Visiting friends in Austin, they insisted on taking me here for an omakase experience and I'm so glad they did! Sushi is my ultimate favorite food, so after reading countless glowing reviews, I was beyond excited to finally experience Sushi by Scratch for myself. My friend booked this about a month in advance and thoughtfully noted my dietary restrictions. There was Wagyu on the menu, which they seamlessly substituted for me without hesitation, and they also accommodated my pineapple allergy with zero issues. The attention to detail started well before the first bite. Guests are invited to arrive about 30 minutes early to complete check-in and participate in the pre-omakase ritual. After checking in, we were seated in the waiting area and served a refreshing non-alcoholic ginger beverage, followed by canape service. We were given 2 beautifully prepared bites as we waited to transition into the full experience. It set the tone perfectly. Once guided into the omakase room, we were greeted with a handwritten wooden name plaque at our seat, a small but thoughtful touch that immediately made the evening feel personal. With only a 10-seat counter, the experience is incredibly intimate. The chefs introduced themselves, and we were presented with the beverage options. Two of us opted for the Japanese whisky pairing, while another chose the sake pairing, both excellent complements to the meal. Before the first piece even hit the counter, the chefs revealed the night's journey on the wall: 16 wooden plaques, each hand-lettered with the names of pristine fish and indulgent bites. It reads like a quiet flex on hamachi, madai, akami, toro, A5 wagyu where each course waiting its turn. It's a reminder that omakase isn't about choice but about surrender. One detail that truly stood out was how effortlessly accommodating they were. When my dietary restriction came up again, the Wagyu substitution was handled with no hesitation, no awkwardness--just a seamless adjustment that still felt intentional and indulgent. Throughout the meal, the chefs chatted with us as they prepared each course, explaining the fish, techniques, and flavor profiles. The interaction felt warm and natural, and the intimate setting made it easy to connect not only with the chefs but also with the guests seated next to us. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend Sushi by Scratch to anyone who truly loves omakase. I'm already thinking about doing this again next time at their LA location when I get back home. read more

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Amazing experience!! We felt transported to a different world and enjoyed each and every roll. We tried new things, branched out and enjoyed the atmosphere, service was incredible and the chefs were amazing. Thank you for a great experience and wonderful evening. The pre arrival beverage and refreshments were delicious also! read more

Amazing experience and worth every penny! We will be back. The level of service is incredible

This was such a spectacular dinner. Very intimate and curated to perfection. I'm still dreaming about the nigiri! The chefs are very knowledgeable and incredibly talented. Will definitely make my way back someday. read more

Very filling omakase in an intimate setting - only 4 couples in total. Really liked that the entire menu was posted on the wall so we could follow along. 16 nigiri + dessert + 2 apps. The sushi was high quality and each piece of nigiri was made in a unique way. The nigiri was very good (4/5), but the sushi rice was a little thick. The service was 5/5, with 3 sushi chefs and one lady serving and introducing the drinks. The banter was light and free flowing without feeling like you were being forced to engage. And don't be surprised but there are no utensils here, just dig in with your fingers! And if you get one of the drink pairings, the pour is very generous. This place is inside Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort on the second floor. It was definitely a great night, and we left stuffed. Not the best omakase I've had but very good. read more

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cedar Creek, Texas

I had an exceptional experience here at Sushi by scratch kitchen! The restaurant is located inside the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, and includes a free valet. The grounds were extra beautiful as it was around Christmas time. When we showed up, we were greeted with a yuzu, ginger drink which greatly refreshed the palate and kept us excited for our Omakase experience to start! The Omakase had 16 courses + dessert, and then the chef allowed us to order additional items including chef specials! Of the 16 courses, my favorite bites were the toro, wagyu, hotate, uni, ebi, and the king salmon! My least favorite bite was the unagi, which I wish they had replaced with a different fish. I love how they have all 16 different courses laid out in front of you behind the sushi chefs. Each fish was cut perfectly, and the chef dressed up the fish in unique yet spectacular ways. While it was not the most traditional Omakase experience, it was something that definitely lived up to our expectations! read more

