Craft Omakase

For those in Austin, Texas, who cherish exceptional culinary experiences, Craft Omakase represents the pinnacle of Japanese dining. This isn't just a sushi restaurant; it's an intimate, immersive journey into the heart of Japanese artistry, where every dish is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. Having earned a prestigious Michelin Star in the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide (2024), Craft Omakase has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination for discerning palates in the Lone Star State.

The essence of omakase, meaning "I leave it up to you," is fully embraced here. Guests surrender to the chef's expertise, allowing them to showcase the freshest, often seasonal, ingredients through a thoughtfully curated tasting menu. From the moment you step into its elegant space on North Lamar Boulevard, Craft Omakase sets the tone for an extraordinary evening. The commitment to fresh ingredients, impeccable service, and a deep passion for Japanese cuisine is evident in every detail, promising an unforgettable experience that goes beyond mere dining.

Craft Omakase is discreetly located at 4400 N Lamar Blvd Suite 102, Austin, TX 78756, USA. This address places it in the Rosedale neighborhood, a convenient and easily accessible part of Austin. North Lamar Boulevard is a well-traveled route, making it straightforward for locals from various areas of the city to reach this culinary gem.

While the restaurant itself is described as "discreetly tucked away" at the back of a nondescript shopping center, its location offers a serene escape once inside. Ample free parking is typically available in the lot, ensuring a convenient arrival for guests. The thoughtful design of the space, including a chic waiting area and a direct view of the chefs at work, sets the stage for the exquisite experience to come. Its accessibility makes it an ideal choice for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight treat for those in the Austin metropolitan area.

Craft Omakase delivers a highly curated and exclusive dining experience, focusing primarily on its signature tasting menu:

• Omakase Tasting Menu: The core offering is a 20-22 course seasonal tasting menu. This chef-curated journey features a thoughtful combination of hot and cold offerings, with a strong emphasis on thoughtfully sourced seafood and premium ingredients from Japan. The price for this experience is typically $175 per person, excluding additional pairings and service charge.
• Prepaid Reservations: Reservations are essential and are prepaid, often released in advance (e.g., three weeks out, released every Sunday at 12 PM). This ensures an exclusive and well-managed dining experience, with limited seating available (often around 12 guests per service).
• Beverage Service & Pairings: Upon arrival, guests are offered a selection of beverages, including a complimentary welcome cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). A meticulously curated sake pairing is also available for an additional cost (e.g., $100/person), designed to perfectly complement each dish. Wine pairings may also be offered.
• Attentive & Personalized Service: The staff, including the waitstaff and chefs, are praised for their immaculate, well-honed attentiveness, sharp timing, and genuine enthusiasm. Prior to reservations, guests are asked to fill out an intake form, allowing for tailored service.
• Dietary Accommodations: While the omakase experience is chef's choice, they demonstrate a willingness to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions, often discussed during the check-in process.

Craft Omakase's distinction as a Michelin-starred restaurant is a testament to its many outstanding features:

• Michelin Star Recognition: Awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide (2024), signifying "high-quality cooking" and a restaurant worth a stop.
• Exceptional Freshness & Artistry: Each dish is described as a "masterpiece," showcasing the freshest ingredients and the chef's incredible artistry. The fish is often sourced directly from Japan and skillfully handled, with a dry-aging program for certain selections.
• Thoughtfully Paced 20-22 Course Menu: The extensive tasting menu is expertly paced, offering a balanced progression of flavors and textures that keeps diners engaged throughout the experience. It typically includes a mix of shellfish, white fish, and colored/fatty fish categories, blending traditional, modern, and luxury flavor profiles.
• Immaculate Service: The service is consistently highlighted as "immaculate" and "impeccable." The staff are warm, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about their craft, making guests feel valued and ensuring a seamless dining experience.
• Intimate Ambiance & Setting: The interior design evokes a modern yet traditional Japanese sensibility with natural wood tones and minimalist aesthetics. A direct view of the chefs at work adds to the interactive and engaging atmosphere.
• Astounding Sake Pairings: The optional sake pairing is highly recommended, described as "astounding" and "palpably well-curated" to complement each omakase dish, even for those new to sake.
• Highlight Dishes: Patrons frequently laud specific dishes for their balance and exquisite flavors, such as:
  • Bluefin Tartare: Praised for its perfect interplay of umami and texture.
  • Madai (Sea Bream): Noted for the bright acidity of honey yuzu vinegar enhancing its subtle sweetness.
  • Dry-Aged Selections (Akami, Kurodai, Shima Aji, Masaba, Chutoro): These pieces are consistently described as perfectly done and melting on the palate, subverting expectations with their textures.
  • Creative Embellishments: While true to tradition, the chefs don't shy away from creative touches (e.g., aguachile of pink shrimp, ocean trout with furikake from its crisped skin) while allowing the fish to shine.
• Chef's Passion: The passion of the chefs for Japanese cuisine is evident in every detail, from preparation to presentation, creating a truly memorable experience.

As a Michelin-starred omakase restaurant, Craft Omakase operates on a premium, fixed-price tasting menu model, and as such, does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "happy hour" specials in the conventional sense. The value is inherent in the exclusive, high-quality, 22-course culinary journey itself, utilizing top-tier ingredients and expert craftsmanship.

Their offering of a complimentary welcome cocktail upon arrival for all guests, including non-alcoholic options, can be considered a delightful "special touch" that enhances the start of the dining experience. The optional sake pairing, while an additional cost, is highlighted as "well worth it" by patrons, suggesting its curated quality provides significant value. The most important "offer" from Craft Omakase is the opportunity to secure a reservation for their highly sought-after seating, which often fills up quickly.

Guests interested in upcoming menu changes or special seasonal ingredients are best advised to follow Craft Omakase on their official channels or check their Tock reservation page for any announcements regarding future offerings.

To embark on an extraordinary culinary journey at Craft Omakase, here's how you can connect with them:

• Address: 4400 N Lamar Blvd Suite 102, Austin, TX 78756, USA
• Phone: (512) 887-8889
• Email: info@craftomakase.com

Reservations are mandatory and can be made through platforms like Tock. It is highly recommended to book well in advance due to the limited seating and high demand. Current operating hours are typically Monday – Thursday: 5:30 PM - 11 PM, Friday – Saturday: 4:30 PM - 11:30 PM, and Sunday: 4 PM - 11 PM.

For the sophisticated residents of Austin, Texas, Craft Omakase is not just a sushi restaurant; it’s a landmark dining establishment that perfectly aligns with the city's growing appreciation for high-end, experiential cuisine. Its Michelin Star is a proud testament to the culinary excellence available right here in the heart of Texas, making it an ideal choice for locals seeking an unparalleled Japanese fine dining experience.

The intimate ambiance and impeccable service, combined with the chef's passionate artistry and commitment to the freshest ingredients, create an evening that transcends a mere meal. For special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a desire for an extraordinary night out, Craft Omakase provides a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. The thoughtful intake form and tailored service demonstrate a genuine care for each guest, making every visit feel uniquely special.

While it represents a significant investment, the 22-course journey, complete with optional, expertly paired sakes, offers an immersive exploration of Japanese flavors and techniques that few other establishments can match. Craft Omakase is a jewel in Austin's crown, offering a refined taste of Japanese culinary tradition and innovation right in our backyard. It's a place where every detail is considered, and every bite tells a story, making it a truly suitable and treasured destination for discerning Texans.

Craft Omakase

4400 N Lamar Blvd Suite 102, Austin, TX 78756, USA