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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.