OTOKO
Japanese restaurant · South River City
1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Highlights
Modern omakase tasting menus plus craft cocktails in an intimate space
Modern omakase tasting menus plus craft cocktails in an intimate space
"Hidden upstairs in the South Congress Hotel, Otoko offers a moody, minimalist dining experience centered around an intimate 12-seat omakase, led by chef Yoshi Okai. The menu blends Tokyo-style sushi with Kyoto-style kaiseki, shifting nightly based on seasonality and Okai’s whims. Expect standout bites, such as toro with caviar or house-aged mackerel. Arrive early or linger after at Watertrade next door, where the cocktail bar leans heavily on Japanese spirits and low lighting." - Darcie Duttweiler
"Otoko is often considered one of the swankiest restaurants in Austin, with a price tag that shows they’re clearly aware. It’s a place to dress up a little and feel like a rock star as you watch your meal get prepared in a room that’s basically a tunnel of lights to a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, and Fugazi, with a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. There are three menus here that change based on what day you book. Most days it’s a kaiseki menu—a mix of seasonal veggies and nigiri—but there’s also a weekly mostly-sushi night, and a once-a-month smaller (and cheaper) menu. All of them are a mix of small plates and nigiri in different ratios that generally play with both Japanese and Texas flavors. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"If you’re going to blow $300 per person on dinner, Otoko is where to do it. The small sushi restaurant’s futuristic paneling feels like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey, accompanied by an ambient rock soundtrack and a chef who looks like he just hopped off of Davie Bowie's stage. The omakase experience is a dizzying procession of small plates and nigiri that sometimes veers into the spectacular, with a menu that brings together fish, smoke, umami, and vinegar—playing with Japanese, Texan, and Mexican ingredients—for a truly singular meal. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out." - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary
"Verdict: This is one of the single most expensive meals in Austin. Is it worth it? That really depends on how much you’re willing to spend and what you’re looking for. It’s a place to dress up a little and feel like a rock star as you watch your meal get prepared in a room that’s basically a tunnel of lights to a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, and Fugazi, with a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. And it’s some of the best sushi in Austin. It just comes with a price tag of about $250-$300 per person (before drinks), unless you book the weekly abridged (and slightly cheaper) dinner for $150. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"If you’re going to blow $300 per person on dinner, the sushi restaurant Otoko is where to do it. The futuristic design of the dining room makes it feel like you’re in a fancy spaceship, along with a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, Fugazi, and a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. The omakase experience is a dizzying procession of small plates and nigiri that sometimes veers into the spectacular, with a menu that brings together fish, smoke, umami, and vinegar—playing with Japanese, Texan, and Mexican ingredients—for a truly unique meal. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, raphael brion
