Photo: Sushi Azabu
Cover Photo: Sushi Azabu
From Desaru in Johor to Kuala Lumpur, these are the finest places to enjoy sushi, omakase and sake, according to the latest Tatler Dining Guide

Ed.Ju Omakase

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Ed.ju Omakase
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Ed.ju Omakase

We try the 10-course Contaminated Omakase. Its unusual name refers to the use of aged fish (instead of fresh) and Chinese vinegar (instead of Japanese) in the crafting of the dishes. Highlights are the Uni Nasu Dengaku, a miso and eggplant dish elevated by the presence of sea urchin, as well as the Unagi Sushi Roll.

Ed.ju Omakase | G-19 Damansara City Mall, Damansara City, 6 Jalan Damanlela, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 301 3060 | edjuomakase.com | Restaurant: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-2pm, 6pm-10:30pm; Lounge: Monday-Sunday, 12pm-late

Related: 6 Omakase Experiences You Must Not Miss in Kuala Lumpur

Hoshi

Tatler Asia
Photo: Hoshi, One&Only Desaru Coast
Above Photo: Hoshi, One&Only Desaru Coast
Tatler Asia
Photo: Hoshi, One&Only Desaru Coast
Above Photo: Hoshi, One&Only Desaru Coast

Hoshi is the Japanese word for ‘star’, and it certainly lives up to its name. The appetisers are beautifully crafted and presented, with the ikura and peas chawan mushi being quite exquisite. The tuna tartare is another stunning dish, the blended tuna contrasting beautifully with the piping hot fried paus. This is followed by a selection of nine sushi servings, all top notch, super fresh and delicately handled. Also noteworthy is the excellent presentation, with dishes served on top of a glass bowl filled with sea shells and local leaves.

Hoshi | One&Only Desaru Coast, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Johor Darul Ta’zim | +607 878 3400 | oneandonlyresorts.com | Tuesday-Thursday, 7pm-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 7:30pm-10pm

See also: The Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia in 2022

 

 

Hoshun Sushi Kaiseki

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@hoshun.my
Above Photo: Instagram/@hoshun.my
Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@hoshun.my
Above Photo: Instagram/@hoshun.my

Opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic requires nerves of steel, and Hoshun Sushi largely delivers what it promises: excellent kaiseki with the freshest produce from Japan. And it’s all done in a fuss-free setting, with just enough embellishments for distinction, from the ceiling decorated with papercranes to the elegant artwork in the main dining hall. 

Hoshun Sushi Kaiseki | 54-1, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6017 600 8190 | hoshun.my | Monday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm

Related: 5 Inspiring Art & Craft Installations in Kuala Lumpur's Restaurants and Bars

Kikubari

Tatler Asia
Photo: Kikubari
Above Photo: Kikubari

Kikubari adapts and owns techniques across French and Japanese cuisines, showcasing a repertoire of progressive offerings that please and intrigue. Each item on the menu is evident of deep thought. Her lightly torched hamachi is inspired, its avocado and edamame pea adding vivid blots of colour to the aesthetic. Vegan options also abound, not just as an excuse or an afterthought, but each a merit in its own right. Seemingly basic ingredients like tofu, poultry and vegetables are crafted into extraordinary, moving experiences by the chef’s capable hands. 

Kikubari | #L3-01A, DC Mall, Damansara City, 6 Jalan Damanlela, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6013 362 4546 | kikubarikl.com | Monday-Friday, 12pm-2:30pm & 5pm-10:30pm; Saturday, 5pm-10:30pm

See also: Cinnamon Group's Abbi Kanthasamy on Why It's Important to Always Put People First

Shiki Omakase

Tatler Asia
Photo: Shiki Omakase
Above Photo: Shiki Omakase
Tatler Asia
Photo: Shiki Omakase
Above Photo: Shiki Omakase

Small and intimate, Shiki Omakase packs a punch when it comes to sophisticated and elegant Japanese fine dining. Keeping true to its name (which means four seasons) the large modern art installation dominating the main wall of Shiki depicts Mount Fuji with the four colours representing the four seasons. And just like the art, Shiki’s menu also changes four times a year according to the seasons. With a choice of Kappo Omakase (cooked) or Sushi Omakase (raw) the menu is further subdivided into a choice of seven courses or 10. 

