"Omakase" translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, giving the chef the freedom to surprise diners with their finest creations. Simply put, the complete fate of your meal is in the hands of the chef.
In Lisbon, several restaurants offer omakase, each with limited seating and time slots, meaning you'll need to book well in advance, but they are all worth a visit!
Kanazawa: Located in Belem, Michelin-starred Kanazawa by Chef Paulo Morais offers an authentic omakase experience with beautifully plated, seasonal dishes.
Omakase Ri: Lisbon's coolest omakase spot, named after its passionate owner Mr. Ri, offers a modern twist on traditional sushi in an intimate setting.
Besides Kanazawa and Omakase Ri, several Japanese restaurants in Lisbon also offer sushi made in front of you, such as Yakuza by Olivier, Hikidaishi Taberna Japonesa, and Go Juu. Looking ahead to 2024, Lisbon anticipates new omakase openings like Omakase Wa, Iru Omakase, and Yoso Omakase. I'm eager to see if they will innovate or merely follow the popular "omakase" trend.