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We were running late due to traffic and I appreciate how accommodating they were. It started off really nicely. The first few dishes were delicious and the sushi was high quality and I thought the flavor profile was interesting. But it was unbearably cold to the point I couldn't enjoy my food and couldn't wait to leave. Dishes also tasted similar and became repetitive to me (sour & salty). Dessert was really good though
One of the best omakase spots in Austin, paired with some of the best cocktails and inventory of Japanese whisky at Watertrade (WT), makes this spot one of my favorite places in the city. My partner took me here for my birthday last year, so this is a late post, but one of my favorite ones! ---- Review Summary Pros: - Speakeasy-like bar (WT) - Separated spaces (WT/Otoko) - Full bar and incredible inventory - Fresh sushi - Validated parking (hotel) Side Notes: - Make reservations in advance - Closed Sun/Mon - 12 seater omakase What We Got: - 20 course omakase - Sake and wine pairing ---- Detail Review Design/Space: You walk upstairs from the SoCo Hotel's ground level and get to the entrance to Otoko/Watertrade. Once you enter the space, you are greeted by a speakeasy-like Japanese bar (WT) with every Japanese whisky you can think of, and Otoko is hidden away to keep both spaces separated but connected. When you walk into Otoko, it's bright enough, and the space has items from Japan that make you feel you are in a modern timewarp of something from back in the day, yet in a modern 12-seater space. Food/Drinks: They should have received a Michelin star at this location for what they offer the city. It ranks high against the other Michelin spots I've visited from SF to NYC. Drinks: Japanese-based old-fashioned cocktails are one of my faves, so we started with a Goma Fashioned and a Nine-Tailed Fox, both incredible. We then waited for the omakase to start and had the wine and sake pairing. Pace yourself because we got LIT, haha. There were pairings we never saw before, and I don't know if it was because we were getting tipsy, but everything felt balanced with the sweet to savory. Food: The fish wasn't overly sized as some spots in Austin, and the rice was perfect. Fresh sushi flew in, from the uni from Hokkaido to the tuna selections; every bite was delicious. I wish I remembered which was which, but I put my phone down after a moment to relish the moment. The presentation of each dish is gorgeous as well! Staff: Knowledgeable and friendly. I love that they knew different whisky histories, from Japan to where the fish was flown in. Engaging in the science of what they do so well perfectly enhanced the overall experience. Opportunities To Improve: There is not much to improve here, but they could use glassware for OF drinks at Watertrade that feels more "elevated," such as Crate & Barrels Double OF Natala (it feels fancier, haha). ---- Overall Summary Watertrade is one of the best spots in Austin. If you haven't been, go. If you need a place for incredible cocktails, reserve it. However, if you can experience the omakase and Watertrade at once, do that, too. It was one of the most memorable experiences we've had to date, and we will be back again in 2025!
I would not be surprised if this wins a Michelin in 2026. The attention to detail in every dish with the quality of service makes this an easy win. Tucked behind the South Congress Hotel, it almost feels like a speakeasy. What I love is how they invite you for a drink before, either a sparkling wine or sake, while you wait for your turn to be taken into the official dinner space. I loved the contrast from the bar to the restaurant. I loved how the chefs take their work very seriously but are also very playful. I can't stand a stuffy room and this was quite the opposite. This is a must try if you're ever in Austin!
I've been to a few omakase places and this one is very unique from the rest.. it's fast paced but on everyone's speed limit.. the sake pairing was the best I've had! The bites were all unique .. less rice more flavor.. rock star staff.. you feel at home here.. the ambiance is like you're inside the mastermind chef Yoshi's mind! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Unbelievable experience. Chef Yoshi is the man. Anyone who likes sushi needs to try this once in their life. Totally worth it. Every piece of sushi was packed with unique flavor and felt very intentional. The menu was pre selected. Ambiance was so cool. Definitely want to go back.
AMAZING experience! Made reservations for classic omakase on a Thursday evening. They contacted us frequently asking questions like names, allergies, and special occasions. Located in the South Congress Hotel, we first came to watertrade, a very cool Asian inspired bar where we got a toast of sake and tried some of the drinks from the menu. I recommend the Summer Samurai. We then went to the sushi bar Otoko which was super intimate and beautiful. Chefs carefully explained all courses and we got custom menus that described everything we got, from sushi to salads to tempura, everything was carefully and meticulously done to please us. Chefs were also super engaging in conversation and entertaining as well. Will definitely be back and well worth the price tag!
