What is OMAKASE? The Heart of Japanese Culinary Tradition

Understanding Omakase

The Meaning of Omakase in Japan

omakase means to entrust someone else with the decisions

Originally, "omakase" is a Japanese term that means to entrust someone else with the decisions. While the word "omakase" is used in everyday contexts beyond food and drink in Japan, it became prominently associated with dining, particularly in Japanese fine dining. This marked the beginning of what is now known as the omakase culture in culinary settings.

Letting the chef choose the dishes

Omakase courses are especially common in Sushi restaurants and Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) restaurants, where instead of choosing from a menu, customers leave the selection of the day's offerings entirely up to the head chef (often referred to as 'Taisho' or 'Master'). The chef utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients procured from the market that day to craft an omakase course. This style showcases the chef's expertise and provides diners with a unique, personalized dining experience.

The Role of 'Omakase' in Japanese Dining Culture

Enjoy the chef's culinary choices

"Omakase" is more than just a style of dining; it is a symbol of how deeply Japanese people value and respect their food. This practice is not about diners choosing what they feel like eating that day, but rather about respecting the chef's expertise and the menu he selects. Guests commit to enjoying the best of what is offered that day, fully embracing the chef’s choices.

An "omakase" course often brings surprises that defy expectations, thanks to the seasoned expertise of the chef, known in Japanese as the "Taisho" or master. By entrusting the chef with the choice of dishes, diners have the opportunity to encounter new ingredients, ways of eating, and combinations that they typically wouldn't choose themselves. This aspect of omakase encourages patrons to return to the restaurant time and again, each visit deepening their appreciation and contributing to the evolution of the omakase culture between the chef and the clientele.

We often say that food is art. The dining experience at any given time, place, and moment is unique and cannot be replicated. This uniqueness makes the culinary encounter through omakase profoundly personal and memorable. By engaging seriously with the chef and the dishes served, diners can fully enjoy the moment to its fullest extent.

How to Enjoy Omakase to the Fullest

Preparing for a Premier "Omakase" Experience

Booking in Advance

Most establishments offering the "Omakase" course require reservations in advance. Dropping in without a reservation might lead to disappointment as it's likely they won't be able to accommodate you. Dressing in smart casual attire is advisable; T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are often not acceptable. Be mindful of what to wear on the day to avoid any issues.

Communicate Dietary Restrictions

To fully enjoy the "Omakase" course, inform the restaurant beforehand if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions due to religious beliefs. The chef prepares the ingredients specifically for your reservation from the morning of your visit. It's also considered good manners to not waste any dish served.

Avoid Strong Perfumes

Since enjoying the aroma of the food is part of the experience, wearing perfume can be intrusive to other guests and is generally frowned upon.

Restaurant where you can enjoy an omakase course

Taian (太庵)/ Japanese/ Osaka

Experience the best of Japanese cuisine in Osaka at this three-Michelin-star restaurant.

UDATSU SUSHI(宇田津 鮨)/ Sushi/ Tokyo

Sushi meets art in this restaurant with an art gallery ambience, offering a traditional, authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi experience.

Ichiu(一宇)/ Sushi/ Tokyo

Enjoy an omakase course featuring the highest quality Japanese dishes and Edomae sushi.