Best Sushi in Austin: 15 Spots for Fresh Japanese Fare

Fresh sushi in Austin? Oh yes, it’s true. Sure, the capital city of Texas might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think about the choicest morsels of sushi. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get incredibly fresh and flavorful nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls, and other Japanese favorites in Austin.  Keep reading to find out where to go for the best sushi in Austin.

15 Top Sushi Spots in Austin

These sushi restaurants don’t have the luxury of being located next to to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. But many of these places get fresh seafood flown in from Tsukiji (and other top seafood hubs) so you can treat your taste buds without the 15-hour flight to Tokyo. Get ready for some delicious sushi and authentic Japanese food at these top sushi restaurants in Austin.

Uchi

801 S Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704

Although this list on the best sushi in Austin isn’t in any particular order, it’s not exactly arbitrary that Uchi finds itself at the top. Why? Ridiculously fresh fish. Stellar cold and hot dishes (everything from yellowtail and spicy tuna to sizzling Wagyu on a hot rock). A killer sake and drink list. Creative, modern takes on classics. And an omakase experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve just landed in Tokyo. Except you’re in a charming red bungalow in the middle of Austin. No surprise that owner and chef Tyson Cole is a James Beard Foundation award-winning chef.

Uchiko

4200 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756

The sister restaurant and self-proclaimed “child of Uchi,” Uchiko takes its creative cues from its progenitor but offers its own take on modern Japanese fare. The restaurant not only sources ingredients from local farmers, but it gets its seafood every day from the Toyosu market in Japan. Expect a delectable variety of sushi, entrees, vegetarian options, daily specials, and an impressive array of wines, cocktails, and sake.

Komé 

5301 Airport Blvd. #100, Austin, TX 78751

For home-style Japanese food and sushi in a laid-back environment, Komé is king. The menu is a smorgasbord of options — from the sushi bar, yatai (street food), and fried treats (miso-glazed chicken wings or thighs, anyone?) to homemade gyoza, yakitori, ramen, and rice (aka komé), this place is an Austin favorite for many good reasons.

Tomodachi Sushi

4101 W. Parmer Ln., Austin, TX 78727

Owned by sushi chef Steve Riad and his wife Tina Son, Tomodachi Sushi makes the cut with great sushi, beautifully presented Japanese dishes, and a sleek, modern vibe. Guests are treated to fresh delicacies ranging from horse mackerel (flown in from Tsukiji fish market) to wild yellowtail from the Honolulu fish market. It’s high-end dining with a low-key attitude that perfectly befits an Austin crowd seeking world-class seafood.

Haru Sushi

9503 Research Blvd. #500, Austin, TX 78759

Located in the Gateway Shopping Center, Haru Sushi is one of those unassuming strip mall finds that locals return to again and again. Affordable and approachable for nigiri novices and veterans alike, this is where to get creative “specialty” rolls with names like Foxy Lady, Crimson Baby, Choo Choo, and First Kiss. There’s also bento-box lunch specials with tempura and other favorites during the week.

Kyoten Sushiko

For a sophisticated Japanese dining experience, Kyoten Sushiko offers an intimate omakase-only menu. Featuring top-quality sushi plus plenty of Japanese beer and sake, this top-notch spot employs techniques such as aging, brining, and curing to bring out the best of every ingredient. As their website states, “Fish are predominantly sourced from Japan and finely tuned to bring out depth, complexity, and umami.”

She’s Not Here

440 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701

“She” might not be here (whoever she is), but you’ll definitely want to find yourself sidling up to one of the booths at She’s Not Here. With its bright and airy tiki-tinged atmosphere and cool soundtrack, this Pacific Asian cocktail bar and kitchen will make you happy before you even get to the Insta-worthy cocktails and delicious sushi. Sizzling clay pots, satay, and tempura are also on offer as well as those aforementioned pretty-as-a-picture drinks. (Don’t worry if you’re not into cocktails. The beer, sake, and wines will do the trick.)

Musashino Sushi Dokoro

4600 Mueller Blvd. #1035, Austin, TX 78723

Specializing in edomae (often called just “edo” or Tokyo-style sushi), Musashino Sushi Dokoro focuses on fresh raw fish and bringing out the flavors of individual ingredients. Expect great sushi, a large variety of rolls, tempura, udon, and other Japanese restaurant classics.

Fukumoto Sushi & Yakitori Izakaya

514 Medina St., Austin, TX 78702

This East Austin favorite is where to go when you’re feeling like enjoying some traditional sushi and yakitori with a fun izakaya (Japanese pub) vibe. Fukumoto offers all the usual suspects including a variety of sushi, sashimi, yakitori, and rolls as well as a few tasty surprises like takoyaki-style corn dogs, cornflake-battered shrimp, and fried chicken.

Bar Chi Sushi

206 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701

Located in Austin’s 2nd Street District, Bar Chi Sushi makes the “best of” list for its enormous menu offering a wide array of sushi, maki rolls, noodle dishes, bento boxes, teppanyaki (gotta love a hot skillet plate), and cocktails. The daily happy hour specials are always a draw as is the reverse happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights.

Otoko

1603 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

When you want a sushi experience in Austin like no other, Otoko is the place. This 12-seat Japanese restaurant located inside the South Congress Hotel exclusively offers a multi-course omakase tasting menu that changes based on season and availability. Just don’t plan on walking in without a reservation. You’ll need to buy tickets (yes, tickets) that are released monthly for the upcoming season. How’s that for swanky?

Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen

1303 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Fresh sushi, prettily plated Asian street food, dumplings, plenty of sake, and a can’t-miss weekend brunch and weeknight happy hour are just some of the reasons Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen deserves to be one of your go-to spots (if it isn’t already). It’s also the first sustainable sushi restaurant in Texas. As part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program and James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch Program, Lucky Robot is dedicated to “responsibly sourcing fish and seafood from around the world.”

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

6929 Airport Blvd. Ste. 125, Austin, TX 78752

You might be asking how Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, a massive chain with more than 400 locations around the world, can make it on a best sushi list. Three words: Revolving. Sushi. Bar. After all, how can you not have a good time grabbing affordable rolls, miso soup, sashimi, nigiri, salads, ramen, and dessert as they pass by you on a conveyor belt?

Osaka Mansun

13492 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78750

Reliably good sushi, approachable Japanese food, and a few Korean dishes in a classic, no-frills atmosphere is what you get at Osaka Mansun. Nothing too crazy, nothing too extravagant, just one of those places you can roll up to when you’re jonesing for a boatload of sushi or some Korean bibimbap.

DK Sushi

5610 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. B, Austin, TX 78751

6400 S. First St., Center Ste. C, Austin, TX 78745

With both a North Lamar and South Lamar location, DK Sushi is obviously doing something right. Expect an easy, casual vibe, Japanese and Korean dishes, and sushi rolls that even non-sushi eaters can get on board with ⁠— oh hello, California roll and rainbow roll.

It’s Sushi Time

Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual meal out, there are plenty of options for the best sushi in Austin. No need to head to Tokyo. With this handy list, you’ll know exactly where to go without ever leaving town.