19 Best Japanese Restaurants in Austin, TX in 2024

Published on July 17, 2024 | 0 Comments
People eating sushi in asian restaurant

Japanese restaurants in Austin give an already diverse dining scene an added boost of international flavor. The quality and character of choices for Japanese restaurants in Austin are as diverse as the cuisines this cherished culture presents to the world. With the city's renowned talent for sharing exciting discoveries with residents and visitors, this list of Japanese restaurants lining Austin’s streets is simply par for the course.

Where does your quest for the finest Japanese restaurants in Austin begin? Our collection presents Austin’s Japanese restaurant scene like a bouquet of gourmet delights. Every spot is a sure winner, setting the table with sushi, steak, teppanyaki and more for a city-wide feast you can enjoy one enticing bite at a time.

 

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The 19 Best Japanese Restaurants in Austin, Texas

1. Soto Japanese Cuisine

There's an artistry to the way food is made at Soto Japanese Cuisine, as you’d expect at the top Japanese restaurants in Austin. Curious diners will discover ambiance and cosmopolitan energy to spare, the perfect accompaniments for elegant takes on classic fare.

The Vibe

With mood lighting and slick décor, this modern sushi lounge brings the drama.

What to Order

Place your trust in the chef with the Omakase menu and prepare to be wowed by this Japanese restaurant in Austin’s exemplary offering.

Soto Japanese Cuisine | 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 2115, Austin, TX 78704 | $$$

Enjoy the Omakase menu at this Japanese restaurant in Austin
via Soto Japanese Cuisine

2. Tomodachi Sushi

This entry among the top Japanese restaurants in Austin may be called Tomodachi Sushi, but it's so much more than that. Explore separate menus for hot, cold and traditional selections, as well as a special menu featuring some creative rolls with spicy NSFW names!

The Vibe

A simple counter set-up seats guests shoulder-to-shoulder for the two things you expect from every Japanese restaurant in Austin — fantastic food and great times.

What to Order

Pair rock shrimp tempura with teriyaki chicken or yellowtail sashimi to sample some of the finest dining offered by Japanese restaurants in North Austin.

Tomodachi Sushi | 4101 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. E., Austin, TX 78727 | $$

3. Ichiban

The blend of Japanese and Korean dishes found at Ichiban gives Japanese restaurants around Austin a refreshing fusion flavor that makes sense. These complementary cuisines share the menu to provide visitors with an expanded menu of Asian delicacies.

The Vibe

Airy and open, this Japanese restaurant in Austin inspires a joyful communal spirit.

What to Order

With the sushi matsu platter, you can enjoy seven pieces of chef-chosen nigiri. Upgrade to the take tray for nine pieces or the ume plate for 11 pieces.

Ichiban | 7310 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757 | $$

Sushi Matsu platter with seven pieces of nigiri
via Ichiban

4. Ichi-Umi Sushi

A visit to Ichi-Umi Sushi is the perfect way for fans of global cuisine to celebrate. The glamorous setting and the casual spirit are a winning combination and an excellent addition to the collection of Japanese restaurants in Austin.

The Vibe

This stylish dining room gives Japanese restaurants in North Austin a high standard to uphold. It's perfect for an anniversary or a birthday in Austin.

What to Order

Start with bulgogi lettuce wraps and a crisp nest of tempura-fried vegetables, followed by an array of authentic sushi as your sumptuous centerpiece.

Ichi-Umi Sushi | 9503 Research Blvd., Ste. 500, Austin, TX 78759 | $$

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5. Choo Sando Omakase

As Chef Dong Ho Choo's namesake sushi house, Choo Sando Omakase is one of the Japanese restaurants Austin has to offer for world-class sushi aficionados. Chef Choo takes great pride in discovering new aspects of this iconic dish, bringing fresh aspects that delight and surprise his guests with every visit.

The Vibe

The homey and humble dining room is perfect for the laid-back enjoyment of Japanese restaurants in Austin.

What to Order

Head in at midday and order a lunch sushi box to enjoy your choice of rolls served with soothing miso soup.

Choo Sando Omakase | 5222 Burnet Road, Ste. 535, Austin, TX 78758 | $$

Order a lunch sushi box at this Japanese restaurant in Austin
via Choo Sando Omakase

6. Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Japanese restaurants in Austin are representative of the izakaya tradition in Kemuri Tatsu-Ya. This unique locale taps into the pub feel of a traditional izakaya with a punch of eclectic modern whimsy. The result is a hip space for sharing plates with friends or indulging your livelier date ideas in Austin.

The Vibe

An exciting tiki bar sensibility reigns in this swanky Austin Japanese restaurant.

