Looking for the best omakase Vancouver has to offer? Well, you’re in the right place!
In Japan, “Omakase” simply means that the customer leaves all control to the chef to decide what to serve you. Or in short, ordering an Omakase means that “I trust you, Chef”.
If you’re in a hurry, the top spots we recommend are Okeya Kyujiro and Sushi Jin for a premium omakase experience in Vancouver.
But whether you’re looking for high-end, intimate omakase Vancouver spots, or affordable, hidden gems, you are sure to find your favourites with our suggestions on the 10 best Omakase spots Metro Vancouver has to offer.
1. Okeya Kyujiro
Located in Yaletown, Okeya Kyujiro is the ninth restaurant in Vancouver to receive a MICHELIN star for its excellent omakase experience! Once you’re here, you’ll be guided by a host wearing traditional clothing to enter a dark dining room, waiting for the show to start!
Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of Cirque du Soleil and the traditional beauty of kabuki performances, he sought to open a restaurant that was not just about food, but a celebration of art and beauty.
And when you hear the music, see the curtains rise, witness Chef Masuda brandish a humongous knife to cut tamago (egg), and the tea ceremony at the end…it all makes sense in what the team is trying to create.
Over the course of two hours, guests at Okeya Kyujiro partake in an impressive 25-course journey, each dish carefully constructed to narrate a unique culinary tale of different prefectures in Japan.
The parade of delicacies showcases a range of sushi and sashimi, including chutoro and otoro tuna.
The meals are an exhibition of craftsmanship, with chefs displaying whole fish in front you, like the eccentrically thin orange trumpet fish, slithering eel, and the Hokkaido hairy crab, that will be part of dinner.
Address: 1038 Mainland Street, Vancouver
2. Sushi Jin
Sushi Jin is a hidden gem to all the locals who know good food! This place is tiny but mighty with room for just eight at the bar, plus two additional tables but trust us, the food quality is no joke and the experience is outstanding!
People keep coming back for their Premium Omakase Course, which includes 18 dishes of Otzumami, Nigiri Zushi, Temaki, Tamago, and dessert plated beautifully. So make sure you’ll order it the moment you set foot here!
Take a bite of each piece and you’ll realize how fresh and prepared with great care it is. We personally love the Ankimo in a Ponzu bath, which is brilliantly simple yet luxurious, followed by miso soup in a lobster broth that is so comforting!
What to order: Premium Omakase Course
Address: 750 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A8
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3. Yugafu
Have you ever discovered a restaurant that’s so good that you just want to keep it to yourself? If yes, Yugafu in Surrey will be the next spot on your list, offering an affordable omakase experience in a home-y, cozy ambiance!
Our best advice is to surprise yourself with their Omakase Kaiseki Dinner which comes with an appetizer, a grilled dish, a deep-fried dish, 9 pieces of nigiri sushi, soup, and dessert.
The true bomb flavours only start when the nigiri comes up, which is so fresh and tasty that you will burst into tears because of happiness!
Don’t hesitate to order a bottle of sake to accompany you. For something traditional, their list of hot and cold sake can easily please you, or you can try getting the Plum Wine for a great combination of sweet and slightly tangy taste!
What to order: Omakase Kaiseki Dinner, Plum Wine
Address: 18818 68 Ave #103, Surrey, BC V4N 6K2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Tetsu Sushi Bar
In search of an authentic, simple yet tasteful Japanese spot in town?
West End’s Tetsu Sushi Bar with an intimate space and top-notch food is going to soothe your omakase cravings and light up your whole day!
It’s a must to try their Tetsu Omakase, which first comes up with 5-6 pieces of seasonal appetizer, Chawanmushi, 13 pieces of sushi, Tamago, and finally dessert. Believe us when we say the flavour and texture really explode in your palate!
Besides the omakase course, this place is also famous for its rolls, especially the Uni & Negitoro Hand Roll, which has a slightly funky cheesy butter and is really amazing! Save from room for dessert, and the Hojicha Ice Cream is what we’re talking about!
What to order: Tetsu Omakase, Uni & Negitoro Hand Roll, Hojicha Ice Cream
Address: 775 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Octopus Garden
Octopus Garden is one of the most difficult places to score a reservation for good reasons!
For decades, this quirky charmer has been offering eaters the most outstanding omakase journey in an authentic, minimal Japanese setting.
Settle down with the Chef’s Choice Course Menu, a dream comes true for all raw food lovers when includes Uni Shooter, 4 kinds of appetizers, sashimi, sushi, soup, and dessert! Take your time to feast well on these supremely fresh fish!
We must mention the Premium Nigiri Sushi Platter, which comes with 10 pieces of Nigiri sushi including Japanese Uni and Bluefin Tuna Otoro.
They are excellent enough to satisfy your cravings, and wash them all down with a glass of super fragrant Matcha Plum wine!
