up early for the bar experience in Watertrade. It’s a very good bar with knowledgeable staff if you want them to pick a cocktail for you.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

I would say- it was just ok. The sushi was delicious- the amberjack, tuna and steak - all amazing. But I would say- the experience wasn’t 5 star at all. The sushi was just placed on our plates without much explanation and then quickly moved onto the next dish. We had the option to purchase an additional piece, but they didn’t tell us that there was a time limit to do so so when we asked if we can add it on, we were told no. The drinks came a little slow so my second drink order didn’t come until dessert. All in all I expected a more for such a high price point. I would rather spend this money at Toshokan or Uchi to be honest.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

If you're wandering past the entrance to this unassuming hotel, you might just miss the treasure hidden inside. At first glance, I thought I was walking into the lobby, but to my surprise, I found myself in a chic, intimate Japanese-inspired bar. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet warm, with dim lighting, wood accents, and a modern aesthetic that transports you straight to Tokyo's trendiest spots.

The cocktail menu here is a journey in itself. Drinks are thoughtfully organized by vibe, a unique and clever touch that instantly lets you match your mood with your drink. I went with one from the "Tropical, Comforting, Majestic" section, and it did not disappoint. My cocktail arrived flaming—yes, on fire! The presentation was an experience of its own, with the flame adding a captivating, almost theatrical element to the drink.

Not only was the cocktail visually stunning, but the flavors were perfectly balanced. A bit fruity, a bit warm, and entirely memorable. This spot is perfect if you're looking for a refined, off-the-beaten-path bar experience where the ambiance and attention to detail make each visit feel like an adventure. A must-try if you’re in the area!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

My most disappointing dining experience in Austin where I took my parents hoping they would have a memorable experience.

Checked-in ~7 minutes late (certainly my fault to some degree trying to make an early reservation after work) but also because they offer valet parking but there was no attendant so had to self-park. Otoko then proceeds to not serve us the first couple opening courses and printed a shortened menu without notice. When I asked, they claimed we were over 10 minutes late which was not true. To not give a little grace period and also overstate our late time felt heavy handed and just petty for a $250+ per person experience. If your schedule is really that rigid, then be transparent and send a reminder of your strict rules in advance.

Furthermore, they didn’t tell us until we sat down that Executive Chef Yoshi went to serve a private event. Not a big deal in most instances but pretty critical for an Omakase experience where the show is watching the sushi chef mastery in front of you. Again, the point is be upfront and give customers full information.

Overall, I would have hoped for a little more flexibility, transparency, and hospitality but instead their reaction was poor form and almost arrogance where it feels like they can do what they want because they collected the full payment with 20% gratuity upfront. Spoke to the manager about the course cutting who said she would talk to the chef the next day and no follow-up response.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Phenomenal experience! The service, food, and ambiance were all incredible and made for such an interesting and fun dining experience. Some of the best sushi we’ve ever had, and definitely the best in Austin! They offered delicious zero proof cocktails too, for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. I highly recommend for any special occasion or date night!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

Lazy and pretentious. Used to be amazing…. now…. Just another “used to be trendy” sushi spot. Omakase is chefs choice except the head chef didn’t even bother to show up. Service was rushed, dishes were unimaginative. They are charging the price of an airplane “ticket” with the promise of the experience “transporting you somewhere else” and they indeed made me want to be somewhere else. In fact the service was so bad, we grabbed the bill and skipped the last 4 courses all together. They will keep trapping tourist… but I’ll never waste another dime here and recommend you avoid it too.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

They serve very very quickly, they prep some stuff before we even seat. It looks like a fastfood in fact should be called FastOmakase service. They just move too quickly, they explain super fast and simply the whole experience is fast. There are much better places in Austin

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

I think a high price Japanese foods.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

An exceptional dining experience. The food is artfully crafted, with each dish bursting with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The wait staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring a seamless dining experience. Their attention to detail and warm hospitality elevate the entire evening, making Otoko a top choice for those seeking a refined and memorable meal.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

Hoping to indulge in the widely celebrated dinner experience at Otoko, my wife and I forked over our $500 payment a month in advance, all in anticipation of a memorable wedding anniversary evening. What we received, however, was far from the luxury and refinement we were promised. From the very moment we stepped foot inside the restaurant, the staff greeted us with a cold indifference that bordered on outright rudeness. The bartenders, in particular, stood out for their dismissive refusal to even let us sit at the bar, offering no explanation and instead treating us as if we were inconveniences to their elite space.
Left to fend for ourselves, we found seating—if you could call it that—on a disgustingly filthy couch that looked like it had been dragged out of the back of a fraternity house basement. The entire atmosphere reeked of pretension, with the staff seeming more interested in making us feel unwelcome than in enhancing what was supposed to be a special evening.
When it came to the food, the preparation team was clearly working hard, but the results were laughable at best. Each dish was a tiny, unimpressive morsel that failed to justify the astronomical price tag. Worse, the lack of basic hygiene was alarming. Not one member of the kitchen team wore gloves or hair nets. While that might be acceptable for this so-called "elevated" Japanese dining, it’s definitely not acceptable to find a stray hair in your fish!
Then came the final insult. The waiter, an obnoxious caricature of the worst kind of snob, saw fit to publicly humiliate my wife with an unprovoked comment. When I asked for an apology, he didn’t just refuse; he fled across the restaurant, leaving us to pour our own tap water (yes, believe it or not, $500 got us only tap water).
To top it all off, the manager’s response was as appalling as her team’s behavior. When I voiced concerns about the treatment we received, she dismissed them entirely, further reinforcing the toxic environment we had been subjected to all evening. Realizing the evening was beyond salvage, we did what any rational people would do: left Otoko and went across the street to Vespaio (a place I highly recommend).
Some of you might have good luck at Otoko, as a few reviews suggest, but our experience was nothing short of a high-priced nightmare. Save yourself the time, the money, and the regret—we certainly won’t be back, and I’ll be spreading the word about this disastrous excuse for fine dining!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

