Few fine dining experiences rival the sheer opulence of omakase. Translating to ‘I leave it up to you,’ omakase follows a culinary philosophy expressing complete trust and connection between chefs and guests. It dates back to the 1990s, a pivotal era during Japan’s economic resurgence when a wave of new and wealthy diners, unversed in the intricacies of sushi menus, gave culinary reins to the expert hands of the chef.
It’s since grown into a global trend, with several omakase restaurants earning Michelin stars (Endo at The Rotunda in London and Masa in New York are among the most renowned). And with many new omakase experiences cropping up all over London, we’ve handpicked six worth visiting.
Sushi Kanesaka
Concealed behind a discrete doorway inside Mayfair’s luxurious 45 Park Lane hotel, Sushi Kanesaka is the first restaurant outside Asia Pacific by heralded omakase chef Shinji Kanesaka. Expect up to 20 courses of exquisite edomae sushi using chef Kanesaka’s own rice blend from Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture, premium seafood prepared with the Japanese ikejime method, and unmatched pairings of sake, wines, beers and Japanese whiskies. Our tip? Book the separate four-seat omakase for a truly intimate experience.
45 Park Ln, W1K 1PN
Maru
Helmed by Chef Yasuhiro Ochiai, previously head chef at two-Michelin-star Tsukumo in Nara, Maru fuses omakase and kaiseki – every element is thoughtfully designed for a wholly aesthetic and multisensory meal. Everything you see, taste, smell, touch and hear has been inspired by omotenashi, which means ‘wholeheartedly looking after your guests, whether that’s the menu, cooking, interiors, floristry, and crockery (handmade by Maruyama himself).
18 Shepherd Market, W1J 7QH
Juno Omakase
London’s most intimate omakase experience is hidden behind a heavy draped curtain at the back of Los Mochis. The small counter seats just six – meaning you have the best seat in the house to ogle at Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag (ex-Zuma and OKKU) whilst he works. The 15-course omakase adds a Tulum twist to Tokyo flavours; as well as the traditional sushi, nigiri and wagyu, there’s chutoro tiradito in creamy jalapeño sauce, Oscietra caviar sprinkled with chili-salted flying ants, and kinmedai sashimi with chapulines (roasted grasshoppers).
2–4 Farmer St, W8 7SN
Dosa
Originally opened in South Korea, you’ll now find chef Akira Back’s new venture in London’s Mandarin Oriental hotel. Tucked behind a discrete doorway, Dosa, meaning ‘expert’ in Korean, is a twist on the traditional omakase which features eight courses of Korean-inspired dishes. Whilst the menu changes daily, expect dishes along the lines of mulhoe, a chilled fisherman’s soup from Pohang on the Korean peninsula, and Hanwoo beef from Majangdong in Seoul prepared in two ways – Yukhoe bibimbap, which is beef tartare mixed with rice, and bulgogi.
22 Hanover Sq, W1S 1JP
TOKii
The Prince Akatoki London is a five-star hotel inspired by Japanese arts and rituals, which are beautifully mirrored in its restaurant, TOKii. Its minimalist feel reflects the simple elegance of Japanese cuisine, which you’ll also find in its 11-course omakase menu. The intimate, blind-tasting experience seats only six guests, creating a personal connection between the chef and diners. Menus are not revealed during the encounter, so be brave and enjoy the finely sourced premium ingredients, including oysters, scallops, seabass, eel, yuzu, and more.
50 Great Cumberland Pl, W1H 7FD
Taku
Taku was opened by chef Takuya Watanabe – the man behind Jin, Paris’s first omakase restaurant to be given a Michelin star. And at his 16-seat Mayfair restaurant, chef Takuya’s exquisite, edomae-style sushi earnt the restaurant its Michelin star just four months after opening. There are three omakase menus available: the 17-course lunch menu, the 20-course signature menu, and the prestige menu, which adds a few exclusive courses as well as caviar and truffle. Partnering with sommelier Bowie Tsang, speciality sakes and fine, rare wines are matched with each course for a truly unforgettable experience.
