Austin’s sushi scene is getting a new addition with the opening of Craft Omakase, a 12-seat restaurant that offers a personalized and intimate dining experience. Craft Omakase is the brainchild of Charlie Wang and Nguyen Nguyen, two former chefs from Uchiko, one of the most popular and acclaimed sushi restaurants in the city. The duo decided to venture out on their own and create a place where they can showcase their skills and passion for sushi.
Omakase is a Japanese term that means “I’ll leave it up to you”. It refers to a style of dining where the chef decides what to serve the guests, based on the availability and quality of the ingredients, the season, and the chef’s creativity. Omakase is often considered the ultimate way to enjoy sushi, as it allows the chef to express their artistry and the guests to experience a variety of dishes that they might not otherwise order.
What to Expect at Craft Omakase?
Craft Omakase is located in a cozy and minimalist space on Burnet Road, next to the Austin Film Society Cinema. The restaurant only accepts reservations, which can be made online or by phone. The reservation fee is $25 per person, which will be applied to the final bill. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The menu at Craft Omakase consists of two options: a 15-course nigiri omakase for $125 per person, or a 20-course nigiri and sashimi omakase for $175 per person. Both options include a complimentary appetizer and dessert. The courses are served one by one, with the chef explaining the origin and preparation of each piece. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability of the fish, which is sourced from Japan, Hawaii, and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the dishes that have been featured on the menu include bluefin tuna belly, Hokkaido scallop, king crab, wagyu beef, and uni (sea urchin).
The restaurant also offers a curated selection of sake, wine, and beer to pair with the food. The beverage menu includes premium and rare sakes, such as Dassai 23 and Juyondai, as well as local and imported wines and beers. The staff can help the guests choose the best drink to complement their meal.
What Makes Craft Omakase Unique?
Craft Omakase is not just another sushi restaurant. It is a place where the guests can enjoy a personalized and intimate dining experience, where they can interact with the chefs and learn about the art and culture of sushi. The chefs at Craft Omakase are passionate about their craft and aim to create dishes that are not only delicious, but also beautiful and memorable. They use traditional techniques, such as aging and curing the fish, as well as modern innovations, such as blowtorching and smoking the sushi. They also pay attention to the details, such as the temperature, texture, and seasoning of each piece.
Craft Omakase is a place where the guests can expect to be surprised and delighted by the chef’s creations. It is a place where the guests can trust the chef to serve them the best sushi possible. It is a place where the guests can discover new flavors and sensations. It is a place where the guests can have a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.