Nigiri selection at Sushi Ryu (Photo: @sushiryu.kl/Instagram)
Cover Nigiri selection at Sushi Ryu (Photo: @sushiryu.kl/Instagram)
Nigiri selection at Sushi Ryu (Photo: @sushiryu.kl/Instagram)

Leave all decision-making to these chefs at these fine dining venues

You can expect nothing but the best at an omakase; after all, the experience is designed around only the best seasonal ingredients. The face-to-face interaction with the chef preparing your meal is another intriguing aspect of the experience—you get to watch the chef slicing and plating your sushi as well as learn about all the ingredients that go into a dish. The best thing is, you don't have to struggle to make a decision on what you want to eat from the menu—it's all decided by the chef. 

Read more: The Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia in 2023

Omakase has been growing in popularity here in Malaysia; the options available in the Klang Valley alone are plenty, and more are opening up. Here are our top omakase experiences in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sushi-crafting show. 

Kazu KL

One of Tatler Dining's Top 20 Restaurants in 2023, Kazu KL has recently moved to its new digs at The Five @ KPD. At this new location, it adds Kappo Kazu (a kappo section) and Bā Kazu (a bar created in collaboration with 61Monarchy) to its line-up on top of the existing Sushi Kazu. 

Executive masterchef Norikazu Shibata is at the helm of Kazu KL's omakase experience and his talents have garnered a dedicated following in the city. Expect tastefully crafted morsels here that are not only catered to the seasons, but also the diner's palate. 

Kazu KL | Pavilion At The Five Lot 54303 & 54304, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2011 8211 | @kazu.kualalumpur on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm & 7pm-10pm

Sushi Taka

Edomae-style sushi shines at Sushi Taka. Edomae-style refers to sushi made with fish caught in Tokyo Bay and cooked and cured with a special technique before serving. Simplicity is key here. 

Sushi Taka | The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Level 3A, 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 330 3600 | @taka.kl on Instagram | Wednesday-Monday, 12pm-2:30pm & 6pm-10pm

See also: Where to buy sashimi-grade fish for homemade sushi

Sushi Hibiki

Executive chef-owner Makoto Saito Sam leads the team at Sushi Hibiki, located in the Four Seasons Shoppes. The restaurant is known for its premium Miyabi course, which consists of Edomae-style sushi made with meticulous care and precision.

While its menu is clean and classic, you can still expect a play on creativity from Saito Sam, who is also known for his highly lauded biannual Sushi Summit that gathers the city's best sushi chefs.

Sushi Hibiki | G7(B), Ground Floor, Four Seasons Place, 145 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2391 9008 | @hibiki.my on Instagram | Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-10pm

Sushi Ryu

Located in Platinum Park, Sushi Ryu is run by a team of young but knowledgeable chefs. Its omakase menus consist of fresh seasonal ingredients flown in directly from Japan.

On top of premium nigiri and sashimi, an omakase experience here can include luxe dishes like a King crab pasta with truffle caviar and a Wagyu beef donburi with truffle caviar and onsen egg.

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

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Sushi Azabu

The Malaysian outpost of Manhattan's Sushi Azabu is tucked away inside Isetan KL in Lot 10. It is known for its precision and finesse in sushi-making and service. Ingredients are flown in twice a week from the famed Tsukiji market. You can also opt for sake pairing menu. 

Sushi Azabu | 4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2119 2624 | @azabu.kl on Instagram | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm

Sushi Oribe

Sushi Oribe prides itself on a personalised omakase journey curated for each diner. There are three menus for lunch and dinner respectively, each at a different price point to cater to different budgets. 

Expect an impressive variety of fish including conger eel, yellowtail belly, and Japanese barracuda. Throughout the meal, the chefs on duty will also introduce the cuts of fish you are served, so your experience here is not only delicious but also educational. 

Sushi Oribe | Vipod Residences, Ground Floor Block C-1, No 6, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | Tel: +603 2181 4099; WhatsApp: +6018 204 1781 | @oribesushi on Instagram | Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-3 pm & 6pm-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm; closed Tuesday

Read more: A food lover's guide to Hakuba, Japan

Sushi Ori

Not to be confused with the above, Sushi Ori is located in Menara Keck Seng along Jalan Bukit Bintang and was established by a husband-and-wife duo from Japan. Each piece of sushi is enhanced with sushi rice marinated in red vinegar, which is a common practice in traditional Edo-style sushi. It seats only eight diners at one time but it has built quite a large fanbase in Kuala Lumpur.

Sushi Ori | Unit PG-01, Ground Floor Podium Block, Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2110-0068 | sushi-ori.com | Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30 pm & 6pm-10 pm; Sunday, 6pm-10pm

Okaju Contemporary Japanese Robatayaki

While it's known for its fiery robatayaki offerings since it opened in 2022, its omakase is also superb. Run by chef-owner Eddie Ng, who also owns the acclaimed Ed.ju Omakase, Okaju won the Best Interior Design award at the Tatler Dining Awards 2023

There are a number of menus for you to choose from, including a chef's selection tasting menu that requires seven days notice. For those who would like to sample just a few pieces or a certain fish, you may do so with the individual sushi menu or the chef's selection of sushi. 

Okaju Contemporary Japanese Robatayaki | G30&G31, Ground Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 419 3090 | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-2 pm & 6pm-10 pm

See also: Inside Tatler Dining Awards 2023 for the unveiling of the top 20 restaurants

Chipta 11a

Chipta 11a puts a creative spin on classic omakase by incorporating local ingredients but cooked using traditional Japanese techniques. Expect dishes like grilled Hokkaido scallop with sengkuang and smoked masaba (blue mackerel) roll with asam Jawa rice. 

Chipta 11a | 11a, Jalan 20/16, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya | +6011 2899 6296 | @chipta11a on Instagram | Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30 pm & 6pm-10 pm, Sunday-Tuesday, 6pm-10 pm, closed Monday

Sushi Masa

Sushi Masa is an extension of the renowned Sushi Masa Ishibashi in Tokyo's bustling Ginza, owned by Michelin chef Masakazu Ishibashi. Attention to detail is at the forefront here as the chefs pay homage to the age-old traditions.

Sushi Masa | Lot 1-03 First Floor, Menara Hap Seng ,3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +6011 1466 9374 | @sushimasa.kl on Instagram | Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12pm-2pm & 6pm-10:30pm; Tuesday and Friday, 6pm-10:30pm, closed Monday

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Amanda Fung
Writer, Tatler Dining, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Amanda Fung

Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to. 

Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.