Restaurant Review: Uchiko (Child of Uchi)

I have been driving South and turning left into Uchi for years. Finally, Central Austin gets some Tyson Cole love. Uchiko blasted through a ‘soft opening’ like I have never seen. Booked to the gills, polished right out of the gate.

If your recipe is working, why change it? The Michael Hsu (along with Joel Mozersky) designed interior has a stylish mix of colors and textures. Heavy woods balanced by steel and illuminated glass. Their goal was Japanese Farmhouse, but I would say they landed more towards lower Manhattan.

The quality of food is on par with Uchi, which is to say, it is exceptionally good. The flavor combinations are innovative and clean, pushing slightly sweeter than Uchi.

My eye-opener menu moment, Koviche: Fresh Diver Scallop, Tomatillo, Kalamata and Black Lime. Tart, sweet and salty all working in harmony with a Calder-esque presentation.

Tempura Nasu: Japanese Eggplant Crisps, Mitsuba, Sweet Chili Sauce. Let’s focus on that last part, Chili Sauce. I know, it seems trivial, but I would have put this on almost anything on the menu. It has come up in every conversation I have had about the menu. (My wife is demanding I start working on a home version.)

Reservations are accepted, as are walk-ins, for the two dining rooms and the long line of seats at either the drink or sushi bars. I love watching cooks work, but having the undivided attention of a bartender has some unique advantages. House specialty cocktails include the Pan Am: Sake, Agua Fresca, Granny Smith Apples and Rosemary (perfect Summer cooler); Pao: Black Tea Nigori, Pedro Ximenez, Egg White and Yukari (in place of desert); and my favorite, the Larkin: Sparkling Wine, Grilled Thyme and Cured Lemon (named after the Chef’s daughter).

Chef Cole and his team have branched out without thinning out. The same pristine food as Uchi in a more accessible central location. Central Austin is in need of more fine dining spots and Uchiko is a very welcome addition.

Uchiko : 4200 North Lamar Austin, TX : (512) 916.4808 : Sun-Th 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-11

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5 replies on “Restaurant Review: Uchiko (Child of Uchi)”

  1. Amazing!! And they do take reservations for ALL size parties. They even have a private dining room that you can see in the top pic!!! Will def keep coming back 🙂

  2. Actually, I just booked a party of 20 there! They definitely cater to all sized parties up to about 30. Can’t wait!

  3. Fantastic! That should be a hoot. I’m guessing you will be in the glass rooms in the back.

    I was just contacted by the restaurant and have updated my review to reflect that Uchiko takes reservations of all sizes (differing from Uchi’s policy). I grabbed the previous info from their website. They are currently updating their site to reflect the proper information. I will now be calling to make a reservation for one for every day next week.

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