Otoko

Review №1

Rating: 2

I was optimistic and tried so hard to like otoko, but it was such a disappointment for me and my friend! The initial impression walking into the room was that it was super smoky (from burning a piece of wood used to torch a piece of fish for the previous customers). After it cleared up a bit, I saw that the environment was very sleek and modern, and I liked how they used uni boxes as decoration. Some of the courses were too rice-forward, and it felt like they used regular white rice instead of sushi rice. Most were completely overpowered by their garnish (salt crystals, yuzu, wasabi) so much so that I couldnt properly enjoy the piece of sushi that was meant to be the standout flavor. Some courses were too chewy or tendon-y, especially the wagyu, which is usually more of a melt-in-your-mouth experience at other omakases Ive been to. By far the best dish of the night was the shima aji with pear, japaleno, yuzu, and mint, which was a well-balanced, creative blend of flavors and for me was the one redemption point. The service also felt extremely rushed (according to my camera roll, the 19th course was served an hour after sitting down). Im a slow eater and like to savor each piece, but the sushi chefs were literally waiting for me to pick up the piece I had on my plate to set another down, and since youre supposed to eat it immediately at its intended temperature, I was basically forcing myself to eat in order to keep up with the pace. Definitely not the indulgent, luxurious experience you would expect for the $250 price point!

Date: a week ago

Review №2

Rating: 5

Wonderful culinary experience with a great team to match it. We cant wait to return.

Date: a week ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

The 20-course omakase experience is unforgettable! The intimate setting, personalized service, and exquisite presentation of each plate make it a standout. Every bite is a delightful journey of flavors and artistry, with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dont miss the adjacent bar Watertrade that serves the most amazing craft cocktails. This is a fantastic restaurant for sushi lovers and anyone thats looking for a unique and special culinary experience in Austin! Parking: Complimentary valet parking at the Austin Hotel

Date: 2 weeks ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

The food and service are outstanding. You taste the chef s creativity and passion in every single bite. We love the variety they serve. From classic sushi with a twist to their take on fish and chips to gazpacho, there is something for everyone. And their service is fabulous. They truly take care of you and make this an unforgettable experience. Parking: Valet or parking garage are both complimentary.

Date: 3 weeks ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

Truly amazing dining experience. Every detail is attended to, including personalized menus, and remembering my food intolerances. The food is incredible with some of the best Sushi I ve eaten, including compared to Michelin star sushi in Tokyo. Highly recommended

Date: a month ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

Date: a month ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Otoko pays great attention to details and shares a unique experience in Austin! Fresh sushi is flown in from the best places in Japan and the creatives dishes bring out the fresh flavors especially with yuzu in the summer. Classic omakase is the move and will have you filled. Highlights: Hokkaido Hotate and Uni, and finished with the Yakimono (Iberico pork)

Date: a month ago

Review №8

Rating: 5

Date: a month ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

Date: 2 months ago

Review №10

Rating: 5

Great meal, we have been before but had never done the Wednesday nigiri tasting before so that was different and really good. The amberjack, oyster and sashimi dishes were the highlights. The hamachi bbq at the end was also incredible. The dessert was so delicious and super cute with a little shovel spoon. Loved the small touches! The summer samurai drink was amazing and a great pairing throughout the meal.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Always consistently amazing in all aspects! Just wow! Sooo amazing! Just love!

Date: 2 months ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

Cant recommend Otoko enough. Each course was incredible and paired with thoughtful, personalized service. Chef Yoshis passion and intention were both abundantly clear as we looked on from our seats. The same can be said for his staff. Each course came with a story, and each story was an apt palate cleanser before diving into delectable sushi (not to mention the ginger they provided to literally cleanse our palates). I went to celebrate a special occasion with someone I care about immensely. While making the reservation, I informed the Otoko team of this context. When we viewed the last page of our menus, we found a note of personal congratulations. A small touch like that went a long way and set the tone for the meal. While some may balk at the price of the meal, we walked out of Otoko feeling sure that wed return. The intimate dining experience is well worth the price tag. Parking: Otoko offers free valet or validated garage parking, which was very helpful for planning.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

Exceptional in every way. I went here in June and can t wait to go back.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

Date: 2 months ago

Review №15

Rating: 5

Ever play the game what would you have as your last meal ever ? It would be Otoko. Food : 5/5

Date: 2 months ago

Review №16

Rating: 5

I was truly blown away by this spot. Such attention to detail, truly an amazing dining experience. You can tell these guys are truly dedicated and take pride in their craft in the quality of the food. The staff was so attentive, very knowledgeable and not pretentious like other places. They were very humble relatable. The only thing I would change would be the chairs as they are solid wood with no padding. Im somewhat petite so sitting for 2 plus hours was not very pleasant

Date: 3 months ago

Review №17

Rating: 5

Date: 3 months ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

This was the most special birthday dinner I ve ever had! Top restaurant experience and quality of food in Austin

Date: 4 months ago

Review №19

Rating: 2

Most of the dishes were good, some even great. The front of house staff were knowledgable and kind. I was sadly disappointed by my interaction with the sushi chefs, which took away from the experience. In one instance, I asked the head chef what the fish he served was, and he told me to go look it up in the menu. A second chef overheard the comment, waited until the head chef was gone, and whispered what the dish was, presumably to not go against her bosss decision. It felt uncomfortable and heavy. The pacing was also rushed, with multiple courses piling up in front of me, punctuated by the head chef leaving half way through the meal. I understand restaurants need to turn tables and make room for other guests, but the place was half empty during my dining experience, and I was seated a little late due to a delay on the restaurants end. So I didnt understand the need to rush. Based on my transportation receipts, I was there for 1:45 minutes, so its not like I stayed beyond whats reasonable. We all have bad days at work, things come up, I get it. I just wish it didnt come at my expense of $400.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №20

