This neon clad restaurant has been serving sushi for over ten years. True Austinites might remember this space when it used to be Zen. Now, Lucky Robot still features those classic wooden rope swings and so much more. They’ve leaned into a modern Japanese brand with Peruvian influences, making for a rich and unique menu. Located in the heart of South Congress and pulsing with an eclectic Asian meets Austin atmosphere.

Walking into this glowing pink parlor feels like taking a quick trip to Tokyo. Their ceilings and walls are adorned with a rainbow of neon lights, artwork, disco balls, and beautiful bushels of cherry blossoms. Lucky Robot is an entire experience from the moment you step inside to the last bite on the table. Purple and pink saturated lighting gives the entire dining space a futuristic feel, as if you’re wandering through a lofi filter. They’ve perfected the City Pop aesthetic with timeless Japanese traditional styles combined with colorful modern accents and art. Each booth and table provide cool and cozy privacy, making this restaurant perfect for your next date (whether it's the first or one of many).

Lucky Robot proudly serves food that is sustainable and locally sourced. They’ve been recognized by the James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Program for their commitment to responsible and environmental practices. Chef Jay Huang has developed this menu under a unique style called Nikkei. This cuisine brings together Japanese and Latin American influences and Chef Jay has also been inspired by Taiwanese and Peruvian flavors. We decided to do an Omakase style meal and here you can also order Moriawase sushi plates or choose everything yourself. Our first bite, the buffalo karaage shrimp bao bun, was a favorite of the night and had a captivating combo of crispy filling inside the soft bun. One can’t-miss menu section is the crudo and the Lucky Robot signature Toro+Fig. This sweet and buttery bigeye tuna pairs perfectly with the fresh fig and crunchy cashews. We enjoyed a miraculous moriawase nigiri plate with standouts like their bream and yellowtail. You won’t go wrong with any nigiri or sashimi selections and they have a rotating market menu of fresh and fabulous fish.

If you’re looking for a traditional style roll that packs a perfect punch, go with their Hiramasa Shrimp Battle. This roll features warm shrimp tempura wrapped with sour pickled carrots and cucumber, all topped with yummy yellowtail and spicy serranos. Each of their Maki rolls have a beautiful balance of flavors and amusing mechanical titles like the Sea-3PO, R2D2, and the Dill-E. Don’t skip the dumplings, try the Pork & Ginger served with balanced black vinegar and Mexican salsa macha. Pork Belly is a prominent protein on the Lucky Robot menu. One of the best features is in their Crispy Pork Belly Kukuni which pleasantly pairs pieces of pork with caramelized plantain on a Peruvian style bed of pico. Lucky Robot’s dessert doesn’t disappoint, we are still yearning for the Yuzu Pie. This is a yuzu lime pie with graham cracker crust, blueberry and candied pecan topping, and a massive smear of toasted marshmallow meringue.

Decorating the dinner is their delightful selection of drinks. Try specialty sips like the Kizakura Kyoto Matcha IPA and watch your server pour a perfect and bright green pint. Go big with the glittering Midnight in Tokyo squid ink margarita. Sip on their Maracuya Sour for a puckering passion fruit and mezcal mix. If you’re a fan of the popular purple Empress Gin, the Bees Knees is a lovely lavender, lemon, and Creme de Violette cocktail. Along with this creative cocktail list, they also offer Japanese whiskey and, of course, sake!

We left here as stuffed as the sushi and feeling the good fortune of a meal at Lucky Robot. Let these experts entertain your stomach and soul and hit South Congress for a meal you won’t forget. 

See y'all There.