Otoko service was fantastic. The vibe was immaculate, decor, the music, personalized menus. Everything felt modern, a little alternative. We did miss the first course which I don't factor into our rating because that was on us for arriving late. Be sure to plan to arrive 15 minutes early to secure parking on the street or in a garage and find the restaurant which is in a courtyard and up a flight of stairs. The oyster and uni courses were the most memorable. The chef's special charred dish was a little too charcoal-y for our taste and the dessert was allergen friendly though that felt like it inhibited the texture. There were multiple pork/meat based dishes which was unique particularly the mushimono with fois gras and iberico ham. The salmon/leek soup shirumono was also a nice touch but a little sweet for my palette. The fish courses were all done well, but hard to name standout ones. It's clear that the menu is a brainchild of the chefs having done this creatively and in their personal style over many years. For the price point, we would likely opt for other omakases in Austin, but it was great to see this expression of art from Chef Yoshi and team
My boyfriend surprised me with this dinner for my birthday and it was phenomenal! 10/10 experience on food and service. It's very small and intimate but would highly recommend. Definitely on the pricier side but for a special occasion it's worth it. They personalize the menus and let you keep them. The food was high quality and delicious!! I'm still thinking about the wagyu and toro
A decent attempt at omakase but falls short in a few areas. Perhaps I'm being a touch unfair, but I am comparing this to Michelin starred omakases I've had around the world. It makes an attempt but falls a bit short in the little things that make the difference. Generally the food was ok. Only stand out dish was the seared hamachi that uses the binchotan coal and sears the fish directly. However some feedback. Everything is too salty. Even the sushi is salted which is uncommon. Perhaps it's to suit local tastes. Sushi rice also was too loose and even though I was eating with my hands it felt like it was going to fall apart if I wasn't careful. The food comes too quickly as well. While that could be seen as good, I got the feel that it was pre-prepared too much. Would rather see it being made in front of me instead of having the next dish show up immediately after my prior dish was finished. The verbal presentations are also too rushed. It feels like they are rushing through their lines. Tough to catch it all and felt rushed. Refinements could be better. Mats wiped between dishes, making sure that the serving dish was always clean, little things lacked refinement. Location is beautiful as it looks like we are sitting in a light tunnel. Being located beside a cool bar is nice. Overall it's a reasonable attempt. But it could be done much better in my opinion.
This was an amazing experience if you love Japanese food. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and we were blown away by the attention to detail in both the food and service. We arrived 30 minutes before our reservation and were seated at the bar next door to enjoy a welcome drink, and then we ordered a couple cocktails while waiting. The counter seating at the dinner was very intimate, and it seems they stagger the seating times so the groups next to us were ahead by a few courses. One of the other guests went out of her way to recommend we get the uni add on - we took her advice and were very glad we did! All the dishes were very flavorful, and seemed to be a fusion of traditional and modern. I loved the smokiness of the hamachi, and flavor of the foie gras chawanmushi was so savory. The menu was personalized with a birthday message and it was helpful to have so we could refer back to it while we enjoyed the dishes. We also got to keep it as a 'souvenir' which was a nice touch. Overall the pacing was good, the dishes were very unique, and I think it was great value for the price (we did the kaiseki-ryori). Would highly recommend for a special occasion!
First Omakase and it was a great experience! My favorites are the nigiri with lemon/lime zest as well as the olive oil ice cream! So delicious!! Service is great-we have our chairs pulled out and the course ingredients are explained. They validate parking too! We start by toasting at the Watertrade bar (part of Otoko, but you may also come to just this separately), and then guided upstairs to enjoy 12 courses. Sushi shown in the Instagram reel in order @chelseatsushi: Escargot Lubina Kanpachi Jack's Point Oyster Hamachi Ocean trout Kamasu Hon maguro Madai White sea bass Hamachi Tofu Mushroom tempura Soy milk savory dish Olive oil ice cream