Service was excellent (Annie), and the ambiance is cool. Drinks were good- did not eat. They did validate parking at the South Congress Hotel, which is a nice perk.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

I was optimistic and tried so hard to like otoko, but it was such a disappointment for me and my friend! The initial impression walking into the room was that it was super smoky (from burning a piece of wood used to torch a piece of fish for the previous customers). After it cleared up a bit, I saw that the environment was very sleek and modern, and I liked how they used uni boxes as decoration.

Some of the courses were too rice-forward, and it felt like they used regular white rice instead of sushi rice. Most were completely overpowered by their garnish (salt crystals, yuzu, wasabi) so much so that I couldn't properly enjoy the piece of sushi that was meant to be the standout flavor. Some courses were too chewy or tendon-y, especially the wagyu, which is usually more of a melt-in-your-mouth experience at other omakases I've been to.

By far the best dish of the night was the shima aji with pear, japaleno, yuzu, and mint, which was a well-balanced, creative blend of flavors and for me was the one redemption point.

The service also felt extremely rushed (according to my camera roll, the 19th course was served an hour after sitting down). I'm a slow eater and like to savor each piece, but the sushi chefs were literally waiting for me to pick up the piece I had on my plate to set another down, and since you're supposed to eat it immediately at its intended temperature, I was basically forcing myself to eat in order to keep up with the pace.

Definitely not the indulgent, luxurious experience you would expect for the $250 price point!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

Wonderful culinary experience with a great team to match it. We can't wait to return.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

The 20-course omakase experience is unforgettable! The intimate setting, personalized service, and exquisite presentation of each plate make it a standout. Every bite is a delightful journey of flavors and artistry, with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don't miss the adjacent bar Watertrade that serves the most amazing craft cocktails. This is a fantastic restaurant for sushi lovers and anyone that's looking for a unique and special culinary experience in Austin!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

The food and service are outstanding. You taste the chef’s creativity and passion in every single bite. We love the variety they serve. From classic sushi with a twist to their take on fish and chips to gazpacho, there is something for everyone. And their service is fabulous. They truly take care of you and make this an unforgettable experience.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

Truly amazing dining experience. Every detail is attended to, including personalized menus, and remembering my food intolerances. The food is incredible with some of the best Sushi I’ve eaten, including compared to Michelin star sushi in Tokyo. Highly recommended

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

Otoko pays great attention to details and shares a unique experience in Austin! Fresh sushi is flown in from the best places in Japan and the creatives dishes bring out the fresh flavors especially with yuzu in the summer. Classic omakase is the move and will have you filled. Highlights: Hokkaido Hotate and Uni, and finished with the Yakimono (Iberico pork)

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

Great meal, we have been before but had never done the Wednesday nigiri tasting before so that was different and really good. The amberjack, oyster and sashimi dishes were the highlights. The hamachi bbq at the end was also incredible. The dessert was so delicious and super cute with a little shovel spoon. Loved the small touches! The summer samurai drink was amazing and a great pairing throughout the meal.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

Always consistently amazing in all aspects! Just wow! Sooo amazing! Just love!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

Can't recommend Otoko enough. Each course was incredible and paired with thoughtful, personalized service.

Chef Yoshi's passion and intention were both abundantly clear as we looked on from our seats. The same can be said for his staff. Each course came with a story, and each story was an apt palate cleanser before diving into delectable sushi (not to mention the ginger they provided to literally cleanse our palates).

I went to celebrate a special occasion with someone I care about immensely. While making the reservation, I informed the Otoko team of this context. When we viewed the last page of our menus, we found a note of personal congratulations. A small touch like that went a long way and set the tone for the meal.

While some may balk at the price of the meal, we walked out of Otoko feeling sure that we'd return. The intimate dining experience is well worth the price tag.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Exceptional in every way. I went here in June and can’t wait to go back.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

Ever play the game “what would you have as your last meal ever”?

It would be Otoko.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

I was truly blown away by this spot. Such attention to detail, truly an amazing dining experience. You can tell these guys are truly dedicated and take pride in their craft in the quality of the food. The staff was so attentive, very knowledgeable and not pretentious like other places. They were very humble relatable. The only thing I would change would be the chairs as they are solid wood with no padding. I'm somewhat petite so sitting for 2 plus hours was not very pleasant

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

This was the most special birthday dinner I’ve ever had! Top restaurant experience and quality of food in Austin

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

What I just went through was spiritual.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

A beautiful dining experience. Tonight was my second time and I can’t wait for my third.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

Reviewing just Watertrade... Really excellent cocktails with great bartenders and a cool vibe.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №53

