Omakase, The ordering style where you entrust your dish selection to the chef.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.