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KENOBI
10000 Research Blvd (512-241-0119)
Open Mon 11–10, Tue–Thur 11–11, Fri 11–midnight, Sat noon–midnight, Sun 5–10.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$$ |
Asian /
Sushi |
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(From March 2009) Sleek Oriental design greets patrons at the entrance of this Arboretum sushi haunt. Kenobi’s menu reflects the latest in (often costly) Asian food trends: Kobe beef cooked on a tableside hibachi and wild specialty rolls, to name two. The latter can get a bit ornate; the Lickety Split contains eleven ingredients, including at least four kinds of raw fish. Believers in “less is more” should look elsewhere. Even so, in some instances, such as a sesame scallop appetizer in which the shellfish has been tempura-battered and pan-sautéed with Japanese spices, the complexity works. Kenobi earns points for adventurous entrées as well—shaved ribeye steak wrapped around avocado and Japanese yams, anyone? Bar. |
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TOMO SUSHI
4101 W. Parmer Ln (512-821-9472)
Open Mon–Thur 11:30–2:30 & 5:30–10, Fri 11:30–2:30 & 5:30–10:30, Sat noon–10. Closed Sun.
map | latest review | access + | |
$$ |
Sushi |
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(From October 2008) You’ll find Sex on the Beach and Screaming Orgasms at this new bar in North Austin, but don’t get hot and bothered: They’re maki rolls, and the establishment is a neighborly sushi bar. We found the Ex-Girlfriend, topped with a layer of tempura-fried halibut, to be far more reliable than the name implied, and a simple plate of yellowtail sashimi topped with a slice of serrano pepper and a sprig of cilantro was a grown-up departure from all the XXX rolls. The decor is sophisticated and spare, with black lacquered tables and a bar with river stones set in resin. Beer & wine. |
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UCHI
801 S. Lamar Blvd (512-916-4808)
Dinner Sun–Thur 5–10, Fri & Sat 5–11. Reservations recommended, taken until 7.
web site | map | reserve a table | latest review | photo | access ++ | |
$$-$$$ |
Japanese /
Sushi |
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(From November 2009) The sushi at this little orange cottage is pretty darn exotic, with the likes of tako pops (grilled baby octopus dusted with red pepper) and carpaccio of madai (red sea bream) sliced so thin you can see the shiso oil through it. Serious wine list too: In August, wine steward June-Ann Rodli was named Texas’s best sommelier at the annual Tex-Som contest. Beer, wine, & sake. |
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YU SUSHI IZAGAYA
206 Colorado (512-708-887)
Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2; Dinner Sun & Mon 5-10, Tue & Wed 5-11, Thur-Sat 5-midnight.
map | latest review | photo | access ++ | |
$$-$$$ |
Japanese /
Sushi |
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(From April 2009) With all the new condos downtown, it’s not so surprising to find a neighborhood izakaya (yes, with a k; it’s a Japanese drinking establishment that also serves food). Just don’t think you can wear sweats to this one. A sleek bar lit in blue with black wood banquettes demands a little attention to the wardrobe. A late-night visit found scenesters perusing the grilled robata menu while listening to the thumping of techno music. A bowl of kimchi ramen, in a light broth tasting faintly of the sea, came topped with fried pork, the standard corn kernels, and a tea-dyed hard-boiled egg. Tempura-topped udon became instantly clogged with batter, but a cup of miso soup was clean flavored and graced by tiny enoki mushrooms. A mun-dane sushi combo was not worth leaving the house for, but we loved the Fuji 151, a flaming salmon sushi dish. Bar. |
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