10 Best Japanese Izakaya Restaurants in Austin

Nori is an Austin restaurant serving an all-vegan Japanese menu with sushi rolls, Japanese katsu curry, spicy edamame, ramen, yakisoba, desserts and drinks. It suits vegan diners and mixed groups looking for Japanese-inspired food, cocktails, sake, mocktails or nonalcoholic wine in a date-night setting. Named dishes include Volcano Maki, Volcano Roll and Belgian Chocolate cake.

Soto is an upscale Japanese restaurant in Austin centered on sushi, cocktails and a creative interpretation of classic Japanese fare. Its menu emphasizes seasonal fresh sushi, nigiri and an extensive sake and whiskey list, while the sleek, low-light setting suits date nights, celebrations and dinners with friends. Soto also offers catering for birthdays, corporate events, weddings and other occasions.

Uchiko Austin is an upscale sushi and modern Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi, small plates, and smoke-and-char dishes in a farmhouse-chic, thoughtfully designed space. The restaurant accepts reservations and welcomes walk-ins, with private dining suited to corporate events, birthdays and other gatherings. Its menu builds on the Uchi family’s non-traditional Japanese concept while adding a fiery emphasis on smoke and char.

Fukumoto is a Japanese izakaya serving skewers, sushi and cooked seafood imported from Japan in a stylish, spacious setting. The menu is suited to sharing and sampling, with small plates such as salmon nigiri, Hokkaido uni and tsukune alongside drinks and desserts including ube tiramisu. A rooftop setting and bar seating add flexibility for evening visits.

Komé is an Austin sushi restaurant pairing sushi with homestyle Japanese plates in a stylish, bamboo-accented space. Its broad menu covers many types of Japanese cuisine, while dishes specifically associated with the restaurant include salmon and tuna rolls, Komé viche and chazuke with salmon, roe, bonito and crispy rice onigiri. The open sushi counter and cozy interior add to the dining experience.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a casual Austin izakaya and bar serving meat-centric shareable plates that blend Japanese and Texan influences. The menu includes grilled items, sashimi specials, fish collar, yakitori, burnt ends, and other small plates, with sake and cocktails alongside the food. Its lively, quirky atmosphere and tapas-style ordering make it a fit for groups and special occasions.