Why Craft Omakase’s Sushi Tasting Became the Best in Austin

There are many sushi omakase in Austin—too many, if you ask some. But one stands out among the rest—Craft Omakase.

Now, a little over a year after opening, they not only have community accolades and a full reservation book to show their success, but they also have a coveted Michelin star, one only awarded to seven restaurants in Austin.

If you’re going to experience a sushi omakase in Austin, I hope it’s this one!

Craft Omakase

Craft Omakase’s co-owners and co-partners are no strangers to sushi and Austin. Chefs Charlie Wang and Nguyen Nguyen, and front-of-house expert Tim Boyer worked at Uchiko for eight-plus years. Chef Charlie left Uchiko and looking for inspiration, decided to stage at an omakase restaurant in town. He said he went home the first day and knew exactly what he should do when his non-compete period was up. Having the depth of experience with sushi and in the Austin culinary industry certainly helps an omakase restaurant find success.

The structure of an omakase excels here because Chefs Charlie and Chef Nguyen know their craft, focusing on the five principles of Japanese cuisine: seasonality, tradition, technique, comfort, and balance. You can taste the fish yet it is also elevated with light sauces and accompaniments. The dry-aged fish program is an important part of enhancing the fish’s flavors simply.

Craft Omakase presents the full package: welcoming and attentive service, sushi expertise, delicate and elevated bites, and knowledgeable chefs. It’s an experience I can’t wait to enjoy again.

Our Sushi Tasting

You should dine here if you enjoy nigiri and sashimi without a load of toppings.

The 22-course omakase presents hit after hit of nigiri with a few composed dishes like tartare and aguachile in between. The first part of the menu is lighter and you’ll end with winners like uni and bluefin tuna.

Standard and reserve drink pairings of sake and wine are also available. These range from $75-110. They also have an extensive beverage menu with wine (red, white, sparkling, sake), beer, cocktails, and zero proof.

Arrive 20 minutes early to enjoy a complimentary cocktail.

Here’s the menu we enjoyed in October 2024.

Oyster, fried apple, cucumber

Tartare, bluefin tuna, nori tart, parsnip, kombu

Suika, watermelon, tomato, tofu

Madai (sea bream), honey yuzu vinegar, yukari

Muki hotate (Japanese scallop), ponzu, akakosho

Mizudako (giant pacific octopus), ponzu, preserved meyer lemon

Hirame (fluke), soy, lime juice, zest

Aguachile, pink shrimp, leche de tigre, japanese sweet potato

Bluefin Akami (lean tuna), wasabi, soy

Kurodai (black snapper), ginger fish sauce

Shima Aji (striped jack), ponzu, shiso, ume

Masu (ocean trout), wasabi, soy, furikake

Crudo, hamachi, grape, ume

Gai lan, shittake, green tea, brown butter

Kanpachi (amberjack), cold smoke, wasabi, soy

Shiro Maguro (albacore), wasabi, soy, chili oil

Masaba (japanese mackerel), wasabi, soy, negidare

Sakana No Nitsuke, ocean trout, smoked trout roe, corn

Bafun Uni (hokkaido sea urchin), wasabi, soy, ikura

Bluefin Chu Toro (medium fatty tuna), wasabi, soy, truffle

Bluefin Otoro (tuna belly), wasabi, soy, caviar

Dessert – peach, orange, toasted rice

They present bite after bite of remarkable fish. From their service to their presentation, they do everything perfectly but in an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to pick a favorite bite, but the kanpachi and chu toro were great.

How to Get Reservations for Craft Omakase

Reservations open every Sunday at noon for a rolling schedule. For example, on December 8, reservations for January 1-12 were made available. So tune in every Sunday for new reservations.

Reservations are available on Tock. The cost is $175 plus taxes, fees, and 20% gratuity. The full amount will be charged at the time of booking.

Details for Your Visit

Here’s a quick list to summarize the restaurant.

• Cuisine: Japanese sushi
• Meal offered: Dinner, set tasting
• Ambiance: Lively, adventurous
• Attire: Casual
• Noise Level: Average
• Pricing: $$$
• Dietary restrictions: Could accommodate dairy
• Reservation: Required
• Seating: Bar
• Parking: Free parking lot

Craft Omakase
4400 North Lamar Boulevard #102, Austin, TX 78756
https://craftomakase.com/

P.S. If you’re looking for more sushi omakase posts, check these out:

• Sushi Omakase at Tare Surprises with Texas Flair
• Otoko’s Multi-Course Sushi Omakase
• Sushi Omakase at Sushi Punch in Tokyo, Japan