Edit: Visited again on March 27th 2024. This is my third time visiting. I had high expectations but I am somewhat disappointed this time. From the get go, I was embarrassed by the bartender to show my ID to get the drink in front of my guests.
The food, experience and professionalism also did not meet my expectations this time. The food overall was a bit too salty for our taste. The miso soup appetizer for example was too salty and in my opinion a very mediocre starter.
The seafood and ingredients were very fresh and tasted great. However the excessive, unevenly distributed sea salt on the nigiri and sushi, overpowering the fish flavor, was not very enjoyable.
Finally, near the end when the chef was performing the fish bbq with the charcoal wood, he accidentally got a piece of sashimi on the table (not the cutting board!) and decided to just place it back on the plate to serve it. I honestly can't understand why you couldn't just remake a piece of sashimi, considering we pay over $300 a person. I always thought otoko to be one of the most up-scale restaurants in the entire Austin. We did not have the more senior Japanese chef prepare the food today, maybe that was the difference.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №54

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №55

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №56

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №57

I thought the pieces of sushi were very small. It did tase good. There are other places here in Austin that serve great tasting sushi, and the pieces are much thicer cut, ad the price is uch less. The big turnoff for me was when the head chef got upset and in a low voice chewed out one of the helpers in front of us. Other people did not notice his action, but we did and were very disturbed by his actions. A professional would have made his correction in the back room not in front of customers.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №58

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №59

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №60

Truly a fascinating dining experience, he has all the wild that he has from being in a rock band, but also the attention to detail for a sushi chef. Some wild flavors you won't taste elsewhere, well worth the price and the visit

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №61

Overpriced with un fresh fish trying to cover with all other flavors Texmex sushi

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №62

My boyfriend took me to Otoko as a surprise for our anniversary and new years eve. All I can say is WOW! It’s difficult to eat normal food after such an incredible experience, I can’t stop thinking about it. The service was absolutely fantastic, very intimate and personal which I loved. Everyone was so kind and friendly. I loved the entire omakase. Every dish I tried was like magic to my tastebuds. I was exhausted after a 16 hour flight the day before and this dinner truly brought me back to life. My boyfriend got the omakase with wine pairings and I got the sake pairing. I will say it is a lot of drinks, but each and every one was well thought out for each portion of the dinner. I hope to come back again and again!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №63

Service felt extremely rushed. Sushi was good but nothing special. Definitely had better more imaginative omakases before. Tea and wine pairings were nothing to write home about. For having put down almost a grand just to reserve the reservation - this place was absolutely not worth it.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №64

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №65

Absolutely amazing experience! Service is highest quality. But that doesn’t compare to the food! Very memorable evening.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №66

What a magical omakase experience - each bite meticulously crafted with love and admiration for the chef and cuisine. All of the staff were top notch, enhancing the experience along the way. There are two easy to follow rules: leave your gold plate on the counter for plating and don't put ginger on your sushi, simple and sensible. Our neighbors could not follow the two rules which was a little distracting. We however excelled at following along. What a special meal, maybe the best I have had in Austin!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №67

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №68

The service of the chef's assistants is terrible and rude. It ruins the purpose of the food experience.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №69

One of the best and most adventurous omasake that I have tasted. Had an interesting fusion with texan/Mexican heritage. Will come back

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №70

Unique and Amazing dining experience! Hamachi is to die for!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №71

Otoko offers an exquisite omakase experience. Each dish in the tasting menu is a culinary masterpiece, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist. A must for food enthusiasts in Austin.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №72

This place is a bucket list restaurant. Chef Yoshi is an artist and all of the surrounding staff are the best of the best. I've never had better omakase, and this is in my top 5 for best meals all-time. And the bar, Watertrade, is equally amazing. You have to book 2 months in advance but if you ever get the chance to dine here, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №73

Going to Otoko is definitely one of the highlights of our year. It was obvious that every aspect of the experience was thoughtfully designed. 10/10 I'll be recommending this to everyone visiting ATX.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №74

Otoko was a fantastic experience and offered some of the best sushi in Austin. It’s still close between (sushi by scratch, uchi and now otoko). We came on a weekend and did get some dishes we didn’t care for (I’m looking at you egg dish). As a whole though, it was phenomenal. I did read on Wednesdays it was sushi-only and wish that happened more days of the week.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №75

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №76

Incredible experience! The service, drinks, and food were out of control delicious.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №77

You pay a premium here to be treated like a king and queen. Service was definitely 5 stars. They made you feel important. Even when they're carrying food, you'll see the rush in their eyes and non verbal communication as they got out of your path. Definitely something that I did not expect at all or felt that i deserved, but it was definitely appreciated hindsight.

The overall service was top notch and took care of all of your needs and extraneous liquids and items, while fluidly being out of the way so that you can enjoy the people that you came with.

Food was delicious and very novel and quite unique near the end of it (we got the kansai experience). Blast of flavors and textures with each bite was on par or exceeded expectations. The small dishes were rather too unique at the end, as i had to eat my significant others fried grasshopper. However that is not dissuading opinion of the place. I definitely want to go back and try the sushi only experience.

Environment was unique and awe inspiring. Unfortunately the kitchen produced fan noise, and i would not recommend sitting at the far right end of the table if you can help it. It didn't bother me every minute, but definitely something that i noticed once and pointed out as a conversation piece. I think the room itself would be more successful with added acoustic absorbing material integrated into the space, as it was already a rather small space. It was by no means a loud and intruding environment and i enjoyed the ambience, i am just pointing out the smallest of minor details that could be improved upon.

There was not a lot of 'entertainment' and interaction from the head chef, like our first omakase at Sushi By Scratch, which was great for a first timer. However everyone works in different ways, and what the head chef and the others, were talented with what they prepared for us.

