Omakase is a Japanese dining experience that translates to “chef’s choice.” Rooted in the principles of trust, creativity, and expertise, omakase allows diners to surrender their culinary decisions to the skilled hands of the chef. It is a unique and intimate dining experience that showcases the artistry and mastery of Japanese cuisine.
In an omakase meal, the chef curates a customized menu based on the freshest seasonal ingredients, their expertise, and the preferences of the diners. The courses are carefully crafted and thoughtfully presented, creating a harmonious progression of flavours, textures, and visual aesthetics. As such, here are the 5 best omakase restaurants in Kota Kinabalu.
What are the Usual Dishes Served in Omakase Restaurant?
From the restaurants below, omakase’s restaurants offer many delectable dishes to their customers. It is important to remember that the beauty of omakase lies in the chef’s creativity and ability to surprise guests with unique and unexpected dishes.
1. Sashimi
Fresh, thinly sliced raw fish or seafood is a staple in omakase cuisine. It is often served as one of the initial courses to highlight the purity and quality of the ingredients.
2. Nigiri Sushi
Hand-pressed morsels of vinegared sushi rice topped with various seafood or other ingredients. Nigiri sushi showcases the chef’s skill in balancing flavours and textures.
3. Small Plates
Various small dishes, known as kobachi or otsumami, are frequently incorporated. These can include marinated seafood, pickled vegetables, tofu preparations, or delicate appetisers that showcase seasonal ingredients.
4. Rice or Noodles
Towards the end of the meal, a serving of rice or noodles, such as chirashi (scattered sushi) or a noodle dish like soba or udon, may be offered as a satisfying conclusion.
5. Dessert
A light and refreshing dessert, often highlighting seasonal fruits or delicate Japanese sweets like mochi or kanmi, might be served to provide a sweet finale to the dining experience.
What Makes Omakase Stand Out Among Other Dishes?
Omakase showcases the chef’s culinary expertise and artistry. The chef has full control over the menu and ingredients, allowing them to demonstrate their skill in selecting, preparing, and presenting each dish. The meticulous attention to detail and precision in flavor balance elevate Omakase to a level of culinary excellence. Not to mention, omakase is a highly personalised dining experience. The chef takes into consideration the preferences, dietary restrictions, and any specific requests of the diners.
Check out these other delectable restaurants in Kota Kinabalu here:
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- Best Breakfast Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu
- Best Steamboat Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu
5 Best Omakase in Kota Kinabalu 2023
1. Nishiki Restaurant
With Nishiki Restaurant’s emphasis on the art of Japanese cuisine and the mastery of the chef, this establishment invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported into a world of meticulous craftsmanship and gastronomic delight. As the culinary symphony begins, the chef’s meticulous movements and attention to detail are captivating. Each dish is carefully crafted, presenting a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and visual aesthetics. Their dishes include the filling and delectable tonkatsu set and their mouth-watering shoyu ramen, or you can even try out the exclusive Kuwayuki Don that will only leave you with a hunger for more.
Operating Hours: 11:45 am – 2:15 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 608, Jln Lintas, Taman Iramanis, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-473 348
Google Maps: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nishikirestaurant/
2. Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant
Within the bustling cityscape of Kota Kinabalu, a hidden culinary sanctuary awaits those seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Stepping into Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant, patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics. At the heart of this dining establishment lies the essence of omakase—an immersive dining experience where guests entrust their palates to the skilled hands of the chef. From the delicate and refreshing Sashimi Deluxe to the perfectly seasoned cooked items such as their meaty teriyaki, each dish showcases the chef’s mastery and respect for the ingredients.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 2:15 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot 3A, DBKK No. 0-3A, Ground Floor Latitude 6, Jalan Lintas By-pass, Taman Bunga Raja (Phase 3 & 4), 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-831 6623
Google Maps: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nagasakijapanese/
3. Sakagura Japanese Restaurant
Mr Akira Nagata, the owner of Sakagura Japanese Restaurant, first opened its doors in March 2015. The restaurant is his family’s first venture outside of Japan. The restaurant maintains true to its Hokkaido roots, ensuring that you enjoy the most authentic Japanese experience possible from the time you step inside their welcoming traditional atmosphere to feeding you top-quality food flown directly from Japan. Two skilled Japanese chefs prepare their dishes to enhance the Japanese culinary experience. The Premium Assorted Sashimi, which comprises five distinct varieties of fresh raw seafood – Tuna, Kampachi (yellowtail fish), Salmon, Scallop, and Sea Urchins – is one of their cuisine highlights.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-273 604
Google Maps: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sakagurakk/
4. Nagisa Japanese Restaurant
Nagisa Japanese Restaurant offers an intriguing Japanese culinary adventure and the best of Japanese food, skillfully made with the finest ingredients. Nagisa offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, complete with a live sushi and teppanyaki counter, in a traditional Japanese setting. Enjoy our superb sake selection while watching our skilled chefs produce traditional sushi with top-quality seafood at Nagisa’s live sushi counter. Each perfectly created dish begins the symphony of flavours, a monument to the chef’s expertise and love for culinary excellence. Every mouthful is a tribute to the chef’s commitment to excellence, from the delicate and vivid sashimi to the masterfully constructed nigiri.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Thursday – Sunday)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Wednesday)
Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Address: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Jalan Datuk, Jalan Dato Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, 88991 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-221 234
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/138485856220057/
VIEW WEBSITE5. Mi Omakase
The impeccable service at Mi Omakase is a testament to their commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience. The staff’s attention to detail, knowledge of the menu, and genuine warmth create an environment where guests feel pampered and cared for. From the precise timing of each dish to the thoughtful sake pairings, the staff’s meticulousness enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal. As the culinary journey unfolds, the chef takes centre stage, guiding guests through the nuances of each dish. Their passion for the craft shines through as they share stories, techniques, and insights into culinary creations. Try their premium dishes, such as their nigiri sushi, shokuji which is their scrumptious garlic fried rice and end your meal with their sweet kanmi dessert.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Address: G-08, Ground Floor, JQ Central, Coastal Highway, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-865 0988
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087936637254
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miomakase/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