I got a recommendation to try this place from a friend at work. I've only been to one other Omakase place in Austin, but the friend who went here told me it was so good that if she only had one one meal left to have in Austin, she would come here. I made a reservation for the first Thursday of the month because that is the day that they do a discounted and shorter version of their traditional omakase so basically you get a 15 course meal,Including a "toast," or glass of wine or sake before the dinner starts for $200 (including tax and service charge). if you come on this Thursday. Otherwise I think it's a $200 before the tax and tip with a service charge for the regular 20 course menu. Overall, the vibes of this place are truly immaculate. I did go to the free toast before dinner which started at watertrade, the bar just outside of the restaurant itself. The low light vibes are very sultry and inviting, they also have some nice seating areas within the restaurant in addition to seating at the bar. The menu is fairly long, it also has a really cool seasonal theme to each of the cocktails, but you can order any cocktail at any time of year, regardless of whatever the seasonal theme was that inspired the cocktail. As for the service - it's really immaculate. I put in my reservation that I was celebrating the end of my second year residency, and literally every person on the staff went out of their way to wish me congratulations when I came for dinner, which I thought was such a nice touch. They also had personalized the menu to include a congratulations note on the back of it with my name and everything. The food itself was really phenomenal, there was a great variety and I certainly still left full even though it was a shorter course menu than the regular one. I also had a cocktail I ordered separately for $17, it was called the tongue cut sparrow, and it was always recommended to me by the bartender when I asked him for a drink that was a little bit sweet, but not too sweet. When we were back in the main area where the food is, there's only one single bathroom for use, but it's very clean and spacious. Overall, they do an excellent job with ambience here, you get exchange of your cutlery and plates in between courses, and you also get a warm damp towel to wipe your hands with in between some of the courses. I really appreciate the effort they made to provide a variety of different dishes, and of course, the effort that both the chef and the servers made to describe all the dishes and answer questions about it. I ended up meeting a guy at the bar who was really friendly and happened to order the sake flight add on, and he let me try his sake since I didn't buy it. The sake actually was really good despite the fact that I'm not a big fan of hard liquor - the third of three tastes a lot like Makgoli (Korean rice wine). Something to be aware of is that the parking is a little bit confusing; you should try to get into the hotel garage from Monroe Street as opposed to Milton Street. I had to circle after turning on to Milton and I was confused about it. You get validation on the ticket that you get from the garage entrance once you get inside in the restaurant. Basically they'll put a sticker on your receipt and when you're leaving, you scan the barcode on your original ticket and then scan the barcode sticker they give you to get out. In addition - the spots in the garage are pretty small. I parked in the farthest corner I could find and there was some old furniture there that was VERY difficult not to hit while getting into the spot... so that's not great but it's kinda the only option. One other thing is that the first Thursday of the month the other restaurant inside the South Congress hotel (Maie Day) hosts an event where people can come basically to drink and party with live music. Otoko had reached out to me by text telling me there was going to be an event, but I didn't realize it was going to be an event like that (it was QUITE crowded outside the restaurant). When I came out of Otoko from dinner, there were a lot of people dancing and partying kind of like in a club except it's outside in the courtyard of the hotel; it was quite loud throughout the whole time I was going in and out of the restaurant, but while you're inside the restaurant you actually don't notice it. They did have drinks outside at that event, but they were not for free so I didn't stick around. That said, the live did seem kind of nice. Overall, i had a really fantastic experience despite parking confusion and I would absolutely come here again if anybody invited me; however, I'll I won't be coming frequently just because of the price which is a little bit expensive. That said, for omakase it's really not that bad. Give it a try if you're in or around Austin!
I can't do 3.5 but would have graded it as such Otoko Omakase has its highs and lows. The service was a lowlight this time, lacking the attentiveness / friendliness you'd expect, and we felt rushed from dish to dish as if they wanted to get us out early. However, some of the bites were highlights, showcasing their potential. A high point is the personalized menu with the date you dined and the names of the people in your reservation, which is a very nice touch. I remember coming here 6ish years ago, and that was a far superior experience compared to our last visit. I really wanted to love it since I had fond memories but we've tried several omakases in Austin that provided an overall better experience. The menu is divided into sections and clearly identified, which is very nicely described. They start with a Zensai (appetizer), move on to sushi, mukouzuke (palate cleanser), yakimono (grilled, fried, or broiled), mushimono (steamed dish), agemono (deep fried), sirumono (soup), and kanmi (sweets). I'm glad it was described in the written menu because we really didn't get the full experience of a well-explained dish during dinner. If you haven't been, it's worth a visit with a few tips in mind: Try their small omakase offered every first Thursday to avoid a big investment. Note that parking in the lot comes with a hefty charge, so street parking might be more economical. Don't miss the welcome drink - the vibes & ambiance in the welcome lounge is a good experience.
