Uchi

I went to Uchis for the first time last weekend. I was impressed. They have a huge menu filled with delicious choices from sashimi to fried rolls filled with tempting ingredients. They also have entrees for the non-sushi people in your group. The service was speedy and friendly. And, the price is right. The atmosphere is a bit loud, so if you're looking for a quiet dining experience, it may not be the place for you. Although, if you go early i've heard it's not as boisterous. \r Pros: fresh fish, fast service, nice wine list more

I went to Uchi during the longhorn game to avoid the wait, apparently a bad choice as the main chef must have gone to the game. (Another table of frequenters told us the head chef was not there) It was SO BAD. The miso tasted like out of a can, I didn't even finish the sushi because it tasted like something had gone bad. The sauces were gross too. I'm from California and used to eat sushi weekly, I wasn't into all the weird 'fuzion' ingrediants Uchi mixed together, I like plain 'ol sushi, requiring good fish (the tuna in their case looked almost purple!) If you are a sushi fan looking for good sushi go to Moshachino. I might go back just to see if it really was because the head chef was out, but if that's their excuse for such bad food its a poor one... Pros: Good decor Cons: Tasted gross! more

My hubby and I were visitors from LA and having read about this resto, decided to make this the resto to try when we were in town. I guess I'm not used to the country, but I thought the place was a little out of the way (looked like a residential neighborhood). Once you're on the right road, though, you can't miss it as there's a humungous sign. The place is really cool, with great decor and lighting. Service was great and the crowd was also hip but unpretentious. The food was good, though really not comparable to LA's sushi spots. But I heard from everyone that this was Austin's best (I guess I'm too much of a purist and this seemed like a Japanese-American spot). Looking at the menu, I thought we were going to spend a fortune, but we were really surprised that our bill only came out to $100 for 2 (pre-tip), with 4 pcs uni, 4 pcs ikura, 2 uni shooters, 12 pcs other sushi, hot tea and dessert. Good looking crowd but a lot friendlier than people in LA! Pros: trendy, cool crowd, reasonably priced Cons: not pure sushi (a little americanized), could be a long wait more

My girlfriend and I went for the first time this past weekend, and have to say this is the best restaurant I have ever been too in Austin. If you really appreciate food and are not afraid to try new things, you will be treated to some unbelievable dishes. I have been to most sushi restaurants in this town and Uchi is head and shoulders above the rest. \r \r The atmosphere and look inside is very hip/sophisticated yet relaxed, great place for a date or to just drink some japanese beer and snack on a few dishes. The service is spectacular, every employee from the bartender to the runners, have friendly advise on what to try and are extremely knowledgable on their extensive menu. \r \r What really impressed me was that while they supposedly close at 11pm, we showed up along with 4 other tables around 10:45 and we're told that they were in no hurry to close and would happily continue to serve everyone, the place was packed and stayed packed pretty much until we finished our meal. You can't beat that kind of sevice, this place is a 10! Pros: Unbelievable food, Great Service, Cool Athmosphere and location Cons: A bit Expensive, but still a great Value more

The sushi itself was amazing, the chef at the bar was funny and friendly, service was excellent, and the atmosphere was exotic and appealing. Not just for RICH-COOL-GUYS, but for lesser endowed sushi conisseurs on special occasions. My husband and I went there to celebrate him getting a new job, and it was perfect. Also try the sake. Pros: Best sushi I've ever had, beautiful interior, great service Cons: long wait, expensive more

I've been dining at Uchi since the first few months they were open. I've seen a lot of ups and downs (which is to be expected at an upstart restaurant) and have to say that Uchi has reached fine form. They seem to have recruited servers from other Austin faves (Angel from Mars- yay!) and the staff that has been there a while are superbly informed and helpful. The food is always spot on. I agree with all the previous raves about the hot rock, shag roll, uchi shot and maguro w/ goat cheese. Personally, I love the sashimi carpaccio. For those who complain about the price.... oh my... have you tried eating quality sushi in new york, la, paris (or dallas, for that matter?) It's a bargain comparatively! Enjoy. more

