As Austin's sushi infatuation continues, an alluring newcomer from California steps onto the less coastal scene. Sushi Roku is opening its sixth restaurant on February 16 in downtown Austin. This is the small chain's first Texas effort.
The new sushi restaurant is inside a glassy, avant-garde tower that's also new to the Warehouse District, at 405 Colorado St. It joins the portfolio of locations in Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena in California, and Las Vegas in Nevada. A Palo Alto, California location is opening in spring of 2024.
Los Angeles residents are likely familiar with Sushi Roku, which first opened in Hollywood in 1997. As one might expect, this was an upscale establishment, and the following locations were similarly dramatic inside. Different locations look different inside, and the Austin restaurant appears simultaneously to be one of the more dramatic and cloistered environments.
Partitions, small tables, and semi-circular benches break up the dining room, while an abundance of creative lighting barely tips the room into its dimly lit state. (That's in pictures anyway — it may be a little better-suited for menu reading in person.) There's artful clutter displayed throughout, including lots of greenery.
A chic live-edge walnut bar serves both drinks and sushi, centering the two offerings.
Photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG
“We are thrilled to bring Sushi Roku to the Live Capital of the World,” said Innovative Dining Group (IDG) partner and co-founder Lee Maen in a press release. “We’ve seen an increased demand from our tech-focused guests who visit California and Nevada from Austin, or have relocated to Texas. When expanding we look for markets where our quality dining experiences and one-of-a-kind concept restaurants would make a big impact and rapidly growing Austin is a natural fit.”
By now, most Austin diners know what to expect from an upscale sushi restaurant; This one by Chef Sang Kim combines "Western influences with internationally inspired accents." That means dishes like the "signature" hanabi — like nigiri, but on crispy rice — baked crab rolls served warm, and truffle Brussels sprout chips. One dish is exclusive to the Austin location: the Waterloo Ichi Roll with tuna, yellowtail, snow crab, mango, avocado, cucumber, kiaware (daikon radish sprouts), chili oil, sriracha, and spring greens.
There are 16 rolls and 18 sashimi options on the menu. Diners who like sampling might consider the sushi plate or the seven-piece daily selection and custom hand roll.
Photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG
A specialty cocktail selection is perhaps the most adventurous part of the menu, including a range of tropical ingredients from yuzu, to pomegranate, to coconut. Espresso-washed Whistle Pig adds a bold twist to an old fashioned, paired with honey, ginger, cucumber, fresh serrano, mint, and angostura bitters. The Shoman Glory is also exclusive to Austin, and is made with Don Londres Blanco tequila, cucumber, kiwi, and yuzu.
The beverage program by General Manager Jasmine Lee Garcia also boasts "a large collection of sake, Japanese beer, and whiskey," according to a release.
“We are excited to welcome guests and host a myriad of special events in Austin’s new Sushi Roku, from the sushi bar to the semi-private dining room,” said Garcia.
Photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG
Sushi Roku's starting hours are 5-10 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 5-11 pm Fridays, 3-11 pm Saturdays, and 3-9 pm Sundays. Brunch will be available starting at 11:30 am in spring of 2024. Parking is available on the street and in the garage, as well as $12 valet. Reserve via SevenRooms or OpenTable (not yet open). Walk-ins are welcome in "proper attire," although the website does not specify a dress code.
