Kenichi
419 Colorado
Austin, TX 78701
512-320-8883
Contemporary Pan Asian Cuisine and World Class Sushi
Kenichi, a hot Austin restaurant in the warehouse district, is the premiere spot for Contemporary Pan Asian Cuisine & World Class Sushi. The outstanding menu includes the freshest fish & sushi available and a variety of steaks & wild game including Kobe beef & Texas-raised Sika Deer.
Kenichi is one of the hippest, most energetic scenes downtown & is the proud recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its impressive wine & sake lists. Kenichi also recently received the prestigious Zagat Award.
Kenichi's fabulous sushi & bar Happy Hours are available Sun. & Mon. 4:30 to close & Tue.-Fri. 4:30 to 6:30.
And join Austin's wine expert, Greg Steiner, at Kenichi's new Sake Wine Dinners-a divine four course meal served with exquisite sake.
Kenichi honors reservations but welcomes walk-ins & provides valet parking.
Private party rooms & intimate seating are available.
Editorial Review for Kenichi - by Susan Kirr
In Short
Kenichi is nothing if not a scene. Couples on dates and small groups of business folks, and Austin hipsters make up the clientele, and everyone is dressed to the nines. The contemporary Japanese interior features some great details, like minimalist Japanese ceramics on the tables and sprays of wild grasses separating the sushi bar from the dining room. The Aspen roll, with smoked trout, cream cheese and daikon sprouts is a favorite.
Insider Tips
What to Drink
Kenichi tempts with more than 20 different kinds of sake, some served warm, some cold. You'll see many a patron (including the likes of Sandra Bullock and Lance Armstrong) doing sake bombs.
When to Go
Stop in for happy hour every Tuesday through Friday 4:30pm until 6:30pm and Sunday through Monday 4:30pm until 10pm.
Parking: Street & Valet
Hours: Sun-Wed 5:30-10:00; Thu-Sat 5:30-11:00
Musashino Sushi Dokoro
3407 Greystone Dr
Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (512) 795-8593
Editorial Review for Musashino Sushi Dokoro - by Susan Kirr
In Short
Once a quiet place to get the real thing, Musashino is now a magnet for the monied after-work crowd. The decor of cedar paneling, paper lanterns and aquatic prints is enchanting, but the tables are a little too close together, and the disco music seems out of sync with the Japanese aesthetic. Teriyaki and tempura are available, but sushi is king. A 10-piece sushi deluxe features albacore tuna topped with shredded daikon.
Chon Som
2013 Wells Branch Pkwy Ste 109
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: (512) 989-5559
Pan-Asian restaurant serves a large variety of sushi as well as traditional Thai dishes and fusion creations.
Sushi Sake
9503 Research Blvd Ste 500
Austin, TX 78759-6538
Phone: (512) 527-0888
Editorial Review for Sushi Sake - by Susan Kirr
In Short
Located in a sprawling shopping center, the restaurant draws folks working and living in the area. The interior uses neutral colors and textures to its advantage, with flax curtains, paper lamps and multitoned wood creating a natural ambience. A well-stocked liquor bar, sushi bar and two dining areas offer several choices. All the usual sushi offerings are here, plus some creative choices like the tiger-eye roll--smoked salmon, cream cheese and rice punctuated by jalapeno
Seoul Restaurant & DK's Sushi Bar
6400 S First St
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (512) 326-5807
Editorial Review for Seoul Restaurant & DK's Sushi Bar - by Ben Niekerk
In Short
The friendly, laid-back style comes through as the host offers a choice of booth, table or tatami. In the evenings, a tatami room is available for traditional Japanese seating. Asian pop music pounds out the rhythm, while dim lighting brings a certain level of sophistication to the table settings. Japanese and Korean styles of cooking combine seamlessly. The Mexican roll has shrimp, salmon, avocado and salsa bursting. Crispy, crunchy, soft-shell crab spider rolls always please.
Mama Fu's
9600 S IH 35 Suite C-100
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: (512) 637-6772
Editorial Review for Mama Fu's - by Andrea Loera
In Short
This lively restaurant carries the chain's signature bold colors and spacious patio. Lunch features counter service while dinnertime diners are treated to full table service or speedy takeout. Menu favorites include Pan-Asian fare made fresh (the display kitchen offers views of lightning-fast woks) such as crispy shrimp dynamite, lettuce wraps, seared ahi tuna and various noodle and rice bowls, curries and veggie-filled stir-fries served with your choice of meat or tofu. There's also free Wi-Fi.
Koriente Restaurant & Tea House
621 E 7th St
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 275-0852
Editorial Review for Koriente Restaurant & Tea House - by Marisa Gregory
In Short
From the colorful flowers and plants sprouting up all around the building, to the emphasis on healthy, fresh ingredients and dishes lacking oil, fat, sugar, MSG (infused instead with fruits and juices), this Asian restaurant is deliberate in its preparation and quick in its execution. The Kalbi pot-roast takes 24 hours to cook, but the speedy counter service makes this spot an appealing alternative to typical fast food, especially for the lunch crowd.
Uchi
801 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704-1509
Phone: (512) 916-4808
Editorial Review for Uchi - by Dirk Sonniksen
In Short
The vibe at Uchi is sophisticated yet relaxed, with the well-heeled and tattoo-laden coexisting in harmony. On any given evening, it's filled to capacity with diners conversing beneath a bold, red expanse intermingled with golden flowers. Dimly lit lanterns hanging from the high, vaulted ceiling provide a romantic ambience. Tender Muscovy duck, grilled on Japanese charcoal, are appetizers to salmon or striped bass sushi, Brie tempura ringo or pan-seared scallops served with samiso sauces, baby bok choy and shiitake mushrooms.
Maiko Sushi Lounge
311 W Sixth St
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 236-9888
Editorial Review for Maiko Sushi Lounge - by Tara Hall
In Short
Maiko makes a strong first impression with its street-lining wall of windows and colorful, modern decor. Conveniently divided into one part sushi bar and one part full booze bar, patrons have the upper hand in deciding their evening. The menu consists of contemporary Japanese dishes, traditional American sushi, as well as edomae, or Tokyo-style, sushi. The bar area offers cozy seating for intimate chatter and the occasional DJ.
