Uchi

3.9
114 reviews
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id: 20715481
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801 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

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(512) 916-4808
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Japanese Restaurant

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Reviews
( 64 )
( 14 )
( 13 )
( 9 )
( 14 )

Best

Impeccable preparation and ingredients are the hallmarks of this Austin institution. Go with friends during social hour and order one of everything-- you won't be sorry!

Worst

I've eaten sushi all over the world, including Nobu. Uchi is just silly. The host staff was pretentious and somewhat rude (girl with short black hair) and the food is just plain m...

Ehh 8/27/2005

If you go here with intentions of eating tradiational sushi or eating sushi for the first time, go elsewhere. You have to have money to eat here. The food was okay and service was average. The atmosphere was great but it wasn't good for big groups or a romantic evening. Overall, the food was creative but not worth the prices they charge. You can find the same quality food with better prices at other restaurants around town. (We recommend you go during happy hour to get a good deal) Pros: creative food prep, decorations Cons: expensive more
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Heaven 8/24/2005

Wow... I went here last night on a first date and let me tell you! Absolutely perfect. Fabulous date place. The sushi was the best i've ever had- I am still salivating over it now. The tuna with goat cheese omg delicious. The spider roll was great. Spicy tuna roll fabulous. The eel was delish, too! They have the best dipping sauces- not your typical soy sauce and wasabi. We did wait for about 45 minutes but we sat down in the bar area (no standing around) and drank red wine (the 4 sisters merlot is great). I highly reccomend this place- very intimate and relaxed. I'm in love... Pros: creative dishes, best sushi in austin Cons: long wait more
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*In love with Uchi* 7/26/2005

Amazing sushi!! I recommend the Mustang, Hakujin, Spicy Tuna rolls, and a chef's selection sushi. Also try the chai tea creme brulee, it's outstanding. Overall I think the atmosphere was really relaxing and the decor beautiful. Make reservations if you want to eat there on a Saturday, even at 5:30 a lot of people were already there waiting to be seated. Everyone was dressed nicely but casually, and our waitress was fanatastic. more
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Best Sushi in Austin Period 7/24/2005

Everytime I had dined at Uchi, the food from the appetizer to the desert has been out of this world. It takes a true culinary genius to create some of the unique dishes that is not only visually appealing but also delectable. I noticed on some of the reviews that pepople complain about the portion size of the dishes. You don't go to Uchi and expect a supersized meal. Sure there are other sushi places which offer larger portions and are cheaper, but that is the difference between say eating steaks at Dennys vs one at Ruth Chris. Pros: food, service Cons: wait more
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Extraordinary 7/17/2005

The sushi here is simply extraordinary. Any review to the contrary must be from someone not used to paying high end food prices just blowing off steam. There is no way to criticize even one menu item. No matter what you order here it is shear perfection. I have eaten there twice and have never tasted anything but greatness. Only one flaw - the policy on seating reserved groups. They require nearly ALL persons be present before they will seat you. If you have a reservation for 8 and 4-5 get there on time you will have to wait for more - they will not seat you PERIOD. That was a bit of a pain in the neck. Other than that it is a great place. Pros: ambiance, sushi, variety Cons: price more
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Heavy on style, light on substance 4/30/2005

Uchi is a great place to get dressed up and feel trendy, and the food presentation is excellent. The buzz on Uchi seems to center around them having excellent Japanese cuisine, and what they serve is not the best as far as Japanese food is concerned. It's fusion, not Japanese food. Their presentation is playful and cute, the hot rock wagyu dish is fun and tasty, but after my overpriced nigiri fell apart before I could even get it in my mouth I was left feeling that if Uchi is going to present itself as a top notch Japanese restaurant, they need to work on their fundamental skills before adding all of flowers, elaborate presentation, and overall frou-fra. This is sushi for Americans, and there's nothing wrong with that, but if you're looking for something more traditional and authentic I would suggest looking elsewhere. Pros: Presentation, Interior Design, Service Cons: Authenticity, Sushi, Noisy more
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fufi sushi 4/26/2005