Rating: 5

What I just went through was spiritual.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №21

Rating: 4

Date: 5 months ago

Review №22

Rating: 5

A beautiful dining experience. Tonight was my second time and I can t wait for my third.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №23

Rating: 5

Date: 5 months ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Reviewing just Watertrade... Really excellent cocktails with great bartenders and a cool vibe.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №25

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №26

Rating: 2

Edit: Visited again on March 27th 2024. This is my third time visiting. I had high expectations but I am somewhat disappointed this time. From the get go, I was embarrassed by the bartender to show my ID to get the drink in front of my guests. The food, experience and professionalism also did not meet my expectations this time. The food overall was a bit too salty for our taste. The miso soup appetizer for example was too salty and in my opinion a very mediocre starter. The seafood and ingredients were very fresh and tasted great. However the excessive, unevenly distributed sea salt on the nigiri and sushi, overpowering the fish flavor, was not very enjoyable. Finally, near the end when the chef was performing the fish bbq with the charcoal wood, he accidentally got a piece of sashimi on the table (not the cutting board!) and decided to just place it back on the plate to serve it. I honestly cant understand why you couldnt just remake a piece of sashimi, considering we pay over $300 a person. I always thought otoko to be one of the most up-scale restaurants in the entire Austin. We did not have the more senior Japanese chef prepare the food today, maybe that was the difference.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №27

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №28

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №29

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №30

Rating: 2

I thought the pieces of sushi were very small. It did tase good. There are other places here in Austin that serve great tasting sushi, and the pieces are much thicer cut, ad the price is uch less. The big turnoff for me was when the head chef got upset and in a low voice chewed out one of the helpers in front of us. Other people did not notice his action, but we did and were very disturbed by his actions. A professional would have made his correction in the back room not in front of customers.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №31

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №32

Rating: 5

Dietary restrictions: Chef was very accommodating but I suggest you come in with an adventurous mindset! Parking: Free valet

Date: 7 months ago

Review №33

Rating: 5

Truly a fascinating dining experience, he has all the wild that he has from being in a rock band, but also the attention to detail for a sushi chef. Some wild flavors you wont taste elsewhere, well worth the price and the visit

Date: 8 months ago

Review №34

Rating: 3

Overpriced with un fresh fish trying to cover with all other flavors Texmex sushi

Date: 8 months ago

Review №35

Rating: 5

My boyfriend took me to Otoko as a surprise for our anniversary and new years eve. All I can say is WOW! It s difficult to eat normal food after such an incredible experience, I can t stop thinking about it. The service was absolutely fantastic, very intimate and personal which I loved. Everyone was so kind and friendly. I loved the entire omakase. Every dish I tried was like magic to my tastebuds. I was exhausted after a 16 hour flight the day before and this dinner truly brought me back to life. My boyfriend got the omakase with wine pairings and I got the sake pairing. I will say it is a lot of drinks, but each and every one was well thought out for each portion of the dinner. I hope to come back again and again!

Date: 8 months ago

Review №36

Rating: 3

Service felt extremely rushed. Sushi was good but nothing special. Definitely had better more imaginative omakases before. Tea and wine pairings were nothing to write home about. For having put down almost a grand just to reserve the reservation - this place was absolutely not worth it.

Date: 8 months ago

Review №37

Rating: 5

Date: 8 months ago

Review №38

Rating: 5

Absolutely amazing experience! Service is highest quality. But that doesn t compare to the food! Very memorable evening.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №39

Rating: 5

What a magical omakase experience - each bite meticulously crafted with love and admiration for the chef and cuisine. All of the staff were top notch, enhancing the experience along the way. There are two easy to follow rules: leave your gold plate on the counter for plating and dont put ginger on your sushi, simple and sensible. Our neighbors could not follow the two rules which was a little distracting. We however excelled at following along. What a special meal, maybe the best I have had in Austin!

Date: 9 months ago

Review №40

Rating: 5

Date: 9 months ago

Review №41

Rating: 1

The service of the chefs assistants is terrible and rude. It ruins the purpose of the food experience.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №42

Rating: 5

One of the best and most adventurous omasake that I have tasted. Had an interesting fusion with texan/Mexican heritage. Will come back

Date: 10 months ago

Review №43

Rating: 5

Unique and Amazing dining experience! Hamachi is to die for!

Date: 10 months ago

Review №44

Rating: 5

Otoko offers an exquisite omakase experience. Each dish in the tasting menu is a culinary masterpiece, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist. A must for food enthusiasts in Austin.

Date: 10 months ago

Review №45

Rating: 5

This place is a bucket list restaurant. Chef Yoshi is an artist and all of the surrounding staff are the best of the best. Ive never had better omakase, and this is in my top 5 for best meals all-time. And the bar, Watertrade, is equally amazing. You have to book 2 months in advance but if you ever get the chance to dine here, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Date: 10 months ago

Review №46

Rating: 5

Going to Otoko is definitely one of the highlights of our year. It was obvious that every aspect of the experience was thoughtfully designed. 10/10 Ill be recommending this to everyone visiting ATX.

Date: 11 months ago

Review №47

Rating: 5

Otoko was a fantastic experience and offered some of the best sushi in Austin. It s still close between (sushi by scratch, uchi and now otoko). We came on a weekend and did get some dishes we didn t care for (I m looking at you egg dish). As a whole though, it was phenomenal. I did read on Wednesdays it was sushi-only and wish that happened more days of the week.

Date: 11 months ago

Review №48

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №49

Rating: 5

Incredible experience! The service, drinks, and food were out of control delicious.

