Omakase

Omakase means “I leave it to you”. At a restaurant, you let the chef choose the courses, most often at a sushi counter. It is a meal of trust, so telling the chef about restrictions early matters.

How does an omakase meal work?

You sit at a counter, and the chef serves one piece or dish at a time. There is no menu to order from. The pace follows the chef.

Many places take bookings only in advance, so book early and share dietary needs in the same message.

What should you tell the restaurant?

When you book, name what you cannot eat. Be specific.

• Pork and animal fats.
• Alcohol in sauces, mirin and sake.
• Shellfish, raw fish or nuts.
• Any allergy, with the ingredient name.

Ask what the kitchen can change. If it cannot adapt, choose another place. Our halal-aware meal request guide gives phrases for ryokan that also work here.

What manners apply?

Say itadakimasu before you eat and gochisosama-deshita after. Leaving food is frowned upon, and sushi rice should not be dipped directly in soy sauce ¹.

See Japan etiquette for first-timers for more. If you prefer a multi-course set menu in a ryokan, read about kaiseki.