Since 2003, the South Lamar Japanese restaurant has been the spot for visiting celebrities and fine-food appreciators. And for good reason: through more than a decade of training in Tokyo, New York and Austin under various sushi masters, executive chef and co-owner Tyson Cole has cultivated a culinary mainstay that isn’t inexpensive by any means (for one piece of fish, you’ll often pay a price comparable to an entire roll at other places), yet is well worth every penny given that fish is flown in daily from Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market. That fact, combined with menu specials updated every day, speaks to an extraordinary commitment to creativity and quality—a world-class experience worth a visit for locals and visitors alike.

Ask a random person on the street in Austin where to go for a special occasion, and there’s 93% chance that Uchi would make any shortlist (based on our survey sample size of four, one mentioned sister restaurant Uchiko). The restaurant earned its reputation by offering a mix of traditional sushi and inventive Japanese fusion dishes at a time when most places thought “Japanese fusion” just meant putting spicy mayo on a tuna roll and calling it a day. While Uchi may have since expanded to half a dozen states across the US, it all started right here in a renovated house on South Lamar.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia, Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out).

From Chef Tyson Cole comes Uchi, a sophisticated sushi restaurant located on South Lamar near Zilker Park. Uchi has a daily menu featuring daily specials, an everyday sushi and sashimi menu, and a hot and cold tasting menu comprised of creative and innovative Japanese dishes. Prices are on the high side, but don’t let that deter you; Uchi’s food is truly fantastic and worth every cent.

Many of the upscale restaurants, like Uchi and Lenoir, will require reservations, while others like Clark's Oyster Barand Tex-Mex institution Guero's just require well-timed arrivals. There are so many amazing restaurants here it's overwhelming, so map out the general meals you'd like to eat—this way, you won't freeze up when it comes time to pick a barbecue spot.

Uchi continues to serve quality sushi that matches the sky-high price. It’s helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef-owner Tyson Cole, who trained for over a decade in Tokyo, NYC, and Austin under various sushi masters. This was once the hottest spot for sushi in Austin, but that could have been in part due to a limited sushi scene when it opened back in 2003.

Uchi is the starting point of Austin falling in love with everything Japanese,” said Otto Phan, the chef and owner of Kyoten Sushiko, an ambitious sushi restaurant in central Austin.

This sushi stalwart, consistently ranked as the one of the best restaurants in Austin, still keeps it fresh, literally and figuratively. Fish is flown in from Japan's famous Tsukiji Market, and chef Tyson Cole — who trained in Japan with sushi masters — is always coming with creative sauces and preparations for his fish and non-sushi items like wagyu beef. Jill is the former travel editor at BestProducts.com, showing her expertise on everything from the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC to the 30 Most Beautiful Cities in the World; the NYC native has previously worked at Travel & Leisure and has written articles for The New York Times, InStyle, Huffington Post, and Fodors.

No doubt you’ve heard of this popular sushi spot from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, and you’ve possibly heard of its offshoots (Uchiko in North Austin, and Loro, the Asian Smokehouse Cole opened with pit master Aaron Franklin.) But have you splurged on a meal at Uchi yet?. They’ve been open since 2003, which is quite a feat in a city where restaurant turnover happens at a brisk pace. New sushi restaurants come and go, but Uchi remains a staple by providing guests with a non-traditional approach to Japanese dining and the freshest sushi around.

Ranked as Zagat's top restaurant in Austin, Uchi Restaurant is also ranked at the top amongst more than 3,000 Austin restaurants from Trip Advisor. Showcasing contemporary Japanese cuisine with moderate prices, Uchi is located across the Colorado River from downtown Austin, near one of the SXSW outdoor venues – Lake Metropolitan Park. The restaurant presents a "Today's Menu" and everyday menu, with such Japanese delicacies as sushi and sashimi, along with hot and cold tasting dishes like Yokai Nerry with Atlantic salmon, Wagyu Hot Rock and Hamachi Nabe.

**Let the sushi chefs at Uchi take care of your mom for the night with a multi-course omakase meal, featuring oysters, tiger prawns, lobster, uni nigiri, lamb chops, and more. Book a reservation online for two at the beloved sushi flagship for $375, and if you need a sweet treat to end the night, you can pick up a Mother’s Day Tart Box from Uchi's sister restaurant Uchiko, which will be offering a pre-order collection of five handcrafted tart slices, ranging from flavors like chocolate gochujang to yuzu cheesecake.