Date: 11 months ago

Review №50

Rating: 5

You pay a premium here to be treated like a king and queen. Service was definitely 5 stars. They made you feel important. Even when theyre carrying food, youll see the rush in their eyes and non verbal communication as they got out of your path. Definitely something that I did not expect at all or felt that i deserved, but it was definitely appreciated hindsight. The overall service was top notch and took care of all of your needs and extraneous liquids and items, while fluidly being out of the way so that you can enjoy the people that you came with. Food was delicious and very novel and quite unique near the end of it (we got the kansai experience). Blast of flavors and textures with each bite was on par or exceeded expectations. The small dishes were rather too unique at the end, as i had to eat my significant others fried grasshopper. However that is not dissuading opinion of the place. I definitely want to go back and try the sushi only experience. Environment was unique and awe inspiring. Unfortunately the kitchen produced fan noise, and i would not recommend sitting at the far right end of the table if you can help it. It didnt bother me every minute, but definitely something that i noticed once and pointed out as a conversation piece. I think the room itself would be more successful with added acoustic absorbing material integrated into the space, as it was already a rather small space. It was by no means a loud and intruding environment and i enjoyed the ambience, i am just pointing out the smallest of minor details that could be improved upon. There was not a lot of entertainment and interaction from the head chef, like our first omakase at Sushi By Scratch, which was great for a first timer. However everyone works in different ways, and what the head chef and the others, were talented with what they prepared for us. There was an unexpected added unique touch, we were given menus of the dishes with a cute note to us to enjoy our anniversary with our names printed on the menu. It listed each dish experience, its ingredients, what fish it was and where it came from. As well as each unique tea paring that we did, and where it was sourced. I enjoyed this as it is something to remember the experience by and something i can look back on to see what fish and where it came from. Something that i enjoyed at the other place mentioned above, but by now have already forgotten where what came where. Out of 5: poor/fair/good/very good/amazing Overall: Amazing Food: Very Good to Amazing Service: Amazing Ambience/Design: Very Good Ambiance/Noise: Good to Very Good Value: Fair (i might just be poor here)

Date: 11 months ago

Review №51

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №52

Rating: 5

Stellar omakase, great staff, beautiful restaurant. What a wonderful dining experience. Food was excellent

Date: a year ago

Review №53

Rating: 5

Yoshi is a magician. Treat yourself to this experience if you can. Your mouth will never forget it.

Date: a year ago

Review №54

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №55

Rating: 5

Premium price tag that brings a premium experience with it. If I had a list ranking all my omakase experiences to this point--for which there have been many--this one would officially be sitting at the top. I feel like I was introduced to so many new and wonderful flavors last night, and still processing it a bit. The real surprises were some of the non-sushi elements, like the escargot, the mushroom tempura (wow!), and a delicious shirumono that really got the best of me when I took a bite with the mussel. Make no mistake, the sushi is still the star, and this place sets a new standard for nigiri. Favorites were the kanpachi, aji, and madai, but truly no bite disappointed. The sake pairings were a fantastic addition to the experience and I appreciated the background shared with the presentation of each one. It was beautiful to witness the artistry and passion of our chefs as they put our meal together, and I hope they know how honored I feel to have experienced the output of their efforts.

Date: a year ago

Review №56

Rating: 5

Phenomenal experience and high quality food. Can t wait to go back soon!

Date: a year ago

Review №57

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №58

Rating: 1

After years of talking about it, my friend and I found a time slot for Otoko s omakase. Unfortunately, it was the sushi omakase, a shorter, sushi-centric meal. But, we were both excited nonetheless. Well, we went last night, and it was downright bad. I ve had better sushi at HEB and this is not hyperbole. It s hard to overstate just how bad this was. Their sushi rice was the least flavorful I have ever had in a restaurant, full stop. The staff thinks they are providing a meal that will be etched into your senses forever. A meal that will make all other meals suck by comparison. But their pretentious attitude just made it worse. The two sushi chefs spent most of their words ranting about the importance of this and that, all the while they can t make sushi rice that would get them through culinary school. It s frankly embarrassing that they are so painfully unaware of their own shortcomings. I would give the sushi omakase 0 stars if I could. Save your money and buy ANYTHING else.

Date: a year ago

Review №59

Rating: 5

Best restaurant in Texas. Food is unbelievably good.

Date: a year ago

Review №60

Rating: 3

We came here for my partner s birthday as a recommendation from a friend, so going into this experience we had a fairly high expectation given it s price point and reputation. The quality of fish and presentation s attention to detail was above par, however there several factors that contribute to this overall 3 star review. We went to Toshokan a couple months ago, where there was the head chef present and every dish was prepared in front of everyone. The music at this place was slight random and eclectic, didn t go with the vibe of the restaurant was a bit obnoxious. The servers weren t up to par considering how much we are paying for this experience. A bit unprofessional and too talkative. We recommend Toshokan instead for a more special and high-end experience. This felt like going to a mediocre sushi restaurant.

Date: a year ago

Review №61

Rating: 5

I have been wanting to visit Otoko for a couple years; but, this time the occasion and time worked out for a Tuesday dinner. I received a call ahead of time to ask about any dietary restrictions. I definitely appreciated the call. Dining at Otoko is more than eating good quality food, drinking good cocktails. It is an art show. We started with having some cocktails at the bar and moved to dining room. It was only 6 people and we were greeted by a saki sommelier and his assistant server. The chefs were very precise, friendly; but professional. The cadence os service was immaculate and at the end of the night head chef came and completed the desert.I will definitely go back.

