Tonari

For a while, Uroko in Springdale General in East Austin had a secret identity situation going on. By day it was a casual handroll spot, and at night it operated as an intimate omakase experience. Eventually, the owners took over the space next door and opened Tonari—an omakase-only sushi spot that never has to wear a disguise. Dinner here consists of 12 bites of nigiri served over 45 minutes, meaning you can snag one of the “1 hour limit” parking spots at the front of Springdale General and be out with time to spare.

Tonari was started by some of the folks behind the sushi spot Kome—which we like very much—and as a result, a dinner here feels a lot like a quick, chef-curated meal at its older sibling. That means generous portions of fresh fish, and a minimalist, no-frills approach to nigiri. It also happens to be one of the more affordable omakase spots in town. Don’t come here to celebrate that big promotion or to finally propose to your partner of 15 years, just come here for good quality sushi that you don’t have to plan months in advance to eat.

photo credit: Nicolai McCrary