![Omakase, The ordering style where you entrust your dish selection to the chef.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_202842_7a8b54a9_w1920.webp)
Omakase, The ordering style where you entrust your dish selection to the chef.
“Omakase” refers to the style of ordering in a restaurant where customers entrust all selections to the chef rather than choosing from the menu. While it originated as a unique culture in Japan, it has now crossed oceans like “sushi” and “kawaii,” becoming one of the most well-recognized Japanese words worldwide. This article explains the meaning of omakase, its origins, and the background of its widespread adoption.
It also introduces the experience gained through ordering omakase and specifically highlights the allure of this style. By reading till the end, you will be able to grasp the unique culinary culture of omakase in Japan and understand why it has garnered attention worldwide.
Table of Contents
What is omakase?
Omakase is a word that politely expresses the verb “to entrust,” meaning to leave the selection to someone else. It primarily refers to a style of ordering commonly found in Japanese restaurants, where instead of choosing dishes from the menu, customers entrust the selection to the chef and eat what is provided.
Distinct from omakase, there is another similar-sounding expression: “osusume.” “Osusume” is a polite form of the verb “to recommend,” meaning to suggest a choice to someone else.
The distinguishing feature is that it reflects the restaurant’s characteristics and intentions, such as a specialty dish the chef takes pride in or a menu item they (want to) highlight. “Osusume” involves selecting (or not selecting) from these recommendations, while “omakase” entails entrusting the chef from the outset based on one’s own will.
![Omakase refers to entrusting the selection of dishes entirely to the chef.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_202929_51000248_w1920.webp)
What happens when you order omakase?
When ordering omakase at a restaurant, customers are served dishes that make use of fresh ingredients procured on the day or high-quality ingredients in good condition. As the chef would consider the preferences of the customer, the style can be seen as trusting the chef’s expertise, skill, and creativity to enjoy the meal.
Also, diners often have the opportunity to enjoy customized dishes not typically found on the regular menu, adding to the sense of exclusivity. While generally pricier than ordering from the menu, it’s often viewed as a status symbol, which contributes to its allure and attracts interest from people.
Types of restaurants where you can order omakase
Not all restaurants offer the option of ordering omakase.
Here are some examples of restaurants where you can order omakase:
- Sushi restaurants
- Japanese cuisine restaurants
- Kaiseki cuisine (course meal) restaurants
- Tempura restaurants
- Yakitori (chicken skewers) restaurants
There are exceptions, but primarily, this service is provided by high-end restaurants where chefs themselves showcase their skills.
![You can also order omakase at places like yakitori restaurants, not just sushi restaurants.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203017_020aab9a_w1920.webp)
Why order omakase?
The practice of ordering omakase has spread worldwide, primarily in upscale sushi restaurants in cities like London, New York, and Sydney. In recent years, it has been actively adopted not only by Japanese-owned establishments or Japanese chefs but also by non-Japanese restaurateurs, including culinary giants like Daniel Boulud in the American culinary scene. This trend has led to the integration of omakase from a mere fad to a cultural phenomenon abroad.
Here, we will break down the allure of omakase, which captivates people regardless of nationality, into three categories.
1. You can enjoy seasonal ingredients
One of the charms of ordering omakase is the opportunity to savor dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. For instance, in spring, you can indulge in the flavors of asparagus and bamboo shoots, while autumn offers a bounty of mushrooms and chestnuts unique to the season. Many restaurants also emphasize the importance of sourcing from specific suppliers and regions, ensuring that ingredients are fresh and in optimal condition. Additionally, chefs provide dishes in various ways to bring out the inherent flavors of the ingredients to the fullest extent possible.
In each season, there are cases where original menus, sometimes available only for that day, are offered. This presents the charm of encountering new flavors and combinations with each visit. As a result, there’s an exhilarating anticipation until the last moment about what ingredients will be used and how they will be prepared.
For tourists visiting Japan who may feel uncertain about how dishes will turn out due to unfamiliar Japanese ingredients or dish names, omakase offers an opportunity to request their dietary needs or preferences. By communicating preferences, dislikes, and allergies beforehand, it’s possible to receive thoughtful accommodations tailored to individual needs.
