Uchi Austin

Uchi Austin

Damn Good
Book a Table
Review
About
My Take
Our Take
The Spot
Uchi Austin is the first location of what's since become a multi-city sushi group, opened on South Lamar in Zilker by chef Tyson Cole. The kitchen built its name on a nontraditional approach to Japanese cuisine — dishes that borrow flavors freely rather than sticking to convention.

The menu runs through nigiri like kurodai (black bream) and madai (Japanese sea bream) alongside signature plates: hama chili (yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili, orange supreme), walu walu (oak-grilled escolar with yuzu-pon and candied citrus), shima aji crudo, and a coconut-and-lime-leaf sake tom kha salmon. Guests can also order seasonal omakase or the restaurant's signature tastings. James Miranda runs the kitchen as chef de cuisine, with Damon Cook as head sushi chef.

The dining room carries design work original to this location — red botanical wallpaper and woven pendant lighting that Uchi has since carried into other cities — and the restaurant hosts private events for groups of 15 to 150.

The James Beard Foundation has recognized the restaurant's kitchen repeatedly over the years, including a Best Chef win in 2011 and multiple semifinalist nods for Best Chef and Outstanding Pastry Chef between 2008 and 2016.
THE FACTS
Damn Good
AWARDJames Beard Foundation Best Chef, winner2011
AWARDJames Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef, semifinalist2013–2016
AWARDJames Beard Foundation Best Chef, semifinalist2008–2010
AWARDJames Beard Foundation Outstanding Pastry Chef, semifinalist2010–2012
CRITICCovered by A Taste of Koko (Austin)
CRITICCovered by The Infatuation
RATINGS4.6 stars across 3,493 reviews3 sources
The Regulars
Been? Settle it.
No regular has weighed in yet. Agree, argue, set us straight.
Your Rating
City

Austin

Neighborhood

South Lamar

Price

$$$$

Cuisine

Japanese

Chef

Tyson Cole

Owner

James Beard Winner 2011
Recognition