Top Roe
5-Course Inventive Izakaya Tasting Event
Opened last December, this exceptional izakaya jumped right onto Infatuation’s 2025 “Hit List” as well as its list of “13 Best Sushi Restaurants in Austin.” Manila-born Chef/Owner Paul Qui was a Top Chef winner in 2011 and won a James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Southwest” in 2012. Chef Qui’s cooking philosophy centers around creativity, sustainability, and a deep respect for ingredients. He is known for his ability to blend unexpected flavors in dishes that are visually appealing and delicious. His other restaurants, such as the acclaimed Qui in Austin and the casual East Side King, reflect his commitment to innovation and quality, with menus that showcase local ingredients and progressive techniques. All of that is at work at Top Roe, in dishes like rice crispy chicken (rice krispies, watermelon hot sauce, pickled rind herb salad), pork belly and farm apple skewers, brilliant sashimi and maki, all the way to the matcha pot de crème. “Fun…sleek,” is how Texas Monthly described Top Roe in its three-star review, while The Infatuation lauds “an izakaya experience that feels both distinctly Japanese and uniquely Austin.” We can’t wait!
About the Host:
Paul Qui
Chef/Owner
Born in Manila, Philippines, Chef Paul Qui’s passion for cooking began at an early age. After moving to the United States, he honed his skills and fused his Filipino heritage with a rigorous culinary training in classic French and Japanese techniques. This blend of global flavors and techniques became the hallmark of his culinary style. A Bravo’s “Top Chef” Winner, he also received a James Beard Award for "Best Chef: SW" in 2012.
The Lineup
Courses #1 #2, #4 & #5 will be individually plated; course #3 will be served family-style. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Grilled Greens Salad
mixed greens, pine nut butter, pecorino
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Dry-Aged Hamachi Sashimi
aged tamari, smoked olive oil
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Handroll Trio
california with blue crab | negihama | eggplant
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Toro Steak
binchō-tan grilled bluefin tuna, roasted sweet potato
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Matcha Pot de Creme
preserved strawberry
Top Roe
120 W 5th St
Austin, TX 78701
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Allium, Dairy, Gluten, Fish, Shellfish, Mushroom, Nut. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