There was an unexpected added unique touch, we were given menu's of the dishes with a cute note to us to enjoy our anniversary with our names printed on the menu. It listed each dish experience, its ingredients, what fish it was and where it came from. As well as each unique tea paring that we did, and where it was sourced. I enjoyed this as it is something to remember the experience by and something i can look back on to see what fish and where it came from. Something that i enjoyed at the other place mentioned above, but by now have already forgotten where what came where.

Out of 5: poor/fair/good/very good/amazing
Overall: Amazing
Food: Very Good to Amazing
Service: Amazing
Ambience/Design: Very Good
Ambiance/Noise: Good to Very Good
Value: Fair (i might just be poor here)

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №78

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №79

Stellar omakase, great staff, beautiful restaurant. What a wonderful dining experience. Food was excellent

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №80

Yoshi is a magician. Treat yourself to this experience if you can. Your mouth will never forget it.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №81

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №82

Premium price tag that brings a premium experience with it. If I had a list ranking all my omakase experiences to this point--for which there have been many--this one would officially be sitting at the top. I feel like I was introduced to so many new and wonderful flavors last night, and still processing it a bit.

The real surprises were some of the non-sushi elements, like the escargot, the mushroom tempura (wow!), and a delicious shirumono that really got the best of me when I took a bite with the mussel. Make no mistake, the sushi is still the star, and this place sets a new standard for nigiri. Favorites were the kanpachi, aji, and madai, but truly no bite disappointed. The sake pairings were a fantastic addition to the experience and I appreciated the background shared with the presentation of each one.

It was beautiful to witness the artistry and passion of our chefs as they put our meal together, and I hope they know how honored I feel to have experienced the output of their efforts.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №83

Phenomenal experience and high quality food. Can’t wait to go back soon!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №84

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №85

After years of talking about it, my friend and I found a time slot for Otoko’s omakase. Unfortunately, it was the sushi omakase, a shorter, sushi-centric meal. But, we were both excited nonetheless.

Well, we went last night, and it was downright bad. I’ve had better sushi at HEB and this is not hyperbole. It’s hard to overstate just how bad this was. Their sushi rice was the least flavorful I have ever had in a restaurant, full stop. The staff thinks they are providing a meal that will be etched into your senses forever. A meal that will make all other meals suck by comparison. But their pretentious attitude just made it worse. The two sushi chefs spent most of their words ranting about the importance of this and that, all the while they can’t make sushi rice that would get them through culinary school. It’s frankly embarrassing that they are so painfully unaware of their own shortcomings. I would give the sushi omakase 0 stars if I could. Save your money and buy ANYTHING else.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №86

Best restaurant in Texas. Food is unbelievably good.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №87

We came here for my partner’s birthday as a recommendation from a friend, so going into this experience we had a fairly high expectation given it’s price point and reputation.

The quality of fish and presentation’s attention to detail was above par, however there several factors that contribute to this overall 3 star review.
We went to Toshokan a couple months ago, where there was the head chef present and every dish was prepared in front of everyone. The music at this place was slight random and eclectic, didn’t go with the vibe of the restaurant was a bit obnoxious. The servers weren’t up to par considering how much we are paying for this experience. A bit unprofessional and too talkative. We recommend Toshokan instead for a more special and high-end experience. This felt like going to a mediocre sushi restaurant.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №88

I have been wanting to visit Otoko for a couple years; but, this time the occasion and time worked out for a Tuesday dinner.
I received a call ahead of time to ask about any dietary restrictions. I definitely appreciated the call. Dining at Otoko is more than eating good quality food, drinking good cocktails. It is an art show. We started with having some cocktails at the bar and moved to dining room. It was only 6 people and we were greeted by a saki sommelier and his assistant server. The chefs were very precise, friendly; but professional. The cadence os service was immaculate and at the end of the night head chef came and completed the desert.I will definitely go back.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №89

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №90

Always amazing, and this time may have been the best yet. Nothing negative to say. This is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in the world, and easily the best in Austin. Tonight the cold soup course was particularly memorable. So many layers of flavor. Service is top notch, as well, and drinks are really awesome. I'll continue to go back as often as possible.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №91

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №92

Stunning bar. Great service and really really impressive cocktail menu.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №93

Great food, great service!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №95

If you want a great atmosphere and good service come here. If you want good food go elsewhere….

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №96

Sushi was good and fresh but the cuts were way to thick…

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №97

Exceptional and delicious.
Everything was very precise and on point, from food to service.
It was an amazing experience!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №98

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №99

The dining experience was lovely. The setting of the actual restaurant was intimate with 12 seats all around, and 3 chef stations to help serve the different groups of patrons for the night. The food was art in every sense of the word, and I was so pleased with the presentation, the flavors, and the creativity. We had the 20 course Omakase with a tea pairing and I am including some pictures in this review.
If you are looking for an intimate dinner setting for a special occasion, or if you just enjoy Japanese food with a twist, Otoko is for you.

Note:
I would’ve taken off one star but it would not reflect on the actual food, so I decided against it, but this was something that threw me off a little- I was surprised that with the exclusivity, warmth and experience I had at Otoko, my date’s name was misspelled on our personalized menu, it made me a little sad since it was a surprise celebration from him :(

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №100

Absolutely amazing dinner with both beautiful preparation and incredible flavors.

It is definitely expensive but worth the treat for a special occasion.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №101

Nice atmosphere, very small.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №102

Coming from someone that has spent quite a bit of time in Japan, this is the best and most authentic Omakase in Austin (maybe Texas), bar none.

