The Early Word on Izakaya and Sushi Bar Fukumoto

Fukumoto, the new izakaya and sushi place, opened in September in the Corazon Apartment complex on East 6th. Chef and owner Kazu Fukumoto worked previously for Austin’s other sushi stalwart Musashino before he decided to open his own restaurant earlier this year. Read on for the early word on Austin’s newest Japanese eatery.

The sushi — Fukumoto's sushi expertise is not to be questioned, or as Yelper Tee D. explained, the restaurant is "crushing it with your sushi game." Another Yelper described the cuts of fish as "so fresh, delicate, and it melts in your mouth," and a Zomato user recommended the salmon belly, fatty tuna, and yellowtail.

The yakitori — Over on the grilled and skewered meats section of the menu, blogger Sushi in the ATX found "hands down the best I have tasted." She tried the pork belly and chicken heart. Kevin Q. on Foursquare said the heart, thigh, and wings were "killer."

The desserts — For the end of the meal, the limited dessert menu was a winner. Jenny W. called pastry chef Julia Floriza "creative" on TripAdvisor. Zomato user Margo Padron Murillo said the lemongrass cheesecake "was a treat." One Yelper was pleasantly surprised with his deconstructed blueberry cheesecake, and another enjoyed the light panna cotta.

The drinks — Drinkers were pleased with the extensive sake list and accompanying sake-based cocktails. Yelper Amanda S. enjoyed the Fuku-mule, which she described as "spicy and refreshing."

The price — Most guest appreciated the price points. Zomato user Stephanie Daul was glad to find "good (affordable) sushi." Yelper Jamie B. wrote that "sushi is something I'm willing to pay a little more for in Texas, and this was just right." Others weren't happy about the small servings. Yelper Kim T. didn’t care for the "tiny portions for a hefty price," where she was left "wonder[ing] where the rest of it went."

The service — The enthusiasm of chef Kazu Fukumoto and his staff made diners feel welcomed. Yelper Darren B. wrote, "Chef Kazu treats you like he is lucky to have you there," which then extended to the staff. Jenny W. added on TripAdvisor that the staff was "fun and friendly," and over on Zomato, Murillo said "service was quick."

The decor — The warm open space of Fukumoto was "inviting," according to Sushi in the ATX. Yelper Marc A. loved the corner space, so he could people-watch along East 6th Street.