omakase

[ oh-muh-kah-sey ]

noun

, Japanese Cooking.

, plural o·ma·ka·ses

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

If I went to Matsuhisa for the omakase, that’s probably and hour and a half or two hours, so if I left around 8, I’d get back home at around 9:30.

From Los Angeles Times

Juno now offers omakase, a set tasting menu of 20 bites, including appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, warm plates and dessert.

From Salon

Sitting alone at the bar, I ordered the omakase, which meant he curated more than a dozen courses for me.

From Los Angeles Times

Hyun is careful about communicating that Sushi Kaunta is not omakase, where the chef presents sushi to you, piece by piece — there’s not usually time for that.

From Seattle Times

The current generation of omakase chefs in Los Angeles are returning to the essence of the cuisine.

From Los Angeles Times