Cover Sushi Kazu

Six of the city’s best omakase, where the chefs are at the helm of your entire dining experience, from fish head to shrimp tail

This article was originally published on October 31, 2017 and was updated on March 23, 2022.

Dining omakase (chef's choice) ensures patrons get the best a restaurant has to offer, as they indulge in premium cuts of fish flown in from Japan prepared and selected by the chefs. Leave it up to these culinary maestros to guide you on a gastronomical experience.

See also: The Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia in 2022

1. Sushi Hara

Tatler Asia
Photo: Khairul Imran
Above Photo: Imran Sulaiman

Dubbed one of Tatler Dining Guide 2022’s best sushi spots in town, Sushi Hara is at the top of its game when it comes to omakase. Executive chef Usami Yasuro, who hails from historic Yokohama, boasts over 34 years of experience behind the sushi counter and finesse that not many possess.

Their omakase menu is updated daily, reflecting the availability and freshness of their ingredients. All you have to do is decide on how many types of sushi you’d like as part of your meal and the rest is up to those who wield the sushi knives. Along with deputy chef Kelvin Wan, Chef Usami carefully crafts each piece of sushi; to them, working with fish is not just a job but a lifestyle and a way to continue tradition.

Sushi Hara | No. 360, Level 2-12 & 13, The Linc, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur | +6017 821 5556 | Monday-Sunday, 12-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm

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

2. Sushi Azabu

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Shaffiq Farhan / Tatler Dining Malaysia

Born and bred in New York City, where it has earned a Michelin star, Sushi Azabu has proudly called Kuala Lumpur home for the last few years. Since then, they’ve been impressing diners with their traditional Edo-mae style sushi, which dates all the way back to the Edo period between the 17th to 19th century. Sushi Azabu’s menu highlights the freshest catch of the day and lets the ingredients sing for themselves.

Seasonal seafood is flown in directly from the famed Tsukiji market in Japan twice a week to ensure freshness and quality. Sushi Azabu’s menu, like its creations, is simple and to the point, which makes it easy for diners to choose their own omakase adventures and allows for a fuss-free evening from the moment you step through the noren*. 

*Noren = the traditional Japanese curtain or fabric divider hung by entrances

Sushi Azabu | 4F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 789 8632 | Monday-Sunday, 12-3pm, 6-10pm

Related: Try The Burnt Cheesecake Ice Cream At The Tokyo Restaurant At Isetan

3. Sushi Oribe

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Sushi Oribe

Located in downtown KL, the restaurant has gathered a loyal following thanks to its elegant atmosphere, delicious sushi and focused menu. There's an omakase option, which we recommend, but there are also four sets to choose from if omakase doesn't float your boat. Here, you'll be ensured some of the freshest fish and craftsmanship that are both hard to come by. 

Sushi Oribe | E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, Ground Floor, Block C-1, Vipod Residences, 6, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2181 4099 | Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 12-3pm, 6-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 12-3pm, 6-8pm, 8:30-11pm

Related: 5 Creative Tokyo Restaurants To Dine In

4. Sushi Kazu

Tatler Asia

Another one of the Tatler Dining Guide 2022's entries and the cover star of the Tatler Dining Guide 2021, Sushi Kazu delivers where it matters–the food. Master sushi chef Norikazu Shibata's 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. Not only does he tweak his techniques according to season, but he also takes the individual customer into consideration. 

Sushi Kazu | Lot 8-A, Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +603 7490 2208 | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-11pm

Related: 7 Famous Restaurants In Tokyo With A Fascinating History

5. Sushi Hibiki

Tatler Asia

With its cosy setting and classy atmosphere, Sushi Hibiki uses the finest ingredients to ensure that you have an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. Executive owner chef Makoto Saito Sam has collected years of experience as a sushi chef while also racking up stamps in his passport as he’s served flawless pieces of sushi to customers in Japan, Australia, Italy, and now, Malaysia.

During an omakase experience at Sushi Hibiki, you can expect to be surprised with seafood hailed from waters foreign to Japan as well. A master of his craft, Saito has not shied away from experimenting with non-Japanese ingredients like carabinero prawns and even using them as the hero of the dish. 

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

6. Ed.Ju Omakase

Tatler Asia
Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

With only 10 seats at the sushi counter, an omakase experience at Ed.Ju is personal, exciting, and inventive. Ed.Ju takes modern techniques and flavour profiles and elevates the traditions that omakase is rooted in, making for a unique and pleasantly surprising dining experience.

In addition to his contemporary techniques and takes on dishes, chef and owner Eddie Ng also puts his own personal twists to the concept of omakase from only using aged fish for his sushi and sashimi to serving a warm or hot course in between each cold course to diversify your dining experience. 

Ed.Ju Omakase | G-19 Ground Floor, Damansara City Mall, Damansara City, 6, Jalan Damanlela, Damansara City, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 301 3060 | Monday-Saturday, 12pm-8pm

NOW READ

Kuala Lumpur's Tenryu Showcases Japanese Kappo Dining at its Finest

A Taste Of Home: Zoee Wong On Her Favourite Eats In Malaysia

Where & What to Eat: 7 Yakitori Spots You Have to Try

Topics