Linguistically, the word omakase means “I’ll leave it to you”, referring to the chef. It is a traditional Japanese fine dining where the chef will decide the menu. There are multiple courses to be served, from the lightest appetizers and then progresses to heavier and more complex servings, which eventually conclude with desserts. All will be prepared right there and then in front of the customers. Even the ingredients are all fresh and high quality to ensure ultimate delight.

More than fine dining, this experience also involves art performances of skillful cooking and the aesthetic presentation of the foods. As Japanese cuisine becomes more popular internationally, this art of fancy dining is also trending in Kuala Lumpur. If you feel like giving it a try, here are some of the best restaurants in the city you can consider visiting:

1. Sou

It might be easy to notice how Sou Omakase Dining has incorporated local Malaysian ingredients into its Japanese-style menu. But beyond that, this restaurant also blends modern culinary innovation with time-honored practices to craft a more elaborate culinary fusion.

best omakase kuala lumpur — https://www.sou.com.my/

Entering the restaurant, you will feel the quiet and relaxing vibe through its warm-toned furnishing and dim lighting. While the interior adopts contemporary furnishings, you can still feel a strong Japanese ambiance in the air. The intimate setting allows the chefs to interact more comfortably with diners and provide more personalized services as they see fit.

Price: Starting from MYR 118 / pax

Address: G247, Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 58000, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Lunch 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm -10:00 pm (LO 9:00 pm)

Special Menu: Abalone Course, King Crab Course, Birthday Dessert

2. Iki

Deeply committed to authenticity, Iki Omakase uses many ingredients directly flown from Japan, especially beef and seafood. Interestingly, this establishment also aims for personalization to create unforgettable dining experiences for each customer. The chefs may go as far as to discuss your preference for taste profiles with you.

Elements of wood and marble stone put together in minimalistic design allow customers to focus on the chef’s performance and the quality they serve. Every little detail feels elegant and mesmerizing. It is also interesting that the restaurant offers a tea and lounge for customers for those seeking to nibble light or dine in a simpler format.

Price: Starting from MYR 238 / pax

Address: 16, Jalan Kemuning, Off, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, Lunch 12:00 pm – 02:30 pm, 1st Session Dinner 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm, 2nd Session Dinner 08:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Special Menu: A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Seasonal Sea Urchin, Hokkaido Rock Oyster, Japanese Horsehair Crab

3. Sushi Yoshi

Adopting the concept of a Zen garden and the minimalistic principle of Japanese architecture, Sushi Yoshi Omakase hopes to deliver tranquility and comfort in anything they serve in this restaurant. The bright ivory color and wooden furnishing create a warm atmosphere that goes fairly well with the mellow lighting.

To maintain its high-quality servings, the restaurant only uses the freshest ingredients, some even directly imported from Japan. Your appetite will intensify as you see the fine handiwork of the chefs preparing your meal on your table. With a Michelin 1-star to keep for years, this restaurant truly knows how to deliver each course throughout your session.

Price: Starting from MYR 298 / pax

Address: G01-G02 LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Center, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Special Menu: Uni Temaki, Bonito Fish, Japanese Spanish Mackerel

4. Kazu Kuala Lumpur

No other restaurant in Kuala Lumpur offers a comprehensive dining experience as Kazu KL. Three types of omakase are available to provide different culinary adventures and delights. The sushi, led by Master Chef Norikazu Shibata, focuses on the Edomae sushi style with his meticulous craftsmanship. A more casual yet still refined dining option is Kappo, while Bā is a mixologist haven.

Each offering will invoke five of your senses to the experience as the restaurant aims for high-class unforgettable service. Ingredients may change seasonally, with some even flown directly from Japan to ensure the authenticity of tastes and textures. The aroma and aesthetic plating will also feel like a pleasure during the serving.

Price: Starting from MYR 258 / pax

Address: Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Lunch 12.00 am – 3.00 pm, Dinner 7.00–10.30 pm

Special Menu: Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Yuzu Sorbet, Seasonal Hors D’oeuvre

5. AO Omakase TTDI

Stepping into AO Omakase, you can tell by its interior that this place offers a more contemporary version of this Japanese culinary journey. Expect a series of fusion servings with Chef Steve helmets in the kitchen. This restaurant boasts the concept of a “dance of flavors”, meaning that your palate will face surprising twists with their seasonally-curated menu.

Aside from the delightful tastes, this restaurant is also notable for delivering more enchanting presentations than any other establishment in Kuala Lumpur. The aesthetic pairs well with the ambiance of the intimate interior with all those sleek and clean-cut surfaces. This fancy dining is also available for private events on Sunday, but you have to reserve the date in advance.

