Best Omakase Restaurants in Bangkok and Japanese Omakase Etiquette Explained

Understanding Omakase
Few dining experiences are as revered or as intimidating as omakase, a form of Japanese dining where guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal which is seasonal, elegant, artistic and uses the finest ingredients available.

True omakase experiences are up close and personal with many restaurants seating only eight to ten diners at a time, while the chef prepares food in front of you and observing your every expression when you eat.

In many ways, omakase is a spiritual companion to kaiseki, the elaborate multi-course Japanese meal built around seasonality, quality ingredients and simple preparations. While kaiseki is a highly ritualised meal with a specific ebb and flow, omakase changes with each occasion, sometimes with the chef making decisions about what to cook mid-course.

The truth of omakase lies in the word itself—directly translated, it means "I leave it up to you."

Here’s a list of the best Japanese Omakase Restaurants in Bangkok
Ginza Sushi Ichi (One MICHELIN Star)
Centrally located in the Erawan mall, this sushi restaurant belongs to a group that started in Tokyo and now has branches in Jakarta and Singapore. To maintain the quality, produce is delivered straight from markets in Tokyo every 24 hours. There are two dining rooms with counter seating, so every customer gets a bird's-eye view of the chefs in action. Of the four set menus, the Botan and Omakase are the most popular. Service is charming.

Sushi Misaki (MICHELIN Plate)
Chef Masahiro Misaki was lured to Bangkok from Tokyo's Ginza to set up Sushi Misaki. Here, the fish is delivered three times a week and all the prep done pure Tokyo-style. His playful personality keeps it fun and relaxed, while the popular counter bar, seating 10, mixes up the seating options. The décor too is a mashup between Thai and Japanese but it's no matter, as food is the real hero. Bookings are recommended.

Sushi Masato (MICHELIN Plate)
After honing his craft in Tokyo and building his reputation in New York City, Masato Shimizu opened his eponymous omakase sushi bar in Bangkok. Housed on a quiet lane, Sushi Masato is hard to find and only identified by a small sign in Japanese. Once inside, the intimate space and elegant interior create a tranquil feeling. The team of inspired chefs use ingredients sourced from Japan and share their passion for food with customers at the intimate chef's table. Advanced reservations are mandatory.

Sushi Tama (MICHELIN Plate)
Seiji Sudo is the well-known chef who moved here to helm this 6-seater restaurant, where only one omakase 'Sho'-style menu is served. During the meal staff are on hand to explain each dish, leaving the chef to really focus on preparation, which utilises a wide variety of cooking techniques. The differing textures can sometime seem playful but flavours are always clear and consistent. Enjoy the signature soup with sushi rice.

Tempura Kanda (MICHELIN Plate)
This is one of the first omakase places in the city, which means placing your order in the hands of the chef. But don't let that worry you - the meticulous chef has several years of experience working in Japanese kitchens, while the rest of the staff have at least two. The tempura uses only seasonal vegetables, as well as seafood. Décor-wise the interior sticks to a simple script, with a marble-topped counter adding some charm. Booking is essential.

Yamazato (MICHELIN Plate)
The Okura Prestige hotel's Japanese restaurant is divided into three - a sushi bar, teppanyaki stations, and an elegant dining area. Kimono-clad staff serve sushi, bento boxes or an omakase chef's menu that requires booking two days in advance. Fish originate at Toyosu Market and the teacups and plates are from Japan as well. Lunch selections include set menus, rice boxes, noodles, and sushi. Dinner celebrates refined six- or eight-course kaiseki menus.

Omakase Etiquette Dos

• Book ahead of time. At some restaurants, the price of the omakase course may be lower during lunch hours.
• Inform the restaurant of your allergies or any dietary restrictions.
• Prepared to be asked to pay a deposit prior to your booking date.
• Try and arrive on time or be 10 minutes early. We know this is almost impossible in Bangkok.
• Use your index finger and thumb to pick up each bite of sushi.
• Be cautious when adding more wasabi or shoyu. To enjoy the true flavour of the fish, you should enjoy each bite as they are served as they would have already been well-seasoned by the chef.
• Dip (if required) your nigiri in soy sauce with the fish side only, so the rice doesn’t crumble into a mess.
• Eat the pickled ginger as a palate cleanser between each course.
• Understand that if you’re eating sushi, all the seasoning has already been added by the chef before it lands on your plate, it’s only on rare occasions that you will need to add your own.
• Ask the chef or restaurant if you’re allowed to take pictures.

Omakase Etiquette Don’ts 

• Waste – wastage is the biggest taboo in Japanese food culture, so call ahead and confirm your reservation prior to the day you go to let the chef know exactly what he needs to source from the market.
• Insist on trying a certain ingredient that’s not in season, (omakase is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, meaning the chef will only serve the best ingredients in season). Do not expect to be served uni when it is not in season - it will only reflect badly upon you.
• Wear strong perfume or smoke prior to the meal as the odour may mask the delicate flavours and aroma of each dish. Also, this is for the enjoyment of those around you.
• Use flash when taking pictures and avoid leaving each bite for too long as the dish may lose its optimum temperature and flavour.