Austin's 3 best spots to score budget-friendly Japanese eats

Austin's 3 best spots to score budget-friendly Japanese eatsDon Don Express. | Photo: Anne N./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on April 21, 2020

Looking to satisfy your appetite for Japanese fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Japanese restaurants around Austin, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.

1. Sa-Tén

PHOTO: tina m./YELP

Topping the list is Sa-Tén. Located at 4917 Airport Blvd. in North Loop, the Japanese spot, which offers coffee, tea and more, is the highest-rated cheap Japanese restaurant in Austin, boasting 4.5 stars out of 123 reviews on Yelp. (Check out the full menu here.) 

Yelper Cammie W., who reviewed Sa-Tén on Feb. 19, wrote, "I really enjoyed my experience at Sa-Ten. I got a Sriracha Salmon Toast that looked and tasted great."

And Daisy V. noted, "Sa-Tén is a cozy, aesthetically pleasing cafe." 

2. Dawa Sushi

PHOTO: DIYA C./YELP

Next up is Rosedale's Dawa Sushi, situated at 5000 Burnet Road. With 4.5 stars out of 150 reviews on Yelp, the Korean/Japanese spot and sushi bar has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option.

Aside from sushi, the menu features authentic Asian appetizers, such as gyoza, spicy rice cakes, edamame, fried rice platters, udon noodle dishes and more. Catering services are also available. 

3. Don Don Express

Photo: errol m./Yelp

Don Don Express, located at 11815 Ranch Road 620 North Austin, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the cheap Asian fusion spot, which offers ramen and more, four stars out of 100 reviews.

Yelper Josh R., who reviewed Don Don Express on Dec. 4, wrote, "Good portioning, will fill you but not excessive. Perfect for lunch."

And Shirley B. wrote, "Food was fresh, delicious, and the place is unpretentious and clean."

Fried rice, ramen noodles, omurice dishes and yaki soba are menu highlights.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.