Uroko

For Texans with a discerning palate and a love for authentic Japanese cuisine, Uroko in Austin offers a truly unique and multifaceted experience. More than just a sushi restaurant, Uroko is a dynamic culinary destination that combines a casual, counter-service hand roll bar with an intimate, expedited omakase experience and even engaging sushi classes. Located in the vibrant Springdale General complex, Uroko stands out for its commitment to quality seafood, thoughtful menu design, and the innovative spirit of its talented chefs, Masazumi Saio and Takehiro Asazu, who are even recognized as James Beard Award semifinalists.

Uroko caters to various preferences, whether you're seeking a quick, delicious lunch, an immersive chef-driven dinner, or an interactive learning experience. The consistent focus on high-quality fish, prepared with techniques perfected over decades, ensures that every visit is a step into true Japanese culinary artistry. For anyone in Austin looking to explore fresh, meticulously crafted sushi in a friendly and approachable setting, Uroko provides an excellent opportunity to savor exceptional flavors and enjoy great hospitality.

Uroko is nestled within the creative and community-focused Springdale General complex at 1023 Springdale Rd Bldg 1 Suite C, Austin, TX 78721, USA. This East Austin location is part of a growing hub for local businesses, artists, and eateries, giving Uroko a distinct, cool, and welcoming vibe. Springdale Road provides good accessibility for residents across Austin, particularly those in the East Austin and Central East Austin areas.

The complex itself offers plenty of common area seating, including picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for enjoying Uroko's delicious hand rolls or other offerings. Parking is generally ample and free, which is a significant convenience in Austin. Its position within this vibrant community hub means that a visit to Uroko can easily be combined with exploring other local businesses, adding to the overall appeal of the location for Texans seeking a relaxed and engaging outing.

Uroko prides itself on offering three distinct, yet complementary, Japanese culinary experiences:

• Temaki (Hand Roll) Bar: This is a fast-casual, counter-service option, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Customers can enjoy fresh, made-to-order hand rolls with a variety of fillings, available for both dine-in at the common area seating and takeout.
• 45-Minute Omakase: For a more intimate and curated dining experience, Uroko offers a unique 45-minute, 12-course nigiri sushi omakase. This chef-driven tasting menu features the best ingredients from around the world, prepared with expert techniques. Reservations are essential for omakase.
• Sushi Classes: Uroko provides engaging sushi-making classes, allowing participants to learn the art of sushi from experienced chefs. These classes are typically limited to a small number of people (e.g., 6) and include eating the food you make. Reservations are required for classes.
• Takeout & Delivery: Both hand rolls and omakase (when available) can be ordered for takeout, ensuring that customers can enjoy Uroko's quality at home. Online ordering is available via their website (Tock or Toast Tab).
• DIY Temaki Set: They even offer a "DIY Temaki set" for groups, providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy hand rolls at home or a gathering.
• Corkage Fee: For those doing the omakase, a corkage fee of $15 applies if you wish to bring your own bottle of wine or sake.

Uroko stands out in Austin's culinary landscape due to its innovative approach and high standards:

• Award-Winning Chefs: Uroko is led by owner/chefs Masa (Masazumi Saio) and Také (Takehiro Asazu), both of whom have extensive experience (over 20 years behind the bar) and have been recognized as James Beard Award semifinalists (2025). Chef Masa spent years at Uchi, further highlighting his expertise.
• High-Quality, Fresh Fish: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the "quality seafoods" and "high quality fish," often sourced from the Toyosu fish market, ensuring delicious and fresh bites.
• Innovative and Experimental Cuisine: The sushi chefs are noted for being "quite innovative and experimental with the food," providing unique flavor combinations while respecting the natural sweetness and flavors of the fish.
• Efficient 45-Minute Omakase: Uroko offers a distinctive, accessible omakase experience that is both intimate and efficient, making fine dining approachable without being overly lengthy or pretentious. This allows for a high-end experience even when time is a factor.
• Dual Concept (Omakase & Hand Rolls): The ability to experience both a refined omakase and a casual hand roll bar from the same kitchen, with the same high-quality fish, is a major draw. Guests can even grab hand rolls after their omakase if they're still hungry.
• Engaging Sushi Classes: The opportunity to learn sushi-making directly from experienced chefs is a unique and highly valued feature, offering both entertainment and practical skills.
• Thoughtful Menu: Reviewers praise the "thoughtful menu," which suggests careful consideration in dish creation and ingredient pairing.
• Great Hospitality: Despite the quick pace of the omakase, the hospitality is highly regarded, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
• TONARI by Uroko: They have an added space, TONARI, which offers a 45-minute omakase by the owner/chefs, emphasizing an accessible and affordable exclusive culinary experience. TONARI has also offered "Tuna Omakase" events.

Uroko's pricing and offerings are structured around its unique multi-concept model, with value built into the experiences themselves rather than traditional daily discounts:

• Accessible Omakase Price Point: While fine dining, their 45-minute omakase is intentionally designed to be more "accessible and affordable" than many longer omakase experiences, priced around $110 including taxes, fees, and a 20% gratuity (price confirmed in a review, may vary slightly). Some past omakase options were priced at $65, indicating a commitment to making this experience more attainable.
• Vegan Omakase: Uroko offers a dedicated vegan omakase twice a month, showcasing their inclusivity and catering to various dietary preferences with high-quality plant-based options.
• Hand Roll Combos/Value: The hand roll bar offers individual rolls (e.g., $5.25 for vegetarian to $8 for Chef's Creation special rolls), allowing customers to customize their meal to their budget. While not explicitly called "promotions," the ability to easily add a few high-quality rolls at a reasonable price after an omakase, or for a standalone meal, offers good value.
• Sushi Class Inclusions: The sushi class price ($75 per person, lasts about 90 minutes) includes eating the sushi you make, providing a hands-on learning experience with a meal included.

For specific details on seasonal specials, or to inquire about availability for omakase or classes, checking Uroko's official website or Tock reservation page is the best method, as their offerings and booking windows are carefully managed.

To experience the innovative Japanese cuisine and hospitality at Uroko, here's how to connect:

• Address: 1023 Springdale Rd Bldg 1 Suite C, Austin, TX 78721, USA
• Phone: (512) 520-4004
• Email: info@urokoaustin.com

Uroko's operating hours are split by concept:

• Temaki (Hand Roll) Bar: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM; Sunday: 11 AM - 3 PM.
• 45-Minute Omakase: Thursday-Saturday: 5 PM - 10 PM (with 5 seatings, 45 minutes each).
• Sushi Class: Thursdays (check website for specific times, reservation only).

Reservations for omakase and sushi classes are required and can be made through their website or Tock.

For the residents of Austin, Texas, Uroko stands out as an exceptionally suitable and enriching culinary destination, embodying the city's innovative spirit and appreciation for diverse dining experiences. Its multi-concept approach directly caters to the varied needs and desires of locals, offering something for everyone from a quick, high-quality lunch to an educational evening or a unique fine-dining experience.

The accessibility of a casual hand roll bar means that busy Texans can easily pop in for a fresh, delicious, and satisfying meal without a long wait. Simultaneously, for those seeking a more elevated and intimate experience, the 45-minute omakase provides an efficient yet deeply flavorful journey into the chef's artistry, making high-end sushi more approachable and less time-consuming than traditional omakase formats. The opportunity to learn sushi-making through their classes further engages the community, offering both entertainment and a valuable skill.

The consistent high quality of fish, the innovative culinary approaches of Chefs Masa and Také (both James Beard Award semifinalists!), and the warm hospitality all contribute to Uroko's strong appeal. It's a place where you can taste the dedication in every bite and feel truly welcomed. Uroko is not just serving sushi; it's cultivating a unique Japanese culinary culture in Austin, making it a beloved and essential part of the local food scene for discerning Texans.

Uroko

1023 Springdale Rd Bldg 1 Suite C, Austin, TX 78721, USA