Omakase is a style of dining in Japan where the dishes are decided by the chef.
This can be requested at various eateries, from izakayas, or local pubs, all the way up to the finest sushi restaurants.
While we can’t walk into Delaney’s and make this sort of request here in Hong Kong, there are plenty of fine Japanese establishments in the city specialising in this kind of dining.
Yet, of course, they cost a pretty penny and require booking in advance – sometimes several weeks, if not months.
So, where should you go if you want a decadent Japanese meal just for the sake of it?
Here are five top-notch omakase institutions that are worth every penny.
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Fumi
6/F, California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Central
When walking into Fumi you will notice that the “no tablecloth” establishment is about doing away with the formalities of Japanese dining.
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The restaurant serves up delicious one-bite uni sushi, which has the perfect ratio between rice and sea urchin, as well as a fantastic range of sake to wash it all down.
Prices start at HK$1,280 (US$165) for dinner.
Sakana no Aji
2/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
This restaurant, owned by ZS Hospitality Group, has quite a tongue-in-cheek name in Chinese, just like the rest of the other restaurants the group has in the building.
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The name translates as the “fishy taste of fish” and, true to its name, there’s plenty of seafood to be had here.
Not only that, the execution is on par with some of the best restaurants in Tokyo, so with the omakase menu starting at HK$800 for dinner, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Sushi Taki
17/F, 17-19 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
If you’re looking for a quiet nook where you can snuggle with your date, this little restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui is just right for a night out.
The sushi bar offers a panoramic view of the city and a unique perspective of Kowloon.
The chef puts a lot of thought into every dish, taking into consideration the quality of the fish he receives before deciding how to slice and serve it to his customers, and that’s the kind of experience you want at an omakase.
Prices start from HK$800 for dinner.
Sushi Tsubomi
22/F, V Point, 2-22 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Step inside the sleek interior of this restaurant in Causeway Bay, and you’ll find Japanese cuisine to match.
The sushi bar is a pristine circular table in the middle of the dining room, so you know where the focus on the food is here.
Sink your teeth into creative combinations such as thick, juicy oysters alongside creamy sea urchin.
Prices start from HK$1,288 for dinner.
Ta-ke
Shop G01, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
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Formerly known as Sushi Ta-ke, the eatery has moved and revamped its concept to become an omakase restaurant specialising in not only sushi, but also tempura and teppanyaki.
The wafer-thin batter of the tempura is divine, while the perfectly seared teppanyaki beef is to die for.
The only problem with coming to Ta-ke is deciding which omakase you want.
Prices start from HK$980 for dinner.
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