Price: Starting from MYR 388 / pax

Address: L-2-2 Level 2, Bangunan Ahp, 2, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, Lunch 11.30 am–2.30 pm, Dinner 6.00–10.30 pm

Special Menu: Sakizuke, Shiizakana, Takiawase, A5 Wagyu

6. Manten

It is fine Japanese dining, but high in the sky. Manten Omakase brings a phenomenal atmosphere with its marble cave-like interior with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city view from above. It feels modern, but you can still sense the Japanese heritage in the ambiance.

Head Chef Waimeng’s practical approach and creativity will indulge you with traditional cuisines with some contemporary twists throughout the courses. Ingredients are top-notch quality, and the serving presentation is intricately beautiful. For the most luxurious experiences, try booking for Gourmand’s Pick or Chef’s Treasure package, where all the best things will be served.

Price: Starting from MYR 388 / pax

Address: Tower 2 No, Rooftop, Star Residence, Level 88, 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am – 10:30 pm

Special Menu: Seasonal Nigiri, Uni Handroll, Baerri Caviar

7. Fusion Omakase by Makii Sushi

Highly committed to personalized delights, Fusion Omakase by Makii Sushi guarantees that no two dining are identical. The chef will engage with each customer and tailor a unique culinary adventure based on their taste profile. Be ready to challenge your palate with courses of tantalizing cuisine. But of course, it is best to reserve in advance so the chef has ample time to customize the courses for you.

True to its name, this establishment prides itself on its inclusion of innovative cooking techniques and components. The finest ingredients, including seasonal specialties, are in line with the chef’s skillful performance to impress you with an unforgettable dining experience. Compared to another omakase restaurant, this one is quite affordable.

Price: Starting from MYR 199 / pax

Address: Old Klang Road, E2-0-21, Jalan 1/152, Taman Oug Parklane, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12.00 am – 10.30 pm

Special Menu: Japanese Sea Bream, Foie Gras, Hokkaido Scalop, King Prawn Soup

8. Sushi Oribe

Upholding the concept of “Ichi-go ichi-e” which translates to “one time, one meeting”, Sushi Oribe commits to delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for each dining encounter. Selections of ingredients change seasonally to maintain the utmost freshness and taste. The restaurant’s dedication to quality is evident in its meticulous food preparations, even for the simplest ingredients.

More than a feast for your palate, you will also enjoy the feast for your eyes through its highly aesthetic presentation and intricate plating. The elements are colorful and beautifully arranged, and the aroma sparks tantalizingly to invoke your appetite. Besides the omakase courses, a la carte items and selections of sake are available to order.

Price: Starting from MYR 270 / pax

Address: Vipod Residences, Ground Floor Block C-1, No 6, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, Lunch 12:00 – 15:00 (Last order: 13:30)
Dinner 18:00 – 22:00 (Last order: 20:30), Friday – Sunday, Lunch 12:00 – 15:00 (Last order: 13:30), Dinner 18:00 – 20:00, Dinner 20:30 – 23:00 (Last order: 20:30)

Special Menu: Blackthroat Seaperch, Pacific Saury and Sardine, Sea Urchin, Salmon Roe

Omakase dining offers an exclusive journey through the art of Japan’s most intricate cuisine. Beyond cooking, the chefs become storytellers of a feast that customizes a comprehensive culinary experience you will never forget.

This kind of special experience is something you should take your time on. To avoid rushing on the commute from or to the restaurant, it might be a great idea to rent a hotel nearby. At Flow, you can rent hotel units at hourly rates instead of booking the whole day and night. It allows you to have a relaxed time before or after having your Japanese fancy dining.

Our reviews and recommendations are honest and not influenced by compensation or sponsorship. Unless stated otherwise, we do not receive payment or free products for positive reviews. Any compensation or products received for reviews will be disclosed in the relevant post.

FAQs

Can omakase facilitate people with certain allergies?

While the key to omakase is to trust your chef about your menu, some establishments can adjust their ingredient arrangements for people with specific food restrictions. It is highly advisable to book and inform your situation in advance so the chefs will have ample time to prepare. However, they will be less likely to be able to cater to people with severe allergies due to the high risk of cross-contamination.

Will sake be served along with the meals in omakase dining??

It’s quite likely. Sake pairing is a common practice in Japanese cuisine, particularly for dishes like sashimi and nigiri made from raw fish. Not only does it enhance the flavors, but the alcohol content in sake also helps cleanse your palate between courses. If you’d rather not have any alcoholic beverages, feel free to inform the chef in advance. They’ll likely offer ginger for palate cleansing.

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