4 years ago
One of the best dining experiences ever! Chef Yoshi is a genius and his team is absolutely amazing! The food is truly art and watching him and his team was a privilege. It is an intimate setting and you almost forget they are a business but more a group of friends creating a wonderful experience just for you. The food was modern omakase and the drinks were very creative. There were a couple courses I could have done without, the egg custard was super savory and the 2nd dessert with the rice cakes. However, I did like finishing with the saki. Perhaps a little editing is needed. But overall, spectacular! My only advice, go hungry it's a 20 course marathon tasting menu. read more
4 years ago
We ate here on a Wednesday night. On Wednesday nights they offer the sushi omakase which is slightly different from their standard classic omakase. From my experience that night and looking through pictures from others, it looks like the sushi omakase is 95% nigiri vs the classic omakase includes some other items (like a small tempura course). There were sooo many courses that I felt full about 3/4 of the way through. My husband tried to eat for two the rest of the way but sadly we did end up leaving some of our remaining dishes half eaten. It was a lot of raw fish overall and I probably would've enjoyed something with a little bit more variety (beyond just raw fish). I also ordered the wine pairing and felt that was just ok. They offer 5 wines and the pours were very generous. I wasn't a huge fan of their wine selection. I felt it was a bit too adventurous and funky. For example they served an orange wine and a funky red. I wouldn't mind if just one of the wines was funky but I really didn't enjoy 3 wines out of 5. At $120 for the wine tasting, it was a real disappointment to not enjoy the majority of the wines. Overall the experience was enjoyable but I'm just not sure it's worth the price. It is really cool to sit at a chefs table and see the chef working right in front of you. read more
4 years ago
An amazing experience! 20 course omakase where every bite is off balance (in the best way) and delicious. The ambiance created by chef Yoshi Okai is rock n' roll meets perfectionist with complex cocktails and food, that together, creates a confluence of joy in your mouth. read more
I book @otokoaustin every year for my birthday. It's one of the most unique experiences in Austin. Sooo many amazing flavors and delicious pieces. Sadly, I'll be out of the country this year. But I may try to sneak it in before I leave... read more
4 years ago
Otoko!!! Mind blowing! A must do in Austin. A travel destination restaurant. I had the privilege of having the opportunity to eat at Otoko. It's a 20 course omakase menu by Chef Yoshi Okai. Its a reservation based 12 seat restaurant located in the beautiful Congress Hotel. This place reminds me of taking a trip to Europe. I've never been to Japan, but I can only surmise it is on par with what you would expect from a top notch Japanese omakese restaurant. We are lucky to have something this incredible in Austin. I've eaten in New York, Paris, Rome and in a number of the other big player cities--and this was seriously out of this world. Also, have a pre-dinner drink at Watertrade. All their cocktails are on point. Probably best cocktail bar in Austin. Highly recommend. Thank you Yoshi. read more
Otoko is a KO! First thing I want to say is that does this live up to the hype in being a fine dining and exquisite Japanese cuisine experience, with a tiny flare of Austin flavoring. YES! Otoko certainly delivers but of course the price is reflected with in that, if you are looking for a unique and intimate kind of experience offered within Austin, then you won't want to pass this one up. The moment you walk in you offered to wait at the bar while they setup but they give you a complimentary glass of champagne, small but a nice way to set the mood. When they are ready for you you are seated in a small room that sits about a total of 12 people in a L shaped table. This is where the magic happens 3 chefs, including Chef Yoshi himself (The main sushi chef), prepare your meals right in front of you and even give you little bits of details on what process they are doing or what kind of ingredients they use. Makes the experience a bit more intimate and also informative. Most importantly, the food, Wow! Each course (about 20 different dishes total including the sushi bites), has their own unique taste ranging from different variations of savory all the way to sweet with different kinds of textures. Truly authentic and best of all delicious. I was just amazed by how flexible fish can taste after this experience, especially when prepared and handled properly. Thank you Chef Yoshi. Oh! Also don't forget to grab your menu when you leave since they're personalized just for you. Utilize the South Congress hotels valet parking, it's free! You won't want to miss a moment of this. Personalized and remarkable and delicious, words almost don't do this restaurant justice as to how well themed and luxurious the experience is. Treat yo self! I'm quickly looking for an excuse to return as every visit is different due to the menu being seasonal. read more
We came here for my friend's birthday. It was just our party for the entire venue. It's a small venue that is essentially one long bar in front of the chefs. The experience was pretty cool. The drinks were good. I really liked the Murasaki Kumo drink. All in all, it was a good experience. For all the dishes we had, I only recall a few dishes blew me away. The last 3 or 4 were not at all aligned with my liking. I wish they didn't finish dishes with crystals of salt. It was a bit jarring and distracting to be chewing on salt. For the price, I'm not sure I would come back for the food. It might be too unique for my taste buds. But it's an interesting experience to try at least once. read more
