WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE BEST SUSHI RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN, FROM TRADITIONAL TO INNOVATIVE AND BEYOND.

Nigiri at Sushi | Bar ATX. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSHI | BAR ATX

Derived from the Japanese word meaning “entrust” and translated loosely to mean “I’ll leave it up to you,” omakase (pronounced ow-muh-kaa-say) has quickly become the most captivating path to a sushi-eating adventure. Generally, diners can expect a menu-free meal straight from the hands of the chef, comprising myriad creations served one at a time, often in a modest space. While these meals can be pricey, and typically, reservations must be made well in advance, the experience is truly inspired. Here are some of our local favorite spots for indulging.

CRAFT OMAKASE

Come hungry. Craft’s 22-course menu takes diners through a seasonal menu that, if they are lucky, might include bluefin tartare in a nori shell with parsnip puree and braised kombu. Open for dinner only Wednesdays through Sundays with typically two or three seatings nightly, 4400 N. Lamar Blvd., #102, craftomakase.com

OTOKO

Award-winning chef Yoshi Okai leads this 12-seater at the South Congress Hotel. On Wednesdays, he offers a Tokyo-style dinner with 20-plus courses of nigiri and sashimi, and on thursdays through Saturdays, his 2-hour Kyoto-style kaiseki omakase includes hot and cold dishes. A shortened 12-course kaiseki omakase occurs once monthly. Staples include his Japanese hamachi with smoked tamari. 1603 S. Congress Ave., otokoaustin.com

SOTO

The environment might be more typical of an upscale sushi restaurant, but the omakase is entirely unexpected. While diners can partake in at least 15 courses plus a chocolate foie gras dessert at the sushi counter, they are also welcome to satiate at tables. And, for those who get more than an hour for lunch, check out the afternoon omakase. 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 402, Cedar Park, sotorestaurant.com

The mini counter with seating for ten at Sushi By Scratch. PHOTO BY CARLY SNOOK

SUSHI | BAR ATX

After enjoying a welcome cocktail, guests are seated in one of two dining rooms, each with 10 chairs. The star components of 17 courses (like A5 wagyu and uni) are posted on a board, and guests are invited to add cocktails or sake and wine pairings. Extra courses and ingredients might be offered: Don’t think twice. Seatings nightly from 5 to 9:15 p.m., 2600 E. Cesar Chavez St., sushibarhospitality.com

Vegetarian bites at Uchiko. PHOTO COURTESY OF HAI HOSPITALITY

SUSHI BY SCRATCH

Driving into the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is adventure enough, but enjoying the 16-course omakase plus dessert dinner here is an endeavor in and of itself. Save room for the most popular offering: unagi with bone marrow. Seatings daily at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m., 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, lostpinesresortandspa.com

SUSHI JUNAI OMAKASE

Since 2013, Sushi Junai has been serving up Japanese delights. Guests are invited to a 90-minute experience, which includes three appetizers and delicacies like abalone and foie gras, served at either an 18-seat sushi bar or at one of three private booths. Omakase is served Mondays through Saturdays from 5-10 p.m., 315 Congress Ave., Ste. 100, sunconsulting.us

Akami at Sushi | Bar ATX. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSHI | BAR ATX

TONARI BY UROKO

Within a 45-minute time slot, guests can expect to be fed 12 courses of nigiri (a slice of typically raw fish atop an oval-shaped mound of sticky white rice) prepared by chefs with over 20 years of experience. Seatings are thursdays through Saturdays from 5-10 p.m., 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 1 Ste. C, urokoaustin.com

TSUKE EDOMAE

While apprenticing in Tokyo, Michael Che (aka chef Mike) visited Toyosu Fish Market each morning, and to date, the chef/ owner still gets his fish from the same vendors. Expect a whopping 21-course meal. Open thursdays through Tuesdays, 4600 Mueller Blvd., #1035, tsukeedo.com

Tastings at Uchiko PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAI HOSPITALITY

UCHI & UCHIKO

James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole is behind both of these exalted modern restaurants, so diners should expect to be wowed. Omakases usually comprise 10 courses and might include oysters, nigiri, cool and hot tastings, and desserts, while insiders recommend trying the fully customizable somakase menu. Uchi, 801 S. Lamar Blvd.; Uchiko, 4200 N. Lamar Blvd.; uchirestaurants.com