Toshokan

14-course omakase sushi speakeasy

What makes it fun

Toshokan is a 14-course sushi omakase speakeasy, served with intention to only 6 diners at a time. Hidden within the walls of an existing popular east Austin venue - Native Hostel and Bar - we’re hoping to provide one of Austin’s finest most intimate dining experiences.

Google Reviews

Toshokan

4.8

Based on 49 reviews

Mandie Shalhoob

03:25 06 Nov 24

If you've never done an Omakase experience here, you definitely need to try it at least once in your life. Zach (sp?), Nadine, and Chef Saine were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and we even got serenaded at the end. Every piece was sourced from all over the world, including New Zealand and Spain, and drinks carefully curated to match each piece. Even had a flight of nice Japanese whiskeys, and 3 off-menu curations at the end.

Madai, salmon (best I've had), hamachi, tuna and tuna belly...all the best.

Do your palate a favor and visit there!

Marc S

18:37 12 Oct 24

Toshokan is one of the better omakase in town. I have yet to snag a table at Tsuke but Toshokan is right up there with Craft and Otoko. It’s a cozy space and I might have spent too much time searching for all the Taylor Swift Easter eggs. They excelled in their service and hospitality—the 6 seater made it very intimate and we got to have great conversations with the team throughout the meal. It also ended with an impromptu karaoke session which was a fun way to end our time together.

The meal was fantastic with the soft shell crab, tuna courses, and wagyu being my favorite. The flavor accents were just right and not overbearing. They really let the fish be the main attraction which was appreciated.

The meal is pricey and on par with other omakase in town. The overall experience was great and we will return.

Anna K

04:40 21 Aug 24

Arthur Nen (Tuka)

15:15 18 Jul 24

Ingredients were top notch, service was nice, but the experience felt off the entire time we were there. It's hard to explain but when fine dining restaurants put together an amazing experience they do it in a way that makes it look effortless, and Toshokan felt like they were trying too hard. Experience aside, the food was good, but not amazing.

Claudia Christensen

17:56 27 Jun 24

The food is always amazing! The chef is super personable and very talented! The staff are friendly and attentive. They create a 5 star experience!

Poliana Aroxa

03:00 11 Feb 23

If there was 6 stars they would deserve every single one of them. Absolutely the best dining experience I have ever had. Food quality was top notch, as well as the service!

Wyatt Michel

17:39 20 Jan 23

Once in a lifetime experience. You can't get this quality and atmosphere anywhere else. Awesome food and great drink pairings. I'll remember this forever!

Karen Quach

14:14 19 Jul 22

Toshokan is a relatively new Omakase experience in Austin, just opened its doors in March 2022. Their reservations are highly sought after- typically fully booked within seconds of dropping. They have been nice enough to drop reservations at different times of the day, for the following month. Best to follow their Instagram account for announcements on reservation drops.

This is a 14-course experience ($125) with an optional $85 sake pairing (6 drinks). You may also order drinks by the bottle or glass.

Toshokan is located inside Native Bar/Cafe, and you are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail in the waiting area, while waiting for others (each experience has 6 seats), before moving past the 'bookshelf' that opens up into the restaurant. At your seat. You'll find a customized coaster engraved with your name, which you get to keep.

Chef Saine Wong crafted his courses beautifully and obviously with utmost passion. He tells the story of how his business was started (he was previously at Sushi | Bar) and talks enthusiastically about Toshokan as his dream. He is very attentive and deliberate with his ingredients- he does not take shortcuts and crafts his courses in the very exact way he intends the audience to taste them. He is also passionate about the experience, limiting to 6 people for an intimate setting and encourages interaction between different parties to enhance the experience. The experience ended with a surprise performance by Chef Wong, who not only an amazing sushi chef, but also a talented musician who sings/plays the guitar! The best ending to a delicious meal.

Lauren London

04:43 29 Jun 22

Truly incredible! Hard reservation to get but worth every bit (and bite). The dinner and ambiance was so intimate, we felt like we had a private chef in our home. I can’t even pick my favorite dish, they were all so good!! The scallop sauce I could drink. Seriously, wow! I don’t live in Austin, but I will go every chance I get.

John Johnstonbaugh

20:54 27 Apr 22

TLDR recap: Toshokan is a must try in Austin, get a reservation, following toshokanatx on IG and there is paid street parking.

The meal, the atmosphere and the company were all absolutely phenomenal. You start your journey at Toshokan by entering a bookcase at the south side of native bar. Once inside you are greeted by the staff (a team of three) and you find your reserved spot along a high top chef station that intentionally only seats six. The inside transported me to Omoide-Yokochō in Tokyo (I hope this is the intention) the food friendly alley featuring a multitude of small stalls and restaurants; I completely forgot I was in an old hostel in downtown Austin.
Chef Saine Wong gave an introduction, talked about the nights menu and reminded everyone to eat drink and be merry (paraphrased from his actual welcome speech but you get the point) and then the excitement started. You are treated to a 14-course hand crafted omakase sushi experience which features ingredients from Chef Saines travels around the world ranging from Japan to Peru. I don’t want to ruin any of the meal or what was served as I personally thought the intrigue was part of the experience but you get your moneys worth and each bite is better than the last.
In additional to a truly delish meal you can elect for a sake pairing (+$75) which was amazing and well worth the cost. Select Japanese beers, whiskeys are also available for purchase adding to the overall uniques experience.
Reservations fill up fast and open up a month in advance if you can get a seat I highly recommend you take it. Additionally follow toshokanatx on Instagram to be altered to special “course work” dining series that can only be reserved through an IG contest.
Metered street parking is available on Brushy st- $5 for 3 hours, I’m sure alternate and free parking exists but this was closest to Toshokan.