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.
Parking: They will validate the hotel garage but occasionally it gets full
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kevin hu
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire Matthews
A truly incredible dining experience! Like no other meal I’ve ever had. The food is amazing and the service is incredible. Would highly recommend!
Joel Sumner
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Veronica Cantu
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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Mayes White
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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Ed Lam
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.
Eden Hirsche
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luke InTx
I think a high price Japanese foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Matt Jones
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.
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
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
J C
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Page
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!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Tariq Rahman
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jasmine Huang
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!
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.
Parking: They will validate the hotel garage but occasionally it gets full
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A truly incredible dining experience! Like no other meal I’ve ever had. The food is amazing and the service is incredible. Would highly recommend!
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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.
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I think a high price Japanese foods.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
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
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
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