I have nothing but the best to say about this restaurant. From the service to the drinks to the food this place is fabulous. My bf and I have never been to a Sushi restaurant that served peach sorbet to cleanse our palette and a warm wet cloth to wipe our hands before eating our meal. \r \r Our delicious meal started off with an Avo bake followed by a Miso Shiru and Ika sansai (salad) to start. Then the Mustang sushi and Crunchy tuna off the special menu of the day Everything was divine! We were also brave enough to try the house shot the Uchi shot. It is suppose to have 3 aphrodisiacs (Champagne, Quail egg and sea Urchin) in this shot. We were lucky enough to get 2 complimentary shot because it was missing one of the important items. The staff and the chefs at the sushi bar especially Executive Chief Tyson Cole were incredibly nice and friendly! Ending our fulfilling dinner with Chai tea creme brulee and a complimentary chocolate cake and ginger ale float. Coming from Houston, there are no other restaurants like this one! Would definitely come back again when ever we are in town!!! Pros: Friendly Service from staff and Chef, Fresh sushi and trendy ambience. Cons: Not that many self parking spots... had to valet (complimentary anyways) more

We stopped by Uchi last minute one Saturday and were treated to one of the most amazing dining experiences I've had in a long time. (We had the tasting menu) and the food was unique and thoughtful, and each taste was a delight! The service was spot-on, with each dish arriving just moments after the last had been removed.\r \r Some of the other reviews complained of small portions...but we were completely satisfied with the portions. I mean, if you want a gigantic chicken fried steak, this ain't the place. I think this restaurant is probably not what most of these 'Texan' types are used to...it's quality, not quantity, people. \r \r Amazing experience!!! Pros: World-class food, need I say more? Cons: We waited a bit, but where I am from, you could NEVER walk into a restaurant of this caliber without a reservation! more

Best sushi and one of the best dining experiences in Austin. I love what Tyson Cole does with sushi! His fusion of ingredients are delicious and different. I took a group of friends here one night and ordered everything for them and with each item that came out they were more and more thrilled. A true epicurean treat. Favorites include the Uchivichi, Maguro Sashimi and Goat Cheese, Brie Tempura and the Shag roll but everything is tempting! My only negative - dessert could be better, we usually go somewhere else for this after a wonderful meal! Pros: Wonderful Sushi, Nice Ambience Cons: Hard to get a reservation, Sometimes have to wait more

I went this restaurant with my friends because this is their favorite restaurant. The dishes they serve are pretty nice, fresh, and looking good; however, every amount of food is TOO SMALL TO TASTE. Especially Sushi, I couldn't believe it was as small as my thumb! (or maybe I have biggest thumb in the world). If you don't like fresh raw fish or sushi but want to act like ""A RICH-COOL-GUY"" for your girlfriend, this place is for you. Pros: Interior Cons: Price & amount of food more

We just went out with another couple and put down a ton of money at Uchi. The food was very good, but the portions were insultingly small for the price. It was like in the cartoons where they bring a guy a big platter, uncover it and present him something like a single bean. I don't mind that we had an hour wait, but generally after such a long wait, people are ready to eat - not pay $17 for three tiny little slivers of fish. I left there starving, and tried to go to the McDonald's down the street. It was closed, so now I'm home with the Mac & Cheese. Also, the service was not good. They brought out our first roll, and we had to wait quite a while to get some wasabi and ginger. more

