Uchi

Uchi, a Japanese restaurant, is an Austin import that first hit Montrose in 2002. Over a decade later, almost every seat in the dining room, sushi counter, and bar are filled (and there’s usually a few eager beavers hovering around the bar, looking for the next open spot). And it’s partly because the subtle elegance of Uchi’s dining room is captivating. The menu at Uchi is jam-packed, and picking what to order feels like sitting down for a test you didn’t study for. Instead of busting out the ‘ole “close your eyes and point” method to decide, try the omakase. Or better yet, let your server captain the meal and guide you through scores of nigiri, rolls, seasonal specials, cool-tastings, and hot-tasting options with ease. If it's your first time here, do be sure to order classic dishes like the hama chili, hot rock, and yokai berry that appear on the menus of the handful of Uchi locations across the country. A meal at Uchi is a pretty penny, and while it’s worth splurging for a birthday or anniversary, a strategic Happy Hour here is just as fabulous, especially when you need another walu walu fix and just can’t wait until the next big milestone.

photo credit: Uchi

photo credit: Uchi

photo credit: Uchi