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I wanted to share a great restaurant recommendation. If you are staying at Hyatt Lost Pines resort and want to splurge on an amazing Omakase experience, I highly recommend Sushi by Scratch. The food was great, the service was even better, and the ambience was amazing. The fish was incredible, with each bite being better than the previous. We particularly loved the Botan Ebi, the Madai, and the chef's choice Hamachi. Can't wait to go back next time we visit! read more

Late Entry - 12/2022 Decided to tryout this sushi spot as it had many promising reviews. Our last Omakase dinner was one in Tsukiji fish market (Sushi Dai) pre pandemic and Cagen in NY. So we had pre high standards going in. The restaurant itself was tucked away into the Hyatt Hotel Resort in Cedar Creek. It was very festive and well decorated as it was close to Christmas Holiday. The restaurant is located upstairs leading to an open loft with seating where the host welcomed us with a pre dinner drink (green tea) When it was time to go in, we were greeted by the chef, his sous chefs and the mixologist. If I recall, the counter that encompassed the chef's working area consisted of about 14 seatings. They do about 3 services per night with various times (1700, 1915, 2130). The mixologist was very informative and knowledgeable. I can't remember what I had but it was light, crisp, citrusy and it complemented the sushi well. Now onto the sushi... They started off with their pickled cucumber with toasted black sesame seeds that acted as their palate cleanser rather than ginger. I thought it was different but was not a fan about it cause maybe I'm a ginger lover. The sushi overall was good, some better than others. Wish they had better variety of fishes. It looks like their menu rarely changes from looking back at the reviews but after talking to the chef, it appears that its a standard menu across all scratch sushi places per the owner. The only thing that changes is the different flavor profile used by the chef, ie different sauces, citrus zest and salts. I love myself some fresh scallops and those were good. Can never go wrong with Toro. Our Wagyu unfortunately was overcooked :/ Uni is my wife's favorite. Last time we went to Japan, she bought a whole box and didn't even share any. What stood out the best aside from the sushi was the dessert. I could have literally eaten 10+ cubes of that delicious goodness in one seating. Out of all my Omakase outing we've been to, this was the least memorable due to the couple sitting next to us. We could tell they were not in it for the sushi, it was more lets just get sh*t faced and enjoy ourselves. The girl next to me was belligerent, drunk by the end of the night, spilling beer all over the counter and the best part trying to order margarita at a sushi place, really??? I'm not gonna knock Scratch down for other people's behavior but it sure left a bad first impression because that's comes to mind now when I think about this place. read more

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Came here to celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary and very glad we did. There wasn't one bite we didn't adore. This is an omakase experience, which translates to, "I leave it up to you" (chef's choice). There are no decisions to make other that what to drink for the evening. The Japanese whiskey pairing was tempting but we got the sake pairing ($125 per person). Each sake they served was amazing. You can also skip the pairing and just order drinks by the glass or bottle. Our favorite sake was the unfiltered, full-flavored, Harada Gengetsu but they were all absolutely amazing. The place only seats ten guests and there are four staff members in the restaurant and a host outside. You couldn't be better attended. You watch up close as each dish is prepared, plated and served. And each dish is described to you in detail. If you're doing a pairing, the bartender will introduce each beverage. At the end, you can buy more, a la carte dishes, or move to dessert (included), which is a matcha cake bite that also amazed us. No silverware. No chopsticks. Eat with your fingers. Each dish is eaten in a single bite. There's a warm, damp towel to wipe your fingers as needed. Good times. I've honestly never had a better meal in my life. And the A5 (highest grade there is) Wagyu was out of this world. Dishes are finished with a variety of light ingredients that enhance the flavor without overtaking the protein, the most common of which are ponzu, soy sauce, smoked sea salt, olive oil, and wasabi. Nothing was spicy. The sushi rice itself is the unsung hero. Absolutely perfect. The place can be hard to find. You can't see the restaurant from outside and there are pretty much no signs. Just pull into the main entrance to the resort and tell the valet you're there for Sushi by Scratch (they validate) and they'll park your car very close by. Enter the lobby and turn right. Walk until you reach carpeting and take the stairs to your left. Up the stairs is a lobby where they'll check you in and offer you a non-alcoholic aperitif until they're ready to seat you. The restaurant itself is behind two beautiful, unmarked doors, just inside the door to Stories restaurant. They keep the doors closed until they're ready to seat everyone. You owe it to yourself to try omakasi sushi at least once. Splurge a little. And this place does it right. It's the most I've personally spent on a meal. But much cheaper than flying to Japan :-) We're very glad we treated ourselves to this for our anniversary (32 lovely years, thank you!). We've also been to this same hotel for a massage at their spa, which was also wonderful. They know how to pamper. The food here is sourced globally, inspected in Japan, then shipped here three times a week. Very high quality. Very fresh. Unbeatable. read more