Uchi is expensive. If you can't handle the idea of spending $75/person, then this may not be the restaurant for you. What I love about Uchi is not just the sushi (which is creative and beautifully presented), but the starters. My husband and I prefer to order multiple sharable plates. While this method of ordering is pricey, this is what I believe makes Uchi the perfect date spot. You and you date can taste and experience everything together. It's the kind of place where your dinner can last up to 2 hours. The hot rock is awesome, as is the brie tempura. Tip: I you're on a date, try topping off your sake buzz with a couple of Uchi shots. They're a combination of 3 ingredients that are said to be aphrodisiacs, and just may give your lovelife a little kick. My husband and I love them! Pros: creative dishes, ambiance, great date spot Cons: Pricey, long wait, a bit pretentious more

Ah god, this is a sushi-lover's dream!!! I was initially hesitant due to the very trendy scene and the price, but am forever thankful to the powers that be that got me into the place! While it is VERY expensive, the sushi is of a quality that I have never had before, and I love sushi. The combinations are artful and mouth watering (vision:apple slice, goat cheese, tuna) or (vision: watermelon slice, tuna) and compare to nothing I've ever eaten. You really can't go wrong here...we have friends from out of town who will drive 6 hours just for the food! Pros: quality of food, taste of food, artful combinations Cons: high price more

The atmosphere is nice and trendy, but the acoustics are so bad that the place becomes overly loud easily. The waiter was a tad snobby, though not to excess, but he kept dropping the ball on our orders (typically forgot items). That's bad enough, but when we would point out the mistakes, he would look at us like we were insane. Maybe he has Alzheimer's. The food, while tasty and artfully presented, is SMALL, and extremely overpriced. We spent around $75/person, and I left feeling like I had eaten an appetizer. The suzuki was very delicious -- a high point in an otherwise disappointing experience. If you want good sushi at a resonable price and quantity, there are a number of other options you should explore. For half of what we spent at Uchi, we could have done quite well elsewhere. I'm just glad my friend was buying that night. Pros: trendy, pretty food, tasty Cons: tiny portions, overpriced, too loud more

Great, unique food in a happenin' place. Go early or the wait will be long. They only accept reservations until six or so. There are lots of small tables so a group larger than 4 people is going to be a wait. The restaurant also accomodates fine wine lovers (hint, hint). Pros: Superb Food Cons: A Mob Scene more

One of the best restaurants to go to in Austin! Food was amazing. Staff was very informative and friendly. Ambiance was top notch! It is a little pricey but worth it! Reservations are a must even on weekdays. Pros: Food, Staff Cons: Wait more

I have my favorite sushi restaurant in town off of Mopac that I have been going to for years, but Uchi has succeeded in bringing my loyalty to that other sushi restaurant into question. The food was fantastic, delicate, and delicious. The wait is worth it. Pros: The taste Cons: The wait more

Pay no attention to the negative reviews as some people will simply never be pleased. As a true foodie and former chef let me tell you that Tyson Cole is a freaking genius. He works with flavors and textures as well as any chef in Austin. Excellent decor with a nod to Japanese minimalism. Not minimalist is the food - Ohhh, THE FOOD - I've yet to order something that didn't make me want to close my eyes and smile. It's a great date spot or place to astound out-of-town visitors (show that Austin isn't all Bar-B-Que and Steaks). The staff is efficient and extremely knowledgable. It can be a bit pricey if you get carried away, but the happy hour from 5:30-6:30 can help you keep the bill down. Uchi went from untested to one of my favorite restaurants in Austin in about three dishes time. Enjoy ! Pros: Ingredient quality, Well-trained staff, Creative chef Cons: Kind of pricey more

Uchi is truly a culinary experience. The food never fails to make my eyes roll back in my head, and draws moans of pleasure. My husband is adventuresome, and has chosen some pretty weird dishes such as duck pate with french toast and ice cream. I stick to combinations like hamachi with orange and chili--YUM! Pros: exquisite food Cons: very expensive more

This place is very expensive and probably not a great place for groups, but for a date or special occasion, it is the best. Our service was impeccable, and the sushi was fantastic! Not to mention the best sea bass I've ever tasted. If you like sushi, you have to try Uchi. Pros: delicious! Cons: expensive more