"From the team behind Perla’s, Clark’s, Sammie’s, Jeffrey’s, and roughly 85% of the remaining restaurants in Austin, Neighborhood Sushi offers nigiri, rolls, and Japanese-inspired bites out of a semi-hidden dining room on South Congress (the entrance is through the parking lot in the back). Despite the name, it’s not really priced like a casual neighborhood spot, and the interior is far too polished and dressed up to indicate otherwise. But you’re not here for a casual Tuesday night dinner—you’re here for date nights and semi-special occasions where cheap California rolls just won’t cut it. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel The nigiri is generously sized and leans classic in its preparation—lightly dressed, with minimal garnishes. It won’t compete with Otoko down the street, but at least dinner here won’t set you back $300 a person. The rolls, on the other hand, veer a little further from tradition, including things like grilled cubanelle mayo, fermented chili, and jalapeños, for what feels like a vaguely Texan twist on familiar flavors. Start with whatever grilled fish collar is available (there are usually four or five options), order some tempura for something crispy, then round out the meal with plenty of sushi. Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel Tempura The batter is light and crispy, but some of the vegetables—eggplant and yams in particular—can be unevenly cut, resulting in pieces cooked to varying degrees of doneness. The mixed vegetable kakiage tends to be our go-to. Everything is shaved thin, and fried to a perfectly crispy finish. photo credit: Richard Casteel Nigiri All of the fish is very fresh, and most of it comes lightly dressed in some type of glaze, tare, or vinegar. The rice is well seasoned, but occasionally arrives too manhandled and overcooked to put Neighborhood on Austin’s Mount Rushmore of sushi. None of it will leave you with a newfound appreciation for fish, but it won’t leave you disappointed either. photo credit: Richard Casteel Rolls Rolls are where Neighborhood shines, though at around $17-35 each, they can feel pricey for the size. We like the yellowtail scallion roll with jalapeño and ponzu. photo credit: Richard Casteel Daily Fish Collar Most sushi restaurants we’ve been to offer one or two fish collar options (at most). At Neighborhood, there’s nearly half a dozen on any given night. They’re soft and tender inside, with charred and crispy skin. And they’re served with a wasabi stem relish that’s subtly sweet, spicy, and satisfying on grilled fish skin." - Nicolai McCrary