If you're looking for a sensual journey and a very unique experience for your taste buds, you're in for a treat. However, if your definition of eating sushi is gulping down California, rainbow, and double fried Philadelphia cream cheese rolls until your belt buckle bursts, this probably isn't the place for you.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №103

We've been to many dining experiences, chefs tables and tasting menus all over from different cuisines. This experience was right there at the top as one of the best we've had. Chef Yoshi will not disappoint.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №104

I rarely rate 5 stars in all categories. However, the overall experience is one that shouldn't be missed for an upscale date night or drinks.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №105

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №106

Eddie and the gang good people
Sake top notch
Shout out to mr “dragon” Honda

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №107

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №108

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №109

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №111

This review is for watertrade, the cocktail bar associated with Otoko. Great cocktails - I had the Double Rainbow Surprise and I found it to be refreshing and drinkable yet strong. Hamachi was great too as a small bite. You pay for the trendy atmosphere but it’s definitely worth it if you’re feeling that vibe. Very high quality

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №112

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №113

I book @otokoaustin every year for my birthday. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Austin. Sooo many amazing flavors and delicious pieces. Sadly, I’ll be out of the country this year. But I may try to sneak it in before I leave…

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №114

The whole crew made sure we have a great experience. The Omakase experience served 20 extremely tasty courses and was more than enough for me to feel full. The cocktails were amazing 👌

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №115

One of the best in Austin. Great food. Very fresh. Very good service. Amazing chef. I used to fly to California for Japanese food. Otoko is comparable to some of the best I can find in California.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №117

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №119

Insensé ! Magnifique
! Bravo Yosho

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №120

We loved our experience at Otoko. Chef Yoshi and some of the Sous chefs worked at Uchi and created some of their most famous dishes, so you can expect similar curation to what you'd get at Uchi, but the experience is so much more personalized and you can tell that the fish is fresher. You HAVE to talk to the chefs to get the most out of this experience - if you don't care about where the fish is from or the art behind sushi you won't get your money's worth, which some of these reviews reflect. We chatted with Gabe and Elias the entire time, as well as our seat neighbors. Absolutely loved the experience and felt it was worth the price. It's a bit of an insult to compare Otoko to Uchi or Soto in my opinion - it's really not the same because it isn't commercialized as a franchise. Maybe more akin to Uchi 10 years ago. This is more like sitting in an art gallery and it was a beautiful experience. Thank you chefs!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №121

Very fine Japanese dining experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №122

This review is specific to Water Trade, the bar off of Otoko. If you’re looking for some delectable bites and one of a kind drinks, I would strongly suggest this bar. While Otoko has some of the best sushi in town, it can do quite a number on your wallet. At Water Trade, you can still get some of the chef’s creations without the full omakase experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №123

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №124

You talk about being hit with a mouthful of flavor! The creativity that the bartenders and the chef have is unparalleled. You not only feel like you are in another Japanese restaurant, but it actually feels like Japan! Come here if you are fortunate enough to get a spot, you will not be disappointed.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №125

Unpopular opinion but this is the worst omakase experience I've ever had. We were herded like cattle, not even an hello from the chef, and overly salty food.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №126

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №127

Amazing!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №128

Jan. 2017
We started the evening with cocktails in Watertrade, which is a gorgeous, dim, moody space. We moved across the hall for dinner at a bar that seats 12. The seating was staggered with groups of four being sat together. The dining space is light, airy, and well ventilated which is good considering there are foods being seared and smoked in front of the diners. The service was excellent, the presentation of the food was precise and beautiful, and the plating was spaced out well so I didn't get too full as the evening progressed.

Everything was made right in front of us which is something I love. Give me a view of the kitchen and I'm a happy diner.

The first two plates were excellent. Then were nine of the most perfect pieces of sushi I have ever eaten. The fishes served were buttery, soft, delicate, perfectly cut and oh so lightly flavored with oils and salt and citrus and other things I can't place. There was an amazing pear and trout dish that was an incredible mix of textures and flavors. And then everything got salty and vinegary. Like a soup that had over reduced, or a plate that had too much acid. By the end of the meal, my mouth felt parched and sticky from it. There was even a lovely persimmon and yamamomo berry dish that I would have been happy with had it not tasted pickled, or at least been served after something with a different flavor profile. By the time we left all I wanted was a refreshing sorbet.

The menu changes daily at Otoko. That meal may not ever repeat itself. Maybe the next time everything will be perfect. Considering we spent $400 (not including wine or cocktails) on an elaborate and extensive meal and only enjoyed half of it, I don't think we'll go back.

Nov. 2022
Had a very similar experience. Sushi was perfect. For the first time in my life I have eaten mackerel that tasted fresh and light and I loved it. Some dishes were super vinegary, super salty. Still wanted a sorbet after dinner.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №129

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №130

Don't ask if you can have more sushi. Don't ask for a sushi only omakase. Don't spend a lot of time ordering drinks during dinner. Be respectful of the greatness that the chefs have brought together for you.

Drinks before are AWESOME.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №131

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №132

Chef Yoshi and team do an amazing job highlighting each single bite with seemly minimal ingredients. Lots of fish were imported from Japan and while some types of fish were served a couple of times, the team did a great job to call attention to the nuance of each fish by pairing them/using ingredients to make each one shine. He seemed to try to use local/domestic seafood as well, who would have thought that Alabama had such delicate tasting oysters. Cocktails were amazing as many reviewers pointed out. We made the mistake of running late for our tasting so we didn’t get a chance to spend time at the bar but they do offer cocktails from the bar with your meals. The boyfriend reserved the sushi tasting but they appeared to have sushi tastings paired with either sake or tea tastings. If you’re looking for a special night, book the reservation and come early. It seems that reservations book quickly so make sure you book in advance.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №133

legitimately the peak

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №134

Incredible experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №135

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №136

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №137

Food was wonderful. So fresh, simple yet exquisite flavor pairings. The chefs were great.

