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Uchi
801 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
512-916-4808
http://www.uchiaustin.com/uchi
Uchi is the home to Tyson Cole, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, and of the ever popular television show, Top Chef. Cole studied in Tokyo and worked in New York City before coming to Austin to work under two different master sushi chefs. Unlike other "celebrity" chefs, Cole works at the sushi bar every night, making diners feel welcome and a part of the exquisite sushi experience. Rolls here get inventive, like the quinoa "tobiko" and the leek puree, but everything is a veritable celebration for the taste buds. Tip: ask the servers for suggestions. They're knowledgeable and will take you out of your comfort zone (to wonderful, delightful culinary places)!
Specials change often, but we would list everything on a "must try" list, so it's just as well.
Uchiko
4200 North Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
512-916-4808
http://www.uchiaustin.com/uchiko
Uchiko is the sister restaurant of famed restaurant, Uchi, by sushi master Tyson Cole. Uchiko considers itself a redefinition of Uchi, presenting a farmhouse feel with an amazing aesthetic. You'll find many Uchi dishes as well as unique masterpieces at Uchiko.
Finn & Porter
Austin, TX 78701
512-493-4900
http://www.finnandporter.com/austin/
Finn & Porter isn't a strictly Japanese restaurant, if you can't tell from its name. It is, however, the home to sushi chef Triet Huynh, who graduated from both Can Tho University in Vietnam and the University of Texas Austin. He studied under traditional sushi master TARU, who opened Austin's first sushi bar. Each piece of sushi he creates is a hand-crafted piece of art. The dessert is also divine, and the steaks are award-winning.
Must try: Lobsteryake – vanilla butter poached lobster tail, cucumber and dried fig rolled in saffrom rice with seared foie gras and truffle balsamic teriyaki
Coconut panna cotta: pineapple, cilantro syrup, pineapple chip
Imperia
310 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-6770
http://www.imperia-austin.com/
Imperia is a grand space in Austin's warehouse district, created by Dick Clark and Joel Mozersky. The restaurant is equal parts intimate and lofty, complete with semi-private dining areas. This upscale spot is a fusion of Chinese food and sushi, where dumplings are served alongside maki rolls. It's a delightful combination that will leave you craving more the next day.
Must try: Buttery Edamame Potstickers, Zebra Roll
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