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Sushi + chasing Eclipse Snuck an amazing meal in at Sushi by Scratch as we chased the solar eclipse Sushi by Scratch has several locations including in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Chicago but we luckily had a location at the remote but lovely Hyatt Lost Pines outside of Austin, Texas It's a hidden entry in their main Stories restaurant and the intimate seating and secret entry add to the unique dining experience and service There is an ample selection of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails and the sushi is exceptional, albeit non-traditional It's a creative take often adding Texas touches such as pecan shavings and torch to the 17 made to order nigiri, including dessert I loved the shima aji and botan ebi but also love the creativity of the A5 Wagyu and bone marrow offerings All in all, a superb meal with other fellow food lovers showcasing the level of Japanese inspired cuisine in Texas Omakase $165 per person: Tessin / Hamachi / Toro / Hotate / Shima Aji / Madai / Botan Ebi / King Salmon / Alboacore / Akami / Hirame / Escolar / A5 Wagyu / Bone Marrow / Unagi / Uni / Dessert Sushi by Scratch (Lost Pines, TX) Seating is indoor only and reservations are recommended on Tock read more

Tasty omakase that's a bit of a drive east of Austin. If you're willing to make the drive a nice elegant experience awaits you in a fairly compact sushi bar. Overall I liked the fish. I am a bit more traditionalist on liking simple dishes and the tasting here trended a bit more towards a Texas fusion. The service was excellent and we both really enjoyed the sake pairing and cocktails respectively. There is a nice selection of Japanese whisky to choose from if that's your thing. read more

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I was in town for the week and really wanted to try omakase in Austin. There were so many options, but I'm really glad I chose Sushi by Scratch! Everything from the ambiance down to the food and drinks was perfect. We had 17 courses (including dessert) each with its own description on where it was from as it was being made in front of us. With the excellent service and personalization with our name written down in front of our seats it was truly a great experience. If I am back in town, I will definitely be going back! read more

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This was an excellent experience! When we got there we were served a lovely ginger welcome drink. Very tasty and an excellent palette cleanser. We had about 8 people total eating during our experience. I liked that it was personal & small. The hotel & the restaurant had a nice ambiance. We had a nice sign for our anniversary along with our names + served complimentary bubbles for the occasion. This was my first Omakase experience. It was a 17 course + a dessert & tea at the end at $140 per person. Each piece was perfectly made and so delicious. My favorite was the Bone Marrow piece. Alcoholic Drinks were $18 each. It can be a very high bill if you're not careful. If you want additional pieces, you'll pay the market price. I was not full after the 17 pieces. The chefs were pleasant and lovely! All very knowledgeable & personal about the sushi. All in all it was a good experience but I wish that I didn't leave hungry. Parking was valet & free. read more

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My husband and I got a last minute reservation for my birthday dinner at Sushi by Scratch. We were a little hesitant at first due to price, but for a spur of the moment idea we were very impressed. Hubby did the whiskey pairing flight and was happy with all pairings. The chefs prepare the sushi in front of you, tell you the origin and give you a break down of flavors. The fish melts in your mouth! Service and atmosphere were amazingly friendly, quaint, and overall romantic. It was a great experience with people who begin as strangers but ends feeling like friends. read more