Date: a year ago

Review №62

Rating: 5

Parking: Parking is available through soco hotel- but it s quite expensive. Kid-friendliness: For this atmosphere, I personally wouldn t bring small/young children. It s an intimate space Wheelchair accessibility: To my knowledge it s only accessible by stairs

Date: a year ago

Review №63

Rating: 5

Always amazing, and this time may have been the best yet. Nothing negative to say. This is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in the world, and easily the best in Austin. Tonight the cold soup course was particularly memorable. So many layers of flavor. Service is top notch, as well, and drinks are really awesome. Ill continue to go back as often as possible.

Date: a year ago

Review №64

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №65

Rating: 5

Stunning bar. Great service and really really impressive cocktail menu.

Date: a year ago

Review №66

Rating: 5

Great food, great service!

Date: a year ago

Review №67

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №68

Rating: 1

If you want a great atmosphere and good service come here. If you want good food go elsewhere .

Date: a year ago

Review №69

Rating: 4

Sushi was good and fresh but the cuts were way to thick

Date: a year ago

Review №70

Rating: 5

Exceptional and delicious. Everything was very precise and on point, from food to service. It was an amazing experience! Food : 5/5

Date: a year ago

Review №71

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №72

Rating: 5

The dining experience was lovely. The setting of the actual restaurant was intimate with 12 seats all around, and 3 chef stations to help serve the different groups of patrons for the night. The food was art in every sense of the word, and I was so pleased with the presentation, the flavors, and the creativity. We had the 20 course Omakase with a tea pairing and I am including some pictures in this review. If you are looking for an intimate dinner setting for a special occasion, or if you just enjoy Japanese food with a twist, Otoko is for you. Note: I would ve taken off one star but it would not reflect on the actual food, so I decided against it, but this was something that threw me off a little- I was surprised that with the exclusivity, warmth and experience I had at Otoko, my date s name was misspelled on our personalized menu, it made me a little sad since it was a surprise celebration from him :(

Date: a year ago

Review №73

Rating: 5

Absolutely amazing dinner with both beautiful preparation and incredible flavors. It is definitely expensive but worth the treat for a special occasion.

Date: a year ago

Review №74

Rating: 4

Nice atmosphere, very small. Vegetarian options: Uses no dairy Clarified drinks use agar agar Food : 3/5 | Service

Date: a year ago

Review №75

Rating: 5

Coming from someone that has spent quite a bit of time in Japan, this is the best and most authentic Omakase in Austin (maybe Texas), bar none. If youre looking for a sensual journey and a very unique experience for your taste buds, youre in for a treat. However, if your definition of eating sushi is gulping down California, rainbow, and double fried Philadelphia cream cheese rolls until your belt buckle bursts, this probably isnt the place for you.

Date: a year ago

Review №76

Rating: 5

Weve been to many dining experiences, chefs tables and tasting menus all over from different cuisines. This experience was right there at the top as one of the best weve had. Chef Yoshi will not disappoint.

Date: a year ago

Review №77

Rating: 5

I rarely rate 5 stars in all categories. However, the overall experience is one that shouldnt be missed for an upscale date night or drinks.

Date: a year ago

Review №78

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №79

Rating: 5

Eddie and the gang good people Sake top notch Shout out to mr dragon Honda

Date: a year ago

Review №80

Rating: 3

Date: a year ago

Review №81

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №82

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №83

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №84

Rating: 5

This review is for watertrade, the cocktail bar associated with Otoko. Great cocktails - I had the Double Rainbow Surprise and I found it to be refreshing and drinkable yet strong. Hamachi was great too as a small bite. You pay for the trendy atmosphere but it s definitely worth it if you re feeling that vibe. Very high quality

Date: a year ago

Review №85

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №86

Rating: 5

I book @otokoaustin every year for my birthday. It s one of the most unique experiences in Austin. Sooo many amazing flavors and delicious pieces. Sadly, I ll be out of the country this year. But I may try to sneak it in before I leave

Date: a year ago

Review №87

Rating: 5

The whole crew made sure we have a great experience. The Omakase experience served 20 extremely tasty courses and was more than enough for me to feel full. The cocktails were amazing

Date: a year ago

Review №88

Rating: 5

One of the best in Austin. Great food. Very fresh. Very good service. Amazing chef. I used to fly to California for Japanese food. Otoko is comparable to some of the best I can find in California.

Date: a year ago

Review №89

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №90

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №91

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №92

Rating: 5

Insane! Gorgeous ! Well done Yosho

Date: a year ago

Review №93

Rating: 5

We loved our experience at Otoko. Chef Yoshi and some of the Sous chefs worked at Uchi and created some of their most famous dishes, so you can expect similar curation to what youd get at Uchi, but the experience is so much more personalized and you can tell that the fish is fresher. You HAVE to talk to the chefs to get the most out of this experience - if you dont care about where the fish is from or the art behind sushi you wont get your moneys worth, which some of these reviews reflect. We chatted with Gabe and Elias the entire time, as well as our seat neighbors. Absolutely loved the experience and felt it was worth the price. Its a bit of an insult to compare Otoko to Uchi or Soto in my opinion - its really not the same because it isnt commercialized as a franchise. Maybe more akin to Uchi 10 years ago. This is more like sitting in an art gallery and it was a beautiful experience. Thank you chefs!

Date: a year ago

Review №94

Rating: 5

Very fine Japanese dining experience.

Date: a year ago

Review №95

Rating: 5

This review is specific to Water Trade, the bar off of Otoko. If you re looking for some delectable bites and one of a kind drinks, I would strongly suggest this bar. While Otoko has some of the best sushi in town, it can do quite a number on your wallet. At Water Trade, you can still get some of the chef s creations without the full omakase experience.

