If you’re looking for an unforgettable sushi experience, omakase is the way to go. Omakase (お任せ) is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it to you.” It’s a dining style where the chef gets to choose what dishes to serve, so each meal is a unique surprise.
And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Calgary, some amazing omakase restaurants are waiting for you.
Here is our list of the best omakase experiences in Calgary:
Nupo
Nupo is a small, unassuming sushi restaurant in Calgary’s East Village. The focus here is on simple, fresh flavors and traditional techniques. Chef Darren MacLean who loves vegan, fish, and sushi will serve you for The Omakase Experience.
The Omakase Experience at Nupo is a combination of 5 seasonal snacks, 15 pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and dessert. The snacks change frequently, The nigiri is served in the traditional style with fish on top of rice, and each piece is formed by hand. You’ll get to try a variety of seasonal fish, including some that are hard to find outside of Japan.
You can enjoy an exclusive experience with chef Darren MacLean with only 6-seats per night and the price is $150 per person but with that much quality, it is worth it.
Address: 631 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1C3, Canada
Omakase Price: $150 per person not including tax, drink, gratuity
Information & Booking: https://nupo.ca/
Kabuku
Fusion Japanese restaurant, Kabuku has everything you could want in a Japanese restaurant from sushi, sashimi, udon, tempura, and more. It’s gluten-free and has vegan-friendly options too.
Kabuku’s omakase is a 5-course meal that will design based on your preference. The chef will start by asking you some questions to get an idea of what you like to eat and what kind of flavors you prefer. From there, they’ll create a customized menu just for you.
The omakase at Kabuku is reasonably priced at $95 per person, making it a great option if you’re on a budget. And you can enjoy Kabuku omakase both Downtown and in Aspen, so there’s no excuse not to try it!
Address:
- Kabuku Downtown: 414 3 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1R2
- Kabuku Aspen: 10 Aspen Stone Blvd SW #2136, Calgary, AB T3H 0K3
Omakase Price: $95 per person not including tax, drink, gratuity
Information & Booking: http://www.kabuku.ca/
Honorable mentions
Well, due to COVID-19 many restaurants once offers the omakase course and now have to change their plan. We would like to mention it because their Japanese cuisine is definitely still worth trying.
Sukiyaki House
Sukiyaki House is serving Japanese cuisine to Calgarians for over 46 years. The restaurant has an extensive menu with all of your Japanese favorites, including udon, tempura, and sushi.
Growing up in Osaka, Japan, skilled chef Koji Kobayashi was trained in the highest form of Japanese fine dining known as “kaiseki.” After working at several prestigious restaurants in Osaka, including Kagairou, he went on to become Sous Chef at Nagomi An Kitahama, where he gained extensive experience crafting seasonally-inspired tasting menus.
Now living and working in Calgary, Chef Kobayashi brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for using fresh, seasonal ingredients to Sukiyaki House. His sophisticated culinary skills and artful approach to Japanese cuisine make him an ideal choice for diners looking for a truly exceptional dining experience.
Sukiyaki House offerings omakase course and kaiseki course are both multicourse meals that highlight the freshest and best seasonal ingredients. This exclusive course is only once a month. But since COVID-19 the course is rarely seen, last seen is on June 2022. So, please check their website for the latest information.
Address: 608 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C6
Omakase Price: not available at this moment
Information & Booking: https://www.sukiyakihouse.com/
Goro + Gun
At the heart of Goro + Gun lies a passion for the art of noodle-making, embodied in the film Tampopo and exemplified by the restaurant’s executive chef, Tomo Mitsuno. Located on Calgary’s bustling Stephen Avenue, Goro + Gun combines modern art graphics with Japanese design elements, such as hardwood and clean, right angles.
With its spacious 150-seat dining area, this popular noodle bar invites diners to explore a variety of innovative dishes that celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for ramen, udon, soba, or somen noodles, Goro + Gun is sure to satisfy your craving for authentic Japanese flavors.
Back before COVID-19, Goro + Gun offered an omakase-style dining experience that allowed guests to enjoy a variety of small plates, followed by a choice of ramen or udon noodles. Many people say in reviews that it’s an amazing experience and the noodles are worth trying. Unfortunately, as of now, they don’t offer this course anymore within hope, omakase will happen sometime in 2023. but cross your fingers for an earlier date.
But their regular menu is still available for order. So please check out their website for the latest information about their offerings.
Address: Scotia Center, 225 7 Ave SW #245, Calgary, AB T2P 2W3
Omakase Price: not available at this moment
Information & Booking: https://www.goroandgun.ca/
It feels rare to see Japanese cuisine in Calgary offer omakase or kaiseki courses. So when you find one, it’s definitely worth exploring and trying out. These restaurants definitely give the best experience for those who love Japanese cuisine. And we hope shortly, there will be more restaurants offering this amazing course.
Anyway if you can’t wait, Edmonton, Richmond, and Toronto has Omakase restaurants too. But be sure to check out before going there, there is so far from Calgary.
If you know any other places that offer Omakase or Kaiseki courses in Calgary, please let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with your foodie friends.
Please note that the information provided is accurate as of October 2022.
