Translating to “I’ll leave it up to you,” omakase is a dining format that has captured global attention. In omakase, chefs are entrusted to design and serve the entire meal, allowing diners to relax and savor an authentic Japanese culinary journey. As travelers plan for 2024, these standout omakase experiences deserve a spot on any food-focused itinerary.
The allure of omakase lies in its effortless intimacy: the chef curates each course, and guests simply enjoy the progression of flavors, textures and seasonal ingredients. Below are exceptional omakase experiences around the world that showcase traditional technique, careful sourcing and memorable presentation.
© 45 Park Lane Sushi Kanesaka
Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London, England
Opened in July, Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane presents chef Shinji Kanesaka’s first venue outside the Asia Pacific region. This intimate 13-seat counter highlights time-honored sushi techniques and a refined, traditional approach. Hidden behind a discreet entrance, the setting, service and dishes work together to transport guests to Japan, offering a focused and highly personal omakase experience.
© Hai Hospitality
Oheya by Uchi, Houston, Texas
New this year, Oheya by Uchi features a sushi-bar-only dining room seating 12 guests for a chef-driven, personalized course sequence. The name “Oheya,” meaning “the room,” reflects the restaurant’s intimate scale. Menus focus on seasonal peak ingredients and rotate bimonthly. Diners can expect multiple nigiri courses interwoven with vegetable and protein preparations, developed in collaboration with chefs from Hai Hospitality’s Uchi collection.
© Nobu Hotel Palo Alto
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, California
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto expanded its dining with a Japanese-inspired outdoor garden, enhancing the setting for its chef-led omakase. The multicourse menu showcases refined sushi and seasonal preparations that mirror the innovation of Silicon Valley. To elevate the meal, sommelier-selected saké and crafted cocktails with Japanese influences are available to pair with each course.
© Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
Sensei by Nobu at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawai’i
At Sensei by Nobu, guests can enjoy a health-forward omakase that blends Nobu’s signature flavors with island-grown produce and seafood. Courses may begin with dishes such as roasted lobster salad or yellowtail with jalapeño and yuzu soy, followed by tempura or seared preparations, then mains like black cod, shabu shabu, prime ribeye, lamb chop or A-5 wagyu prepared tobanyaki style. The meal concludes with a lighter dessert—for example, monk fruit cheesecake with acai pearls—offering a well-rounded progression of tastes. An alternative omakase is also offered at the on-site NOBU Lanai restaurant for guests seeking more variety.
© Beaverbrook Town House
Beaverbrook Town House, London, England
In Chelsea, Beaverbrook Town House offers an omakase program led by head sushi chef Jan Horak. Service at the Fuji Grill’s intimate sushi bar presents between 12 and 20 courses, each prepared with refined technique and thoughtful sourcing. With a menu that changes regularly, the omakase experience here invites repeat visits, promising fresh discoveries and consistently high-quality execution.