At most sushi places, omakase (“to entrust”) simply means you “trust” the chef to serve you whatever dishes he likes before you get full and tap out. We prefer the more formal version – similar to a prix fixe, with a set number of dishes that might change with the season. Only a handful of Valley restaurants do it – and here are three.
By Craig Outhier | Photos courtesy Harumi; Yuzu Omakase; Shinbay
Economy
Harumi Sushi & Sake
Long one of Downtown’s hidden gems, this people-pleasing sushi restaurant moved to larger digs across First Avenue last year, unveiling a more extensive, idiosyncratic menu. It also offers one of the Valley’s most affordable omakases: 13 nigiri and temaki selections for $52. Heck, we’ll take two. 101 N. First Ave., Phoenix, 602-258-0131, harumisushiaz.com
Mid-Range
Yuzu Omakase
Part of the Origami Ramen Bar family, this North Phoenix eatery opened in August with a well-conceived omakase program in place, offering limited nightly seatings ($85). Expect about a dozen nuanced nigiri delights from former Nobu chef Yusuke Kuroda. 4727 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 602-291-5610, yuzu.toast.site
Luxury
ShinBay
Founding chef Shinji Kurita parted ways last year, but the Valley’s premier omakase temple has managed to soldier on under veteran itamae Tanaka Ken, wowing diners with course after course of rare, delicate vegetables and ethereal fish cuts, in a spare, solemn dining room that often feels like a surgical theater. Will BC/BS cover the $250 feast? If only. 3720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-361-1021, shin-bay.com