The ambiance was great and a great place to have great drinks and good food. The only complaint I have is that the sushi was too expensive for the amount you got. The simple california rolls were small in size, as if they used half a sheet of seeweed. The customer seems to be paying more for the atmosphere of the place than for the quantity of food. Food presentation was excellent and variations of simple dishes were unique. Again, the prices were to high for simple traditional dishes. Not a place if you are looking for everyday dining and good pices. This is definitely fufi sushi Pros: romantic Cons: noisy more
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outstanding experiences 12/9/2004

Since Texas Monthly rated it top 10 it's been SRO, happily though the food and service I've received have remained focused. I'm surprised by the negative reviews being a consummate foodie jerk. It is a great restaurant, solid Japanese standards with thoughtful additions. Go early and avoid the wait, or go Friday night at 8pm and make it an evening. Pros: great menu, environment more
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the best sushi in town!!! 10/23/2004

I have tried every sushi restaurant in Austin. Now, that my pockets are empty, I have time to sit and reflect. Uchi by far has the best quality meats, both fish and beef. The serve only the freshest meats and veggies. To make the experience even better, each guest is treated like a king or queen. No matter who your server is, you are never overlooked by any of the staff. The sushi chefs are so friendly and talented too. I love Uchi and I recommend it to anyone. It is worth every dollar. Pros: food, service, ambiance Cons: , wait more
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Sublime food, pushy service 10/15/2004

Food is beautifully arranged and consistently delicious. Kudos to Chef Cole. He works with his sushi chefs and it shows that he cares about the quality of his creations. Every dish (sushi or not) has been superb. I've always have had a good experience with the waitstaff, until recently (a saturday ago) when a waitress was pushy, dropping the check on our table and checking it often. Appetizers arrived an hour late. 10/16/04 Upgraded service rating because of RYAN's exemplary, friendly, knowledgable service. Ask to be seated in his section. Pros: Sublime cuisine, chef, Flowers & graphics, Waiter RYAN rocks Cons: , Loud environment, Dim lighting more
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Sushi is Awesome 7/22/2004

It was quite busy the night we ate there. The wait wasn't too bad, but the lack of a real bar to wait in is noticeable. The hostess was stressed out, but got us to a decent table well enough. I think the waiter forgot about us. Eventually, our orders were taken without much fuss. The waiter didn't offer any advice on the complicated menu. Its layout is very confusing. We managed through it and got a decent selection. The sushi took a very long time to come out, but it was extremely good. I don't recommend the hot rock. It is just a neat idea and looks good and not tasty. Our waiter unfortunately was distracted and didn't pay much attention to us. It is better than Kenichi now. Kenichi has been going downhill. I made a review there too. Pros: Creative, Fresh Sushi, Lots of parking Cons: , Service, Too bright inside more
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what? 5/26/2004

Reading all these negative reviews, I seriously have to wonder if everyone is talking about the same Uchi I went to. I got there early on a Tuesday & was seated at the bar immediately. What followed was not just the best sushi experience I've ever had, but the one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. The service was prompt and friendly and they never made me feel bad for asking dumb questions. The chefs were constantly interacting with us and making recommendations. The food was divine and extremely artfully presented. I couldn't stop smiling all day! Pros: cool decor,, nice people more
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Best Around 3/22/2004

Hour and a half to sit Small tables Uncomfortable chairs Hour and a half for appetizer Eh-Not bad but small Hour and fortyfive for sushi Good quality but over priced (1 piece per order??) Thirty Mins for Dessert This took way too long and was not memorable (no drunken mochi for me) This place tried to sell it self as south austin, and when I first went here it was. But now they are too cool for school. It feels like little NY or LA in here. I'd say they have a future but no vision. Uchi = arrogant snobby BMW driving Big city Uchi = Kenichi So I say way to go Kenichi II Pros: Decor, Food Cons: , Pushy Server, LA/NY mentality more
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It's ok 2/16/2004

