Endo — Restaurant in Austin

TL;DR - I've done almost all the omakase in town (glares at Tsuke not taking solo diners). This has been by far my favorite. If you like actual fish not buried under a mound of miscellaneous goo (looking at you Sushi Bar ATX) this is your spot.

My wife doesn't sushi, so I took advantage of her being out of town to try out the new omakase at Sushi Endo (west campus, across from the burned-out Texas French Bread next door to Counter Culture).

The space is minimalist and cozy. I was greeted by an impeccably-dressed staff that made me wish I'd ironed my shirt :). I started off with a delicious Manhattan - other diners were offered a free glass of sake. After a bit of time to drink, we pulled up to the counter and got started.

I'm not going to break down every single course. I will say that I absolutely loved all of them. The fish, and the preparation technique, were completely on point. I got the sake pairing (four 3 oz pours distributed across the 20-ish courses). I found a couple of new sakes that I really like (particularly the Heiwa Shuzou Kid Junmai).

I will call out a couple of unexpected highlights. The Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with crab, ikur & kinome) was absolutely delicious, as was the Akadash (red miso soup with okra). I skipped the caviar addon to the Wagyu - I'm a beef purist - but did add on the Uni, which was also great.

I missed the picture for the hand roll, but everything else is there in order according to the menu.

It's a small counter, and a very social dining experience. Chef has worked everywhere and knows everyone, we had a great time chatting. As a bonus, I met an amazing couple there celebrating a new PhD, and they're on the magic 'been three times+' list for Tsuke. I was bemoaning the fact that I can't get into there because I don't have a dining partner, and they offered to add me as a +1 later in the year. So I will finally cross the last omakase off my list in 2024!

The only comparable meal I've had in Austin was a Hush Omakase popup in 2022. While the food (and bottomless sake) were good, the atmosphere was nowhere near as nice, and the chefs were not in the same room as us, so there wasn't as much back and forth.

My total was $280 before tip, and I consider it a fair deal for the quality and vibe. I will definitely...

Sushi Endo in Austin offers an exceptional omakase experience that brings together the freshest seasonal ingredients with the precision of traditional Japanese sushi craftsmanship. Priced at $99 for a 16-course menu, the value is beyond impressive, considering the quality and range of the dishes served.

The journey through the omakase began with delicate offerings like Santenmori (pumpkin dofu, kampachi kobujime, hokkigai clam), showcasing the kitchen's commitment to balance and flavor. From there, each course elevated in complexity and depth.

My personal favorites, the Kamasu (barracuda) and Aji (horse mackerel), stood out for their simplicity and mastery. The Kamasu, with its charred edge, had a slightly smoky flavor that paired exquisitely with the firm texture of the fish. Meanwhile, the Aji was a celebration of umami, served fresh with a texture that melted in the mouth.

Other highlights included the Chawanmushi, a comforting egg custard dish with an unexpected yet delightful combination of oyster, ikura, and okra, adding layers of richness to the meal. The Toro(fatty tuna) and Anago(sea eel) were luxuriously rich and delicate, making every bite feel indulgent.

The progression from course to course was seamless, with each offering highlighting the natural flavors of the fish. For dessert, the refreshing Shikuwasa Granita and decadent coffee yokan provided a perfect end to the experience.

Sushi Endo’s omakase is a must-visit for anyone in Austin who appreciates authentic sushi, and the $99 price tag for this 16-course journey is an unbeatable deal for the quality of the meal. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just starting to explore, Sushi Endo offers an unforgettable...

Nestled in a serene and inviting environment, this Japanese restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience with its intimate and selective seating arrangement. The moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a tranquil ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

The highlight of this establishment is its 20-course Omakase menu, meticulously crafted by a master chef. Each dish is a work of art, presenting the freshest and most beautiful ingredients in a symphony of flavors. The presentation alone is breathtaking, with each course resembling a delicate masterpiece.

The flavor palettes are diverse and exquisite, beginning with the subtle sweetness of fresh sashimi, which melts in your mouth with its pristine freshness. As you progress through the courses, you experience a harmonious blend of tastes—from the umami-rich miso soup to the delicate balance of sweet and savory in the teriyaki-glazed fish. The tempura is light and crispy, with a perfect golden hue, and the sushi rice is impeccably seasoned, complementing the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the fish.

One standout dish is the grilled wagyu beef, tender and succulent, with a smoky char that adds depth to its rich flavor. The Omakase journey concludes with a refreshing and light dessert, a perfect end to a meal that is both indulgent and satisfying.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, providing insights into each dish and ensuring a seamless dining journey. This restaurant is a hidden gem, offering a truly intimate and extraordinary Omakase experience that is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a serene and exquisite...