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The Best Sushi Spots in Austin, TX

If you’re searching for the best sushi in Austin, this guide is for you. From intimate omakase counters to casual neighborhood gems, these are the spots that show off the full range of what the city has to offer.

I’ve been obsessed with sushi for years. Not just eating it, but respecting it—the craft, the discipline, the way a simple marriage of rice and fish can speak louder than any complicated dish. Real sushi is about reverence. The rice has to be seasoned and warm enough to wake up the fish. The cut has to be precise, honoring texture and fat. It’s a cuisine where restraint is everything. That’s why traveling to Tokyo and Osaka in April 2025 wasn’t just a food trip for me—it was a pilgrimage. I wanted to see if Austin, the city I call home, could really stand in the same league as Japan’s heavy hitters. The answer? Yes. If you know where to look.

Before diving into the list, let’s draw an important line. There are sushi restaurants built around cut rolls, appetizers, and fun dining. Then there are places that put nigiri front and center, letting the fish and rice do the talking. And then, of course, there’s omakase—the chef’s counter experience where the meal is a guided journey rather than a menu selection. Austin has contenders in all three lanes.

Austin also has well-known names like Uchi and Uchiko, but since those restaurants now have locations across the country, they’re not the focus here. This list highlights the places that still feel uniquely Austin—the rooms, counters, and trucks that give our sushi scene its own identity. Here are the sushi spots that matter most.

 

Sushi Restaurants in Austin

Sushi Yume
Worth the shlep, every time. The nigiri here is the same quality—if not better—than far more expensive counters in Austin. The rice is spot-on, the cuts are precise, and the fish tastes like it came straight from Tsukiji. Beyond the sushi, the donburi bowls are downright dank, the udon hits the spot, and their Bluefin and Yume rolls are the stars of the menu. This is the rare spot that delivers both on pure sushi craft and comforting Japanese staples.

Tatsumi
If nigiri is your north star, Tatsumi should be on your map. Each piece is carefully composed, highlighting the chef’s respect for the balance of rice and fish. Still, the rolls here deserve just as much attention—the Miyazaki roll and Gary’s roll are two of the best in Austin. They strike that elusive middle ground: inventive, but not overwrought. This is sushi done with quiet confidence.

Komé
Komé nails the balance between quality and value. The nigiri is generous—slices of fish cascading over rice—and the rolls are simple, clean, and satisfying. The lunch bento boxes are a steal, giving you a well-rounded taste of their menu for a fraction of the price. Favorites like the Alone Together and Summer Time rolls showcase Komé’s knack for straightforward flavor that still excites. If you want everyday sushi that still feels special, this is it.

Lucky Robot
Right on South Congress, Lucky Robot is your best bet when you want sushi in the middle of Austin’s busiest strip. What sets it apart is its aged sushi, which develops richer, deeper flavors than most casual spots attempt. It’s approachable, reliable, and a reminder that you don’t need to leave SoCo to get good sushi.

Musashino
The OG of Austin sushi. Musashino is where Tyson Cole trained before opening Uchi, and it’s still one of the city’s anchor sushi bars. The room is buzzing with energy, the scene is lively, and the food has never lost its edge. Nigiri here is excellent without being overpriced, and the rolls—Road Runner, Big Southern, Texas Road Kill, and Bumble Bee—are iconic. Musashino isn’t just dinner, it’s part of Austin sushi history.

Little Nishi
Proof that you don’t need a brick-and-mortar to serve legit sushi. Out of a food truck, Little Nishi pumps out crisp, satisfying hand rolls that are perfect on the go. The nori is always fresh, the rice well seasoned, and the fillings hit the right balance. On a warm Austin night, nothing beats a few of these rolls eaten curbside.

Sushi Warriors
All-you-can-eat sushi usually equals disappointment, but Sushi Warriors flips that script. The quality here is surprisingly strong for an AYCE setup, and the variety lets you explore without feeling like you traded quality for volume. For skeptics, Amanda’s review says it best—this spot actually delivers. Go hungry.

Omakase Experiences in Austin

Toshokan
One of the most fun and immersive omakase experiences in Austin. Chef Saine guides guests through a 14-course progression that’s equal parts dinner and theater. For those with hearty appetites, opt for the 17-course version—the bonus bites often include uni and foie gras, two of the highlights of the night. Expect a show along the way: fire, smoke, and powdered toppings appear in clever, flavorful ways that reflect Saine’s travels. A standout dish for me was the Atlantic cod, which took me right back to the kaiseki meals I enjoyed in Japan. If there’s one critique, it’s that the rice sometimes leans soft; I prefer it firmer. But that’s a small note in an otherwise world-class experience. Toshokan deserves every bit of its reputation as one of Austin’s best.

Craft Omakase
Austin’s first Michelin-starred sushi spot earned that accolade in its very first year, and it has continued to justify the recognition with every service. Nguyen and Charlie, both veterans of Tyson Cole’s kitchens, are not only gracious hosts but also deeply skilled technicians at the counter. The experience they’ve built is polished and precise, a progression that highlights their mastery of balance and pacing. Their aged fish program is particularly noteworthy, deepening flavors in a way that adds nuance without ever overwhelming the delicate rice. Each course feels deliberate, and by the time dessert arrives, you’ve been through a journey that is refined without ever feeling stuffy. Craft raised the city’s omakase bar overnight and remains one of the most aspirational dining tickets in Austin.

Tsuke Edomae
The hardest reservation in Austin—and maybe the most authentic. The chef spends half the week in Tokyo, personally sourcing fish and flying it back for service in Austin. That kind of dedication results in an omakase that feels as though it’s been lifted straight out of a Ginza counter: exacting, deliberate, and rooted in edomae tradition. Every bite showcases intensity and precision that’s rare to find stateside, from the sheen of the fish to the seasoning of the rice. It books out three to six months in advance, and honestly, you usually need to know someone to get in. If you manage to score a seat, consider it more than just dinner—it’s a glimpse into the heart of Tokyo sushi culture, right here in Texas.

Final Word: Austin Knows It's Way Around Nigiri as much as BBQ

Austin isn’t Tokyo. But in the last few years, our sushi scene has exploded, with chefs pushing for authenticity and innovation in equal measure. Whether you want a quick hand roll from a truck, a roll-heavy dinner with friends, or a Michelin-star omakase, this city delivers. For me, after Japan, I realized sushi in Austin doesn’t just hold up—it thrives in its own way.

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About the Author:

Eric Bernstein is the President and Co-Founder of LendFriend Mortgage—and a proud Texan by choice since 2016. When he’s not helping clients make smarter, more confident mortgage decisions, you’ll find him eating his way through Austin’s food scene, catching live music, or exploring small towns and swimming holes across the state. With over a decade of experience and a reputation as one of the sharpest mortgage minds in the country, Eric brings a rare mix of financial expertise and local curiosity to The Lone Star Lowdown. His goal? To help you enjoy Texas like a local—and buy real estate like a pro.