Tech Ridge’s new East Village multi-use urban center is readying itself to take on The Domain as North Austin’s upscale dining hub with the arrival of TORA, a futuristic new restaurant experience from the Michelin-recognized Aburi Restaurant group.
Known for their high-quality modern takes on traditional sushi artistry, this is Aburi’s second Austin venture following their Fareground pop-up last year, and their first permanent ATX home.
The Concept
Aburi founder Seigo Nakamura has created an ultra high-tech environment where diners order via digital interface, and dishes are zapped around the room in robotic carriages. Robotic laneway service was pioneered in Austin by Rikki Wang at downtown cosmic-western restaurant Space Cowboy back in 2024, but Nakamura’s design is less space-age whimsy and more clean-lined, gun-metal Blade Runner.
The Decor
Screens build atmosphere with a moody feed of rainy Tokyo streets, and high-backed slate-grey booths create an intimate, distraction-free environment very different to the open space of a traditional Kaiten rotating conveyor belt sushi restaurant. By adapting Kaiten in this way, Nakamura keeps focus firmly on the food, and TORO’s menu offers the elevated-classic interpretation of hand-seared preparation the group is known for, as well as elegant, delicately seasoned rolls and small plates.
Photo by Christina Ke.
The Dishes
The menu shows off an impressive range of fish and seafood, including scallop, sea urchin, eel, blue fin, and fatty tuna varieties. The aburi oshi shrimp is succulent and juicy, paired with a creamy, earthy sauce, and the sea urchin wrapped in seaweed is soft and subtly briny. The tender, buttery red prawn and maguro nigiri melts gently in the mouth, and the aburi prime squid has the delectable texture of thickened cream.
Sides and desserts are also on point: the oyster fries ultra-crisp and flavorsome and the chestnut cake creamy and indulgent. The rice, prepared with red vinegar, is textural perfection, and unlike much sushi in Texas, dishes require no additional seasoning, which would detract from TORA’s precise flavor profiles that highlight their thoughtful, restrained preparation. Curated beer, wine and sake options top off the menu—but this time, they’re sensibly delivered by hand.
TORA is now open at 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Ste. 8110. Read more at aburitoraus.com.