A selection of sushi, ramen and small plates sits on the table during the soft opening of Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Pflugerville on Jan. 15, with dishes served on the restaurant’s signature conveyor belt system. (Courtesy of Kura Sushi) (Courtesy Kura Sushi)
Austin community members and residents from nearby towns can try some new dining spots including a noodle bar which reopened in Bee Cave and several sushi eateries that have joined their respective dining scenes. This list is not comprehensive.
A One Dumplings & Noodle Bar re-opened its doors in the Bee Cave area after temporarily closing. Its menu features appetizers, noodles, soup dumplings, baos, fried rice and various meat entrees. Entrees include Kung Pao Chicken, Cumin Beef, Walnut Shrimp, Crispy Spicy Chicken Cube and Hot Boiled Beef.
The eatery is known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. Diners will find chicken sandwiches, chicken tender meals, biscuit combos and salads. Side items include fries, potato rounds, dirty rice, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, cole slaw and green beans.
Locally owned Japanese restaurant Dau Sushi is now open in Leander. The concept is owned by Liberty Hill resident Dau Maran, who is also the executive chef. The menu offers an array of traditional Japanese dishes, including fresh sashimi, and chef-driven specialties that balance classic techniques with modern flair—"a unique culinary experience designed to surprise and delight," according to the restaurant's website.
The sushi bar blends traditional Japanese cuisine with an interactive dining experience. More than 100 menu items are served via a two-level conveyor belt system that delivers sushi plates directly to guests’ tables. The experience is enhanced by automated drink delivery robots and a prize system tied to plate returns. A grand opening is planned for Jan. 30. The Pflugerville location marks the second location in the greater Austin metro area and the 15th in the state. A third location is expected to open in South Austin later this year.
Pluto’s Wine Bar is pouring Bastrop customers their first rounds after opening downtown in early January. Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica, a veteran who is classically trained in French cuisine, said he launched Pluto’s Wine Bar with the support of his family. Its menu features butter-poached salmon, smoked tandoori half chicken, oysters on the half shell, wine-braised beets and stuffed avocado tartare.
Rice and Oak’s menu features woks, curries, rice bowls, shareables, soups and desserts. Drink offerings include Thai ice tea, hot Thai tea, hot coffee and house-made tamarind sparkling soda. Rice and Oak is owned by Siwaphan Sampaotong. Sampaotong also operated the Aroi Thai food truck in Belterra from 2014 until December 2025.