That being said… the service was lacking-therefore value meh (don’t really know a better emotive word to convey this here 😂)

I will ol preface this saying that I’ve been to MANY limited seating chefs table restaurants such as this, as well as many 3 star and on down Michelin restaurants… and you can tell the difference…this was disappointing. I’m not a chef or expert and I never leave reviews - but feel the need to relay this because I love my hometown.
I’m a native Austinite - I understand why restaurants here don’t make Michelin their goal. Weird and laid back and warm atmosphere is the goal here - and of course the best food- all of it!

Therefore I would have expected a precise, YET warm and laid back experience. Any other chefs table experience or Michelin star - a server would not even flinch at a request ( and we are very laid back patrons!!) However here we made a minimal request at Otoko and they told us “no they were sorry they couldn’t do that”. I’ve NEVER had that response- anywhere- even in new York or LA or at the French Laundry. Again… born and raised Austinite so this bothered me mostly because any form of pretentiousness would normally not be tolerated as the ATX way. Back in the day there was an unilateral consensus that austin didn’t do reservations and didn’t do valet. Anywhere. So what should that tell you??

So if they are going to try to be proper and uppity….then do it. Go all the way! They don’t. My napkin was not folded/ left in my seat while in the ladies room, it was instead placed on the table. This would not have bothered me so much had they not worried about other silly things like my glass being on the chefs serving top. Also food and drink were served from different sides (left and right) - never consistently the right which is expected. If you are in a 12 person linear seating, this is noticeable and matters.

My suggestion to Otoko is to make up your mind. If you want to have a restaurant with such high expectation, make it happen service wise. Certainly we are not the first to notice so many discrepancies.

Again- the food and chef experience was fantastic. It was the service and demeanor within the restaurant that was quite rough around the edges.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №138

Have been to Otoko 4 times over the years and it continues to be one of my favorite sushi / omakase places in Texas.

Chef Yoshi clearly knows what he's doing - good mix of traditional and new wave sushi.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №139

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №140

This is one of the best meals I have ever had. That includes the night having my parters bra explode. No I refuse to explain further. 10/10 would dine again

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №141

This was the first time I had sushi in my life. Otoko ruined it for me. I usually dont eat fish as I'm not fond of the flavor. However, Otoko changed this. I more than likely won't be able to eat any other sushi that is of lesser quality. This was a life changing experience for somebody like me. To change my thoughts/opinions on a food that I have disliked my entire life means this place is something special. Now, being from Texas, one thing I do know and love is beef. The Wagyu items that were served were an out of body experience. I've had Wagyu at several places in Texas and Japan. Most places in Texas Wagyu is a gimmick. Not here at Otoko, this is the real deal and a must try/have. Thanks to the entire team at Otoko for this experience!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №142

4th time going to Otoko and again this place is just so high level. If there is a better restaurant in Austin, I don't know of it.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №143

Food was good, but not sure it’s worth almost three times as much as comparable (fantastic) omakase in Austin. Dishes were beautifully presented and flavorful, though the use of smoke was a little heavy.

Main thing was that they did not have a set seating. Instead, it was staggered seating, and three different groups were at three different places during the meal while we were there. This meant chef was working nearly the entire time and did not have much time to explain the dishes or interact with the customers. Also made the coursing feel rushed. Drinks were tasty but menu was so vague on ingredients, and I’m not sure when we would’ve had the time to ask questions and not miss our courses.

All in al, it was a fun date night but far from the best sushi experience I’ve had in Austin, especially for the price.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №144

This was hands down, the best sushi I have ever had. It's not just sushi it's an experience. The staff are all talented and attentive to your every need. The chef and crew are amazing! Can't recommend it enough.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №145

Food and drink is great and I like the ambiance in the bar.

Came here for birthday drinking and we didn’t leave with a celebration mood. 15% service fee is automatically charged to the card even before I signed the bill. The final bill doesn’t show the 15% charge while I got the credit card charge notice. Asked the waitress why the number doesn’t add up and she simply said she doesn’t know.

I totally understand the restaurant want to make sure the minimum tip is paid for the service. However, customers should be notified in one way or another. Just like the $10 deposit fee that’s never applied to the final bill, which is contrary to what’s said in the booking website, customers should have the rights to know what they are paying for. Usually I tip more than 20% in the restaurants and bars in the area. The way they charged me without any notice or explanation just made me feel that they think I’m too cheap to tip.

Really don’t know it’s the common practice in this establishment or they just did it to me. Kinda an unpleasant birthday experience.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №146

Fantastic experience, food was amazing, service was exceptional. Fairly pricey, but totally worth it if you're really into food. 11/10 recommended. If the Michelin guide ever comes to Austin they should hit these guys up.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №147

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №148

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №149

Otoko & Watertrade are both great. 5 stars. I have been to both multiple times. Just making this review to let people know that the $10 reservation fee you pay for Watertrade reservations does NOT go towards your bill. It just goes into the ether. I don’t know. That seems kind of lame. It was not very busy on a Thursday night and the seating area for a group of 4 was not very comfortable (deep seating that made talking difficult). So, if you want to save $10 and sit at the bar, consider just walking in on most nights. I think you will get better drinks at the bar too. Great spot though. Don’t get me wrong. I just don’t get the point of eating my $10

