Omakase restaurants are definitely having a moment in Asia, and Hong Kong is no exception to that rising trend. Meaning ‘I will leave it up to you’ in Japanese, the premise encourages diners to grant chefs the freedom to express their creative verve using the best produce available at the given time. While the common misconception is how expensive omakase meals can often be, let us introduce you to some value-driven options that serve affordable omakase experiences in Hong Kong.
Omakase means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ and essentially, diners leave it up to the chef to select and serve the dishes. Typically, the set comprises appetisers, sushi, sashimi, and dessert starting with the lightest dishes to the heaviest. Choosing an omakase experience allows the chef to be innovative and surprising, oftentimes tailoring to the guests’ preference but also allowing them to try something new. It’s almost a sort of artistic performance as you also get to watch the chef whip magic right in front of your eyes. And because it’s up to the chef to decide what you’ll get, it can also be a gamble—if you’re up for the challenge.
As such, most omakase meals can be pricey like Sushi Fujimoto, unless you know where to look. So, who said you need to burn a hole in your wallet to enjoy the finer things in life? See our top picks of the best restaurants serving affordable omakase in Hong Kong with meals under HKD 1,000 (RM 598.75).
The best restaurants serving affordable omakase in Hong Kong
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Sushi Masa
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Make sure you get this one right. A quick Google search will show you that there are at least four other places with the same name around Hong Kong. The correct one is Sushi Masa x Taiko Sake in Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. This omakase restaurant is proof that things that sound too good to be true, can in fact, be true. The highlight? Its HKD 498 set, which surprisingly, is also the most expensive set on the menu. Prices are also the same for both lunch and dinner and you’ll still get a great dining experience.
Inside is a counter that seats only 14 with warm bright lights with Hong Kong-born chef Masa at the helm. On top of traditional dishes, he also offers unique ones no doubt, honed by his experience in Hong Kong and Japan. If you like some sake to go with your meal, Sushi Masa has a collaboration with Taiko Sake (hence the actual restaurant name), a distillery that has over 350 years of history.
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Sushi Kumo
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With various locations across Hong Kong, Sushi Kumo is a sure winner for any omakase lover. However, those with a penchant for sushi are in for a bigger one because their menus have a lot of it. Pick between sho (HKD 380), kumo (HKD 450), or gin (680) and savour the deliciousness of fresh, seasonal sushi. The cheapest of the bunch is 10 pieces of nigiri while the other two only offer seven pieces. But you’ll still get a hand roll and a miso soup with that. If that’s not enough, the menu still comes with sashimi. Add the complementary appetisers and Japanese-style hospitality and there’s really nothing to frown about. This mid-range experience is all thanks to Kumo’s founder who wants to make omakase restaurants more accessible.
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Shion
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Shion is a small yet intimate sushi bar in Central with chef Seiji Adachi at the helm. Some may recognise that name given his loyal following since his time at Ta-ke and Sushi Kami. Though he keeps a humble, low profile, many gush about his 12-course omakase lunch that goes for less than HKD 1,000. It’s only either HKD 480 or HKD 680 but even the pricier of the lot is only a little over HKD 1,180. In fact, seats get filled up quite fast and advance booking is always required. Amidst the high-end Japanese restaurants in Central, Shion is a welcome addition to those looking for an affordable yet refined omakase meal.
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Sushi Ma
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Don’t quote us on this but Sushi Ma might just have the cheapest omakase meal in town. This Tsim Sha Tsui joint has an omakase sushi lunch for just HKD 368. That’s a 15-piece set of high-quality food that also comes with one hand roll, miso soup, and matcha pudding. Despite its bang-your-bucks price, they don’t compromise with the quality. Plus, the setting is classy and super modern too! It’s everything you’re looking for when it comes to a great omakase meal. You’ll thank us later—wink wink.
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Homakase
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With its name, you can guess the kind of experience Homakase is going for—homey omakase. The design is exactly that of a Japanese sushi bar with varying options for lunch sets, all under HKD 1,000. The special Sushi Royal Course goes for as low as HKD 388. In return, you get a high-value experience that doesn’t hurt your wallet. Its rating in OpenRice also tells you that you’ll have a good time. Homakase also takes pride in using high-quality seasonal ingredients from Japan. Another thing that gives off a homey atmosphere? A dessert painting service based on your request. You can absolutely customise how you want your dessert to look.
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Sooshi Gold
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Sooshi Gold is another gem in Central with sets around HKD 400-500 and even the mid-range ones at just HKD 600-700. And if you book at specific times, you can even enjoy a 10 per cent discount. What a deal! If that’s not enough to get you excited, Sooshi Gold also allows unlimited additional sushi and there are plenty of different varieties to choose from. Make sure to come hungry because you’re going to need a lot of room for this time. Plus, all the promotions are going to make your money worth.
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Shun by Kokoro Sushi
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There are a lot of affordable restaurants in Mong Kok, be it Japanese or other cuisine. But the one we swear by for omakase is Shun by Kokoro Sushi. It stays true to its goal of offering ‘omakase made with heart’ with high–quality yet affordable offerings. The dinner set is only HKD 980 and the lunch options are even cheaper. Expect quality sushi with a beautiful, photogenic presentation in an intimate setting. Somehow, you’ll even forget the hustle and bustle raging outside. So, whether you’re in the area to shop or looking for a budget-friendly omakase experience, this place should be on your list.
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Hika
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Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, izakaya, and omakase all in one—welcome to Hika. This sushi grill and bar has a lot to offer but its omakase is well worth your time. Hika brings Japan’s bounty of fresh seafood and produce from the mountains to Hong Kong. Diners can cherish the natural ‘gifts’ from Japan straight from their plates. Spearheading Hika is chef Fei Ngan, who previously worked in other Japanese restaurants such as The Yun, The Mon, and Gonpachi. Omakase is only available for lunch at HKD 588, perfect for office workers in the area and other busy urbanites.
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Sushi Sakai
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Another option for Causeway Bay dwellers looking for an affordable omakase experience is Sushi Sakai. There are three sets available for lunch starting at HKD 690 with dinner sets on the pricier side. Still, the ingredients are imported daily from Japan and served with the highest quality. Grab a seat at the sushi bar to watch the chefs prepare your meal for visual enjoyment. Take in the sights, smells, and finally taste that will leave you satisfied.
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All images credit: kokorosushihk/Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Omakase means ‘I'll leave it up to you’ wherein diners leave it up to the chef to decide what to serve and prepare.
Omakase can be expensive depending on the ingredients and setting.
Kaiseki refers to a multi-course Japanese meal and the skills and techniques used to prepare them. It’s more of a haute cuisine. Meanwhile, omakase simply means leaving it up to the chef to decide what to prepare and serve.
It is more respectful to eat using chopsticks.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, watching movies, or travelling solo.
