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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 ++ |  add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
Japanese /
Sushi |
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(From December 2009) Dashing from our car to beat a looming downpour, we found the mood inside this pretty orange cottage refreshingly uplifting—the bar area pulsed with cool customers chirping and imbibing and swift servers doling out complimentary appetizers. Seated at the sushi bar, we had a wonderful view of the artists at work. Chef Tyson Cole is a genius; we couldn’t get enough of his madai (Japanese black snapper) with lemon zest and olive oil. Other standouts included mussels in a coconut crêpe with alfalfa sprouts and quince and maplewood-smoked baby yellowtail with yuca chips, Asian pear, Marcona almonds, and garlic brittle. That attention to detail extends to the servers as well, who always seem to know what you want right before you do. Beer, wine, & sake. |
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KENICHI
419 Colorado (512-320-8883)
Dinner Sun–Wed 5:30–10, Thur–Sat 5:30–11.
web site | map | reserve a table | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$$-$$$$ |
Japanese |
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(From November 2009) This ultramod spot in the city’s Warehouse District still attracts the young and the beautiful—and the rest of us. We rushed over after work to snag a spot at the bar and settle in with a crisp white wine and some fabulous little bites. We were especially wowed by the Austin-style sashimi: yellowtail with cilantro (!), thinly sliced serranos, and basil vinaigrette. The Dynamite Shrimp also blew us away: delicious tempura-battered crustaceans with vibrant orange salmon eggs. Bar. |
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WEFUSE
120 E. 4th (512-236-1011)
Open Mon–Fri 11–6. Closed Sat & Sun.
latest review | access ++ | add to library | |
$ |
Japanese |
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(From December 2008) If you’re looking for a light and healthy—not to mention economical—lunch option downtown, this cheerful Japanese fusion spot is fun. Bento box offerings include everything from seared ahi tuna with cucumber salad to roasted chicken in a light soy-based sauce served with gingered potato salad. Salads are both playful and flavorful, like the chicken, goat cheese, and dried-cranberry salad with a vibrant white-balsamic vinaigrette. Be sure to grab a slice of chocolate-dipped pineapple on the way out. |
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YU SUSHI IZAGAYA
206 Colorado (512-708-887)
Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2; Dinner Sun & Mon 5-10, Tue & Wed 5-11, Thur-Sat 5-midnight.
map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
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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