6 years ago
What an insane experience! I came here for a work celebration with 5 of my coworkers and you are truly treated like royalty from the moment you walk in. We did the sake pairing and got to try at least 5 different types of sake during the 20 courses we tasted over the course of the night. My coworker did the wine pairing and raved about it as well (I was jealous). They explain every single thing that you're tasting and are happy to answer any questions you may have (although I was so distracted, I couldn't tell you half the things we tried). Getting to sit right behind the glass and watch Yoshi and his team prepare everything was the best part of the experience. They even personalized our menus, congratulating the team on a great Q3. Thank you to the Otoko team for a great night! read more
6 years ago
Foodies of Austin, this is what you have been looking for!! This has to be one of the best sushi restaurants I have been to that not a lot of people know about. So you have to reserve a spot by purchasing tickets on the Otoko website. The location is in the courtyard of the South Congress Hotel. You might miss it because the sign is hidden from plain sight. Just look for the industrial staircase. They inform you to come 30 minutes before the meal to have a drink at the bar, which is socially distanced. At the start of dinner, we were moved by party to the restaurant. The staff inform you as well of what is going on and what you are eating. My fiancé has an egg allergy and they accommodated his dessert, tempura batter and substituted edamame or soy for the egg dish. This was so nice because he never felt excluded from the experience. The food was amazing and I was constantly mind blown from the freshness and different flavors. I can't stop thinking about the amazing textures and new flavors I experienced like the super fresh fish and oyster with the soba pancake and golden berries and the mushroom tempura had like a meat-like texture and the batter was soft and crispy. And the golden berries made me feel like I was taking a morning hike when the dew was still fresh and ate a golden berry at the very top of the hill while breathing in the fresh morning air. And i would like to add i was not hungry leaving the omakase i was full. read more
4 years ago
On our anniversary vacation in Austin , I was fortunate enough to get a reservation at this great restaurant that I can't stop talking about .. I know it can be pricey for some, and also not that typical for some others but for myself and my husband it was an experience!! And a great one!! It started with the location (we almost missed it ) .. hidden dining space behind a cool / speakeasy looking bar .. and then it moved on with the way you're brought in/ introduced to the space .. about 12 seating at the bar, 2waiters in the background that bring you and tell you your dishes, the chef and his assistant, bright light behind the bar and amazing sounds playing from his playlist in the background !! And then the food comes.. one after each other,hand made in front of you and presented by the chef.. tuna, amberjack, barracuda, oyster, sea urchin .. I don't even wanna say anything else and leave the curiosity come to you!! We paired our dishes with delicious sake which I would recommend!! read more
3 years ago
Otoko is like a fleeting sweet dream from which you don't want to wake up. As I am writing this review, my eyes are closed so that the memories in my taste buds can be awakened, distilling the essence of whole dining experience. Otoko feels very intimate and personal in a space lit with soft-white lights and accommodating only 12 guests in an L-shape counter. There is an aspect to this experience that is Zen-like when it comes to the decor as well as incense burning at the beginning. Chef Yoshi works in harmony with 2 other chefs to bring 20 courses to each diner, taking turns as the others prepare for the next course. The food is so aesthetically pleasing and light. It's not heavily dressed in sauce or garnishes and lays naked for you to see, to taste, and to savor. The flavors linger on your tongue while your brain tries to decipher the complexity in the simplicity. For once, you believe that less is more. The sake pairing is impeccable and brings the experience to another level. It accentuates the after-taste of the food. One sip, two sip; you are happy and start losing count. The whole experience lasts roughly 1.5 hours. If you arrive early, relax with some pre-dinner drink at Watertrade. If you didn't book drink pairing with the omakase, I'd recommend that you get something from the bar that you can enjoy while dining. Also, there is wine and tea pairing besides sake. Valet parking is free in front of the South Congress hotel, so you don't have to tire yourself out with finding a parking space before the meal. The bill might break your piggy bank but the experience is priceless. Treat yourself to this bliss. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
The best sushi I've ever had in my life. Came with my husband on the all nigiri omakase night and was blown away. The whole experience from the chefs and the hosts to the to-die-for nigiri and drinks were amazing. We got to have all our favorite nigiris and even tried new ones that we've never had before. For a long time Uchi was my favorite spot for nigiri but I think Otoko has claimed that spot in my heart now. read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
