Omakase, a Japanese dining style where the chef selects and prepares a series of dishes for the customer, has become increasingly popular in New York over the past few decades. The term “omakase” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” indicating the confidence diners place in the chef’s expertise and imaginative choices.
The roots of omakase in New York can be traced back to the late 20th century when sushi restaurants began gaining popularity. The trend was initially driven by the influx of Japanese businessmen and expatriates who brought their culinary traditions with them. The first notable omakase experiences were offered in high-end Japanese restaurants, where skilled sushi chefs showcased their talents and the freshest ingredients.
As New York’s culinary scene evolved, so did the omakase offerings. The city’s diverse population and adventurous food culture created a perfect environment for this personalized dining experience to flourish. Today, omakase is not just confined to traditional sushi restaurants; it has expanded to various interpretations, including fusion and contemporary styles.
Omakase Restaurants have become a distinct category in New York’s dining landscape, offering intimate, chef-driven experiences that cater to food enthusiasts seeking unique and memorable meals.
Top Omakase Spots in New York
1. Sushi Nakazawa
- Neighborhood: West Village
- Wait Times: Often booked months in advance
- Reservations: Essential, typically through their website or platforms like Resy
- Unique Feature: Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, a protégé of Jiro Ono (of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” fame), brings his masterful touch to every dish, creating an experience that is both traditional and innovative.
2. Sushi Yasuda
- Neighborhood: Midtown East
- Wait Times: A few weeks in advance
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, available via phone or online
- Unique Feature: Known for its minimalist décor and focus on the purity of the sushi experience, Sushi Yasuda emphasizes the natural flavors of the fish with a near-obsessive dedication to quality.
3. Masa
- Neighborhood: Columbus Circle
- Wait Times: Several months in advance
- Reservations: Required, can be made by phone or online
- Unique Feature: As one of the most expensive restaurants in the U.S., Masa offers an opulent omakase experience with top-tier ingredients and a serene, exclusive atmosphere.
4. Sushi Ginza Onodera
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Wait Times: A few weeks to months in advance
- Reservations: Required, available through their website
- Unique Feature: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an authentic Tokyo-style sushi experience with fish flown in daily from Japan’s Tsukiji Market.
5. Noda
- Neighborhood: Flatiron District
- Wait Times: Weeks to a few months
- Reservations: Necessary, book through their website or platforms like Tock
- Unique Feature: Noda combines the traditional with the contemporary, featuring a unique sake pairing menu that complements the exquisite omakase dishes prepared by Chef Shigeyuki Tsunoda.
6. Shuko
- Neighborhood: Union Square
- Wait Times: Weeks in advance
- Reservations: Required, available via their website or platforms like Resy
- Unique Feature: Shuko offers a modern take on the omakase experience, with chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau creating innovative dishes in a lively, communal setting.
7. Noz
- Neighborhood: Upper West Side
- Wait Times: Several weeks in advance
- Reservations: Required, available through their website
- Unique Feature: Sushi Noz immerses guests in a traditional Kyoto-style environment, complete with a hinoki wood counter and a meticulous focus on seasonal ingredients.
8. Sushi Amane
- Neighborhood: Midtown East
- Wait Times: A few weeks in advance
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, available via phone or online
- Unique Feature: Sushi Amane offers an intimate omakase experience with only eight seats, where Chef Shion Uino, formerly of Tokyo’s Sushisho Saito, prepares each course with precision.
9. Uchu
- Neighborhood: Lower East Side
- Wait Times: Weeks in advance
- Reservations: Necessary, book through their website or platforms like Tock
- Unique Feature: Uchu blends Japanese and American influences, offering both a sushi counter and a kaiseki counter, providing a unique and varied dining experience.
10. Ichimura at Uchū
- Neighborhood: Lower East Side
- Wait Times: Weeks to months in advance
- Reservations: Required, available through their website
- Unique Feature: This exclusive spot features Chef Eiji Ichimura, who is renowned for his edomae-style sushi, where each piece is aged to enhance its flavor, providing a depth of taste that is unmatched.