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Menu of the night - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cedar Creek, Texas

An absolute must try for sushi lovers and for foodies in general. An omakase experience that is crafted with excellence in every dish that is served. You get about 18 different servings of sushi and each one was incredibly delicious. You are in a small room that only serves about eight. So you will have to make reservations because they do sell out. Our sushi chefs were excellent and got amazing service. If you are coming here for birthdays you get a special birthday treat and a picture with the chefs. They really make you feel special with their truly out of the world dining experience. It is pricey but totally worth this absolute great experience. read more

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Let's be honest, this is an expensive meal, especially if you add beverages or a pairing (I enjoyed the sake/cocktail/beer option, but I don't think it was essential if you've already blown your budget) and any other upgrades (e.g. truffles and caviar.) You will also be in a small room at a sushi counter with a max of 10 total patrons, so if you prefer a private table, this may not be the splurge for you... But, if you like super fresh ingredients and creative (but not sacrilegious) nigiri with potentially strangers, I do think it was worth it. The 16 savory courses and 1 dessert course are all fantastically delicious single bites. The chefs are friendly and conversant throughout, explaining each course amongst other interactions. I did not have a bite I didn't love, and 3 or 4 really blew my mind. You'll do a small dance everytime they drop a new piece in front of you. The sound of 10 people moaning as they eat takes a minute to get used to, but you'll get over it. Pay attention because before dessert is served you can re-order your favorite(s) or ask the chefs for some riffs. For me it was revisiting the botan ebi that was so flavorful and interesting ($12.) In addition to really fantastic fish, there was also some wagyu and bone marrow. All throughout the meal you're encouraged to snack on some wonderful pickles that cleanse the palate. They're generous with refills so don't be shy. Dessert was a delicious frozen bite with green tea and white chocolate, along with a housemade tea/toddy. It definitely goes by fast. As they say, time flies when you're eating fresh Japanese sea bream... You will be sad when it's over. That's normal. Take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Lost Pines to collect yourself before trekking back to the city! P.S. valet parking is included in the price! read more

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Bite 1 (blue fin tail meat) with overflowing sake pour - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cedar Creek, Texas

---Dearest Reader, This message is long overdue. If you ever find yourself lost in the pines at the Hyatt in Bastrop, do yourself a favor and book a reservation at SbS. Not kidding about booking a reservation, this is very intimate omakase dining experience - I want to say that it is 12 patrons per session, 3 sessions an evening. I will get cost out of the way, it was roughly $165 with an option to pair truffle and caviar with a select dishes for an additional $50. I will let the pictures (which really are worth more than a thousand words speak for themselves). What I really loved was the thoughtfulness that went in to the order of the servings by the chefs. Started light and transitioned in to darker cuts and then ultimately an A5 nigiri. Staff, ambiance and value were all there. I hope you find yourself there soon. ---Mitchell read more

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We were definitely spoiled with the Valentine's Day omakase menu! Very good quality. Every piece was made with such care and thoughtfulness. My favorite was the toro, hotate and wagyu. There was also one piece that tasted like pho!! So creative! Will definitely be back. Excellent service. Everything was thoroughly explained. There were a total of 10 seats so the experience felt very personal. Love the ambiance! read more

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Omakase at its best. Small intimate setting. Wonderful 20's Japanese big band music in the background. The mood is perfectly set for a wonderful eating experience and boy do they deliver. One wonderfully creative sushi masterpiece after another. The care and attention to each bite is incredible. The wide range of flavors throughout the meal will make you think you went to foodie heaven. The House tasting menu is a wonderful accompaniment that I highly recommend. 3 saki's, 2 cocktails, and a Japanese beer perfectly matched to the dishes. Kudos to the bartender. It's expensive, but worth every penny for the experience. The staff was top class and super friendly. read more