What to order: Chef’s Choice Course Menu, Premium Nigiri Sushi Platter, Matcha Plum wine
Address: 1995 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Sushi Bar Maumi
Sushi Bar Maumi is a Michelin Guide-recommended spot for an authentic omakase experience in Vancouver.
Enter the space, you’ll be welcomed with such a cozy ambiance, a traditional-inspired setting filled with locals who know good food!
It is always a must to have their Omakase Course, from which we bet you’ll notice how fresh and packed-with-umami-flavour those pieces of raw fish are! Not only the taste but the texture and smooth mouthfeel are wholesome as well!
In case you still have room for a few more pieces, don’t hesitate to try their iconic Honmaguro Chu-Toro marinated in secret sauce, which tastes so good that it turns out to be a pure joy to eat!
What to order: Omakase Course, Honmaguro Chu-Toro
Address: 1668 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C7
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7. Masayoshi
Ever wonder how luxurious omakase can be? Check out Masayoshi, an award-winning and MICHELIN One Star 24-seat gem nestled in Fraserhood that can make you fall in love with its top-notch food and service!
We recommend their Nigiri Omakase. It is a must, which is packed with a mouth-watering appetizer, 10 pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and dessert.
Be prepared because this course is too good to be true, from the fresh ingredient to the creative flavour combination!
The whole course is meant to show what the season has to offer paired with skillful presentations, so don’t hesitate to talk with the chef to figure out the story behind each creation!
At the end of the day, we bet you’re ready to check your calendar for when you can make it back.
What to order: Nigiri Omakase, Kubota Senju Sake.
Address: 4376 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4G3
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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8. Sushi Bar Shu
Have you ever thought of trying Omakase for lunch? If yes, pass by Sushi Bar Shu for the most exclusive omakase sushi bar by offers some of the freshest selections of seafood and masterful Japanese cuisine!
The Lunch Omakase, which is available on Saturdays and Sundays, comes with Otoshi, 8 pieces of nigiri, maki sushi, mini sushi rice bowl, Tamago yaki, and Mini udon. Light yet flavourful enough to make your day!
For dinner, the course gets even more interesting with 3 kinds of Chef choice Sashimi Tasting, 3 kinds of appetizers, Miso soup, 11 pieces of nigiri, Atsuyaki Tamago, Negitoro handroll, and dessert.
Each dish complements the other, making your palate go crazy for happiness!
Pro-tip: be sure to book in advance as they don’t accept walk-ins.
What to order: Omakase Sushi, Omakase Sushi Course, Akami
Address: 8099 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z5
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Stem Japanese Eatery
Stem Japanese Eatery is a Burnaby gem for all locals who crave a home-y, simple but full-of-quality Omakase experience in Vancouver.
Nothing can compare to the presentation, aroma, and taste of all the dishes here, definitely a must-try if you love Japanese cuisine!
There is a variety of Omakase Courses for you to choose from, staples like Chef’s Kaiseki Omakase and Mini Kaiseki are the most popular choices for you to consider.
The Chef’s Kaiseki Omakase includes 8-9 courses, while the Mini one comes with 5 courses and one stunning dessert!
If you’re a big fan of sashimi, don’t forget to try the Fresh Catch 5 Kinds Special Sashimi from Japan to be mesmerized by the fresh-bouncing texture and silky mouthfeel!
Every piece coming after one another just compliments each other so well that will make you come back for more!
What to order: Chef’s Kaiseki Omakase, Mini Kaiseki, Fresh Catch 5 Kinds Special Sashimi
Address: 5205 Rumble St, Burnaby, BC V5J 2B7
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Tojo’s
Being the most well-known upscale sushi restaurant in Vancouver and credited with creating the California Roll, we have to say that Tojo’s ain’t like any typical sushi points you have ever visited (or imagined)!
Once entered, you’ll be greeted by a modern, open atmosphere, and spacious tables, which is perfect for any family gathering and friend meeting!
The thing we love the most at Tojo’s is its variable choices of Omakase, which consists of Seasonal Omakase, Shiawase Omakase, Yokozuna Omakase, and Sushi Bar Omakase (the most high-end one).
We can’t say enough about how delicious and delicate those pieces are but we’re so sure your palate is going to be thankful for that!
Don’t be shy, treat yourself with a drink too! We highly recommend you try the Yuzuyu, a fragrant, fresh, and spicy alcoholic-free drink made out of yuzu, honey, and nutmeg!
What to order: Seasonal Omakase, Shiawase Omakase, Yokozuna Omakase, Sushi Bar Omakase, Yuzuyu
Address: 1133 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G1
Website | Instagram | Facebook
And there you go – the best omakase Vancouver has to offer! Though having differences in operation, style, and size, they all share 2 things in common: creativity and uniqueness.
Looking for more great food? Well, check our our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.