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №150

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №151

The fish was such amazing quality. We did both a wine pairing and a sake pairing. Such a great experience!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №152

We had an amazing anniversary dinner. Service, dinner, and drinks were above and beyond. 10/10 will do again!! Domo arigato. 🙏🏼

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №153

We found the secret elevator, have the correct handshake, and had the best evening of our lives. Steve (aka Uncle Steve) served us epic cocktails worthy of the Greek gods, and somehow the sushi was better.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №154

Watertrade x Otoko - fantastic experience with wonderful food and drinks. We cannot wait to go back!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №155

Fantastic hidden gem in Austin, who would’ve thought Japanese inspired cocktails + caviar could work so well together.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №156

Amazing Cocktails!
We went to Watertrade x Otoko.
It's a bar inside the restaurant.
Chill vibe. Great Music, comfortable arrangements!
Perfect to get enjoy a well made cocktail.
We ordered two cocktails per person.
Then I got the dessert which was churro icecream sandwich kind of thing with a dipping sauce.
Mind-blowing!!
The cocktails were on point and boozy.

They charge you a 10$ booking fee but you are served palette cleanser/welcome drinks when you sit down.

I would be definitely back here for more amazing cocktails and that dessert!

Special Mention to the Staff: They were super nice. We were literally the last customers to leave the eastablishmet. They were still nice to us despite it was nye next day and they had a busy day next day. At some other establishment the staff may behave rudely.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №157

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №158

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №159

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №160

Otoko was such an incredible experience. The environment felt exclusive and the waitstaff was very knowledgeable. The experience is a little pricey but I think it's very well worth the money. I didn't think I would leave full because I was still hungry from the last omakase I had at Uchiko but I did leave full here! I had the tea pairing at Otoko and I totally recommend it. Chef Yoshi Okai is super talented at what he does.

Everyone should try this experience at least once. You need to reserve your spots months out in advance since they only seat a limited number of people each time.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №161

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №162

very likely the best restaurant in Austin. the artistry is amazing. intimate setting, only 12 diners, food handmade and delivered in real time, face to face with the chefs. great service. if you can get a seat, don't eat that day. 16-17 courses, each a different delight, you don't want to miss anything

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №163

The ambiance is cool and dim - speakeasy vibes. Music was fun. The bar tender was so friendly and talented. We provided descriptions of what we typically like to drink and he gave us creative suggestions that resulted in delicious cocktails. The Nasu Frites w tofu crème fraiche and the hamachi with smoked miso were incredible. (We ended up getting a second order) Also, A MUST HAVE, the mochi churro miso ice cream sandwich is out of this world.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №164

Their cocktails are amazing! The atmosphere was a bit meh with music repeated a few times while I was there. Maybe they were playing a record/records. The welcome drink was delicious and not too heavy. I wish the menu was a bit more descriptive so I didn’t have to ask the server about the drinks. When drinks are average $20, I want to make sure I make the right choice. The cocktails I had were amazingly balanced and I supremely enjoyed them. They were both slightly “interactive” with mushroom powder on the glass and pop rocks on the side for another. I highly recommend. The vibe is definitely chill, and a little boring(?), but that means it’s easy to have a conversation. I was seated in a little nook with my boyfriend, which was fine. I almost slipped on the very loose carpet. They might need a thicker carpet in that area. The server caught us to return money so that was amazing!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №165

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №166

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №167

One of the best dining experiences we've had. Everything from the food and cocktails to the hospitality of the servers was 11/10.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №168

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №169

The food and service at this restaurant was absolutely great. We made reservations for omakase. They do their best to send you all necessary detail about info of your reservation and where to park, which was nice. From the beginning of our arrival to check-in our reservation, it honestly felt like a journey/adventure. Personally, I'm a foodie so watching chef handle our courses in front of us was awesome. Once they hand you the course(s), I gained even more respect for the chefs.
There was some experimental dishes that were fusion; however, it did not personally fit/blend in with the other meals.
This restaurant is by far the best omakase I have experienced in Austin. My honest rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars - due to some fusion courses part of the omakase and the sake pairing was overpriced.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №170

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №171

Truly amazing experience.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №172

We had a great time here! It’s definitely an experience to try out! One of the best places in Austin by far!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №173

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №174

Incredible food. Even better experience. It'll wow you at every opportunity!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №175

Truly, the fact that this place has anything below a 4.9 is astonishing to me. Otoko is a hidden jem among a lot of over publicized restaurants. From their food to their cocktail program everything is 10/10. Their servers level of hospitality is something that I have never experienced before.

Yes, they are pricey so don’t go their expecting a cheap meal. There menu is curated perfectly and so well thought out that I could argue they should charge more. Be prepared to try new things, learn about Japanese dining, and really enjoy yourself!

For your anniversary, birthday, graduation, promotion… this place is your spot.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №176

I only went to the lounge for their service. Nothing impressive. Decor is nice. Why I’m giving it a one star is they charge you $10 per person to make the reservation and don’t refund it or apply it to your bill. So we had one drink each and apps for over $100 just for an OK experience for two people. Not worth it. Maybe the dinner experience is better.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №177

Intimate, seats 6 people per seating. Ample selection of a variety of types and flavors of seafood. I would say there is a good balance between sauce and garnish on each piece and a focus on the taste of the actual fish and seafood. It's a delicate balance not all sushi places get right.. but they seem to do it well. I also enjoyed the pre-dinner cocktail at the watertrade next door.
Reservations are a bit tricky at this place.. but nothing highly desirable is easy to get.
I will be back...