Date: a year ago

Review №96

Rating: 5

Dietary restrictions: Were easily able to work around shellfish allergy and even did a replacement version for a grasshopper component (knowing that it is related from an allergy / evolutionary perspective) Parking: Free valet for anybody dining there.

Date: a year ago

Review №97

Rating: 5

You talk about being hit with a mouthful of flavor! The creativity that the bartenders and the chef have is unparalleled. You not only feel like you are in another Japanese restaurant, but it actually feels like Japan! Come here if you are fortunate enough to get a spot, you will not be disappointed.

Date: a year ago

Review №98

Rating: 1

Unpopular opinion but this is the worst omakase experience Ive ever had. We were herded like cattle, not even an hello from the chef, and overly salty food.

Date: a year ago

Review №99

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №100

Rating: 5

Amazing!

Date: a year ago

Review №101

Rating: 3

Jan. 2017 We started the evening with cocktails in Watertrade, which is a gorgeous, dim, moody space. We moved across the hall for dinner at a bar that seats 12. The seating was staggered with groups of four being sat together. The dining space is light, airy, and well ventilated which is good considering there are foods being seared and smoked in front of the diners. The service was excellent, the presentation of the food was precise and beautiful, and the plating was spaced out well so I didnt get too full as the evening progressed. Everything was made right in front of us which is something I love. Give me a view of the kitchen and Im a happy diner. The first two plates were excellent. Then were nine of the most perfect pieces of sushi I have ever eaten. The fishes served were buttery, soft, delicate, perfectly cut and oh so lightly flavored with oils and salt and citrus and other things I cant place. There was an amazing pear and trout dish that was an incredible mix of textures and flavors. And then everything got salty and vinegary. Like a soup that had over reduced, or a plate that had too much acid. By the end of the meal, my mouth felt parched and sticky from it. There was even a lovely persimmon and yamamomo berry dish that I would have been happy with had it not tasted pickled, or at least been served after something with a different flavor profile. By the time we left all I wanted was a refreshing sorbet. The menu changes daily at Otoko. That meal may not ever repeat itself. Maybe the next time everything will be perfect. Considering we spent $400 (not including wine or cocktails) on an elaborate and extensive meal and only enjoyed half of it, I dont think well go back. Nov. 2022 Had a very similar experience. Sushi was perfect. For the first time in my life I have eaten mackerel that tasted fresh and light and I loved it. Some dishes were super vinegary, super salty. Still wanted a sorbet after dinner.

Date: a year ago

Review №102

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №103

Rating: 5

Dont ask if you can have more sushi. Dont ask for a sushi only omakase. Dont spend a lot of time ordering drinks during dinner. Be respectful of the greatness that the chefs have brought together for you. Drinks before are AWESOME.

Date: a year ago

Review №104

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №105

Rating: 5

Chef Yoshi and team do an amazing job highlighting each single bite with seemly minimal ingredients. Lots of fish were imported from Japan and while some types of fish were served a couple of times, the team did a great job to call attention to the nuance of each fish by pairing them/using ingredients to make each one shine. He seemed to try to use local/domestic seafood as well, who would have thought that Alabama had such delicate tasting oysters. Cocktails were amazing as many reviewers pointed out. We made the mistake of running late for our tasting so we didn t get a chance to spend time at the bar but they do offer cocktails from the bar with your meals. The boyfriend reserved the sushi tasting but they appeared to have sushi tastings paired with either sake or tea tastings. If you re looking for a special night, book the reservation and come early. It seems that reservations book quickly so make sure you book in advance.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №106

Rating: 5

legitimately the peak

Date: 2 years ago

Review №107

Rating: 5

Incredible experience.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №108

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №109

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №110

Rating: 3

Food was wonderful. So fresh, simple yet exquisite flavor pairings. The chefs were great. That being said the service was lacking-therefore value meh (don t really know a better emotive word to convey this here ) I will ol preface this saying that I ve been to MANY limited seating chefs table restaurants such as this, as well as many 3 star and on down Michelin restaurants and you can tell the difference this was disappointing. I m not a chef or expert and I never leave reviews - but feel the need to relay this because I love my hometown. I m a native Austinite - I understand why restaurants here don t make Michelin their goal. Weird and laid back and warm atmosphere is the goal here - and of course the best food- all of it! Therefore I would have expected a precise, YET warm and laid back experience. Any other chefs table experience or Michelin star - a server would not even flinch at a request ( and we are very laid back patrons!!) However here we made a minimal request at Otoko and they told us no they were sorry they couldn t do that . I ve NEVER had that response- anywhere- even in new York or LA or at the French Laundry. Again born and raised Austinite so this bothered me mostly because any form of pretentiousness would normally not be tolerated as the ATX way. Back in the day there was an unilateral consensus that austin didn t do reservations and didn t do valet. Anywhere. So what should that tell you?? So if they are going to try to be proper and uppity .then do it. Go all the way! They don t. My napkin was not folded/ left in my seat while in the ladies room, it was instead placed on the table. This would not have bothered me so much had they not worried about other silly things like my glass being on the chefs serving top. Also food and drink were served from different sides (left and right) - never consistently the right which is expected. If you are in a 12 person linear seating, this is noticeable and matters. My suggestion to Otoko is to make up your mind. If you want to have a restaurant with such high expectation, make it happen service wise. Certainly we are not the first to notice so many discrepancies. Again- the food and chef experience was fantastic. It was the service and demeanor within the restaurant that was quite rough around the edges.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №111

Rating: 5

Have been to Otoko 4 times over the years and it continues to be one of my favorite sushi / omakase places in Texas. Chef Yoshi clearly knows what hes doing - good mix of traditional and new wave sushi.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №112

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №113

Rating: 5

This is one of the best meals I have ever had. That includes the night having my parters bra explode. No I refuse to explain further. 10/10 would dine again

