Explainer: what’s the difference between omakase and kaiseki?

You may have heard the terms omakase and kaiseki talked about in a culinary context but do you know exactly what they mean and how they differ, beyond that they are linked to Japanese cuisine? 

This article will help you understand both these Japanese culinary terms, the differences between them and where you can enjoy omakase and kaiseki experiences. 

What is omakase? 

Omakase, which means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese, is a culinary experience whereby traditionally a small number of diners are seated around a sushi counter, while the sushi chef crafts dishes including nigiri based on seasonal ingredients adapting what is served in real time based on your preferences, mood and engagement with the experience. It’s an interaction between guests and the chef, a very personal and coveted experience, and often high-end (think Jiro Dreams of Sushi as perhaps the ultimate sushi omakase). 

In recent years, the sushi omakase experience has spread around the world, becoming a huge trend, again tending to be very high-end, and moving beyond sushi into other culinary experiences such as live fire omakase (for example at Spanish chef Dani Garcia’s Smoked Room concept) and pizza, with the proliferation of by the slice pizza tasting menus. What is defined as omakase has also broadened out beyond counter dining – an omakase experience can be enjoyed by a whole restaurant. Omakase has now become a broader term to describe a dynamic chef’s tasting menu. 

We recommend trying sushi omakase at Endo at the Rotunda in London. 

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal focused on highly seasonal ingredients. Dishes are small and artfully presented in beautiful ceramics or lacquerware, each highlighting a different cooking or preparation method, such as soup, grilled, sashimi and rice courses (rice is always served as the last savoury dish). The experience is highly ritualised and kaiseki is considered Japan’s traditional haute cuisine, with roots in the traditional tea ceremony. It’s not just about the food, however: the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or sincere, selfless hospitality, is just as important to the experience. Kaiseki restaurants are usually elegantly yet modestly decorated. The cuisine can also often be found at traditional Japanese inns known as ryokans.

We recommend Roketsu in London for a traditional kaiseki experience, or for something more contemporary with an Italian twist, Angelina, also in London. 

What’s the difference between omakase and kaiseki?

Omakase and kaiseki are both multi-course, traditionally Japanese dining experiences, but there are important differences between the two. While kaiseki is a strictly structured set menu where you will know the dishes you are having beforehand, omakase is more dynamic, without a menu, with the chef adapting what is served to create a more personalised experience. Both highlight seasonal cuisine, but omakase is a more spontaneous way to dine, which, if you like to be surprised whilst dining out, could be a rewarding experience. You just need to keep an open mind! 

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