Crazy for Omakase
For those who love sushi, an omakase experience is a must. Here are 4 local spots that offer the interactive Japanese dinner.
If you’re not familiar with omakase, here’s a short explanation: Basically, it’s a sushi dinner, where you are served creative pieces of nigiri, one at a time, over the course of the meal. Typically, omakase includes 10 to 20 pieces of nigiri and finishes up in two hours or less. The courses are “chef’s choice”—omikase means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese—meaning you don’t have to worry about knowing what anything means on the menu This also allows the chef to showcase his or her talents and the freshest ingredients of the day.
Omakase chefs are often more than happy to put on a show—and let diners be a part of it. Don’t be surprised if you’re handed a blowtorch to put the finishing touches on a piece of tuna or salmon!
Ready to indulge? Here’s where you can go locally for a truly memorable omakase experience.
SUSHI BY BOU | Palm Beach Gardens (at PGA National), Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale
Sushi By Bou originated in New York City, where its founders transformed hotel spaces into 1920s-vibe speakeasies. It quickly spread across the country, with three locations right here in South Florida. Each location has a different decor theme, but all are intimate and super sexy. Choose either the 12-course ($60) or 17-course ($125) omakase and savor items like tuna, salmon roe, spotted prawn, miso black cod, and wagyu. Click here to reserve.
MOODY TONGUE SUSHI | West Palm Beach (at Hilton)
If you haven’t heard, Moody Tongue was recognized last year by Michelin, who added the West Palm Beach restaurant to its prestigious “Michelin Recommended” list. The omakase dinner here is a bit different in that it includes beer pairings—craft pours from the brand’s famous, Chicago-based and Michelin-starred Moody Tongue Brewery. The 8-course omakase is $95; 13 courses will set you back $185. Click here to reserve.
SUNSET SUSHI OMAKASE | Delray Beach and Boca Raton
Local native Chef David Bouhadana spent time in Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture and studied under master sushi chefs. He is the founder of Sushi By Bou as well as owner of Sunset Sushi Omakase, which is located inside Boca’s AlleyCat restaurant. Omakase offerings at Sunset Sushi include 8 pieces for $40 or 12 pieces for $65. You can also order a premium omakase box to-go, which includes 10 pieces of nigiri for $65. Even better, Sunset Sushi will come to your home and cater a private omakase experience for you and your guests! The “Homakase” includes 15 to 17 courses and a full setup (starting at $225 per guest; 12 guests maximum). Click here to reserve.
TAKI OMASAKE | Boca Raton
With two locations nearby to choose from, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to snag a seat at this popular omasake restaurant. The tasting experience here includes a whopping 18 courses for dinner ($180 per person at the Delray Beach location; $220 in Boca Raton). Both locations also offer a lunchtime omakase option (13 course for $100 per person). Click here to reserve.