Some of the folks over at the Hai Hospitality headquarters jokingly call Uchi “the house that hama chili built.” The dish may have started in a house but it’s helped build an interstate empire that stretches from California to Florida. Chef-founder Tyson Cole made Austin diners reimagine what sushi could be by integrating unexpected flavors with raw fish. In this beautiful dish the thinly sliced yellowtail rests in a pert umami bath of ponzu, with orange sections and Thai chilies layering sweetness and heat.

A legend that has since splintered off into so many sister concepts and faraway locales (hello, Miami and Denver!) it would be fair to wonder: Has it forgotten its roots?. But almost two decades in, Tyson Cole’s sushi trailblazer still feels as fresh and contemporary as the day they first opened their doors. Mainstays like the hama chili and exquisite pork belly makimono are complemented by daily Japanese-inspired specials (think a New York strip draped with smoked apple and a shatter of candied garlic).

When this modern Japanese restaurant opened in a 1920s bungalow in South Austin in 2003, it altered Austin’s food scene forever. Chef-owner Tyson Cole, who won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2011, gets seafood flown in every day from both the Fukuoka and Tsukiji markets in Japan for the restaurant’s core menu and daily seasonal menu. Must-try dishes include the Wagyu beef hot rock, the shag tempura roll with salmon and avocado, and the machi cure, an elegant Asian spin on nachos.

It’s now standard to see unconventional riffs on Japanese food served at sushi counters, but when Tyson Cole opened Uchi in 2003, it was highly unusual. The menu at the Austin dining room rotates daily but seminal dishes include the hot rock-cooked wagyu with ponzu, and rule-breaking maguro goat, a combo of silky bigeye tuna with goat cheese, and smoked yellowtail with yuca crisps and marcona almonds. Omakase options include a nine-course vegetarian selection and 10-course chef’s tasting.

One of the most famous Japanese restaurants in America - Uchi has been dazzling for many years and stayed on top of their game even to this day, which is a rare feat for a restaurant on the cutting edge of Japanese cuisine. You can choose to go ala carte or go with the Omakase which is basically the chef’s custom made menu for the day. What I love about Tyson Cole’s cuisine is that it’s a magical blend of techniques ranging from Southeast Asia, Japan, USA, and all the way to Brazil.

With an exquisite sushi menu and a non-traditional take on Japanese food, Uchi has been serving Austin since 2003. The menu is loaded with many must-try dishes, among the most notable being the “Hot Rock”, a DIY cuisine in which a Japanese river rock serves as a grill for the freshest slices of wagyu beef. Simply place the meat onto the rock to sear it yourself, needing less than 10 seconds to create the perfect texture on one side before repeating the process on the other.

James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole opened Uchi in 2003, bringing an innovative and unique non-traditional Japanese omakase experience to Austin. Since then, Uchi has expanded across the country, with locations in Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles and more. The little red bungalow that houses the first-ever Uchi has maintained its cozy and intimate ambiance, and though you’ll find consistency across each location, nothing beats experiencing the original.

Located at 801 S Lamar Blvd in Austin, TX, Uchi is a renowned restaurant that has gained national recognition for its exceptional sushi and contemporary Japanese cuisine. The menu at Uchi offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors with innovative twists, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and exciting. With a focus on using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Uchi ensures the highest quality and freshness in each dish.

Much like Adele, Beyonce, Pink, and Shakira, Uchi is a one-name superstar that dazzles the senses. (Not surprising it also tops our best sushi in Austin list.) With a reputation for fresh fish and inventive fare, this cute red bungalow houses some of the tastiest raw and cooked seafood creations in the city. At the raw bar is where you’ll see an array of freshly flown-in fish from Japan, while the rest of the space is lined with booths and tables.

Monica Riese, a former Chronicle staffer who was diagnosed with a shellfish allergy last year, recounts a recent visit to Uchi, where she encountered subtle-yet-generous lagniappe in the form of allergy accommodations. "When the waiter mentioned something to do with crab, I said 'Ah, no crab.' He then asked if I was allergic to shellfish. I didn't even have to volunteer it; he took the initiative to ask after I ruled out the dish he'd suggested.

801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704www.uchiaustin.com 512-916-4808. A mix of traditional and modern Japanese style, Uchi is not only some of the best sushi places in Texas, but also some of the best in the country. Not only do they offer the freshest and most delectable sushi on your plate, they also give you a taste of traditional Japanese style with a mix of modern ingredients that will surely send your taste buds sky-high.

If you’re an Austin native, local, or just a well-informed visitor, you know Uchi as one of the best and finest sushi restaurants this city has to offer. For their omasake, Chef Tyson Cole takes you on a ten-course meal filled with some of the freshest and best-prepared sushi you’ll ever taste. Additionally, their regular menu is filled with the highest quality dishes that range from hot plates to caviar to nigiri and sashimi.

Uchi is the finest that Austin has to offer in contemporary upscale Japanese dining. Refurbished from a common South Austin bungalow, Uchi (meaning "house") is the masterpiece of Chef Tyson Cole who trained for years under different sushi masters in Tokyo, New York, and Austin to develop and perfect his own style. For special occasions or to simply celebrate one's love for sushi and fine dining, Uchi is a great Austin choice.

In the center of Austin, Uchi is a Japanese sushi heaven where traditional Japanese flavors meet contemporary culinary methods. With an eye for detail, this restaurant creates sushi and sashimi that are nothing short of masterpieces. The omakase experience at this restaurant is a gastronomic journey in which expert chefs construct individualized tasting menus highlighting the freshest ingredients and inventive combinations.

Founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole, the sushi restaurant’s menu features caviar and roe options, nigiri and sashimi, uni selections as well as makimono, per the menu. The Austin restaurant is part of a miniature chain featuring locations in Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, with upcoming spots in New York City and Scottsdale. OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2023 list is available online.

For sushi lovers seeking a romantic dining experience, Uchi offers an intimate and refined setting with beautifully plated Japanese cuisine. This award-winning restaurant provides an omakase experience that allows couples to enjoy a curated selection of fresh sashimi, innovative rolls and perfectly balanced flavors. The dimly lit interior and attentive service make it a top choice for an elegant yet cozy night out.

Located in a renovated bungalow on Lamar Boulevard, this restaurant has a unique perspective on the usual Japanese restaurant. Their seafood is sourced directly from markets in Fukuoka and Tokyo, and they make sure that the fish comes from sustainable resources. Exquisite fresh seafood is complemented by precise techniques and creative preparations to make a dish that looks and tastes truly wonderful.

Here’s something you might not expect: One of the world’s most original contemporary Japanese restaurants is hidden in a bungalow in South Austin. It’s called Uchi (or “house” in Japanese), and it’s the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. Chef Cole’s twist on traditional Japanese cuisine launched in 2003; since then, it’s grown into a foodie standby for the city’s well-heeled.

When Paul Qui, the famous Austin chef of Uchi and Uchiko and owner of Qui, decided to invest in food trucks with Asian fusion street food, he started -‘East side king’. On east side of 6th street with unique menus by chef Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya, he started ‘East side king’ food trucks. He also collaborated with chef Thai Changthong to showcase exclusive Thai food in THAI-KUN- east side king.

Those looking for fresh, unique sushi offerings need search no further than Uchi: spearheaded by award-winning Chef Tyson Cole. Named after the Japanese word for "House", Uchi welcomes guests with mouthwatering dishes such as machi cure with smoked yellowtail, yucca crisp and marcona almond. Sushi offerings include unagi (freshwater eel), sake toro with salmon belly, and akami with tuna loin.

Uchi is one of the hardest-to-get reservations in Austin, so book early if you’re planning on this being your birthday restaurant in Austin!. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s an upscale sushi spot in a tiny renovated bungalow house on South Lamar. It’s one of the oldest upscale restaurants in Austin, and the creator, Tyson Cole, won a James Beard award, which is kind of a big deal.

In the past I could not confidently eat at a sushi restaurant, but the folks at Uchi quickly put my fears to rest. The waitstaff is well informed when it comes to food allergies and can assist you in modifying items to suit your dietary needs. What to order: from their everyday menu, the Machi Cure is my favorite: smoked yellowtail, yucca crisp, Marcona almond and Asian pear.

Helmed by James Beard-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi brings an elevated approach to sushi and modern Japanese cuisine. With choices like foie gras nigiri and fried Brussels sprouts, Uchi expands horizons for “uchi austin” fans. Exquisite presentation, premier ingredients, and melt-in-your-mouth flavors define the upscale experience that makes Uchi an Austin dining institution.

They were able to specially prepare nightshade-free versions of several dishes and were very accommodating to her large party’s various needs. It’s another one of those special-occasion price-point places I haven’t had an excuse to splurge at. They have a variety of seafood and vegetable combinations, like yellowtail, kimchi, and truffles (the mushroom, not the dessert).