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I had the pleasure of dining here while at a company event. It was only myself and another colleague so the environment was pretty cool, basically a private dining experience. We did the 16 course paired with their Saki recommendations.... WoW! I didn't know food could not only taste amazing, but also art. The chef took time to craft each piece with extreme attention to detail. We would get a brief explanation prior to eating, in an attempt to prepare your mind for the explosion of flavors. I enjoyed watching something simplistic completely surprise my palate. If in the Austin area, I highly suggest making the drive out to Scratch. You won't be disappointed! read more

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Scratch Kitchen is hidden in a small room at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, roughly a 30 min drive from Pflugerville area, 15 mins from DT. The omakase experience took place in a smaller room of a large restaurant space at the resort so it was a pretty private space that holds 10 guest. Upon arrival, the receptionist gives you a drink that is meant to cleanse your palette. It was a sake drink with ginger which was very refreshing. The menu of every course (fish/shellfish) is written on the blackboard so no guessing which fish you will be served next. Every single course was amazing and very fresh. You can distinctly taste the flavor and texture profile of every fish serviced. The staff was super attentive and explained every course. You are required to eat each course with your handed each course easy to indulge in one bite. They do give you a damp washcloth to cleanse your hands after every course and pickled veggies to cleanse your taste palette as well. My husband is allergic to shellfish so we truly appreciated them subbing another fish course for any shellfish courses that was served. For 17 courses, we paid $165 per person, $25 deposit at booking. Drinks are optional and they do have an added on pricing for drinks curated with every course. A must try experience in my opinion! I appreciated every single detail of the omakase dinner. read more

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I really wanted to love this place, but I was very disappointed in my experience here. One of the chefs handling our sushi was visibly sick. It was disgusting! Because of the intimate environment, he was directly in front of me. After preparing and serving each course, he would go into the hallway to cough. I didn't see him wash his hands a single time after re-entering the dining room and serving us sushi with his hands. When I asked about his health, other staff acknowledged he was unwell but tried to explain it away. Had I not been there celebrating my birthday, I absolutely would have left. read more

This is a MUST try! I am not a sushi person, I don't love it and usually I wouldn't have even been open to going to a place like this but figured why not. The intimate restaurant is an 8-10 person bar top and they make all the pieces directly in front of you. I am not joking when I said I ate every piece and loved it! The flavors were unlike anything I have ever tried. Everyone who was a part of the experience was great from check in, to service, to the sushi chefs themselves. We are going back for a birthday celebration because we had such a great time. Warning it is a little out there (35 min from downtown) but it's 100% worth it. read more

We came here for a birthday dinner - an intimate Omakase setting. The chefs were very professional and everything was so fresh. We loved the experience and each piece was very unique and distinct in textures and flavors. Highly recommend making a reservation well in advance as the restaurant books up very quickly. read more

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While my friend from San Diego was in town, she was scrolling through her Instagram and saw that Joe Rogan was at this spot just a few days earlier. She quickly felt FOMO and decided to look up if there are reservations for two available during the time she was staying with me in Austin, and we lucked out! I have to say, this was an amazing experience! I love the exclusivity when you go into a very intimate sushi bar/room. You're quickly greeted by the chefs who will be catering and serving you during the 16-course meal. It was lovely. It was great to see the attention to detail and the craftsmanship that went into giving us an exceptional omakase-style dinner. It's definitely a bit of a splurge; valet parking is included in the price since this location is inside the hotel. Definitely not a regular kind of thing, but definitely worth trying out at least once! read more

Amazing experience! I am not someone who regularly spends over $100 on a meal so believe me when I say it would take a lot to make me think this $165 experience was worth it, but it actually was! It's such an intimate setting & everything is done with such care. Every bite is incredible. Reserve in advance, especially if you are staying at Lost Pines, just to ensure you get a spot. There are only 10 & I believe only 2 seatings per night. read more