The sushi was good, service pretty good, but atmoshpere is horrible. We were sat at a table where I couldn't even lift my chopsticks up to take a bite without my elbow hitting the railing. The table was barely big enough for 2 drinks and appetizer plates. This may have worked for 2 small children, but definitley not 2 adults. This place seems more of a ""to be seen"" place than a true sushi experience. Pros: Service Cons: , Value more
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Absolutely Amazing 2/16/2004

Valentines Day 2004 was made even more memorable by my 2nd Sushi experience at Uchi. The sushi was PHENOMENAL! We sat at the Sushi Bar which is our favorite since Tyson always has the best recommendations. EVERY SINGLE BITE was amazing, the best & freshest sushi I have ever had anywhere. The selection of Sakes is also great & the bottle we ordered was so tasty. I so highly recommend this restaurant & can't wait to go back!!! Pros: Tyson Cole, Friendly Waitstaff, Atmoshpere more
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excellent 2/15/2004

Uchi serves the best sushi I've ever eaten. Not only is the sushi good but the rolls and even the desserts are out of this world. The service has always been good, never hurried. The sushi bar is a great place to watch all the action and enjoy your meal as well. I'll keep going as long as they're around. Good job!! Pros: great atmoshere, fresh fish, great sauces Cons: , small restaurant more
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Number 1 2/14/2004

I must say that Uchi, has to be not only Austin's #1 sushi spot but all of Texas. With the freshest selection of fish, amazing & interesting combinations across the menu, a warm, inviting ambiance, excellent & knowledgable service staff, and a great location, what more can you ask for. I could only ask for one thing....a bigger space & later hours....but oh well I can suffice for now. For those that complain about having to wait a long time to sit and what not....just know that it is well worth it. If you don't make reservations, just arrive there before you are really hungry, enjoy a drink in their bar or patio and the wait shouldn't be too long before you eat. Thanks for bringing quality to Austin. Pros: Freshness, Location, Atmosphere more
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delicious 2/1/2004

uchi is a treat for all your senses, i tellya. it's where you go when you've been very, very good but don't want italian food. (then you go to vespaio or siena.) my recent visits have been consistently tasty and FUN. the waitstaff seem to equally love the food and everyone at my table (where else do you see such teamwork? any staff walking by will grab an empty plate or refill your water). the selection is varied and pleasing. try the hotate (scallop w/ avocado and spicy sauce) before you dare say their food isn't as amazing as musashino's. still, for the money, you do get more substance (and wasabi) at musashino. go to uchi for celebration meals; go to musashino for your urgent sushi fixes. Pros: beautiful, entertaining, delicious Cons: , expensive, expensive more
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All style, no substance 1/3/2004

The atmosphere is great, but the food leaves much to be desired. The rice was undercooked, the sashimi tasted fishy (it should not taste fishy), and the service was poor. Far too expensive for what you get. Pros: atmosphere, presentation Cons: value, sushi more
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Incredible. 11/14/2003

I, too, am amazed at some of the negative reviews. I've lived both in Japan and on the West coast and while Uchi is not perfect, the food is the best of its kind in Austin. What I am most impressed with is the offering of cooked, Japanese food, both traditional and fusion. Austin simply does not have another place that can provide the same sorts of dishes you might find in a hip, Tokyo robota restaurant (I wish they had more of that). The sushi is also heavenly. The only problem is that I have spent entirely too much money there, on both visits. Pros: Diverse menu, Great atmosphere, Incredible sushi Cons: Expensive more
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Owner Message

  • Uchi, "house" in Japanese, is founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole. A delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, Uchi offers non-traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and seasonal omakase.

Editorial

  • The vibe at Uchi is sophisticated albeit relaxed, with the well-heeled and tattoo-laden coexisting in harmony. On any given evening, it's filled to capacity with diners conversing beneath a bold,...

  • 4/28/2010 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: sunday: 16:00-20:30, monday: 16:00-20:30, tuesday: 16:00-20:30, wednesday: 16:00-20:30, thursday: 16:00-20:30, friday: 16:00-20:30, saturday: 16:00-20:30
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