Shiki Omakase | A4-U1-05, Block A4, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +6011 3677 4134 | Shiki Omakase on Facebook | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm & 6pm-10:30pm

Related: How Datin Jean Liew Stays Ahead in Malaysia's Ever-Evolving F&B Scene

Sushi Azabu

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Sushi Azabu
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Sushi Azabu

Sushi Azabu’s three sets are presented beautifully, with either the servers or the sushi chef explaining exactly what each dish is in detail. The gaps between each dish is a good, reasonable time, so we never feel hungry. For dessert, we have Japanese melon, yuzu sorbet and black sesame ice cream. The Japanese melon is very sweet and refreshing, but it is the homemade black sesame ice cream that stands out. 

Sushi Azabu | 4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 789 8632 | isetankl.com.my | Monday-Sunday, 12:00pm-3:00pm & 6:00pm-11:00pm

See also: Where & What To Eat: 8 Places to Explore in Bukit Bintang

Sushi Hara

Tatler Asia
Photo: Khairul Imran
Above Photo: Khairul Imran
Tatler Asia
Photo: Khairul Imran
Above Photo: Khairul Imran

Balance plays a primary role at Sushi Hara. Rather like the restaurant’s sleek, pared-back interiors, its omakase menus are a demonstration of getting the fundamentals absolutely right: an elegant procession of flavours and startlingly good seasonal specialties, all delivered at a perfectly measured pace until diners find themselves satisfied but never overwhelmed.

Sushi Hara | No. 2-12 & 2-13, Level 2, The Linc, No. 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur | +6017 821 5556 | sushihara.com.my | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm & 6pm-10:30pm

Related: Tatler Dining Guide 2022: What To Order at Sushi Hara

Sushi Hibiki

Tatler Asia
Photo: Sushi Hibiki
Above Photo: Sushi Hibiki
Tatler Asia
Photo: Sushi Hibiki
Above Photo: Sushi Hibiki

Sushi Hibiki dishes out a few surprises in its premium omakase Miyabi menu for those familiar with edomae sushi. The beginning displays salvo after salvo of premium Japanese seafood prepared with minimal manipulation, boasting in-season prized vegetables and mushrooms, oysters, and hairy crabs. The nigiri course is also superb, with a few curveballs in place that mix up the order of nigiri served to keep your palate on the edge. 

Sushi Hibiki | Lot B1-04(A), Basement 1 Shoppes at Four Seasons Place KL, 145, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2391 9008 | hibiki4s.me | Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-10pm

Sushi Kazu

Tatler Asia
Photo: Sushi Kazu
Above Photo: Sushi Kazu

Sushi Kazu delivers where it matters—the food. Masterchef Norikazu Shibata's (or Kazu-san) culinary techniques have long been the talk of the town, and to see his swift and capable hands in action at the chef’s table is breathtaking. Witness omakase taken to a whole new level, as Kazu-san meticulously crafts each serving to your tastes, creating a delicate dance between diner and the dined-on.

Sushi Kazu | Lot 8-A, Plaza Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +603 7490 2208 | sushikazu.my | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-11pm

Related: Sushi Kazu, Cover Star Of The 2021 Tatler Dining Guide

Sushi Ryu

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@sushiryu.kl
Above Photo: Instagram/@sushiryu.kl

Sushi Ryu is currently run by a group of young, dynamic and talented local chefs offering luxurious and modern Japanese cuisine. You can expect the food to be of high quality and consistently good due to the care taken by the chefs. We recommend you sit by the sushi counter for the omakase, so you can enquire about the provenance and the type of seafood being offered. 

Sushi Ryu | Unit 3.3, Level 2, Tower 1, Platinum Park KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2181 1533 | ryu-sushi.com | Monday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10:30pm

See also: The Best Wagyu Katsu Sando In The Klang Valley

Sushi Shin

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@sushishinjb
Above Photo: Instagram/@sushishinjb

In the span of under two years, Sushi Shin has not just become Johor’s foremost omakase restaurant, it has upped the stakes for what constitutes fine dining in this city. The Sushi Shin signature—offering the freshest and most premium seasonal ingredients on exquisite serving ware presented in a Zen-like space finessed with attentive service—shines through in every aspect.

Sushi Shin | 55, Jalan Keris 1, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru | +607 333 9818 | sushishinjb.com | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm

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