In an intimate nook of the South Congress Hotel, Otoko offers a stunning omakase menu by chef Yoshi Okai, paired with craft cocktails from the adjacent Watertrade.
"Another South Congress Hotel restaurant, Otoko, provides guests with an intimate omakase experience that includes both Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki. Chef Yoshi Okai and the team give reserved parties (only 12 guests can attend each seating, so reservations are very limited) the option of a sushi-kaiseki omakase, an all-sushi omakase, or an all-kaiseki omakase, and they take the time to talk guests through the flavors, textures, and overall experience of each course. Otoko also has a sister bar, Watertrade, which specializes in Japanese-ish cocktails (and is also available by reservation only). There are indoor dine-in services." - Taylor Tobin, Eater Staff
"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." - Raphael Brion
"Shrouded in exclusivity, the 12-seat Japanese restaurant located at the South Congress Hotel in the Travis Heights neighborhood offers a multi-course omakase-style ticketed dinner, which incorporates influences from Kyoto's kaiseki and Tokyo’s sushi traditions. At $250 per person for sushi omakase or $200 for the classic omakase, the multi-course journeys from executive chef Yoshi Okai and chef Domonic Candy are one of Austin's most expensive dinners — but it’s unforgettable. Book reservations online; there are indoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury
"If you’re going to blow $300 per person on dinner, Otoko is where to do it. The small sushi restaurant’s futuristic paneling feels like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey, accompanied by an ambient rock soundtrack and a chef who looks like he just hopped off of Davie Bowie's stage. The omakase experience is a dizzying procession of small plates and nigiri that sometimes veers into the spectacular, with a menu that brings together fish, smoke, umami, and vinegar—playing with Japanese, Texan, and Mexican ingredients—for a truly singular meal. " - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary
"If you’re going to blow $300 per person on dinner, the sushi restaurant Otoko is where to do it. The futuristic design of the dining room makes it feel like you’re in a fancy spaceship, along with a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, Fugazi, and a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. The omakase experience is a dizzying procession of small plates and nigiri that sometimes veers into the spectacular, with a menu that brings together fish, smoke, umami, and vinegar—playing with Japanese, Texan, and Mexican ingredients—for a truly unique meal. " - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, raphael brion
