Austin, TXJapanese

Chef Yoshi Okai runs a 12-seat kaiseki and omakase counter tucked inside the Hotel Saint Cecilia grounds on South Congress. Much of the fish is flown in from Japan, and the multi-course tasting moves through delicate seasonal courses at a deliberate pace. Reservations are limited and prized, making it one of the more coveted seats in the city for a special night out.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya crosses a Japanese izakaya with Central Texas barbecue, and the result earned Michelin Bib Gourmand and James Beard recognition. The kitchen smokes bones for its broths and folds brisket into ramen, while the bar pours sake and highballs. Order the smoked-brisket dishes, the chicken karaage, and whatever skewers are running that night in this rowdy East Second Street room.

The Uchi family's North Lamar restaurant pairs modern Japanese cooking with a full sushi menu. The kitchen turns out hot and cold tastings, and the fried Brussels sprouts have become a signature. It shares the polish and precision of its sibling Uchi while keeping its own identity, and the happy hour is one of the better ways into the group's cooking.

A casual Airport Boulevard izakaya and sushi spot, Komé built a following on sashimi lunch sets and its sunshine roll. The Kaneta family serves homestyle Japanese plates alongside nigiri, plus seasonal specials and house-made mochi ice cream. It stays a neighborhood favorite in Highland, the kind of place regulars return to for a weekday bento or an easygoing dinner.