If you love Japanese food, you’ve probably come across the phrase omakase before. Loosely translating to ‘I’ll leave it to you’, the style of dining allows the chef to take control of the entire menu from start to finish. And lucky for you, your city serves up some top-tier experiences – we’re talking sky-high haunts serving over 20-course meals to quaint hideaways slinging out the freshest sashimi and chicken skewers. So go ahead, read on as you find out some of the best places for omakase in London.
The Sushi Bar
A luxury choice for London omakase, The Sushi Bar can be found in none other than Harrods. Head to the famous department store for signature small plates, sashimi, nigiri and hot dishes, all chosen by head chef Eran Low. You can also expect a range of luxury items, from snow crab to blue lobster and wagyu beef.
Yup, everything tastes just as good as it looks here.
Bloomsbury Street Kitchen
Boasting Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, Bloomsbury Street Kitchen has one of the best omakase-tasting menus in London. Book a seat at the Kitchen Table, where you’ll be able to watch the chef whip up some of the finest eats for up to eight people at a time – we mean everything from seared beef with blue cheese and chilli dressing to yellowtail tartare tacos and fennel-cured salmon.
The omakase dinner menu is just a luxe as Bloombury Street Kitchen's interiors.
Aqua Kyoto
With a rooftop terrace, pretty décor and Japanese cooking at the forefront, this next joint is quite the stunner. While Aqua Kyoto flaunts fabulous set menus and pre-theatre meals, the swish hotspot also offers an omakase sushi or sashimi experience. Enjoy fresh seafood as you tuck into 12 unique plates for less than £50 per person - the akami tuna is to die for.
Ready to bring your soy-mate here? We thought so.
Junsei
If you’re a fan of chicken, then this next one will surely wet your whistle. Located in Marylebone, Junsei is a yakitori restaurant that embraces a zero-waste approach to cooking by serving over 20 different variations of chicken parts. Decked out with Japanese artwork and sleek leather seats, the venue is great for intimate date nights and anniversaries. And to make your evening more special, nab a cocktail on their menu – the passionfruit margarita is especially refreshing.
At £60 per head, Junsei has one of the most affordable omakase experiences in London.
Cubé
Situated in Mayfair, Cubé is hands down one of the best omakase restaurants in London. With a namesake meaning ‘a place where one's heart can rest’, it’s no wonder why the Japanese eatery is a must-visit for date night. Quaint and stylish and spanning across two floors, the venue fronts two sushi bars with room for 6 diners at a time. Expect to be wowed by the freshest fish – think sea urchin roe, slabs of salmon sashimi and plump scallops.
For omakase in Mayfair, Cube is your spot.
Nobu
One of the best places for omakase in London, Nobu has seasonally changing menus on the regular. The sexy Shoreditch destination promises beaut bites for £95 per person – we mean the likes of tuna tataki sashimi, umami Chilean sea bass and lobster wasabi pepper. Wash it all down with a cocktail or two at NAMI Bar afterward. If you fancy a different location, the Marylebone also knocks up a seasonal omakase offering.
Nobu is one of the more so-fish-ticated places on our list.
Maru
A visit to Maru promises some of the best Japanese eats whipped up by chef Taiji Maruyama. And if you’ve got an empty stomach or you're a huge foodie, the restaurant features a 21-course omakase-tasting menu from Tuesday to Saturday. For £210, the luxe meal showcases British ingredients in a unique aesthetic using classic Japanese training and techniques. And the best part? You'll have a front-row seat as chef works his magic.
Take a seat at the chef's table and get ready to be wined and dined.
Sushi Atelier
Moments away from Oxford Circus, Sushi Atelier slings out delicious Japanese-style ceviche and indulgent wagyu sliders. But did you know the restaurant also has a killer omakase menu? You can choose from a chef-picked selection of six, nine or twelve sushi rolls, while pairing your experience with a premium sake or one of their bespoke cocktails.
Gorgeous sashimi slices and cocktails make Sushi Atelier a must-visit for an omakase lunch in London.
Endo At Rotunda
With a Michelin star under its belt, Endo At Rotunda has two omakase sittings from Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to 9pm. Located on the top floor of the Television Centre, the White City restaurant boasts some of the prettiest views with the decor to match - we're talking a lit-up cloud fixture that hangs above a 200-year-old wooden counter. For £225, you and your pals can scarf down over 20 courses all of which are whipped up by chef Endo Kazutoshi.
Omakase with a view? Yes please.
Kurisu
On the hunt for hidden gems? Housed inside Ichiban Sushi Brixton, Kurisu is a one-of-a-kind experience. Serving only 8 people a day at the counter, the family-owned restaurant offers an omakase menu for £145. And guess what? There are 18 glorious courses per person. If you're lucky, you'll get to try the cuttlefish or scallops (or both) - they're sublime.
Kurisu’s omakase menu is absolutely unmissable.
Roji
With husband and wife duo Tamas Naszai and Tomoko Hasegawa at the helm of this joint, Roji highlights a brilliant omakase menu. Fronting minimalistic décor and Japanese counters, the Molten Street dining den is ideal for catch-ups with friends. Nibble on a hand-dived scallop with seaweed and other sushi bites as you sip on a wide range of wine or sake.
Gather round for dinner and show at Roji.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in London here and and sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news.
