omakase

[oh-muh-kah-sey]

noun

Japanese Cooking.

plural

omakases 

1. a series of dishes selected by the chef for the customer or a group of customers, often at a fixed price.

   The omakase was a lovely experience—the sushi servings were small, but they were numerous, unique, and exquisite.

adjective

Japanese Cooking.

1. in accordance with or trusting the chef’s discretion.

   The items on the omakase menu did nothing to ease my doubts about this whole dining omakase thing, but props to the chef, who knew just where to find the convert in me.

Word History and Origins

Origin of omakase¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from Japanese: “the leaving (of a decision) for another to decide,” from o-, 2nd person honorific prefix ( otaku ( def. ) ) + makase “deferring, entrusting” (derivative of makaseru “to entrust”)

Example Sentences

On a recent trip to New York City, they splurged on an omakase dinner and logged it in their spreadsheet on the subway ride back to their hotel.

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Between omakase, small plates and cocktails with unpronounceable ingredients, even the most devoted foodies can get baffled when they walk into a restaurant.

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The omakase tower offers a selection of sushi, tuna tartare, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi, and rolls — perfect for those who enjoy heavily sauced sushi.

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While working at Sushi of Gari in New York City, Zheng enjoyed her very first omakase with a few friends for Christmas dinner.

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There are open-air booths facing the stage where guests can order bottle service with a la carte options from Nobu, while the interior features a chef’s counter with omakase service.

Read more on Los Angeles Times