Uchiko Review - Rosedale - Austin - The Infatuation
"It’s a well-known fact that spinoffs usually suck (see: How I Met Your Father ). But once in a while you end up with a Frasier , a Better Call Saul , and in the case of restaurants, an Uchiko. While Uchiko may have started as an offshoot of its older sibling, Uchi, it’s developed into much more than just a backup plan when you can’t find a reservation (besides, a seat here is pretty much just as hard to get). To add even more confusion, there’s also —another spinoff that also heavily takes after Uchi—but for now, we’ll just focus on comparing Uchiko to the original. At Uchiko, you can expect the same great sushi you’d expect to find at Uchi, plus a very large menu of exciting Japanese-inspired fusion plates, in a larger, livelier dining room. So let’s get to the question you’re probably here to ask: What’s the difference between Uchi and Uchiko? The short answer is, not much. The long answer is, well, a bit longer. Food-wise, both Uchi and Uchiko offer a large menu of sushi with fish flown in from Japan, plus a handful of favorites like the wagyu beef hot rock and fish caramel brussels sprouts. But there are a few Uchiko exclusives as well, like a grilled oyster topped with caramelized onions, beef jus, and gruyere that also answers the question of what an oyster would look like if it ever crossed paths with a bowl of French onion soup. The menu here is large, with close to 100 items. And it changes constantly—good if you bore easily, but painful if you find a new favorite dish. It’s a lot to navigate. But just like at Uchi, you can ask for the omakase and let your server do the dirty work. Where Uchi and Uchiko differ most is the vibe and space. While Uchi is located in an old renovated house, Uchiko is located in a strip mall in Rosedale (but a very nice one). It’s a little less intimate, but not to the point where it feels too casual for a celebration. The dining room is large, but since it’s packed tight with tables, it can feel a bit crowded at times. For a bit more privacy, try grabbing a booth, or risk overhearing a neighboring table discussing spoilers to whatever Marvel movie just came out this week. And if you’re really into sushi, you can grab a seat at the sushi bar and nerd out with the chefs about the differences between Santa Barbara and Hokkaido uni. We wish all spinoffs could be like this—fun and original, but with enough tribute to feel like you’re getting more of something you already loved. Because Uchiko is exactly the continuation we wanted. " - Nicolai McCrary