I'm almost a week out from visiting but the experience was awesome. The Badass Babes of Booze did not disappoint, and the special menu for this event was superb. The staff were all busy but never once allowed for a pause in checking that all was well, suggesting something based on our answers to their questions based on a genuine interest in our pallette, and there was always warmth in the smiles. The oysters were delicate, allowing the uni on top to really shine on equal footing. The trout was my wife's favorite and the mochi was fabulous. All the drinks were great and we did try them all--my wife and I picked LadyLuck as our favorite, which surprised us both given we just dabble in Mezcal. Honestly, I'm hoping to return for my birthday for a full omakaze, but this was a nice and easy entry into a promising hot spring of flavors in what was a very quaint, trendy, and romantic setting. I'm looking forward to returning. read more
2 years ago
What an amazing experience!!! I wanted something special for my husband's birthday last week, so I purchased tickets to dine at Otoko. I am not going to go into a lot of details about the food, simply because it was a blur. Don't get me wrong, the food was simply amazing, but there were so many courses and so many explanations of each item, I finally just decided to sit there and enjoy it rather than trying to keep track of everything. I will attach pictures of the menu and also some of the dishes. Every bite was phenomenal and the experience was beyond words. What a memory! You are simply treated like royalty...you will never want for anything. You have the chef and his assistants preparing and explaining each course they are serving you, along with 3-4 additional folks making sure you have the right utensils, water, drinks, etc. Watertrade is there for Otoko patrons, but open to the general public as well. It is a wonderful experience, too. A sexy collection of dark wood, dim lights, leather and brass paired with amazing cocktails (large selection of sake, wine and liquor as well...including a freakishly extensive selection of Japanese whisky. We love Japanese whiskies and I never knew there were that many!) Upon sitting down at Watertrade before we went into Otoko, they asked me what I liked to drink. I said I was on a mezcal kick and I don't like sweet drinks. They gave me a bowl of yumminess with an ice cube topped with habanero granita (Blondie on the cocktail menu). Bottom line, if you are looking for something unique and memorable, you cannot go wrong with a special night at Otoko with a preliminary visit to Watertrade. read more
2 years ago
6 years ago
Inventive and truly a unique dining experience. Chef Yoshi was in his element and it's a pleasure to see! Every dish was incredible! I haven't found Uni that rivaled the one I had in New York years ago, up until I met Yoshi and dined here. He introduced me to Hokkaido uni which shares similar climate as the east coast BUT Hokkaido is better, creamier, smoother! Oh yum!!!!! You can never have any other uni after this!!!! The staff is knowledgeable and so helpful and neat! We had uni ice cream.... yes, uni ice cream and it was magical!!! Their tempura batter didn't need any dipping sauce. At first it was odd until u take that first bite and realize what a genius idea! Come here fly trusting the chef and have a great time. This review would be pages long if I wrote every thought that came to my head. It is very pricey especially if u do the sake pairing. It's $175 a person without the Sake pairing. If I recall correctly it was an additional $75-150. You will leave so full! So full and content without going uncomfortably full. read more
Nothing says hip and cool better than no sign and a hidden entrance. Dinner was a nearly three hour experience, not including some time in Watertrade before seating. Watertrade is a cool space. Very dark, very handsome, excellent seductive music (Maxwell) at just the right volume. Great bartender and fabulous cocktails. Do start your dinner here. Be adventurous, do not get your usual. Dining room in Otoko is also a well thought out cool space with the brightly lit wall and ceiling fixture. 20 something courses, first a series of sushi, each impeccably fresh, beautifully presented by Yoshi and delicious. Then on to cooked - grilled, steamed, fried - courses. You'll probably leave full but not at all stuffed. Yoshi was fun and clearly having a good time. It was a bit duller on the far end of the bar where we sat. I liked the music, mostly oldies rock, with a little Queens of the Stone Age thrown in. It suited the place and fit in as part of the overall decor/experience. Presented with attractively bound menus of the night's courses. Lost a point in execution that I was never asked when making the reservation who else was dining in my party, and the menu thanked me "and guest". Now there's a big buzz kill to romance that they could have avoided. High percentage of hits on the dishes, just a few that I didn't care for, and I think that was more my personal taste since I couldn't complain that they weren't fresh and imaginative. They have no dessert chef and it showed with the 2 dessert courses being perhaps the least successful of the evening. Valet parking is convenient, and mentioning I'd come for Otoko, was not asked when leaving for any additional charge, even though we were there well over 3 hours. Best comparison in my local experience has been Qui Tasting Room and Counter 3-5-7. Otoko is the most peaceful of the three. Qui's tasting room experience was a notch above in consistency of dishes and the feeling of really being treated by a team of excellent chefs, but Otoko does not have far to go to get to that level. Now that the choices would be Counter 3-5-7 or Otoko, our first return visit would be to Counter 3-5-7. It seemed to me like a little more leadership would raise this spot to a truly stellar level; I wondered several times if Paul Qui's absence was having an effect. But overall, great fun experience and worth the high price. read more
