"Otoko is often considered one of the swankiest restaurants in Austin, with a price tag that shows they’re clearly aware. It’s a place to dress up a little and feel like a rock star as you watch your meal get prepared in a room that’s basically a tunnel of lights to a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, and Fugazi, with a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. There are three menus here that change based on what day you book. Most days it’s a kaiseki menu—a mix of seasonal veggies and nigiri—but there’s also a weekly mostly-sushi night, and a once-a-month smaller (and cheaper) menu. All of them are a mix of small plates and nigiri in different ratios that generally play with both Japanese and Texas flavors. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out. Access exclusive reservations with your sapphire reserve card" - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion