Futuristic Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant Sets Sights on Austin

A sushi restaurant group is embracing futuristic technology in both practice and aesthetic at a new restaurant in Austin, due in December 2025. Tora, by Aburi Restaurants, will use “sushi concierge dining technology” to serve dishes at EastVillage, a new mixed-use development on East Parmer Lane.

The concierge system is an extension of the kaiten (literally “rotating”) service style that Americans call “conveyor belt sushi,” without the kitsch or the potential to grab a dish that wasn’t specifically requested. Diners will place their orders digitally, and according to a press release, dishes are sent out “instantly through a speedy laneway system.”

Although many Americans see rotating sushi restaurants as a novelty — and for good reason, with few examples to compare — this restaurant design takes things very seriously.

“At TORA, we respect tradition while pushing boundaries,” said restaurateur Seigo Nakamura in a press release. “Austin’s vibrant and curious food scene makes it the perfect home for our next chapter.”

Aburi Tora Japan and Toronto already exist. The Japan restaurant has a much more bright and airy design that’s more consistent with the rotating sushi restaurants Austinites would probably picture; the Toronto restaurant is somewhere in between.

Austin already has one concept by Aburi Restaurants. Now located at Fareground, Aburi Oshi Sushi originally opened in fall 2023. The restaurant group specializes in hand-torched sushi, and both Aburi Oshi and Tora will stick to this style. 

Alongside the flame-seared sushi will be seasonal omakase choices and small plates in a “modern Japanese” style. The beverage menu will include premium sake.

EastVillage will be close to many of Austin’s tech companies, with nearby employment options including Samsung, Dell, and Apple. Proximity to tech businesses is a large part of the development’s marketing. However, there will also be fun and green spaces, and Midwestern chocolate and ice cream chain Kilwins just announced it will open a location there by late 2025 or early 2026.

So far, no address is publicly available for the new restaurant.