5 years ago
This place was more an experience than a restaurant. You start in the bar which feels like a speakeasy. Multiple bartenders attend to your group with great recommendations and extensive knowledge. Then they move you into the next room around the bar where your endless courses are prepared in front of you. You don't make any choices except sake or wine. I went wine and felt the were nicely matched to the courses, only skipping one glass. What an amazing night. read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
Otoko is a very special place, and I believe that it offers the best dining experience you can get in Austin. Yes, at a glance, the price to get a seat at the table can be a huge barrier. It was for me for the longest time. However if you're willing to splurge on a special night, you'll walk away knowing that it was money well spent. Parking: Otoko is located in the South Congress Hotel courtyard area, so valet services are available. At the same time, there's usually plenty of parking either along South Congress or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Wait: Otoko offers seating based on you purchasing a ticket for a seat online. Therefore, the concept of waiting for a table doesn't really exist here. However Otoko only offers 12 seats per each dining period, so the type of wait you may experience is not being able to find availability for certain dates. It used to be that the restaurant was booked 1-2 months out. Thankfully, their availability has eased to where you can typically reserve seats within the month. Atmosphere: I can't get over how intimate the atmosphere is at Otoko. The bar area gives off a speakeasy type feel but without the noise, and since their restaurant only seats 12 people, it offers the most intimate restaurant experience you'll find. At the bar, the bartenders are extremely knowledgable, friendly, and have fun. The lightning in the bar is perfectly lit to where it sets a calming mood. The restaurant is setup to where the chefs prepare your dishes in front of you. They're also very friendly and knowledgable about the food they're preparing for you. Most nights, you'll frequently see head chef Yoshi walking around and preparing many of the dishes himself. For our multi-course meal, not only were we given complimentary champagne, but we were also given personalized menus. This was a very fine touch to the evening that made the experience even more memorable. Drinks: Otoko offers an extensive collection of sake, Japanese whiskeys, unique cocktails, and beers. The last time I went, the bartenders were offering a special punch that they had concocted Best drink I had was an ounce of their Komagatake 1453 Japanese whiskey. It was a recommendation from the bartender, and it's the smoothest whiskey I've ever had. Food: Best sushi in Austin. The multi-course omakase-style offering that Otoko does reminded me a lot of some of the dining experiences I had in Tokyo. The food tastes fresh and is prepared perfectly. I still dream about their Hamachi, so if you go, hope that they'll include this in one of your courses. Service: the intimacy of the service matches the atmosphere. At the bar, the bartenders are fun and helpful. In the dining room, you're attended to very well without feeling like you're being intruded on. It's a fantastic experience seeing every dish prepared in front of you. If price is the biggest issue for you, then I recommend going on the first Thursday of any month of the year. Like many of the restaurants around South Congress, Otoko changes things up with their offerings, and they typically do an a la carte menu. It gives you a chance to experience this incredible place without having to commit to the multi-course menu. I can't speak highly enough of this place, and I know that when you go, you'll feel the same way. read more
7 years ago
Over the last several years, I've been on a quest finding THE BEST omekase experience in Houston/Austin area and this is the spot. Closest thing to traditional Japan omekase one can get with a little twist by Yoshi. From the reservation, to seating, drinks, food, service, personalized menu, and ambiance, you will feel in another world! Come with an open mind and palate and let yoshi tame it! N.b. There was one dish I did not care for with chicken... which was just out there and did not blend with the other courses. read more
2 years ago
9 years ago
If you appreciate a sensory experience like no other that can be found right here in Austin, get yourself some tickets to Otoko. 12 seats total in this bar-seating-only utopia of Otoko - that's it - the seclusion, privacy, exclusivity and intimacy of the entire experience (at Otoko and Watertrade) is one of my favorite things of all ... You pay when you reserve your tickets online (I recommend at least a month in advance for best availability), including tip. You also let Otoko know at this time what your specific requests are for your meal - we chose no bugs. Yeah we're picky like that. You wait in anticipation. And the experience does not disappoint. When you arrive to South Congress Hotel and do the free valet, you go to the courtyard, and once you climb the staircase and open that door, you've left Earth as you know it. Positively the most on point, personalized, perfectly timed service I have ever received anywhere - from that first step in to the last step out (both at Watertrade and Otoko). We checked in with the very cordial host and then had a drink at Watertrade. We were escorted into the barely noticeable door of Otoko when Chef Yoshi was ready for us - you're