Otoko

"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

"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