What to Order

The Guaca-Poke is a delightful mix of wasabi and guac-topped tuna served over corn chips — a full-fledged Japanese nacho platter!

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya | 2713 E. 2nd St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$

7. Komé

Give Komé a try to find out how Japanese restaurants in Austin create an extended family that includes patrons from around the city. Owners Také and Kayo Asazu have assembled a charming Asian kitchen that feels like a neighborhood hang-out serving first-rate recreations of Japanese originals.

The Vibe

Fun and friendly, with a soothing palette saturated with light.

What to Order

Plant-based eaters can indulge at this Japanese restaurant in Austin thanks to creative offerings like tofu steak and vegetable tempura, while omnivores have a world of incredible sushi and seafood to choose from. 

Komé | 7310 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757 | $$

Two seafood sushi rolls
via Komé

8. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Experience the thrill of ultra-modern sushi conveyor belt dining at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, one of the most interactive Japanese restaurants in Austin. Soups, side dishes and sushi specialties roll their way toward you non-stop, making it easy to grab what looks delicious and give it the old college try!

The Vibe

Brightly-colored cartoon décor gives this diner an injection of dazzling Japanese visual punch.

What to Order

Pick up a dish of fried scallops, some caterpillar rolls and a bowl of ramen for a well-rounded Japanese spread you can sink your chopsticks into.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar | 6929 Airport Blvd., Ste. 125, Austin, TX 78752 | $$

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9. Ramen Tatsu-ya

The modern ramen movement makes its way to the live music capital of the world in the form of Ramen Tatsu-ya. This premier Japanese restaurant in South Austin enlightens visitors on the truth about this often misunderstood Asian staple. It's nothing like the super-processed grocery store ramen you're used to!

The Vibe

Red and gold accents and pop art touches make this soulful space shine.

What to Order

The OG tonkotsu stirs together pork, eggs, mushrooms and scallions in a savory pork bone broth to bring real ramen to Austin's Japanese restaurant scene.

Ramen Tatsu-ya | 1600 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$

Try the OG Tonkotsu ramen at this Japanese restaurant in Austin
via Ramen Tatsu-ya

10. Sushi Japon & Hibachi Grill

Gear up for dinner and a show at Sushi Japon & Hibachi Grill, a key Japanese restaurant in Austin for the dazzling art of teppanyaki. Filled with fire, festive spirit and the fascinating talents of the hibachi chefs on staff, it's a perfect example of fun restaurants in Austin that aren't afraid to bring the heat.

The Vibe

Watch in wonder as culinary performers create your dinner at your table in real-time.

What to Order

If you're not here for the hibachi menu, you're missing out on first-rate food crafted by daring showmen with a flair for culinary drama.

Sushi Japon & Hibachi Grill | 6801 N. Interstate Highway 35, Austin, TX 78752 | $$

11. Uchiko

James Beard-winning chef Tyson Cole is the mastermind behind Uchiko, a fine dining experience that takes Japanese restaurants in Austin to indulgent heights. This luxe locale is an offshoot of Uchi, imbued with a unique personality reflective of the most creative modern Japanese cuisine.

The Vibe

Salvaged wood and fine art make this one of the most sumptuous Japanese restaurants in Austin.

What to Order

Splurge on a two-person signature tasting menu and sample a six-dish spread featuring steak frites, nigiri and a lychee coconut sundae for dessert.

Uchiko | 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 | $$$$

Steak frites from signature tasting
via Uchiko

12. Sugar Pine

Not many Japanese restaurants in Austin offer authentic dishes and incredible sushi with a side of homemade ice cream, but Sugar Pine certainly does! This one-of-a-kind eatery is a welcoming place for families to gather and even offers a dog-friendly patio for pets to join in on the fun.

The Vibe

An adorable spot with radiant natural light and an expansive dining space.

What to Order

A few plates of gyoza chicken and tempura shrimp to share are the perfect lead-in to toasted coconut ice cream or watermelon-basil sorbet.

Sugar Pine | 8578 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78758 | $$

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13. Zen

With Zen, fans of Japanese restaurants in Austin get a two-for-one deal; enjoy traditional Asian dishes from the main kitchen or order juicy wagyu burgers loaded to the gills from Luck's Waggyu Burger Shoppe, the sister speakeasy restaurant that shares the premises.

The Vibe

A more artful version of a fast food deli, but with Japanese cuisine… and secret burgers.

What to Order

Whether you go with a shishito steak bowl from Zen or a Swagyu cheeseburger from Luck's, you're in for a phenomenal meal.

