Kyoten

I’ve been a diehard fan since Kyoten’s early trailer days. I’m from Houston and not having convenient access to Otto’s craft required such patience until the next time I’d get to go to Austin—so you can imagine how much I had to suppress my cravings when I found out he shut his trailer down to start his brick and mortar. In April this year we finally had the opportunity to try Kyōten’s lunch in its new location which is just as every bit as sublime as I remembered. My brother tried his Omakase and said I had to without a doubt, give it a try myself. Whenever we’d come back to Austin we’d miss this opportunity due to time constraints and I’d be heartbroken every time. Finally, after my brother tried his omakase several more times, he had enough of my lack of commitment and bought me a dinner for my birthday. Last night we took the plunge and had a religious experience. There was so much to learn about each fish and his personable conversation made it such a comfortable experience for a seating of 8 strangers. The omakase is so memorable because I distinctly remember every bite. When we typically try an omakase, there are always few standout stars in the bunch but as my friends and I reviewed our favorites at the end of the night we couldn’t decide on any—they were all notable in their own right. I think this is because he isn’t afraid to pack in flavors in every nigiri bite and has cultivated a style that really sets him apart. It takes an incredible amount of intuition and balls to do so while remaining cognizant of keeping it all palatable. I haven’t had my taste buds challenged in so long so his omakase is a welcomed experience. There is a story behind every ingredient that’s chosen and their union with one another. Ask away! Oh, and the rice alone is worth a celebration! I can go on and on, but whether you’re a pro at omakase dining or wanting to try something new, I think Kyoten is an outstanding gem that will forever be ingrained in your palate’s memory.

If my rating was based only on the food, Kyoten is clearly 5-star. However, as a veteran of many omakase restaurants, the overall dining experience left something to be desired. The restaurant itself is decidedly bland and unstylish, with garish lighting. Perhaps this is purposeful to highlight the food. Close your eyes and imagine eating spectacular sushi (prepared by someone in jeans with her hair down) with strangers in your cousin’s efficiency apartment, while listening to her college mix on Spotify. For many people willing to spend $300 per couple, not including drinks, a more intimate atmosphere would be welcomed. The meal was artfully prepared by Chef Sarah, who clearly has skill and a passion for her craft. Because it is just her and an assistant preparing everything in real time, it took 2.5 hours to complete roughly 15 pieces of nigiri/small plates. The pace was a little slow for me. The vast majority of this time was spent listening to Chef Sarah talk. I enjoyed the technical information she provided, but I could have done without the social commentary. This isn’t a slight on the Chef. 2.5 hours is a long time to listen to someone unless they are extraordinarily captivating. Let me reiterate that the food was incredible. If you are a purist who simply wants world class sushi, skillfully prepared, this is the place for you. However, for an intimate evening out with your spouse, there are other sushi options in Austin to consider.

Great authentic sushi. Best sushi I've had in Texas

We came for the dinner omakase. The small sushi counter seats only 8 so you get an intimate dining experience with Otto. Might as well make some friends with your dinner companions as well. This is the purest sushi experience I've found in Austin (and overall rare in the US). There are no rolls. Wasabi root is grated on the shark skin grater right in front of you. There is a lot of attention paid to tradition. And there is a lot of attention paid to the fish. You can dig in and hear about the origin and chef's opinion on the quality comparison of where to source. That was a highlight for us. To hear about our food as much as taste it (and the taste is spot on) and to be able to pick chef's brain. Highly recommended.

A wonder place! My husband and I love sushi, and by far this is the best we have had. I shy away from certain fish, but tried them all again here, and realize now that what I had before wasn't quality fish. It was a lovely experience, and one we plan on enjoying again.