called in sets of two as the evening progresses. We were second at 5:30 on Saturday night. What a delight to be served dish after dish of beautiful and delectable perfections of edible art at your pace - around you and your experience. So amazingly unique and contrasted yet balanced with explosions of flavors, temperatures, and textures. How incredible it is to see the pride Chef Yoshi takes in his creations and the happiness it brings him to see you enjoying it. I noticed he likes to elaborate on things about the dish if he sees your eyes roll into the back of your head with pure bliss! I personally do not think you could find fresher sushi anywhere in the US - if you can, it's not in Austin and it damn sure isn't anywhere in Texas. Every. Single. Dish. Was. Mind-blowing. In. Every. Way. Possible. Between Otoko and Waterade this is by FAR the sexiest, most authentically and perfectly indulgent place in Austin. On every level. read more
9 years ago
Once you go Otoko, you can't go back. Seriously. Now I can never eat at another sushi restaurant ever again. From the freshness of each bite to to experience itself, you won't find anything like it elsewhere in Texas. Maybe in NY or somewhere in Cali. First, off a heads up before you dine here: make reservations, go HUNGRY, do a Sake pairing. The experience we had was a 20-course meal. This is why I say go HUNGRY. Sake to go with almost every few courses was an amazing choice, because 1) Sake is amazing and 2) If you're going to spend money on drinks it might as well pair well with your meal IMO. Chef Yoshi and his team were amazing and I felt very well taken care of from the moment we stepped foot inside the restaurant. They wait on you hand and foot. Everything was memorable and delicious. Can't wait to go back! read more
My wife and I had a fantastic experience. I cannot give enough stars for this dining experience. I honestly how absolutely nothing negative to say about this restaurant. The entire experience was mind blowing. Service and atmosphere are top notch. It's the kind of dining experience that ruins all restaurants for you. The sushi made Uchiko sushi look like HEB sushi (and I love Uchiko). I will just leave it at that. Ask for Zaddy. He's incredibly fun. read more
9 years ago
Amazing..... my wife and I went here to celebrate our birthday. It was so good that I told her we should do this every year for our birthday. Every dish was amazing. Chef Yoshi was very easy to talk to. We arrived very early and were confused at first because there was an event going on. When we got to the restaurant the bar gave us complimentary champagne. I won't go into detail but every dish was amazing. The menu was personalized for us. The only thing we didn't really enjoy was the dessert dishes. There were two but my wife and I were not fans of. But overall, everything was amazing and I wold recommend this place to everyone! read more
7 years ago
Expensive food, therefore fantastic food and great reviews, but you want to know why? Is it simply the illusion that something more expensive would therefore taste better? I made sure while I was indulging in the sushi that this was not mind games so here it goes. First the service needs to be top notch. It is slightly below top notch depending on the sushi cutters because there wasn't much of a sense that they were enjoying what they were doing, except for Yoshi. Yoshi is outstanding. So much knowledge and so much care and friendliness towards everyone he pleases. Presentation, I could care less. What was it like in my mouth?? It was a symphony. Just a simple slice of fish on top of rice possessed so much complexion far beyond what you would get at almost any sushi place in town, let alone the state of Texas for that matter. What is not familiar in the flavor becomes apparent without disturbing the pallet. Looking back, it's that underlining, undermined, very rare flavor that says, "this is what truly belongs in a good slice of fish." Honestly, I would definitely come back if it wasn't so expensive. So was the experience worth it? For a first time and sharing the experience with someone else, definitely yes. I recommend for a special occasion. You are there to enjoy your time among craftsmanship, savoring flavors, and above all, having a great time. read more
More info about OTOKO
1603 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)
Directions
(512) 994-0428
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https://otokoaustin.com
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Ask the Community - OTOKO
How many courses does the price Include? And is a drink included? Thanks!
A welcome drink is included (choice of sparkling wine, sake, of NA)
Does anyone know what the cancellation policy on buying pre-paid tickets for the Omakase is? I would be buying these for a surprise birthday celebration, but am unsure of his schedule. I would be able to cancel 10 days in advance. Thanks!
You can find the answer to that at https://www.exploretock.com/otoko/faq along with a host of other commonly asked questions!
I'd like to brine my Auntie to Otoko. Are the sushi bar chairs tall or standard chair height? (she can't handle tall bar chairs well.)
I love a good brine on my Auntie. She wouldn't taste the same without it.
The omakase menu price, does that include tip in price?
No, the tip is calculated on the side of the price. $150/200 for the ticket, then a percentage from that for tip.
Does anyone know the name of the table top grill they use at Otoko?
From what I remember it's not supposed to be an indoor grill that they have. They used charcoal I believe and it's not the normal charcoal, it's like a wood charcoal I think. I believe it's traditional Japanese grill and they have vent to suck up…