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I'm not sure that I could even write a review to even describe how wonderful this was and how grateful to everyone we are for this experience - our host, chefs and our bartender. We were greeted prior to our reservation time with a delicious palate cleansing cocktail. We were then brought into the omakase space. It was quaint, inviting and intimate. We had the option to do a drink pairing with our meal that was 3 glasses of sake, 2 cocktails and beer which was 100 percent worth it and extremely well paired. Every single course of omakase was far above and beyond any other experience I've had in the greater Austin area. The food was a great combo of traditional omakase with some Texas flair - fresh, delicious and unique. Not only that, but thanks to our chefs and bartender for being personable and fun. We loved being able to chat and banter and it not being a super formal experience. Don't miss out on the refreshing drink pairing to go with your omakase. And also the extra chef's creation are a can't miss. This is definitely worth the drive out to Lost Pines and an absolutely beautiful setting. We can't wait to return and experience this again with ya'll! Our major thanks for having such an epic time! read more

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This place was really special experience. All the bites were so thoughtfully crafted and delicious. It's a different take on omakase. The sushi that stood out to me the most was the sweet shrimp because it was seasoned with spices - so special. I would love to come back here soon! read more

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Once again the folks behind Sushi Bar | ATX come through with a 17 course omakase that slaps. Every course was incredible. The Toro with sourdough breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top was my fav. The menu is fairly similar to the one in East Austin, but the setting is pretty cool. King of has a unique sushi speakeasy vibe. Also, it's much easier to get a reservation here vs the one closer to downtown. Definitely recommend getting a drink at the hotel beforehand. read more

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Visited this restaurant in December and I have to say that their sushi is amazing. Every bite was an experience in itself. Keep in mind it is definitely a special occasion as it is not inexpensive, however, if you can swing it, totally recommend it. The team was very friendly, the location is pretty, it's inside the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort (about 35 mins east of Austin.) Get the sake tasting pairing. read more

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Stunning. Food, drinks, service, ambiance, artistry, and freshness. Everything was wonderful. read more

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Rotating seasonal menu, but this was ours. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cedar Creek, Texas

Very intimate setting... Feels like you're eating with eight of your best friends - I am a big fat sushi snob and this place blew me away. Service was impeccable, chefs were fun and interactive... Highly recommend getting the upgrade with the add-ons to include the caviar. You won't be disappointed! read more

Best sushi I have ever had! Expensive be well worth it! Just try it you won't be disappointed!

Sooooo, here we go again. My wife's birthday lasts the entire month of May...and I must be paying attention throughout the year to get that month right . Well one of her end of the month surprises was...Sushi by Scratch. We both had been following them on IG for a minute and I was like let me try to get us a spot and I DID!... so let's get on with it shall we First - environment it's in Cedar Park inside a resort. So don't get confused by the long 3 mile drive inside...but once you're there you will be greeted by a personable staff member and offered a refreshing cocktail while you await the rest of the dinner guests...BTW each reservation for a specific time is held tight...miss it and it will cost you! But there are only 12 seats per service so the atmosphere is pretty intimate across the board Second - the food...soooo..of course you know there is no select what you want...this is Omakase...we decided to get the Sake pairings as well...what I like is the explanation you get for each bite and the up close and personal experience with the sushi chef. I have to say, on a scale of 1-10 it's a solid 8...with reason Lastly - I think Sushi by Scratch has all the makings to contend for a Michelin ..add a few twists to the menu...Crudos, sashimi a few other creative spins...lighten up on the rice...the quality is indeed top notch...the experience is top notch...and I will be back! read more

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Had an anniversary date night with my husband here. The area is a good 45 min out of austin but the area is absolutely beautiful. Finding the place was a bit difficult but overall we gave ourselves a good amount of time to walk around and enjoy the resort. Once we checked in with the small table upstairs, we were given a small drink, possibly tea/sake? I don't quite remember. But after we were led to a very intimate room with only 8-10 seats. From there the chefs took us on a journey of 17 courses. Each so delicate and flavorful! It was so good I just had to close my eyes and enjoy every single moment. Also the pickled cucumber mix was immaculate. Such a great palette cleanser. Def will try and recreate at home bc wow 100% recommend for a date night or just in a good sushi mood. read more