![With omakase, you can enjoy seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203048_ddaf01b5_w1920.webp)
2. You can enjoy communication with chefs
Restaurants where omakase ordering is available often have small-scale interiors and counter seats. One notable feature is the close proximity to the chef, allowing diners to enjoy a meal spanning several hours with face-to-face communication. As dishes are served with explanations about ingredient selection and cooking techniques, diners are likely to deepen their understanding of cuisine as well.
Many chefs are friendly and approachable, readily providing thorough answers to any questions you have, whether they concern cooking philosophy or casual topics. Furthermore, it’s a rare opportunity to witness the skills of top-tier chefs up close, making it essential not to overlook communication beyond dialogue about cooking processes and seasoning.
This personalized approach is often referred to as “made-to-order style,” as the chef adjusts the next dish based on the customer’s preferences and reactions. It’s widely appreciated both domestically and internationally, firmly establishing itself as a significant allure when ordering omakase.
![Enjoy interacting with the chef and savor their craftsmanship.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203106_ce883cc8_w1920.webp)
3. You can enjoy its specialness
Since around 2019, the world has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant transformation in our lifestyle, including how we dine. Examples such as ordering via touchscreen panels or apps and the establishment of takeout and delivery services are evident changes.
The omakase style, where diners enjoy meals while interacting with chefs face-to-face, as explained earlier, can be seen as a service that somewhat contradicts these trends. However, precisely because of this, dining through omakase has become a service that people deliberately seek out to experience.
The intimate and direct customer service provided by chefs embodies the spirit of hospitality and heartfelt care, qualities that cannot be replicated by machines. Beyond merely dining, there exists significant value in these interactions, offering a sense of extraordinariness and exclusivity. It’s fair to say that this uniqueness, inherent to Japan as the birthplace of omakase, attracts attention from tourists visiting the country.
![Experiencing a sense of extraordinariness and exclusivity is one of the charms of omakase.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203126_a8c16abf_w1920.webp)
Origins of omakase
The ordering style known as omakase, which has now become widely recognized worldwide, is said to have originated from Edomae-zushi according to one theory. Edomae-zushi refers to the type of sushi that closely resembles what many people think of as “sushi” today, and it emerged during the late Edo period.
At that time, sushi was primarily served at cramped standing food stalls, with no menus available. Customers would simply request their preferences directly, typically ordering three to four pieces. Diners were expected to eat quickly within the limited space available, and it was a common practice to leave the order of the sushi selection to the chef.
It is said that from this practice emerged the concept of omakase (entrusting the order of sushi to the chef), which gradually became prevalent. This ordering style, steeped in history and tradition, has a strong association with sushi restaurants and has been passed down to modern times, evolving while maintaining its essence.
![Omakase originated from Edomae-zushi.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203151_ea595813_w1920.webp)
How omakase became widespread
The omakase ordering style, born in the Edo period, is said to have become widespread and firmly established after World War II. As reconstruction progressed, distribution channels expanded, allowing sushi restaurants to handle a greater variety of ingredients. However, customers began to struggle with identifying the names of the fish (sushi toppings). Additionally, the increase in high-end sushi restaurants, particularly in Ginza and Nihonbashi, significantly contributed to the development of omakase.
In settings such as business entertainment or formal dinners, omakase began to be used to convey the meaning of “please select and prepare suitable items for me,” gradually gaining popularity as chefs responded to these needs. By the late 1980s, the ordering style of omakase had become a common term, particularly for beginners, as a way to order without needing expertise in sushi.
Since then, perceptions have evolved with the times. In modern sushi restaurants, omakase often refers to trusting the skill and taste of the chef and enjoying the best ingredients available that day. Moreover, the omakase ordering style has become increasingly popular not only in sushi restaurants or eateries but also in various service industries such as hair salons.
![The omakase ordering style has become common not only in restaurants but also in other establishments such as hair salons.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203209_ec4a196d_w1920.webp)
Start with an “omakase course” to enjoy a casual experience
Ordering omakase right away at sushi restaurants or high-end places might seem a bit challenging. Especially for first-time visitors, not knowing the ambiance or the characteristics of the chef could make it difficult to fully concentrate on the meal. In such cases, it’s recommended to start with an “omakase course” where you can enjoy the omakase experience more casually.
Usually, the restaurant’s website or menu inside the place provides a general overview of the dishes and prices, allowing customers to get an idea of the offerings and budget beforehand. This feature makes it easier for people who are not comfortable with conversation or visitors to Japan to enjoy their meal with minimal communication with the chef. However, it’s worth noting that not all restaurants offer an omakase course, so be sure to check in advance if you’re interested in a particular establishment.
