Omakase Etiquette: What to Do at the Counter

Omakase etiquette is mostly common sense: arrive on time, eat each piece promptly, and respect the chef's rhythm. Nobody expects visitors to know every Japanese custom — but a few habits make the meal better for you and everyone at the counter.

The essentials. Arrive: 10 minutes early. Eat: each piece within about a minute. Soy: don't add it to glazed pieces; if you do dip, fish side down. Wasabi: don't mix it into soy. Scent: no strong perfume. Photos: quick, and ask before photographing the chef.

Before the meal

Book ahead and share allergies in writing. Arrive ten minutes early, as everyone is served together. Skip strong perfume — it interferes with the fish. See dress code and seating rules.

Eating nigiri

Use fingers or chopsticks — both are fine. Eat each piece in one bite if you can, and promptly, while the rice is warm. If the chef has brushed on nikiri, don't add soy. If you do dip, turn the piece and touch the fish, not the rice.

Wasabi and ginger

The chef usually places wasabi inside the piece. Don't stir wasabi into soy. Gari (pickled ginger) is a palate cleanser between pieces, not a topping. See wasabi and soy sauce.

Talking to the chef

Conversation is welcome when the chef has a moment. Ask what a fish is or where it came from. Don't ask for changes mid-sequence; ask for extra pieces at the end. See English-speaking omakase chefs.

Phones and photos

Keep your phone silent, take calls outside, and never let a piece sit while you take photos. Ask before photographing the chef.

Say thank you. "Gochisōsama deshita" (thank you for the meal) at the end is appreciated. No tip is expected — the 10% service charge covers it. See do you tip at omakase.

Don't worry about: using chopsticks perfectly · not speaking Japanese · asking what a fish is · saying you're full.

The things that do cause problems: arriving late · letting pieces sit · strong perfume · loud phone calls · undeclared allergies.

Common questions

Is it rude to eat sushi with your hands?

No. Fingers are traditional for nigiri.

Can I ask for no wasabi?

Yes — say "sabi nuki" when you book or sit down.

Where else can I look?

See what is omakase and can you request substitutions.

Compiled by our editorial team from restaurant information, current venue listings, published menus and diner reviews, retrieved September 2026. Reviews are individual opinions. Prices exclude the 10% service charge unless stated and change without notice. No restaurant paid for inclusion.