Uchi and Uchiko are the top picks for any special occasion dining in Austin so I had to put them on this list. Opened in 2003, Uchi is a modern Japanese restaurant by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole that has defined fine dining in Austin. The menu alone is “not your everyday mean” but it’s the exemplary service that makes guests feel so special.

For couples who share a love of food and adventure, Uchi Austin offers a unique and memorable setting for a proposal. This acclaimed Japanese restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine and intimate ambiance. Reserve a table in the restaurant’s cozy dining room and let the chefs create a custom tasting menu for you and your partner to enjoy.

A local Austin favorite, Uchi has noteworthy fame in the sushi scene here. As one of the best sushi resturants in Austin, not just for presentation and flavor, Uchi is always finding creative ways to make sushi contemporary. They offer a rotating menu based on chef’s selection and a decadent tasting menu divided between cool and hot dishes.

Its beautiful dining room with bright red wall paper makes Uchi feel more like a neighborhood bistro in Paris than a sushi restaurant in Austin. Chef Tyson Cole opened a Japanese restaurant that offers both creative and authentic food in Austin, while expanding to both Houston and Dallas. Plus there is a sister restaurant, Uchiko, in Austin.

After all, they are one of the popular food places in the area. As you can see, Uchi is not the cheapest place to get some sushi, but if you have the buck to spare, we believe this place is one good way to spend it. They might be pricier than the other options, but they have good food, good service, and a lovely place to make up for it!

Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole leads the way for a fantastic experience in this stylish Japanese restaurant. Uchi is the perfect place to make a reservation for a special occasion or a sophisticated night out. In Japanese, Uchi translates to house, and it’s a fitting name for the stylish yet comforting atmosphere at this restaurant.

The restaurant's name is inspired in its location in a renovated South Austin bungalow. Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese food (What wine goes well with Japanese food?) has delighted Austin’s diverse dining crowd as well as visitors from across the country and around the world since 2003.

A perfect date night out begins with a visit to the vegetarian and carnivore-friendly Uchi for innovative Japanese dishes and sushi created by James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Tyson Cole. The sushi bar is walk-in only, but a table at Uchi is not an easy grab, so make sure to reserve a 2-hour dinner in advance.

Uchi was the first sushi restaurant that really put Austin on the map. Executive chef Tyson Cole was awarded the James Beard Best Chef Southwest in 2011, so you know the sushi is mindblowing. Uchi is a fantastic sushi restaurant and the fact that you can get their iconic dishes at a discount over happy hour is a win.

South Lamar || Daily from 4 – 6:30pm & Sun-Thu from 9pm-close with $6 drinks and additional discounted bites. Oh my god for being one of the absolute best sushi restaurants (actually…just general restaurants) in town they have SUCH a good happy hour deal. I’ve been dying to take Denver because he is going to love it.

Chef Cole is a nationally acclaimed chef who opened the award-winning restaurant in 2003. Uchi restaurant is continually displayed in major publications and has become one of the most sought-after places in the city. It offers a non-traditional Japanese food that provides locals with an authentic dining experience.

I tend to categorize sushi into four distinct categories: (1) Need a reservation omasake style, Uchi, Uchiko, Soto, etc.; (2) Incredibly good but a little pricy Musashino, Tatsumi, Lucky Robot comes to mind; (3) Actual Sushi at a good price; (4) Everything else - California roll based/Commercial/Cookie cutter.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,359 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Seafood- Price: $$$$- Address: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704-1509- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated steakhouses in Austin by diners

although the food is similar I found Uchiko more eastern-asian than Uchi which has some vietnamese flavors but mostly japanese both are expensive , both are completely worth every penny. i liked the decor at uchiko more , more hip and people hanging out at the bar seemed to give it a more bar/lounge feel.

From the moment I walked into Uchi, I was immediately taken aback by the impeccable service. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and guided me to my table with elegance. They were attentive and knowledgable about the menu, providing me with delicious food suggestions that elevated my dining experience.

First on the list is Uchi, an acclaimed Japanese restaurant known for its sleek, modern decor and intimate lighting. This sushi haven provides an exquisite dining experience, with signature dishes like the “Machiko” maki roll and “Hama Chili” that beautifully blend traditional flavors with modern twists.

Lamar ( map) 1 (512) 916-4808 
 Hours: M-Th: 5pm-10pm, F-S: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm-10pm. Uchi, translated from Japanese meaning “house”, is an award-winning restaurant located in a refurbished old home in South Austin. Uchi showcases the culinary talents of executive chef and sushi master Tyson Cole.

