Omakase: The Japanese Dining Experience Where You Trust the Chef (And Pray for the Best)

Have you ever sat down at a restaurant, looked at the menu, and felt completely overwhelmed? So many choices, so many possibilities—should you go with the spicy tuna roll? The tempura? The mysterious dish that sounds fancy but might actually be fish intestines? (Spoiler: it probably is.)

Enter omakase—Japan’s answer to decision fatigue.

What Does Omakase Actually Mean?

Omakase (おまかせ) literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” It’s basically the culinary equivalent of saying, “You got this, chef. I trust you.” Instead of ordering à la carte, you surrender your meal into the hands of a highly trained sushi master, who then serves you a series of meticulously crafted dishes.

Sounds fancy, right? It is. But it’s also a bit of a gamble. Will you get something mind-blowing? Absolutely. Will you get something that makes you question your life choices? Possibly. But that’s part of the thrill.

The Spirit of Omakase: A Trust Exercise (But Delicious)

Imagine walking into a sushi bar and sitting at the counter. The chef gives you a nod, sizes you up like a samurai about to duel, and then—without a single menu in sight—begins crafting a meal just for you.

Why Do People Love Omakase?

Zero Decision-Making Stress: No need to scan a 20-page menu. No need to fake knowledge about sushi. Just sit back and let the expert do their thing.
Peak Freshness: Omakase is all about what’s best that day. You won’t get week-old fish here—only the freshest cuts.
A Culinary Adventure: You’ll likely try things you’d never order on your own. Maybe even something you can’t pronounce (don’t worry, just smile and nod).
Theatrical Experience: Watching a sushi master at work is mesmerizing. It’s like watching a magician, except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, they’re slicing tuna with precision that could make a samurai jealous.

But… What If I Get Something Weird?

Ah, the ultimate omakase dilemma. What if the chef hands you something unexpected—like sea urchin, raw shrimp with its head still attached, or (brace yourself) fermented squid guts?

Two options:

Embrace the experience. Take a deep breath and dive in. You might just discover your new favorite dish.
Master the art of polite suffering. If it’s truly not your thing, a respectful smile and slow chew will suffice. (Just don’t make eye contact with the chef while struggling—he knows.)

How to Properly Enjoy Omakase (Without Looking Like a Total Newbie)

So you’ve decided to go for omakase? Excellent choice. But before you waltz into a sushi bar like you own the place, here are a few etiquette tips to avoid embarrassing yourself:

1. Sit at the Counter If You Can

Omakase is best enjoyed front and center where you can see the chef in action. It’s like getting front-row seats to a Broadway show—except with sushi instead of show tunes.

2. Don’t Drown Your Sushi in Soy Sauce

If the chef already seasoned your sushi (which they probably did), dunking it in soy sauce is basically an insult. It’s like pouring ketchup all over a Michelin-star steak.

3. Eat It the Right Way

With chopsticks? Fine.
With your hands? Also fine.
With a fork? No. Just… no.

4. Trust the Process

Omakase isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey. The chef has planned the sequence carefully—from light and delicate flavors to rich and bold ones. Don’t mess it up by requesting a California roll mid-way.

5. Be Open-Minded

Omakase is about discovery. Some dishes will be love at first bite, others might test your commitment to the experience. But hey, that’s part of the fun.

Omakase Price: Is It Worth the Splurge?

Omakase isn’t exactly cheap. Depending on the restaurant, you’re looking at anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars per person. But you’re not just paying for food—you’re paying for:

The chef’s years (sometimes decades) of training.
The absolute best ingredients available.
The thrill of trying dishes you’d never order yourself.
The fact that you don’t have to make any decisions. (Priceless.)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal and a glimpse into Japanese culinary artistry, it’s 100% worth it.

So, Should You Try Omakase?

If you love sushi, enjoy surprises, and aren’t afraid of the occasional sea creature staring back at you, then yes, you should absolutely try omakase. It’s a bucket-list dining experience that’ll make you appreciate sushi on a whole new level.

And if you don’t like raw fish? Well… maybe stick to tempura.

Ever had an omakase experience? Tell me in the comments—what was the weirdest thing you tried? And if you haven’t yet, would you ever take the plunge? (No pressure… but seriously, you should.)