What Is Omakase and How Does It Work?

Omakase (お任せ) means "I leave it to you". At a sushi counter, you let the chef choose everything, piece by piece, from that day's fish. In Hong Kong, it is the main way to eat serious sushi.

Omakase in brief. What: a chef's-choice sequence, usually 12–20 courses. Where: a counter of about 8–12 seats. How long: 60–90 min at lunch, about 2 hours at dinner. Price in Hong Kong: about HKD 398 to HKD 4,000, plus 10%.

How it works

You book a seat at a fixed sitting time. The chef buys fish for the exact number of guests that morning. At the counter, each piece is shaped and seasoned in front of you, then placed on your plate. Eat it straight away, while the rice is still at body temperature.

The typical sequence

A sushi omakase usually runs light to rich: small appetisers or sashimi; white fish and shellfish; lean tuna; fatty tuna and richer pieces such as uni and ikura; then a roll, tamago, miso soup and dessert. See how many courses omakase has.

What it costs in Hong Kong

Uogashi Nihonichi at Central Market has listed compact omakase from about HKD 398. Sushi Sadayama in Sheung Wan runs lunch at about HKD 588. Gonpachi in Tsim Sha Tsui charges HKD 580–880 at lunch. At the top, Sushi Shikon is HKD 2,250 at lunch and HKD 4,000 at dinner. See what you get at each price.

First time? Book a weekday lunch at a mid-range counter. It is shorter, cheaper and uses the same chef and fish. See lunch versus dinner prices.

What you do

Arrive on time, tell the restaurant about allergies when you book, and follow the chef's pace. Nigiri can be eaten with fingers or chopsticks. If the piece is already glazed, don't add soy sauce. See omakase etiquette.

Words to know: nigiri — hand-pressed sushi · shari — sushi rice · neta — the topping · nikiri — the soy glaze · gari — pickled ginger · agari — green tea.

Most of the menu is raw. Pregnant diners, young children and anyone immunocompromised should ask for cooked options or choose another format. See can you request substitutions.

Common questions

Is omakase only sushi?

No. Omakase means chef's choice; kappo and kaiseki restaurants also serve it. See kaiseki vs omakase.

Can I order extra pieces?

Yes, usually at the end, charged individually.

Where else can I look?

See the best omakase in Hong Kong.

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.