If you’re going out with a sushi lover, impress them with a meal at Uchi, Austin’s longtime favorite sushi bar. Uchi is located in an adorable, chic house on South Lamar. We recommend visiting during their happy hour, held from 4 to 6:30 p.m., to try a number of items at a more affordable price.

801 S Lamar Blvd. | Perfection in Sushi and Japanese cuisine in Texas has reached its paramount at the hands of Executive Chef/Owner Tyson Cole. Prepare to spend your hard-earned dollars at what has been the most popular restaurant in Austin for the last 10 years. Photo Credit Erica Wilkins

Perhaps you’re looking for something different for your birthday dinner. In that case, you may want to consider Uchi. Known for its innovative take on Japanese cuisine, Uchi offers an upscale dining experience with creative sushi and sashimi dishes (as well as other Japanese specialties).

Uchi is a renowned Japanese restaurant in Austin that offers an upscale dining experience. The restaurant has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests. The room is elegantly decorated with modern Japanese-inspired decor and offers a view of the restaurant's open kitchen.

For a high-end sushi experience with a contemporary twist, Uchi is unbeatable. This award-winning Japanese restaurant by Chef Tyson Cole has redefined sushi dining in Austin. With its minimalist-chic ambiance, innovative small plates, and flawless sashimi, Uchi sets the gold standard.

There's also Franks for gourmet and over the top hot dogs and if you don't care about your wallet, one of the best restaurants in the country is Uchi, for sushi--Tyson Cole does some amazing food fusion work that is comparable to the best you'd find in LA or NYC.

I enjoyed my meal, but I felt like it was a bit pricier than I would have liked. Also, coming from LA, I’m used to really good sushi, so it didn’t feel as essential to get some in Austin. That being said, we did the omakase, and it was a really fun experience.

If you are looking for delicious sushi in Austin, you’ve got to head to Uchi. The restaurant is located in a refurbished old bungalow that gives it a very intimate atmosphere. It has been a popular spot for fine dining in Austin since it opened in 2003.

Uchi, "house" in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase.

Lauded as one of the best restaurants in the country and certainly one of the best healthy restaurants in Austin, culinary gemstone Uchi offers some of the best Austin foods available. The sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth and fresher than fresh.

Uchi, a modern take on Japanese cuisine, has rightly earned its national acclaim. Choose the adventurous omakase menu to truly experience the chefs' expertise with fresh cuts of fish and one-of-a-kind desserts. Takeout orders are available.

Uchi, located on Lamar Boulevard in a Texas revolution home, offers a non-traditional twist on Japanese food. Eat Agemono, sushi, and sashimi indoors or on the terrace. Happy hour specials and chef sampling courses are also available.

When searching for sushi perfection, Uchi is a great place to start. Chef Cole said, “One of our mantras for Uchi is about the perfect bite. We put a lot of time and effort into preparing the product, so it is just the perfect bite.

The original Uchi is located in a refurbished South Austin bungalow. Uchi is brought to you by the Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole. His signature on non-traditional take on Japanese food delighted Austin’s diverse dining since 2003.

It serves innovative freshly made sushi & fusion plates at this upscale Japanese hot spot. From the hostess to the server and to the chef, everyone is super friendly and makes you feel super welcome!

Sushi lovers flock to Uchi for the freshest, most inventive dishes in Austin. Uchi is perfect for a romantic date night or celebration dinner. Enjoy the culinary experience at 801 S Lamar Blvd.

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, be sure to check out Uchi. The restaurant serves some of the best sushi in Austin, and it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Maybe seafood from the Gulf Coast, or the ultramodern blending of local Texan products and international cuisines as seen at restaurants like Tyson Cole's Uchi or Chris Shepherd's Underbelly?

Operating since 2003, this restaurant owned by award-winning chef Tyson Cole continues to delight Austin locals and tourists with its amazing Japanese plates plus sake, beer and wine.

Their master chef trained in Tokyo and now puts his own twists on what he knows. The food is non-traditional, mixing sushi with ingredients from all over the world.

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704Phone: 512-916-4808 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Uchi Austin (@uchiaustin)

Why You Need To Go: Check out their mouthwatering menus and order everything you can eat (or all you can afford) for a very fancy night in.

Uchi + Uchiko | Whether you vist Uchi or its sister restaurant Uchiko, the ambiance, upscale sushi, and small plates will not disappoint.