9 Best Omakase Restaurants In KL For A Special Treat Or A Romantic Date

The Japanese phrase omakase, commonly used when ordering sushi in Japanese restaurants means "I'll leave it up to you". It is often used by Japanese patrons when they hope to leave the selection and serving of seasonal specialties and sushi to the chef, as opposed to specifying their order based off a menu. The chef will then start presenting a series of dishes that will surprise you - the experience is often likened to an artistic performance by a chef!

Omakase dining has become increasingly popular in Malaysia in recent years, especially for those looking to treat themselves to an exquisite meal or to celebrate a special occasion. While it's usually not a cheap experience as opposed to ordering ala carte food items, it's definitely worth a try if you love sushi! Check out our list of 9 restaurants around KL where you can indulge in a unique and memorable omakase meal.

Sushi Azabu is a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant with origins from New York City. Expect to be served traditional house specialty sushi crafted from freshly-imported fish flown in from Japan, prepared in skillful, elegant ways. Located in Isetan The Japan Store in Lot 10, it is easily accessible and helmed by experience Japanese chefs. Omakase courses start from RM360 and are available for lunch or dinner. We'd recommend adding on a sake pairing and leave it to the staff to serve you the right drink to be enjoyed with the right sushi.

Address: 4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

Located on the ground floor of Intermark Mall, Hanare offers an exquisite omakase experience that's great for special occasions, you can even enjoy an additional 10% off with discounted cash vouchers available on Klook.

The seafood used in the dishes are handpicked and flown in from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo twice a week, and crafted into unique, high-quality dishes by professional chefs with years of experience under their belts. Besides omakase courses, Hanare also offers set menus, ala carte items, kaiseki lunch sets, as well as weekend brunch buffets that are extremely popular amongst lovers of Japanese food.

Address: Vista Tower 182, Jln Tun Razak, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Edju Omakase is a quaint space with an intimate sushi counter that can host only up to 10 guests at once. The restaurant's kitchen is led by Perlis-born Chef Eddie Ng, the executive chef and co-owner of the restaurant! Eddie spent his formative culinary years in the kitchens of London and is the creative force behind Edju. The restaurant serves a contemporary omakase meal (using only aged fish in its sushi) from RM380++ per pax. While it may not be the most traditional and authentic Japanese omakase restaurant around, the flavours and creativity behind the plates here will give you a pleasant surprise!

Address: G-19 Ground Floor, Damansara City Mall, Damansara City, 6, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Be served by a warm, amicable chef at Sushi Hibiki, an elegant restaurant located at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur. Chef Makoto Saito Sam of Sushi Hibiki loves making conversation with his customers while he carefully crafts fresh sushi in front of them - the chef believes 'who you eat with' is more important than 'what you eat', and thus is committed to providing warm hospitality alongside amazing food. Chef Makoto has spent two decades honing his craft, starting from his home city of Tokyo to Sydney, Rome, Kyoto, before opening his very own restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

Address: Lot B1-04(A), Basement 1 Shoppes at Four Seasons Place KL No, 145, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Sushi Ryu breaks some rules of traditional omakase with fusion elements in their dishes! This modern sushiya located within the prime KLCC district is unafraid to be bold, adventurous, and different, and is committed to inspire the tastebuds of their patrons. Expect dishes infused with seasonal truffles, foei gras, and caviar - the restaurant is also known for its delicious signature wagyu beef that will likely blow your mind. Omakase courses here are priced in the mid-range from RM279 per pax, there are also lunch sets and ala carte items available.

Address: Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Sushi Oribe is a cosy, laid-back restaurant that opened its doors in 2014 by Master Chef Hideaki Oritsuki. Indulge in elegant bites such as luscious servings of Hiroshima oysters and Hokkaido uni - you can expect different menus depending on the seasonalities in Japan. There are counter seats, individual tables, as well as private rooms available at the restaurant to cater to different groups of patrons, and the omakase courses start from RM380 per pax. You can even opt for a special course if you're keen on being served only special seasonal plates of higher-quality!

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

Brought to you by Tokyo's 3-Michelin starred Sushi Saito, Taka claims to serve one of the best sushi in KL. In fact, all the chefs here have been trained personally by Takashi Saito, the youngest sushi chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. Get seated at an intimate 16-seater counter and be served handcrafted sushi and premium Ozaki beef prepared with only the freshest seasonal ingredients from Japan. The price for the omakase courses at Taka are on the higher end (starting from RM900 per pax), inclusive of 6 appetizers, 1 grilled fish, 10 sushi, and a sushi roll. If you're willing to splurge a bit for a special occasion, sign yourself up for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Address: No. 6, Level 3A, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in The Gardens Mall, Sou Omakase is popular amongst those looking for a first-time omakase experience. There is no ala-carte menu here, so make sure you don't walk in and ask for one! The restaurant's omakase lunch set is highly-recommended and comes in 8 courses including soup, sashimi, yakimono, and homemade dessert at an affordable price tag of only RM148+ per person. You'll definitely leave with a satisfied belly once you're done with the course!

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

Fuss-free and laid-back, Koyaku is a lovely neighbourhood Japanese restaurant located in Taman Desa. Koyaku means "little house" in Japanese, and the quaint and cosy space definitely lives up to the name - you'll feel right at home the moment you step in! Koyaku has an ala-carte menu as well as offers special omakase courses - your meal can even be tailored based on your personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget. Get ready to indulge in innovative and sophisticated dishes from uni chawanmushi (topped with salmon roe! *gasps*) to wagyu beef topped with freshly-shaved winter black truffles and monkfish paired with caviar!

Address: G9, Jalan Desa Bahagia, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur