Uchi
Austin, TX 78704-1509
Phone: (512) 916-4808
- Price:
- $$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- People Watching 2008
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Bar opens at 5pm
Editorial Review for Uchi – by Dirk Sonniksen
In Short
The vibe at Uchi is sophisticated yet relaxed, with the well-heeled and tattoo-laden coexisting in harmony. On any given evening, it's filled to capacity with diners conversing beneath a bold, red expanse intermingled with golden flowers. Dimly lit lanterns hanging from the high, vaulted ceiling provide a romantic ambience. Tender Muscovy duck, grilled on Japanese charcoal, are appetizers to salmon or striped bass sushi, Brie tempura ringo or pan-seared scallops served with samiso sauces, baby bok choy and shiitake mushrooms.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasFor $11, you can sear your own small cut of wagyu beef on a Japanese hot rock.
Know Before You GoIt's often difficult to snag a table, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Dine at the BarThe sushi bar is the perfect spot for making new friends or dining solo. The friendly, menu-savvy staff makes dining effortless.
User Reviews for Uchi
07/25/2008 Posted by Ming83
I ate here for the first time when my folks flew into town and I was blown away by everything! I had always heard good things about Uchi in the past but never went to check it out myself. I conceptualized in my mind a large sushi restaurant for some reason, but I'm glad to say that it wasn't-- which to me equals a great atmosphere paired with unique dishes. We ended up ordering the Omakase, although it says it's designed for two, it was perfect for a table of three because the multi-course was seemingly endless. My dad even had to ask how many more dishes were still coming; we were getting so full! Every dish was explained before it was dropped off at our table and all of them were exquisitely prepared. I had such a great experience with Uchi the first time that I took my fiancée there for his birthday. I fell in love with the 'Hot Rock' and 'Ocha Zuke' soup. Some of the rolls we ordered weren't that impressive but the dishes from the daily special were out of this world! Even though I didn't mention it was my fiancée's birthday, my server was intuitive enough to notice the card on the table. We ordered dessert but he added a candle and "Happy Birthday" with it. I was pleasantly surprised and my fiancée thought I had planned it all. Uchi definitely delivers.
Pros: Daily Specials
Cons: Some of the rolls weren't that distinguished
05/16/2008 Posted by lizlovestoeat
Sushi is my favorite type of food, so I enjoy Uchi once or twice a year to treat myself. Be prepared to savor your food - don't rush the kitchen or the sushi chefs, and you won't be disappointed. Take advantage of the attentive waitstaff to order just one dish per person at a time. The sushi (both nigiri and rolls) is lovely, always just what I'm after. I don't usually order sashimi, but this would be a great place to do so - the fish is impeccably fresh and expertly prepared. I order the buttery-rich maguro with goat cheese every time I visit, though I also make a point of enjoying a couple of the daily specials as well. The grilled mackerel is also always particularly succulent and satisfying. I hope they never take the Valrhona wasabi fondant off the menu - it's an indulgent finish for a chocoholic. Uchi gets a bad rap for being pricey, but everything needs perspective. Frankly, it's not expensive on the same scale as, say, New York or San Francisco sushi; and Austin IS a landlocked city, after all. A leisurely hour-plus dinner for two (with 3-4 cocktails) usually comes to about $100 before tip.
Pros: Perfect for intimate dinners and small (3-4) groups, excellent food, consistently good service, quality cocktails and great wine/sake list, hip ambience but still relaxed
Cons: Parking is limited, reservations available only before 7 pm, impractical for groups larger than four