Date: 2 years ago

Review №114

Rating: 5

This was the first time I had sushi in my life. Otoko ruined it for me. I usually dont eat fish as Im not fond of the flavor. However, Otoko changed this. I more than likely wont be able to eat any other sushi that is of lesser quality. This was a life changing experience for somebody like me. To change my thoughts/opinions on a food that I have disliked my entire life means this place is something special. Now, being from Texas, one thing I do know and love is beef. The Wagyu items that were served were an out of body experience. Ive had Wagyu at several places in Texas and Japan. Most places in Texas Wagyu is a gimmick. Not here at Otoko, this is the real deal and a must try/have. Thanks to the entire team at Otoko for this experience!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №115

Rating: 5

4th time going to Otoko and again this place is just so high level. If there is a better restaurant in Austin, I dont know of it.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №116

Rating: 3

Food was good, but not sure it s worth almost three times as much as comparable (fantastic) omakase in Austin. Dishes were beautifully presented and flavorful, though the use of smoke was a little heavy. Main thing was that they did not have a set seating. Instead, it was staggered seating, and three different groups were at three different places during the meal while we were there. This meant chef was working nearly the entire time and did not have much time to explain the dishes or interact with the customers. Also made the coursing feel rushed. Drinks were tasty but menu was so vague on ingredients, and I m not sure when we would ve had the time to ask questions and not miss our courses. All in al, it was a fun date night but far from the best sushi experience I ve had in Austin, especially for the price.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №117

Rating: 5

This was hands down, the best sushi I have ever had. Its not just sushi its an experience. The staff are all talented and attentive to your every need. The chef and crew are amazing! Cant recommend it enough. Dietary restrictions: Options for no beef or pork

Date: 2 years ago

Review №118

Rating: 3

Food and drink is great and I like the ambiance in the bar. Came here for birthday drinking and we didn t leave with a celebration mood. 15% service fee is automatically charged to the card even before I signed the bill. The final bill doesn t show the 15% charge while I got the credit card charge notice. Asked the waitress why the number doesn t add up and she simply said she doesn t know. I totally understand the restaurant want to make sure the minimum tip is paid for the service. However, customers should be notified in one way or another. Just like the $10 deposit fee that s never applied to the final bill, which is contrary to what s said in the booking website, customers should have the rights to know what they are paying for. Usually I tip more than 20% in the restaurants and bars in the area. The way they charged me without any notice or explanation just made me feel that they think I m too cheap to tip. Really don t know it s the common practice in this establishment or they just did it to me. Kinda an unpleasant birthday experience.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №119

Rating: 5

Fantastic experience, food was amazing, service was exceptional. Fairly pricey, but totally worth it if youre really into food. 11/10 recommended. If the Michelin guide ever comes to Austin they should hit these guys up.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №120

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №121

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №122

Rating: 5

Otoko & Watertrade are both great. 5 stars. I have been to both multiple times. Just making this review to let people know that the $10 reservation fee you pay for Watertrade reservations does NOT go towards your bill. It just goes into the ether. I don t know. That seems kind of lame. It was not very busy on a Thursday night and the seating area for a group of 4 was not very comfortable (deep seating that made talking difficult). So, if you want to save $10 and sit at the bar, consider just walking in on most nights. I think you will get better drinks at the bar too. Great spot though. Don t get me wrong. I just don t get the point of eating my $10

Date: 2 years ago

Review №123

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №124

Rating: 5

The fish was such amazing quality. We did both a wine pairing and a sake pairing. Such a great experience!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №125

Rating: 5

We had an amazing anniversary dinner. Service, dinner, and drinks were above and beyond. 10/10 will do again!! Domo arigato.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №126

Rating: 5

We found the secret elevator, have the correct handshake, and had the best evening of our lives. Steve (aka Uncle Steve) served us epic cocktails worthy of the Greek gods, and somehow the sushi was better.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №127

Rating: 5

Watertrade x Otoko - fantastic experience with wonderful food and drinks. We cannot wait to go back!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №128

Rating: 5

Fantastic hidden gem in Austin, who would ve thought Japanese inspired cocktails + caviar could work so well together.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №129

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №130

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №131

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №132

Rating: 5

Otoko was such an incredible experience. The environment felt exclusive and the waitstaff was very knowledgeable. The experience is a little pricey but I think its very well worth the money. I didnt think I would leave full because I was still hungry from the last omakase I had at Uchiko but I did leave full here! I had the tea pairing at Otoko and I totally recommend it. Chef Yoshi Okai is super talented at what he does. Everyone should try this experience at least once. You need to reserve your spots months out in advance since they only seat a limited number of people each time.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №133

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №134

Rating: 5

very likely the best restaurant in Austin. the artistry is amazing. intimate setting, only 12 diners, food handmade and delivered in real time, face to face with the chefs. great service. if you can get a seat, dont eat that day. 16-17 courses, each a different delight, you dont want to miss anything

Date: 2 years ago

Review №135

Rating: 5

The ambiance is cool and dim - speakeasy vibes. Music was fun. The bar tender was so friendly and talented. We provided descriptions of what we typically like to drink and he gave us creative suggestions that resulted in delicious cocktails. The Nasu Frites w tofu crème fraiche and the hamachi with smoked miso were incredible. (We ended up getting a second order) Also, A MUST HAVE, the mochi churro miso ice cream sandwich is out of this world.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №136

