4917 Airport Blvd.
(512) 712 5700
kome-austin.com
 

Set on a much-driven, seldom-walked strip of Airport Boulevard, Komé’s modern, warm wood exterior immediately catches the eye and beckons passersby. The inviting façade is the perfect introduction to this home-style Japanese sushi bar and kitchen owned by the always smiling Takehiro (Také) and Kayo Asazu. And although the design may cause the restaurant to stand out in this area, which is the target of a revitalization initiative by the City of Austin, diners will be happy to find that the prices help Komé fit right in.

While this is their first brick-andmortar establishment, the Asazus are no strangers to the restaurant industry. Kayo and Také, both of whom are originally from Japan but met in Austin in 1996, have worked in restaurants here in town as well as in New Orleans and Japan, with Také’s most recent position being at Uchi. While Kayo ºadmits working with her husband can be tough at times, she says really, “We are having a lot of fun.” The duo tested the waters with their catering company, Deli Bento, and their clever food trailer business, Sushi-A-Go-Go, which they have sadly closed, at least for the time being. With their trailers, the couple found a niche for fast and affordable quality sushi in Austin, a city boasting one of the best, but definitely not one of the cheapest sushi joints around. “It is very important for us to keep prices as affordable as possible for our customers,” Kayo says. “So we can see their faces more often, without waiting for anniversaries or birthdays.”

Komé, which means rice in Japanese, offers a variety of options from both the sushi bar and the kitchen for dinner and the recently added lunch service. “We want to introduce different types of Japanese food to the town,” Kayo says. “A lot of people think Japanese food equals sushi, but there is so much more.” For the faint of heart, they offer safer bets like the Yaki-onigiri (grilled rice balls), which are becoming quite the craze in town, as well as traditional vegetarian, chicken and seafood agé (fried) and yaki (grilled) options from the kitchen. For the adventurous diner, the Ankimo (steamed monk fish liver) and Ika-yaki (whole grilled squid with grated ginger) will not disappoint. The traditional sushi and sashimi options are expertly prepared, and the sushi rolls range from simple to creative. Fans of Sushi-A-Go-Go will find their favorites, as well as new original additions. Ingredients are locally sourced from HausBar Farms when possible.

The cedar used in the eye-catching exterior, created by Japanese designer Kazuya Owada and carpenter Madsataka Oki, carries throughout the casual and comfortable interior. “We would like to have this place be a casual hangout, for people to enjoy their time with their families and friends,” Kayo says. Perfect for dates with plenty of seating for pairs as well as large parties, with a private room accommodating up to eight, Komé is a welcome addition to Austin.