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №178

The restaurant was barred from entry by chain both literally and figuratively for a good month before we could finally participate in a highly anticipated anniversary dinner. After informing the reception downstairs that they were barring dining entry ON BEHALF of Otoko, we were allowed in to have sake and eggplant fries while waiting for dinner. After an hour, I asked our server when it'd be time to eat. She gave me a puzzled look and informed me I'd only paid for the pre-dining bar experience....

Let me reiterate. I paid, a month in advance, for the right to reserve french fries and bar sake. Of course, I was upset. When speaking to the manager to ask about fixing the misunderstanding, he very politely ignored every word I said, and informed me that I was indeed stupid. "The reservation clearly stated it was only for the bar," repeated ad-nauseum. So, I will rate the experience appropriately for a bar. I saw only a blank folding screen for over an hour and drank cutely named sake that were highly variated in cost and yet somehow tasted the same and with no additional option for heated drinks. The eggplant fries were fluffy and crisp but not at all filling. Only made me more frustrated that we wouldn't be eating dinner every time I bent past my knees to pick up a fry from our shin-height table. A poor bar experience. Maybe the restaurant part was good. I wouldn't know.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №179

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №180

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽Always amazing. Hard to get resy’s but when you do it is so worth it. Small, intimate atmosphere similar to traditional Japanese restaurants. Pricy but so worth it if you enjoy omakase. The details put forth in the presentation and preparation of the dishes are delicate, refined, and flavorful. The chef knows his stuff. Watershed is a chill lounge next door you can hangout while you wait for your reservation at Otoko or if you don’t have a reservation for Otoko. Sit at the bar and order some pupu’s and experience Otokos drinks and smaller limited menu.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №181

I would give this place 6 stars if google would let me . I recommend making a trip to Austin just to taste the wonders being created here . I think this might be the best omakase in the US !!!

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №182

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №183

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №184

First off, Google's description is off. The proper term for this type of restaurant is kaiseki, not "omakase."

Second, this is easily the best restaurant in Austin right now. It may very well be the best Japanese restaurant in North America, in fact.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №185

Pretty brutal experience. We booked 3+ months in advance and turned out we had accidentally just booked for drinks and not omakase. Staff/management was super condescending and only alternative option was “maybe you can book in a few months.” Wouldn’t go back or recommend to friends.

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №186

Visited 3 years ago

Sushi Experience №187

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №188

Amazing experience and exquisite food. Every bite was delectable, flavors thoughtfully created.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №189

Many menu items were just too salty. Textures seemed off. Duck and wagyu was more chewy than tender. Didn't have much contrast of textures. Would recommend trying something else for the price.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №190

Very overrated. A couple dishes were delicious but overall the food was good at best. Definitely not worth the price tag. Service is sub par as well. I have definitely been to worse places but this was easily one of the more disappointing places. Don’t waste your money, it’s all hype.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №191

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №192

Definitely going back. Super service! Killer food and drinks!

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №193

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №194

This was a completely transformational dining experience.

The creativity of flavors Chef Yoshi has created here is an absolute masterpiece.

From the time you walk in, you are whisked away into a surreal dining setting only to be served dish after dish of delights that will bring mere mortals to their knees asking, “how the f*ck can food taste this good”.

Wow Otoko. What a ride ! I Cannot recommend this experience enough.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №195

One of the best dining experiences in town. It is wasted on the non-adventurous eater, though. So ensure your dining companion is a true lover of food and new experiences and doesn’t eat like a toddler. The one half of couple next to us was turning her nose up at every little thing. I was embarrassed for her and mad at him for putting her and the chef through this nonsense.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №196

Had an amazing time. Unbelievable food. Best mackerel I've ever had. Totally worth it.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №197

This is the kind of place you don't just go too. You seek it out. Warning you can not afford it. Warning it is totally worth the un affordable price.

This is not a meal it is a dining adventure . There were 20 separate plates in my meal over a two hour period. Also of note. The staff are all just better humans than you or I ( in a evolved not snotty way). This is reflected in the level of service.

Sumary: skip the next car payment and go here instead.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №198

An absolute amazing experience. True Japanese Texas fusion experience!

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №199

Fantastic place. This was an experience I never would have imagined. I tried so many new things that I never even knew existed. I can't recommend enough.

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Experience №200

Absolutely fantastic experience from the minute we arrived to the minute we left. Attention to detail was phenomenal, the food was outstanding, the sake was amazing, the staff was second to none. Highly recommended!

Visited 4 years ago

Sushi Details
  • 16 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.6 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 512-994-0428
  • Menu Website: http://otokoaustin.com/?utm_source=Google%20My%20Business&utm_medium=Organic
  • Sushi Address: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States
  • Sushi Map: 30.247543699999998, -97.7502607
Specialties
  • Japanese restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Sushi restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5–11 PM
  • Wednesday: 5–11 PM
  • Thursday: 5–11 PM
  • Friday: 5–11 PM
  • Saturday: 5–11 PM
Service options
  • Dine-in: Available
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
Popular for
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Gender-neutral toilets: Available
  • Toilets: Available
  • Wi-Fi: Available
  • Wi-Fi: Available
Atmosphere
  • Cosy: Available
  • Romantic: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • LGBTQ+ friendly: Available
  • Tourists: Available
  • Transgender safe space: Available
Planning
  • Reservations required: Available
  • Dinner reservations recommended: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Parking
  • Free multi-storey car park: Available
  • Parking: Available
  • Valet parking: Available