Austin Restaurants Celebrate International Sushi Day with Special Bites

Sashimi. Maki. Nigiri. International Sushi Day is this Wednesday, and Austin's dining scene has us buzzing with anticipation. From innovative interpretations to classic rolls to time-honored traditions, the city's sushi establishments are ready to showcase their craft, and we are ready to indulge.

Here are 13 places for sushi in Austin.

Craft Omakase

Craft Omakase offers a 22-course seasonal tasting menu focused on Japanese fine dining. Featured in the 2024 dining guide, Craft Omakase provides an immersive chef's choice experience.

"The sushi chefs, who worked down the street at Uchiko for years before striking out on their own, modestly adorn nigiri, choices that highlight the natural flavor of each piece, whether it be the soy and lime zest emboldening fluke, or the punchy aka kosho dabbed on a scored cylinder of Hokkaido scallop. They also apply textural touches sparingly and to great effect, as with the crunchy furikake atop buttery ocean trout one night and a fish skin crumble the next," dining critic Matthew Odam writes.

4400 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite 102. craftomakase.com/. 512-887-8889.

Kome: Sushi Kitchen

Kome is a go-to spot for those seeking traditional sushi done well. The restaurant focuses on small, shareable plates, noodles, grilled items, rice dishes, and an extensive selection of sushi. Its raw bar presents a wide array of sashimi and nigiri, including premium tuna cuts and specialized offerings, while signature rolls and classic hosomaki provide additional sushi choices.

5301 Airport Blvd #100. kome-austin.com. 512-712-5700.

Lucky Robot

For those who appreciate a colorful atmosphere and creative sushi rolls, Lucky Robot stands out. Offerings include crudo, hot tastings, maki rolls, and an extensive selection of nigiri and sashimi. The raw fish options include various grades of tuna, salmon, Australian yellowtail, and items like sake-marinated salmon caviar. The restaurant also provides a Happy Hour menu, available Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Happy Hour beverage menu includes discounted cocktails, along with beers, sakes and wines.

1303 S Congress Ave. luckyrobotatx.com. 512-444-8081.

Neighborhood Sushi

Neighborhood Sushi offers Japanese menus featuring a range of small, shareable plates, soups, salads, tempura and an extensive selection of sushi and sashimi. Sushi offerings include various rolls such as Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Scallion and a Wagyu roll. The nigiri and sashimi list features tuna cuts, yellowtail, fluke, and Japanese uni. Neighborhood Sushi also offers a Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., which includes $10 Beer and Sake specials, $2 off all alcoholic drinks, and half-off tempura selections.

1716 S Congress Ave. neighborhoodsushi.com. 512-580-1390.

Tare

Tare, another establishment noted in the 2024 dining guide, promises an intriguing and noteworthy approach to Japanese cuisine.

"Michael Carranza finds a way to tastefully and creatively add personal narrative to his sushi, elevating, not overwhelming the bites. The South Texas native perks up Japanese sea bream (madai) with salsa verde and dots ceviche with cotija cheese and winks of serrano pepper, culinary moves that feel natural and not forced. Even dishes that read like a reach, bluefin tuna served on chicharron, land gently, revealing the chef’s story and skill simultaneously," Odam writes.

12414 Alderbrook Drive. tareaustin.com.

Top Roe

Top Roe, helmed by Chef Paul Qui, presents two distinct dining experiences: a 12-seat handroll counter and an Izakaya dining room in downtown Austin. The handroll counter offers a focused menu of freshly prepared handrolls. A la carte handrolls range from classic California and Spicy Tuna to more elaborate options like Lobster, Scallop with smoked trout roe. Vegan handrolls are also available, such as Eggplant, Sweet Potato Tempura, and Crunchy Mapo Tofu.

120 W 5th St. toproe.com. 512-489-4441.

The Tradition at Hyatt Centric

Located within the Hyatt Centric, The Tradition American Kitchen is putting a spin on handrolls for International Sushi Day. Executive Chef Iain Reddick's handrolls incorporate pickled vegetables, mango, and pickled fresno chiles, alongside house-made sauces like fresh aiolis and a gluten-free tamari. Tempura-based handrolls are offered as an accessible option for those new to sushi. The menu also features a Sashimi Salad and seasonal Poké Bowls.

721 Congress Ave. traditionatx.com/location/the-tradition/. 737-257-3211.

Tsuke Edomae

Highlighted in the Statesman's 2024 dining guide, Tsuke Edomae offers an authentic Edo-style sushi experience, although limited public seats make reservations very difficult to score.

"Aji scored in a way that makes the fish, topped with a bright green dollop of pulverized green onion, look like it’s in motion. Rippled pieces of prized otoro seared by a touch of ogatan charcoal that renders the fat in a way that makes the tuna melt in your mouth. Voluptuous uni twirling its way out of a seaweed wrapper, the sweet oceanic luxury the texture of custard. All perfect bites," Odam writes.

4600 Mueller Blvd. #1035. tsukeedo.com. 512-825-3120.

Soto South Lamar

Roll selections at Soto offer a range from Wagyu Land & Sea, Honey Truffle to the Niku Niku roll, which features beef tenderloin, A5 Wagyu, chives and caviar. The nigiri and sashimi list is categorized by type of fish. Specialty nigiri options include Cuttlefish with honey-miso and Legacy Wagyu. Guests can also opt for an Omakase chef's tasting menu.

1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste 2115. sotosouthlamar.com. 512-531-9142.

Sushi Roku

For those seeking a curated experience, Sushi Roku presents a special $45 sushi box for International Sushi Day. This selection includes toro, hirame, hamachi, sake and shiro maguro, complemented by a spicy tuna cut roll and their signature baked crab handroll. The box is available for pick-up via their website or for delivery through third-party services. DoorDash orders will receive a complimentary Fuji Apple Red Bull.

405 Colorado St Suite 100. sushiroku.com. 512-651-0990.

Uchi and Uchiko

These sister establishments consistently rank among Austin's top dining destinations, known for their innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. Both Uchi and Uchiko offer a refined atmosphere and a menu that frequently pushes creative boundaries with their sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes.

Uchi - 801 S Lamar Blvd. uchi.uchirestaurants.com. 512-916-4808.

Uchiko - 4200 N Lamar Blvd. uchiko.uchirestaurants.com. 512-916-4808.

Yuki Handroll Bar

A standout from the 2023 Statesman dining guide, Yuki remains a reliable option for its delectable sushi.

"Chefs Jun Kim and Hyo Lim slice the fish into ample pieces and drape them over lightly vinegared rice for very good nigiri, like a torched salmon belly and yellowtail belly spotted with chives. Not sure what to order? Yuki has a hand-written board at the end of its 20-seat horseshoe-shaped bar with chef’s selections that may include sweet shrimp served with a fried head or lush Japanese uni," Odam writes.

6317 Bee Cave Road. Suite 330. yukihandroll.com/. 512-344-9797.