Kōbō Sushi Opens This Week in Austin’s Hyde Park Neighborhood

Austin’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood will soon receive another worthy addition to its already-stacked repertoire of both upscale and accessible dining options. Kōbō Sushi, led by executive chef Moto Seto and restaurateurs Ryan and Wade McElroy, will open on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 4222 Duval St. on the same corner retail strip that houses Julio’s and Hyde Park Bar & Grill.

Kōbō, translated from Japanese, means workshop or studio. The name reflects the high quality of craft and dedication that the team hopes to bring to every dish, from beautifully plated appetizers like the Hirame Kombu Crudo (flounder with shiso vinaigrette, serrano, cilantro and fresh shiso) and the Kochidoke Salmon, served with creamy salsa verde.

Beyond the appetizers, the á la carte sushi menu is divided into several sections, including nigiri, sashimi, cut rolls and hand rolls. Some standouts include Madai Nigiri, made with shiso and lemon zest; Bluefin Tuna Temaki, a handroll of bluefin tuna with salsa macha aioli and fried shallot; and Apple Hama Maki, a cut roll of yellowtail, avocado, apple, herb salad and jalapeno. The menu combines the creative approach of Seto, Japanese native and former head at Soto, to sushi while prioritizing quality — all the fish is sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. 

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Kuchidoke salmon. (Photo by Richard Casteel)

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Tuna temaki. (Photo by Richard Casteel)

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Hirame Crudo. (Photo by Richard Casteel)

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Otoro, madai and salmon belly nigiri. (Photo by Richard Casteel)

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Matcha Royale. (Photo by Richard Casteel)

On the menu

An extensive beverage program also accompanies the meals, featuring a robust collection of sake and natural wine — which can be ordered by the glass or bottle — and several varieties of Japanese beer. The featured dessert is Matcha Royale, a chilled Japanese egg custard with sweet red bean, matcha chocolate and almond tuile, in addition to yuzu sorbet and mochi donuts.

The interior of the restaurant features an intimate midcentury space of cherry-hardwood, dotted with Japanese lanterns, with an open counter sushi bar. The low lighting and sultry atmosphere are perfect for date night and special occasions. The restaurant seats 25 inside and 28 on the climate-controlled patio outside. 

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Kōbō Sushi’s dining room seats 25, with another 28 seats on the climate-controlled patio. (Photo by Matthew Stuber)

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Low lighting, wood and Japanese lanterns give the dining room a warm feel. (Photo by Matthew Stuber)

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An open sushi counter offers diners a view of the chefs at work. (Photo by Matthew Stuber)

The team behind Kōbō

The McElroys co-own and operate several hospitality businesses and restaurants around the city. Ryan is a co-owner of Bird Bird Biscuit, Teddy’s bar and Love Supreme, while Wade’s restaurant projects include Kinsho on Rainey Street, Teddy’s Bar and Love Supreme, along with sushi concepts in Los Angeles and Houston. 

“We wanted Kōbō to feel like it belongs here, not a special-occasion restaurant you visit once a year, but a neighborhood place you can make your own,” Ryan McElroy said. “Seeing the space and (Seto’s) menu come together has made us even more excited to become part of the Hyde Park neighborhood.” 

Kōbō’s hours, starting on Nov. 11, are Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. and Sunday from 4-9 p.m, closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable.

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