Best Japanese Restaurants in KL for Sushi & Omakase

There are many factors that put this restaurant on the map for an exquisite Japanese meal, but it's the entire omakase experience prepared by Chef Hideaki Oritsuki that keeps customers coming back for more. Regulars sing praises of Chef Ori's skills and hospitality, so request for a seat at the counter to soak it all in. On the menu, you'll find traditional Edo-style sushi – fish served on red vinegared rice – best enjoyed when you order the 12-Sushi Tsubaki (RM357). Feel like treating yourself to something fancier? Book yourself Sushi Ori’s Special Omakase (from RM780) that requires a reservation made ten days in advance featuring specially sourced ingredients like Hokkaido hairy crab and Hokkaido lobster.
Photo by Burppler Amayzing .

Tucked in Isetan in 1 Utama Shopping Centre, this tiny restaurant sees lines forming for sushi – come early as they don't take reservations. No omakase-style menus here, but instead an assortment of nigiri, hand rolls, fresh sashimi and more. Must-haves include the Grilled Salmon Roll (RM19.80) and the Soft Shell Crab Roll (RM19.80), both topped with thick cuts of fish served with wasabi and pickled ginger. If you're here for lunch, go for the pocket-friendly promos like the Ichiro A eight-piece sushi platter at RM23.80. For a complete meal, opt for the add-ons of miso soup and the super silky chawanmushi (RM4.50).
Photo by Burppler Tiffany Ng

For a more affordable omakase-style experience, this classy Japanese restaurant in the city offers lunch sets that won't break the bank. The TEN set (RM80) gets you eight types of sushi plus an appetiser, steamed egg, a sushi roll, miso soup and dessert. The sushi served is based on what's available, and you can look forward to incredibly fresh fish like Japanese barracuda and bluefin tuna on warm rice. Sushi is served one at a time in true omakase fashion, and for this, we recommend putting the chopsticks aside and enjoy the event with your fingers. P.s This lunch set is also available on weekends!
Photo by Burppler Alison K

This Michelin-starred sushi bar from New York is now in KL's ISETAN The Japan Store, showcasing premium sushi and sashimi at accessible prices. You’re here for the Azabu Course (RM280), an eight-course omakase meal consisting of two sashimi courses and eight seasonal nigiri. Burppler Nicholas Ng commends the high-grade cuts offered while Burppler Blueskies Cottonclouds reports the sake pairing (from RM140) is worth throwing in as the drinks pair excellently with the food. For something more affordable, swing by for lunch and get the Hanakago Set (RM50), a basket filled with four side dishes, tempura plus some sashimi and sushi.
Photo by Burppler Amayzing .

On the quieter side of Desa Sri Hartamas lies this unassuming restaurant serving quality omakase meals. The vibe here is very Japanese – a small, minimalist spot highlighted with warm lights, with a focus on the sushi bar – you’ll want to take a seat here. Come nightfall the restaurant only offers omakase meals (from RM200) or sushi sets (from RM80). Here's how it works: choose the amount of sushi you're hungry for (you can go from five to eight, or more) and leave the rest to the chef. Each meal comes with two small appetisers, chawanmushi and a dessert.
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Salmon lovers, you’ll be pleased to know that this cosy restaurant serves up fresh and thick cuts of fish that will satisfy all cravings. The spacious 41-seater gets busy both during lunch and dinner, so make your reservation days in advance for a seat. Bring your sushi-loving friends along to enjoy the Assorted Sashimi (RM150) that feeds up to three people. For more salmon, the Grilled Salmon Roll (from RM20) is highly recommended by Burppler Carmen Chan, which comes with double aburi salmon bonus – on top and stuffed in the roll. Heaven!
Photo by Burppler Carmen Chan

Omakase meals are taken to the next level at this stylish restaurant with a sushi menu melded together with luxurious ingredients like truffle and caviar. On top of that, your sushi is prepared by a chef with Michelin star cred – owner-chef Kiichi Okabe was formerly with Singapore's two Michelin-starred restaurant, Shoukouwa. A meal here is priced from RM279 for lunch and RM579 for dinner, but rest assured it's worth it. The menu is decided based on what's in season, and if you're lucky, you just might get your hands on the prime engawa (flounder) or sashimi with truffle soy.
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Spot this chic sushi room in Medan Damansara that’s an ultimate haven for sashimi lovers. If you’re here for lunch, the crowd-favourite Royal Sashimi Lunch Box (RM88) piled with uni, ikura and salmon trout is a decadent meal for one. Dinner sees a bigger menu with an abundance of sashimi and sushi plates worth sharing. Get the Hamachi (RM60), Salmon (RM28) and the Yuki Moriawase (eight sushis, RM128) for the table. Finish off that delicious meal with a drink from Fincch Sushi Room's small but solid list of sakes and wines.
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This Bukit Damansara joint aims to please all Japanese food lovers with both sashimi and grill bars. The menu is straightforward and built around plates to share – pen down this spot for your next dinner with friends. On sushi, Voon's Nigiri (an omakase of classic nigiri, RM68) is good for two, but we also recommend getting the Hotate sashimi (scallop, RM35) and Tekka nigiri (lean tuna, RM16). And from the grill bar, both the Negima (chicken and leek, RM6.50) and Tsukune (chicken meatballs, RM7.50) made with Jidori (free-range) chicken are must-orders. For off-menu delights, look to Kinme’s specials board for seasonal items from Japan like aji (Japanese horse mackerel). Cap off the meal with a glass of the housemade Ripe Plum Umeshu (RM35, a glass) by Chef Voon.
Photo by Burppler Blueskies Cottonclouds

For a taste of Japan's finest seafood, look to this joint in Wisma Lim Foo Yong for tasty eats. Named after Tokyo's famous fish market, Tsukiji No.8 directly imports their produce from there, so sit back and enjoy the fresh meats you're about to devour. Dive straight for the sashimi platters like the Sashimori 5 (RM128) with salmon and kampachi. Also good are the sushi rolls like the generously portioned Aburi Scallop Roll (RM26). If you're working around the area, the weekday specials are worth treating yourself to, especially the Nigiri Sushi Set (RM35).
Photo by Burppler Alison K