In November many Texas restaurants received the recognition they deserved and we at Austin Lifestyle are thrilled for the winners! Yet, we couldn’t help but notice exceptions we think shine bright in ATX but were overlooked. Here we’re highlighting three we think are obvious, but this list could also include Aba, Este, Otoko, Fonda San Miguel and more.
Uchi
Chef Tyson Cole
This snub was our biggest surprise. Uchi has a reputation that far exceeds our city and is often on the short list of Austin restaurants people who don’t even live in Texas can name. Owner and Chef Tyson Cole, who began as a dishwasher in a Japanese restaurant while he was a student at the University of Texas in 1992, spent 10 years training in Tokyo and opened Uchi in 2003. He’s received a James Beard Foundation Award, made appearances on several cooking shows, trained a Top Chef winner, as well as several notable chefs in Austin and opened Uchiko and Uchiba in Austin, all while consistently turning out award-worthy sushi and service.
Canje
Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph
Canje is part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality family, which received a star for Hestia, a Green in Austin recognition for Emmer & Rye, a Bib Gourmand award for Ladino and a Michelin recommendation for Nicosi. Although impressive, Canje was a noticeable omission. Canje is a passion project conceived by Chef Tavel that’s an homage to the food of his roots in Guyana. It’s brought an under-represented cuisine to Austin with a modern take on Caribbean food. The Jerk Chicken and West Indian Curry are absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with the fruit-forward cocktail menu.
Sushi by Scratch
Chefs/owners Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee
Sushi by Scratch originated in Montecito, CA, earned a Michelin Star there and we were sure one would follow for their Hill Country location tucked in a speakeasy-like space at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Their signature omakase-inspired tasting menu experience features fish flown in from Japan and molded into exquisitely prepared bites that force guests to pay attention to each bite, and often look like little works of art. Whether or not boasting a star (yet), this duo is winning, recently opening a location downtown where guest can enjoy 21 total courses with 4 plated canapés added in the lounge to start.