Rating: 5

Their cocktails are amazing! The atmosphere was a bit meh with music repeated a few times while I was there. Maybe they were playing a record/records. The welcome drink was delicious and not too heavy. I wish the menu was a bit more descriptive so I didn t have to ask the server about the drinks. When drinks are average $20, I want to make sure I make the right choice. The cocktails I had were amazingly balanced and I supremely enjoyed them. They were both slightly interactive with mushroom powder on the glass and pop rocks on the side for another. I highly recommend. The vibe is definitely chill, and a little boring(?), but that means it s easy to have a conversation. I was seated in a little nook with my boyfriend, which was fine. I almost slipped on the very loose carpet. They might need a thicker carpet in that area. The server caught us to return money so that was amazing!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №137

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №138

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №139

Rating: 5

Amazing Cocktails! We went to Watertrade x Otoko. Its a bar inside the restaurant. Chill vibe. Great Music, comfortable arrangements! Perfect to get enjoy a well made cocktail. We ordered two cocktails per person. Then I got the dessert which was churro icecream sandwich kind of thing with a dipping sauce. Mind-blowing!! The cocktails were on point and boozy. They charge you a 10$ booking fee but you are served palette cleanser/welcome drinks when you sit down. I would be definitely back here for more amazing cocktails and that dessert! Special Mention to the Staff: They were super nice. We were literally the last customers to leave the eastablishmet. They were still nice to us despite it was nye next day and they had a busy day next day. At some other establishment the staff may behave rudely.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №140

Rating: 5

One of the best dining experiences weve had. Everything from the food and cocktails to the hospitality of the servers was 11/10.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №141

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №142

Rating: 5

The food and service at this restaurant was absolutely great. We made reservations for omakase. They do their best to send you all necessary detail about info of your reservation and where to park, which was nice. From the beginning of our arrival to check-in our reservation, it honestly felt like a journey/adventure. Personally, Im a foodie so watching chef handle our courses in front of us was awesome. Once they hand you the course(s), I gained even more respect for the chefs. There was some experimental dishes that were fusion; however, it did not personally fit/blend in with the other meals. This restaurant is by far the best omakase I have experienced in Austin. My honest rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars - due to some fusion courses part of the omakase and the sake pairing was overpriced.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №143

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №144

Rating: 5

Truly amazing experience.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №145

Rating: 5

We had a great time here! It s definitely an experience to try out! One of the best places in Austin by far!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №146

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №147

Rating: 5

Incredible food. Even better experience. Itll wow you at every opportunity!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №148

Rating: 5

Truly, the fact that this place has anything below a 4.9 is astonishing to me. Otoko is a hidden jem among a lot of over publicized restaurants. From their food to their cocktail program everything is 10/10. Their servers level of hospitality is something that I have never experienced before. Yes, they are pricey so don t go their expecting a cheap meal. There menu is curated perfectly and so well thought out that I could argue they should charge more. Be prepared to try new things, learn about Japanese dining, and really enjoy yourself! For your anniversary, birthday, graduation, promotion this place is your spot.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №149

Rating: 1

I only went to the lounge for their service. Nothing impressive. Decor is nice. Why I m giving it a one star is they charge you $10 per person to make the reservation and don t refund it or apply it to your bill. So we had one drink each and apps for over $100 just for an OK experience for two people. Not worth it. Maybe the dinner experience is better.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №150

Rating: 5

Intimate, seats 6 people per seating. Ample selection of a variety of types and flavors of seafood. I would say there is a good balance between sauce and garnish on each piece and a focus on the taste of the actual fish and seafood. Its a delicate balance not all sushi places get right.. but they seem to do it well. I also enjoyed the pre-dinner cocktail at the watertrade next door. Reservations are a bit tricky at this place.. but nothing highly desirable is easy to get. I will be back...

Date: 2 years ago

Review №151

Rating: 1

The restaurant was barred from entry by chain both literally and figuratively for a good month before we could finally participate in a highly anticipated anniversary dinner. After informing the reception downstairs that they were barring dining entry ON BEHALF of Otoko, we were allowed in to have sake and eggplant fries while waiting for dinner. After an hour, I asked our server when itd be time to eat. She gave me a puzzled look and informed me Id only paid for the pre-dining bar experience.... Let me reiterate. I paid, a month in advance, for the right to reserve french fries and bar sake. Of course, I was upset. When speaking to the manager to ask about fixing the misunderstanding, he very politely ignored every word I said, and informed me that I was indeed stupid. The reservation clearly stated it was only for the bar, repeated ad-nauseum. So, I will rate the experience appropriately for a bar. I saw only a blank folding screen for over an hour and drank cutely named sake that were highly variated in cost and yet somehow tasted the same and with no additional option for heated drinks. The eggplant fries were fluffy and crisp but not at all filling. Only made me more frustrated that we wouldnt be eating dinner every time I bent past my knees to pick up a fry from our shin-height table. A poor bar experience. Maybe the restaurant part was good. I wouldnt know.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №152

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №153

Rating: 5

Always amazing. Hard to get resy s but when you do it is so worth it. Small, intimate atmosphere similar to traditional Japanese restaurants. Pricy but so worth it if you enjoy omakase. The details put forth in the presentation and preparation of the dishes are delicate, refined, and flavorful. The chef knows his stuff. Watershed is a chill lounge next door you can hangout while you wait for your reservation at Otoko or if you don t have a reservation for Otoko. Sit at the bar and order some pupu s and experience Otokos drinks and smaller limited menu.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №154

Rating: 5

I would give this place 6 stars if google would let me . I recommend making a trip to Austin just to taste the wonders being created here . I think this might be the best omakase in the US !!!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №155

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №156

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №157

Rating: 5

First off, Googles description is off. The proper term for this type of restaurant is kaiseki, not omakase. Second, this is easily the best restaurant in Austin right now. It may very well be the best Japanese restaurant in North America, in fact.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №158

