What Is Omakase? A Complete Guide to the Japanese Dining Experience

(Japanese: お任せ, Hepburn: o-makase)
The word Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you.” It signifies a guest’s complete trust in the chef to curate a selection of artfully crafted, seasonal dishes prepared using the finest ingredients available. Each dish reflects creativity, elegance, and the chef’s deep understanding of Japanese cuisine.

Although many believe omakase is a centuries-old tradition, it actually became popular only in the 1990s. At the time, many guests visiting sushi restaurants were unfamiliar with certain fish names or seasonal ingredients. To avoid confusion or embarrassment, they simply told the chef, “Omakase”—I leave it to you. This allowed the chef to decide the best dishes to serve, giving rise to the modern omakase experience.

At its heart, omakase is built on trust. When you visit our humble restaurant, Mizuya, we invite you to come with an open mind—ready to explore, discover, and savour new flavours. We hope your omakase journey at Mizuya becomes a memorable and enjoyable experience.