If you want something beyond the best sushi in London, omakase is a highly immersive way to experience Japanese cuisine. Omakase means roughly ‘I’ll leave it up to you’, so you ‘leave’ the decision of what to serve to the chef, based on the best ingredients available.
London’s Japanese dining scene is getting classier, with restaurants serving everything from authentic Edomae sushi to modern takes on the omakase experience. But for those dining out for the first time, knowing what to anticipate from omakase can make the dining experience much more memorable.
What does omakase actually mean?
Omakase is far more than a standard tasting menu. At its heart, it’s a display of trust between diners and the chef.
The guests do not order from a long and varied menu, but entrust their choice to the chef. The choice changes according to the season, the ingredients of the day, and the chef’s personal style.
A typical sushi omakase might include a number of carefully chosen courses such as:
- Small plates and seasonal starters
- Premium fish sashimi
- Several pieces of Nigiri, served individually
- Seafood or grilled dishes
- Soup or a traditional Japanese course
- Seasonal fruit or dessert
The arrangement differs vastly from restaurant to restaurant, so it is worth checking what is included before making a reservation.
Authenticity goes beyond the ingredients
When looking for an authentic Japanese omakase in London, it’s easy to get caught up in whether or not a restaurant sources its fish from Japan. Ingredient sourcing is important, but authenticity is more than that.
A good omakase experience considers seasonality, technique, presentation, hospitality, and the relationship between chef and diner.
In traditional Japanese cooking, there is a strong emphasis on shun, eating food in season at its peak. So a good omakase meal can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
The chef’s preparation techniques are also important. At sushi-centric restaurants, the temperature of the rice, the seasoning, the knife work and the balance of fish to shari (sushi rice) can make all the difference.
Choosing the right omakase restaurant in London
There are a variety of Japanese dining experiences to enjoy in London, from casual sushi spots to luxury restaurants. So be sure to decide on the kind of meal you want before reserving a table.
If you have your heart set on a very traditional dining experience, look for a sushi bar where sushi is prepared in front of diners.
Alternatively, if you are hoping for something a bit different, some restaurants serve fusion omakases that mix Japanese cuisine and ingredients with British and European products.
If you want a cosy meal, you may choose a smaller restaurant that has limited seating.
Whenever searching for an omakase restaurant in London, don’t just rely on social media. Make sure to research their chef, the philosophy of the restaurant, sourcing and how the menu was created, as there is useful information you can find in reputable publications and guides.
Omakase etiquette for first-time diners
You don’t have to be a sushi expert to enjoy omakase. Nevertheless, some knowledge about Japanese eating manners would be beneficial for you.
Arrive on time, especially if you are going to eat omakase in a small sushi bar. The menu is usually well-timed, and late arrival may spoil the plans of the chef.
If you have any allergies and dietary restrictions, it is better to inform the chef about them before making a reservation, as an omakase menu usually consists of the chef’s planned selection of ingredients, which can be difficult to substitute.
During the dinner, follow the chef’s instructions. Some of the dishes could be already seasoned with soy sauce, salt, or other spices and served in this way.
Furthermore, it is also acceptable to ask additional questions. In fact, a good chef would be glad to answer your questions concerning the origin of the ingredients or how they are prepared.
What should you wear?
There may not be a standard dress code for the restaurants that serve omakase dishes in London. But smart casual attire would be an ideal choice, especially when one is heading for a restaurant known for its high standards of formality.
However, it would be better to refrain from using any strong fragrances. In the sushi bar, one would be seated in close proximity to the chef as well as to other customers.
Making the most of your omakase experience
The best advice to offer for first-time visitors is to take it easy and enjoy the experience of omakase dining.
With omakase dining, you do not need to worry about choosing ingredients from an à la carte menu or deciding what to order. The best approach is to let the chef make those decisions and simply enjoy being part of the process.