Rating: 1

Pretty brutal experience. We booked 3+ months in advance and turned out we had accidentally just booked for drinks and not omakase. Staff/management was super condescending and only alternative option was maybe you can book in a few months. Wouldn t go back or recommend to friends.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №159

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №160

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №161

Rating: 5

Amazing experience and exquisite food. Every bite was delectable, flavors thoughtfully created.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №162

Rating: 2

Many menu items were just too salty. Textures seemed off. Duck and wagyu was more chewy than tender. Didnt have much contrast of textures. Would recommend trying something else for the price.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №163

Rating: 1

Very overrated. A couple dishes were delicious but overall the food was good at best. Definitely not worth the price tag. Service is sub par as well. I have definitely been to worse places but this was easily one of the more disappointing places. Don t waste your money, it s all hype.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №164

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №165

Rating: 5

Definitely going back. Super service! Killer food and drinks!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №166

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №167

Rating: 5

This was a completely transformational dining experience. The creativity of flavors Chef Yoshi has created here is an absolute masterpiece. From the time you walk in, you are whisked away into a surreal dining setting only to be served dish after dish of delights that will bring mere mortals to their knees asking, how the f*ck can food taste this good . Wow Otoko. What a ride ! I Cannot recommend this experience enough.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №168

Rating: 5

One of the best dining experiences in town. It is wasted on the non-adventurous eater, though. So ensure your dining companion is a true lover of food and new experiences and doesn t eat like a toddler. The one half of couple next to us was turning her nose up at every little thing. I was embarrassed for her and mad at him for putting her and the chef through this nonsense.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №169

Rating: 5

Had an amazing time. Unbelievable food. Best mackerel Ive ever had. Totally worth it.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №170

Rating: 5

This is the kind of place you dont just go too. You seek it out. Warning you can not afford it. Warning it is totally worth the un affordable price. This is not a meal it is a dining adventure . There were 20 separate plates in my meal over a two hour period. Also of note. The staff are all just better humans than you or I ( in a evolved not snotty way). This is reflected in the level of service. Sumary: skip the next car payment and go here instead.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №171

Rating: 5

An absolute amazing experience. True Japanese Texas fusion experience!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №172

Rating: 5

Fantastic place. This was an experience I never would have imagined. I tried so many new things that I never even knew existed. I cant recommend enough.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №173

Rating: 5

Absolutely fantastic experience from the minute we arrived to the minute we left. Attention to detail was phenomenal, the food was outstanding, the sake was amazing, the staff was second to none. Highly recommended!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №174

Rating: 1

For certain the most over rated sushi restaurant in all of Austin. Over sold and under delivered. Sushi quality and originality sub par. Service rushed and rude. Music if you can believe this was a hard rock loop tape. I have no idea what was going on at Otoko last night but this place is quite possibly the worst Japanese dining experience my wife and I have ever had. It was a joke. Ownership had better take a hard look at the inmates running the asylum! Please tell me what is the attraction to pre purchase tickets for a dining experience where you are locked in regardless of quality. Honestly I think it s a scam. No more no less. Everyone beware.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №175

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №176

Rating: 5

Went here for my husbands birthday dinner. Wow. What an amazing experience. They are currently only seating 6 people (3 groups of 2). Everything was well spaced out so we felt comfortable dining in. I opted for the tea paring and it was excellent paired with the gorgeous omakase. Everything was so well thought out and delicious and carefully executed. We cant wait to return for Yoshis next menu

Date: 4 years ago

Review №177

Rating: 5

We had a incredible experience at Otoko celebrating our anniversary! It was truly a one of a kind experience we will never forget. Every course was delicious, the service was perfect, and the atmosphere was amazing. I really appreciate the detail that went into every course and I would like to thank Yoshi, Domonic, Elias, and Max for all of their hard work. The presentation was out of this world! We will definitely be coming back for other special occasions!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №178

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №179

Rating: 4

A bit of unorthodox compared to pure edomae sushi, but with quality fish selection and overall presentation and service. 4 stars when compared to NYC sushi bars in the same price range.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №180

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №181

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №182

Rating: 5

After 3 visits, Otoko continues to impress. Unique and delicious dishes, and the freshest sushi in Austin. Totally worth the occasional extravagance!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №183

Rating: 5

Its unfair to other food that this place exists.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №184

Rating: 5

The absolute top of the line Omakase experience in Austin. Great quality all around. A good mix of traditional preparations and fresh takes of Japanese cooking. If you are thinking of getting a ticket, dont hesitate.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №185

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №186

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №187

Rating: 5

Really amazing and well put together meal.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №188

Rating: 3

Date: 4 years ago

Review №189

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №190

Rating: 5

Stunning

Date: 4 years ago

Review №191

Rating: 4

Great place for celebrating special events, interesting selections of omakase.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №192

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №193

Rating: 5

Attentive service. Good music. Stellar food. The mouth tingling tempura mushroom and miso ice cream were highlights.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №194

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №195

Rating: 5

Amazing. Every dish was tasty.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №196

Rating: 5

Its one of the best meals Ive ever had. Everything was absolutely top notch: the service, the cocktails, the atmosphere, and of course the food.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №197

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №198

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №199

Rating: 5

Outstanding Omakase

Date: 4 years ago

Review №200

Rating: 5

An amazingly authentic Japanese experience. Great pairings with each dish, service for the dinner portion of this restaurant is wonderful, and chef is very attentive to the guests as well as the cuisine. While waiting for the dinner you are seated at the bar or lounge area. The bartenders do not set the tone well for the rest of the amazing experience. They were not as attentive nor did they discuss/explain the drinks they served. This is a opportunity for growth considering the rest of the restaurant seems to be so considerate of your dining experience.

Date: 4 years ago