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A delicious and beautiful experience. If you have not experienced Omakase, it is definitely worth it. And Sushi by Scratch is a great example. It was quite a drive out to Lost Pines from downtown Austin area, but worth it. We were given a citrusy, ginger sake cocktail before dinner, a great taste for what was to come. The sushi bar is a beautifully lit room with maybe 10 seats. The chefs and bartender were kind and wonderful. We were able to observe each dish being prepared in front of us while ensuring delicious pairings and wonderful conversation. The suggested pairing of three sake tastings, two cocktails, and beer perfectly complimented the sushi bites. (Next time, I would probably do a la carte drinks, but for the first experience it was def worth it.). We had 16 bites with two additional added ones, chef's choices. Some of my favorites included the scallop, o-toro, escolar, eel, and bone marrow. But everything was delicious. Whether you go to their location in downtown Austin or drive out to Lost Pines, it is worth the experience. read more

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Amazing sushi and a amazing experience. Every bite was buttery and delicious. Will be back again. read more

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I wish this place was closer to downtown because the food is fantastic but getting there is a bit of a schlep. It's worth making the trip out at least once though because it is such a wonderful experience. The uni and the salmon were perfect, and drinking beer out of a box was a fun experience. read more

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This place is a bit far but it is well worth the drive. Every piece was delicious and so buttery/perfectly prepared. My favorites were the hamachi, bone marrow, wagyu, o-toro, and the first bite. Even the dessert was so good. read more

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cedar Creek, Texas

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WOOOOOW!! Hands down the best sushi experience had in Austin -- easily rivals modern-style comparables found anywhere else for that matter... NY, LA... Japan... In fairness, their neta ingredients are routinely flown in from Japan, so not entirely a stretch as a comparison... but more on the bites below. Was admittedly cautiously intrigued at first, but it's a good thing I went without socks... as they'd have been lost almost immediately. There's a lot that's unexpected about the experience, but taken as a whole, it all came together to surprise and delight in the most unexpected and awesome way. Starting with the geographic location -- in Bastrop, a short drive past the airport coming from Austin. Being very familiar with the Hyatt hotel property, one that resembles an old-fashioned Texas homestead, it still hurts the brain to commingle the two. In fact, the restaurant still feels very hidden within, even at the host stand there was still some uncertainty that there was an nice sushi bar somewhere -- in that sense, it is very much on brand with the speakeasy atmosphere. Dork'ish as it may sound, entering and leaving the place has a Dr. Strange feel of hopping in and out of an Yokocho alternate-universe. As though the atmospheric sensory transition wasn't enough, the omakase service doubled-down and took the entire dining experience to a whole 'nother level of the unexpected. Each and every sushi course was creative in its own ways (often risky when it comes to sushi, especially at the upmarket tiers), but it was all exceptionally executed and transformative. The nigiri compositions were ultimately all ingredient-forward most of all, but also perfectly integrated modern and elements local to Texas in ways that were more fitting than cliche. Importantly, attention to detail for tradition and technique resonated throughout the entire service -- down to the sushi rice and knife work. Last but not least, the chef team made the experience -- they were incredibly inviting, professional, and friendly throughout. In so many ways, the entire premise is very personal from the name placards (another quirky but playful touch that sets a friendly tone) and having only a dozen seats in a very small space by design. Probably more fitting to think of it like going to someone's studio apartment for an intimate dinner party. That said, the intimate nature that's very conducive of personal interaction, not only with the chefs but the other guests, may not be for everyone... Finally, a minor thing that is once again bending from norms, unlike typical restaurants-in-residence at better hotels, they do not take room charges for those staying in-house. Just the usual payment methods. A consideration for World of Hyatt loyalists. Should be somehow integrated with the hotel for that extra level of seamlessly tailored guest experience for both entities, unless the idea is that the target clientele is primarily out-of-house or the residency is short term (both of which felt very possible). Overall, a magical experience. What an awesome surprise in every way... read more

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