Omakase is more than just a meal—it’s a performance, a trust-based experience where the chef curates a personalised menu based on the freshest ingredients of the day. Whether you're after melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, flame-kissed Wagyu or the delicate balance of umami in expertly crafted sushi, these omakase experiences promise to leave an impression. From refined retreats in Victoria to hidden gems on the Gold Coast, here are the best places to surrender your taste buds to the chef's expertise.
Komeyui Restaurant – South Melbourne, VIC
Tucked away on Ferrars Street, Komeyui Restaurant is a sanctuary of Japanese precision and artistry. Helmed by Executive Chef Motomu Kumano, a Hokkaido native with an uncompromising dedication to technique, this sleek and minimalist venue offers an authentic, handcrafted omakase experience. Black leather furnishings, curated greenery and elegant floral arrangements create a sophisticated setting for a meal designed to bring people together in harmony.
The omakase menu showcases delicacies like grilled saltwater barramundi, complemented by the rich depth of miso butter. Expect refined dishes such as kingfish sashimi with a zesty white ponzu cucumber dressing, or the indulgence of spanner crab with sesame mayonnaise and buttered shokupan. For those seeking warmth and comfort, the red miso beef curry is a standout, while the housemade brown rice tea ice cream provides a sweet, earthy conclusion.
Etsu Izakaya – Mermaid Beach, QLD
Step through an unassuming barn door on the Gold Coast Highway and enter the moody, neon-lit wonderland of Etsu Izakaya. The lively atmosphere, walls adorned with Japanese photography and a long, intimate dining space make this a hotspot for both romantic evenings and after-work indulgence.
The omakase offering leans into the smoky allure of the robata grill, with signature dishes such as miso-marinated toothfish, perfectly caramelised and served with pickled fennel, fragrant yuzu skin, steamed rice and charred corn. Yakitori skewers bring bold flavours, from Hokkaido scallops with shiso buttermilk and ikura to pork belly enhanced by a ginger glaze and nashi pear chutney. End on a high with their matcha tiramisu, a sweet, bitter and creamy symphony that lingers long after the last bite.
Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat – Hepburn Springs, VIC
Nestled in four acres of serene bushland, Shizuka Ryokan is a destination that soothes both body and soul. This traditional Japanese inn on Lakeside Drive in Hepburn Springs offers not only massages and yoga but also an exquisite omakase experience inspired by the changing seasons.
The menu is a sensory journey, starting with a delicate omelette infused with sake, dashi and mirin. Later in the day, the chef curates a selection of artfully plated dishes such as teriyaki chicken, crisp seasonal vegetable karaage and Japonica rice paired with miso soup. Desserts are equally impressive, featuring a bright citrusy yuzu cheesecake alongside sesame meringue and a rich chocolate and ginger ice cream. Guests looking to extend the experience can book a stay in one of the tranquil guest rooms.
SHIO is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary pilgrimage through Tasmania’s pristine produce, guided by the skilled hands of Chef Kazumasa. Located in the charming countryside of Geeveston at Cambridge House, this intimate omakase experience is deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship and an unwavering respect for nature’s bounty.
Aged bluefin tuna, hand-dived abalone and Tasmanian venison take centre stage in a meticulously crafted 12-14 course degustation that changes with the day’s freshest offerings. Expect delicate bites of baby octopus, expertly seared salmon and silky freshwater eel, each plated with minimalist perfection. Every dish tells a story, transforming the dining table into a stage for both flavour and philosophy.
Meaning ‘blue moon’ in Japanese, AOI.TSUKI. is a hidden gem on Punt Road delivering a bespoke omakase experience that evolves with the seasons. Guests take their seats at the sleek U-shaped sushi bar, where masterful chefs engage in effortless banter while transforming pristine ingredients into edible works of art.
Expect a procession of raw and cooked delights—silky chawanmushi infused with blue cheese and crowned with caviar, delicate nigiri selections including squid, sea urchin, tuna and King George whiting, as well as dry-aged salmon. For an unforgettable showpiece, witness the blowtorched Wagyu, its marbled richness amplified by shaved foie gras. With sake flights or expertly paired wines on offer, each bite at AOI.TSUKI. is a lesson in precision and indulgence.
Omakase is not just about eating—it’s about surrendering control and trusting the chef to take you on a journey of flavour and discovery. From the meticulously aged sashimi of SHIO to the smoky robata mastery at Etsu Izakaya, these omakase experiences showcase the best of Japanese culinary tradition with an Australian twist. Wherever you choose to indulge, be prepared for a dining experience that is as much about the artistry as it is about the taste.
