Soto
Japanese restaurant · Zilker ·
Upscale Japanese restaurant serving sushi, cocktails in sleek space
Upscale Japanese restaurant serving sushi, cocktails in sleek space
"One of the more underappreciated sushi restaurants in town—likely due to its proximity to Uchi just down the street—this is a smart dinner stop before a movie. Great starters include the fried Brussels sprouts tossed with goat cheese, walnuts, yuzu soy, and lobster tempura. The sushi, nigiri, and sashimi menus are deep and the servers are happy to guide; the Hamachi Apple (yellowtail, mixed herb salad, yuzu pepper, serrano) and White Tiger (bluefin tuna, avocado, cucumber, lemon aioli) maki rolls are safe bets." - H. Drew Blackburn
"Just a block from Uchi in South Austin, Soto offers a pretty extensive menu of rolls and nigiri, in addition to a full menu of flashy hot and cold plates to round out your meal (if you really want a spectacle, order the salmon over fire, where a few pieces of raw fish with raspberry chili sauce arrive hanging over a live flame to cook for a few seconds). Much like at Uchi, the nigiri here is on the small end. But the nigiri options are extensive, and each comes paired with a unique set of garnishes. That means you can expect everything from more classic chu toro with pickled wasabi to ora king salmon with miso, garlic scallion oil, and lemon zest." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"When Uchi is impossible to get into or you’re looking for a different approach to Japanese cuisine, head to this Lamar Union development restaurant in the Zilker neighborhood, which happens to be open for lunch and dinner. On deck is the restaurant’s well-crafted nigiri, sashimi, and sushi, alongside larger dishes like uni pasta and lobster tempura. (The wine list is nice, too.) Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Rolls at this Japanese restaurant can be spendy but high-quality, like the decadent salmon with shaved truffles. There’s also great nigiri for a more simple date night. There are two locations — one in South Lamar with a nice patio and the original in Cedar Park that’s indoor-only — and both accept takeout orders online." - Nadia Chaudhury
"A reliable Japanese spot on South Lamar offering high-quality nigiri selections recommended by knowledgeable servers; unexpected catches like kinki (idiot rockfish) and managatsuo (Japanese butterfish) shine, and Hokkaido uni is a splurge-worthy choice." - Nadia Chaudhury