![With an omakase course, you can casually enjoy the experience as you’ll have a rough idea of the offerings and prices beforehand.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203227_6f5c63ff_w1920.webp)
Sushi restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto where you can experience omakase
Let us introduce three sushi restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto where you can order omakase. All of them are prestigious establishments that require reservations and are not particularly cheap, but they are highly recommended places where many visitors leave satisfied. It’s not just about the exquisite taste of the sushi; the fantastic ambiance of the restaurants and the friendly demeanor of the head chefs allow customers to enjoy the experience with all five senses.
Attention to detail in sourcing ingredients, meticulous preparation, timing of serving dishes, and every aspect of the dining experience is carefully considered. Additionally, being conveniently located near train stations and offering omakase courses on the menu makes it easy for anyone to experience them casually. When visiting Tokyo or Kyoto, it’s worth visiting the sushi restaurants introduced here to experience authentic omakase. During lunchtime, some restaurants offer lower prices compared to dinner, providing an opportunity to save costs if desired.
1. Sushi Eirou in Kyoto
Sushi Eirou, managed by a tuna specialty shop, is located about a 6-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, tucked away in a back alley. Their signature dish, the bluefin tuna, offers not only otoro (fatty tuna) and chutoro (medium-fatty tuna) but also lean cuts and rare parts, allowing you to enjoy fresh tuna that you won’t find in other establishments. Their reputation for Japanese cuisine, including tempura and sashimi made with seasonal ingredients, is also excellent. With an à la carte menu offering individual dishes, you can enjoy them at their freshest and crispiest.
While the menu may not explicitly list omakase, rest assured that they accommodate such requests if you ask. As of May 2024, the cost is just over 10,000 yen, making it relatively affordable.
![Let’s indulge in their signature dish, the bluefin tuna.
(*The photo is for illustration purposes only)](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203252_6fa8117a_w1920.webp)
(*The photo is for illustration purposes only)
2. Gion Sushi Tadayasu in Kyoto
Gion Sushi Tadayasu is located about a 4-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station in Kyoto, nestled in a side street off Hanamikoji Street which exudes an atmosphere of a hidden gem. The interior, made entirely of cypress wood, features an openwork ceiling and a wood-carved ice-cooled refrigerator, allowing visitors to experience Japanese traditions through its beautiful designs. What sets it apart is the authentic Edomae-zushi crafted by Chef Morita, who honed his skills for 20 years in Tokyo, now available in Kyoto.
You can taste the deep commitment in the sushi served with red vinegar-seasoned rice, which accentuates the flavors of domestically-sourced natural ingredients through careful aging. Furthermore, the size and flavor of the vinegared rice are adjusted according to the topping, allowing you to savor expertly crafted sushi that shines with meticulous attention to detail.
![The sushi is served with rice seasoned with red vinegar.
(*The photo is for illustration purposes only)](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203327_f72a973a_w1920.webp)
(*The photo is for illustration purposes only)
3. Sushi Zai in Tokyo
Sushi Zai is a high-quality sushi restaurant located approximately a 4-minute walk from Hiroo Station in Tokyo, situated on the 5th floor of a commercial building. The name “Zai” means “home,” reflecting the restaurant’s desire to create a place where customers feel at home. Foreign customers frequent the restaurant, and almost all of the chefs can provide service in English. The interior, characterized by natural textures and hues, evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Above all, the cleanliness and tidiness of the space are particularly pleasing.
While honoring the traditions of Edomae-zushi, the restaurant offers unique delicacies that can only be experienced there. From small dishes or appetizers to nigiri (sushi), friendly chefs curate blissful moments for diners. Additionally, they offer alcoholic pairings curated by a sommelier, making it a recommendation for enthusiasts of alcoholic beverages as well.
![Sushi Zai is perfect for those who want to enjoy alcohol as well.](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20748/20240722_203405_4a3a137c_w1920.webp)
Wrap-Up
we have introduced the origin and spread of Japan's unique ordering style, "omakase," the experiences one can have with "omakase," and where one can experience it. Although there are opportunities to order "omakase" in countries outside of Japan, I highly recommend experiencing "omakase" at least once in its birthplace, Japan.