The best omakase experiences in Mumbai

What is it: An omakase that brings you ingredients flown in straight from Toyosu Fish Market in Japan

Why we love it: This is the place that introduced contemporary Japanese to Mumbaikars some 20 years ago. It’s one of the very first places to have an omakase experience, or Chef’s Choice, as they like to call it. You’ll find beluga caviar, black truffle shavings, gold leaf, and more luxurious touches. The white fish, salmon, salmon roe, bluefin tuna, hamachi and many more are flown in from Tokyo. 

Chef Takahiro Shiga’s omakase also features a live sushi bar and teppanyaki station, plus a live wasabi grating ritual – something that few restaurants in the country are doing. In total, there are three annual omakase menus curated by Wasabi’s masterchefs.

The experience has to be booked a day in advance. It’s at a hefty price, but hey, you have a world-class chef preparing a meal for you – and sweeping views of the Gateway of India!

Time Out tip: When Chef Masaharu Morimoto, AKA the Iron Chef, visits Wasabi, there are special omakase curations as well. Keep your eyes peeled for those.

Price: ₹10,500 (vegetarian) and ₹11,500 (non-vegetarian), plus taxes per person

Timings: Mon-Sun. 12.30pm-2pm and 7pm-11pm.

Contact: 022 66653202

Address: Wasabi by Morimoto, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, 400001

What is it: If omakase and izakaya have a lovechild: omakaya. This is Chef Golpin Sianipar and Ronald Ramirez’s intimate, six-seater, multi-course tasting menu

Why we love it: Every detail, whether it’s the food curation or the inventive cocktails, allows you to slow down and learn a thing or two about Japanese culture. Bonus: If you play your cards right, you also get to go behind the bar and literally make your own next course, guided by the chef and the head bartender.

The tasting menu has hassun (appetiser), otoshi, sakana, agemono (deep fried snacks), sushi, shusai (main course), and dezāto (desserts). It features ponzu (citrus vinaigrette), hamachi, usuzukuri, miso, rolls, soups, donburi, ramen, and more.

You get to pick your own beverage journey – cocktails, artisan teas, or wine. The cocktail names draw inspiration from Japanese legends and ancient texts. Each is an homage to a deity popular in their culture – Kuraokami, Izanami or Amaterasu. If you don’t want alcoholic options, you can pick from infused, artisan teas, again, named after folk heroes or deities. Or simply play it safe and sip on some shiraz, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. 

Time Out tip: The omakaya is available on pre-booking only, and there are only six seats each night. 

Price: ₹6,000 (veg) and ₹7,000 (non-veg) plus taxes per person

Timings: Mon-Sun. 8.30pm-1am.

Contact: 06206936142

Address: Mayouchi, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Plot No 2 & 3B, Saki Vihar Rd, near Chinmayanand Ashram, Mumbai, 400087

What is it:  Chef Anand Morwani turns Gaijin (a foreigner; a respectful observer, here) and offers an outsider-led interpretation of Japanese omakase dining to patrons

Why we love it: The omakase at Gaijin flows through dialogue between you and the chef. You perch around the counter for this intimate night. Seasonality is at the core of the ever-changing menu, which offers the day’s best ingredients to diners. Small plates, nigiri and sashimi keep you satiated. Behind the counter, you see the chef’s knife move with precision. Timing, seasoning, temperature control and other techniques run the show that you witness in awe. This isn’t your usual omakase experience.

Time Out tip: It’s perfect for date night, since only two seats are available, booked 24 hours in advance.

Price: ₹3,500 plus taxes per person

Timings: Tues-Sun. 7.30 pm or 10pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact: 08591615552

Address: Gaijin, Lotia Palace, Linking Rd, Opp. Citi Bank, Khar West, Mumbai, 400052

What is it: A Nikkei omakase on the 37th floor of The St. Regis Mumbai

Why we love it: There was a time when Koishii was one of the very few restaurants doing Nikkei cuisine in Mumbai. Over the years, its offerings has only gotten better. Koishii does a special omakase menu that has to be pre-booked, featuring the choicest Peruvian ingredients, while techniques stay truly Japanese. For drinks, you can go à la carte. 

Time Out Tip: There has to be a minimum of two persons at the table to opt for the omakase menu.

Price: ₹4,900 (veg) and ₹6,900 (non-veg) plus taxes per person

Timings: Mon-Fri 7pm-1am, and Sat-Sun 12.30pm-4pm.

Address: Level 37, at The St. Regis, The Penthouse, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, next to Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400013

What is it: A 1.5-hour-long experience where you let the chef feed you 18-20 courses, all featuring seasonal produce

Why we love it: A very detail-oriented Chef Sanjay Chauhan takes six diners on a journey that honestly highlights his creativity. The omakase experience happens at the dedicated bar, and the menu keeps changing. Some dishes may not even repeat while the ingredients are in season, but what stays constant is the display of techniques and plating, and bold flavours. While the chef takes you from course to course, you sip on some nama sake. Between the courses, the palate cleansers elevate the experience to come. This single sitting is a crash course in Japanese dining. 

Time Out Tip: Vegetarians, skip this one – it’s a non-vegetarian heavy curation.

Price: ₹4,000 plus taxes per person

Timings: Fri-Sun. 8.30pm onwards.

Contact: 09004618228 / 09004618229

Address: Mirai, 2nd floor, Suburbia Building between Linking Road, and, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, 400050