Shokunin ATX

We tried out the new sushi spot last night and overall it was a great experience! The sushi was amazing — super fresh and high quality. We had the hamachi, salmon, Japanese wagyu, and seared albacore, and every piece was perfect. The Japanese wagyu especially was buttery and rich, definitely a standout. The service was okay — nothing bad, but not super attentive either. They did forget our order of extra salmon nigiri and extra Japanese wagyu, which was a little disappointing since we were really looking forward to more. The wait was about an hour and a half, but honestly, the food made it worth it. If you’re a sushi lover, it’s definitely worth checking out — just be prepared to wait a bit.

Finaly had a chance to visit Shokunin and it did not disappoint. The food was so fresh and tastey yet so simplel. Excited to come back!

One of the best meals I've had in Austin. Delicious food, fun banter with the chefs (sit at the bar), and a bill that made us say "That was less than I expected". The wait was long so plan accordingly but there are tons of great spots nearby for a drink while you wait. Will be be back again. Update: went again and the food is still delicious but they need better ventilation or to not fry stuff, both times I've been I've left smells foul, the fried onions on the app are great but not worth my eyes burning and my t hair and clothes reeking

Overall the experience was great.. we knew there would be some “ironing out” moments in their procedures which is what is expected from a new spot… especially for the notoriety Chef Phillip has.. The fish was top notch 🫡 always been a huge fan of his from when they first came to Austin and even in the chaos he kept his crew calm and everything was very pleasant for it only being open 5 days when we went. Chef Phillip really made the evening special since my mom came in town for her birthday so grateful for all they did!

***UPDATE 12/6/2025*** Tonight we went back to Shokunin for what was nothing less than an absolutely spectacular experience. From the moment I walked inside we were greeted with smiles and amazing vibes. The food was nothing short of remarkably delicious. We were all stunned that each course was somehow better than the last. My favorite tonight was the Sawara, the texture and taste was new and amazing. Their knowledge and care for the highest quality ingredients was meticulous and precise. The value Shokunin brings to our community is amazing, if you enjoy the best sushi this is the place for you. The value of the Omakase menu is actually insane $140 for 15 courses! You may want to wear your stretchy jeans! They have updated the way seating works and now you can get in line from home and they will hold your spot even if you are a few minutes late. You can definitely get in now without any frustrations with the new system. The music is not too loud and you can hear the chefs and the people in your party. We would like to thank many of the team at Shokunin by name. Phillip Frankland Lee, first thank you so much for having us back and taking the time to share a great conversation and some of your knowledge with us tonight, that was something I won’t forget! Your attention to detail and the way you were checking in on every single guest even if they may have not known was incredible. To Chef Christian, Chef Yoji, Chef Makow, & Chef Lorenzo thank you all for an absolutely excellent experience, watching yall work was mesmerizing. To Wails and the exceptional hospitality team, thank you for making this THE experience we had hoped for from the moment we walked in the door, simply amazing. We will be back as often as we can and have already started planning family birthdays as this is the place to bring everyone together for a true foodie experience, even joking (maybe not so much of a joke) that this is our new Saturday spot after the gym! Thank you to everyone that made our evening as memorable as it was, our group talked about the meal the whole way home and how we can’t wait to return. *review from first visit* Food was fantastic. They are still figuring out how they want to operate. We got in line 45 min early to wait outside as it says no reservations however I found out you can just knock on the door to add your self to the wait list. Frustrating. All of the bar seats were taken our group was the second in line. Then we sat down at a table the server was confused from the start our entire table of 5 people ordered the $140 omakase menu only to find out that we were not even allowed to order the omakase menu so they brought out one omakase for 5 people we were all confused and frustrated. We ordered a ton more food spent about 900 and after that left hungry enough to grab a burger. If I hadn’t been a follower of Phillip Frankland Lee for about 5 years we probably would have left. In all I’m not sure if we will be back, the lack of organization and not offering any kind of solution to the problem of ordering. I’d say this place needs time and organization. Left a sour taste in my mouth for the almost 1k. Music also got WAY too loud a few times, we were basically screaming at each other and one of our guest almost left with a headache from it.

Our second visit to Shokunin was everything you could ask for. A personalized experience with amazing chefs that know so much about what they do. The detail and care that is expressed in every dish is simply astounding.

Absolutely wonderful experience. Food was top notch. Sushi chef and rest of staff were very friendly. Vibe and music was great.

This was an amazing experience with fresh and succulent tasting fish I have ever tasted! The flavor and texture of the rice was fantastic! The matcha affogato is so extremely delicious and satisfying pleasant. Philip was welcoming, the host was accommodating, the waiters are kind and the chefs were magicians! The ambience was soothing, the smells were mouth watering and the music was on point! I don’t know why the other reviews have lower stars but they are lying. I seriously can’t wait for the next time I come in with friends and family!