Zen | 2900 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757 | $

Savor the Shishito steak bowl at this Japanese restaurant in Austin
via Zen

14. Fukimoto

Get fired up for Fukimoto and you'll be sitting pretty with comfort food served Asian style. One of the funkier fast-casual Japanese restaurants around Austin, this house specializes in yakitori and sushi, with a slew of creative inventions that jazz up your options deliciously.

The Vibe

Eccentric décor and an uninhibited character create the feeling of a college town taphouse.

What to Order

Of all the heritage dishes on the menu at this Japanese restaurant in Austin, the real eye-catchers are the takoyaki-style corn dogs, wrapped in batter and fried to delicious oblivion.

Fukimoto | 514 Medina St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$

15. Lucky Robot

The big brains at Lucky Robot bring high-concept cleverness to Japanese restaurants in South Austin. Though the eatery's personality is fun and frivolous, its commitment to sustainability is anything but; it's the first fully sustainable sushi restaurant in Austin, an accomplishment highlighted by a James Beard honor for its ocean-conscious operation.

The Vibe

A vivacious mix of traditional Japanese beauty and authentic Southwestern verve.

What to Order

Drop in for Happy Hour and treat yourself and your crew to panko-crusted zucchini bites, pork dumplings and gourmet crudo made for sharing.

Lucky Robot | 1303 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 | $$

Six pork dumplings topped with sauce
via Lucky Robot

16. Miyo Yakitori and Sushi

Quick yakitori, leisurely sushi and serene fine dining are all specialties at Miyo Yakitori and Sushi. Choose your favorite mode and let this thoroughly accommodating Japanese restaurant in Austin show you a sensational time.

The Vibe

Stone and wood surfaces flanked by fish kites and traditional lanterns create a charming Japanese escape.

What to Order

Savor a soothing hot pot filled with your choice of beef or tofu sukiyaki and let the world go on without you for a while.

Miyo Yakitori and Sushi | 8701 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 2128, Austin, TX 78729 | $$

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17. Tsukimi

Add a touch of luxury to your menu of Japanese restaurants in Austin with Tsukimi in the mix. The artful presentation takes the plates at this eatery into the realm of the sublime, but that’s nothing compared to the incredible flavors.

The Vibe

Chic styling makes this the perfect Japanese restaurant in Austin for culinary romance or catching up with your closest pals.

What to Order

Enjoy some assorted sushi or sashimi plates. They are all worth trying.

Tsukimi | 12400 N. Interstate 35, Exit 245, Ste. A-111, Austin, TX 78753 | $$

Try the sashimi plates at this Japanese restaurant in Austin
via Tsukimi

18. Osaka Mansun

Finding Korean dishes at Japanese restaurants in Austin like Osaka Mansun means getting two incredible Asian cuisines in one stop. Mansun translates to “ship fully loaded with fish,” an apt description for a sushi kitchen that serves collection after collection of phenomenal pescatarian creations.

The Vibe

Simple décor in this cozy dining room makes the food the superstar.

What to Order

Opt for the signature Mansun sampler, but bring a friend or two. This colossal 36-piece platter is a supreme sushi selection made to satisfy.

Osaka Mansun | 13492 Research Blvd., Ste. 160, Austin, TX 78750 | $$

19. Kobe Steakhouse

You can't explore Japanese restaurants in Austin without making a stop at Kobe Steakhouse for premium dishes featuring some of the finest beef in the world. Of course, you'll find seafood and vegetable dishes on the menu as well, which means everyone in your party can order their favorites.

The Vibe

This supremely stylish space combines Japanese screens with warm Western wood and exciting hibachi tables.

What to Order

With a five-ounce petite or eight-ounce haruku filet mignon on your plate, you'll be dining in high style. If you're a seafood lover, try the teriyaki scallops.

Kobe Steakhouse | 13492 US-183, Ste. 380, Austin, TX 78750 | $$$

Teriyaki scallops served with veggies
via Kobe Steakhouse

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Try Hibachi Catering in Austin

Turn your special occasion into a Japanese feast with hibachi catering in Austin. This exciting culinary opportunity brings professionally crafted cuisine to your home table, complete with an expert chef behind the counter and an array of hand-chosen dishes for a custom menu. It's a deliciously thrilling addition to your most memorable moments. And if you’re eager to become a home hibachi chef, check out cooking classes in Austin geared toward a more entertaining way to create your own eye-catching spread.

Zeroing in on the finest Japanese restaurants in Austin to satisfy your hunger for fresh, flavorful food presented in your preferred dining environment is no easy feat. Having such an array at your fingertips means you'll likely need to plan visits to several spots to determine which eateries are your preferred choice. No worries, though; the Japanese restaurants of Austin are more than happy to indulge your ongoing quest for fantastic fare.

For even more ways to explore Austin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.