Fresh From the Counter: The 5 Best Omakase in Calgary
Trying omakase in Calgary is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s Japanese food scene. If you don’t know what omakase is, it’s an experience where you let the chef pick each dish for you. It can feel adventurous and exciting!
Luckily, Calgary offers everything from cozy sushi bars to high-end restaurants, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want some fresh seafood, you’ll find an omakase spot that suits you.
I checked out some of the most popular places in town to see which ones offer the best food, talented chefs, and a friendly vibe. Check out the best chef-curated dining spots below.
How much does omakase cost in Calgary?
Omakase dining in Calgary typically costs between $50 and $210 per person, depending on the restaurant, number of courses, ingredient quality, and overall dining experience. Beverage pairings and taxes are usually charged separately.
| Omakase Experience Type | Price Range (Per Person) |
| Budget-Friendly & Lunch Options | $50 – $65 |
| Mid-Range & Premium Dinner Menus | $135 – $210 |
| Unconventional & Alternative Styles | $60+ |
1. Satsuki
Website: https://www.satsuki.ca/
Address: 100 1130 Kensington Road
Contact: 403 300 2405 | [email protected]
Hours: Wed to Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Satsuki feels like a great place to visit for a special omakase meal. Hidden in Kensington, it serves traditional Kaiseki-ryōri, a series of small dishes that are carefully prepared and beautifully presented.
The chef’s menu here leaves every course in the kitchen’s hands, creating a seasonal meal made from scratch. They use premium ingredients such as imported A5 beef from Japan and fresh Hokkaido scallop sashimi topped with ikura.
Executive Chef May May has also built a rare sake collection, sourced directly from Japan, including several labels that had never been available in Canada before.
The beautifully designed intimate dining room adds to the experience too! The traditional Japanese interior transports diners to Japan without flying, while the modern accents keep everything comfortable.
Just be aware that dinner seatings here are limited to 5 PM and 7 PM, and the small dining space makes securing reservations harder.
Top 3 Japanese Dining Spot
In my Top 3 best Japanese, IV been going here since they opened and it’s been on point every single time, My first couple experiences were the omakase which was fabulous. The entire menu is amazing, from small plates to mains and desert rocks, I highly recommend if you want to enjoy authentic with a twist.
- Asif Hassam | Google Review
Fresh Food and Thoughtful Omakase
Satsuki is one of my favourite restaurants in Calgary, as I’ve been there countless times since they’re opened. They always have fresh food, and even makes their own soy sauce! The restaurant owner and chef is so passionate about food. Not just food, but food quality food. I have also tried their omakase and wow, the variety and thought put into each small detail blew me away. Satsuki is a place I bring my out of town friends for lunch or dinner too. Highly recommend!
- Rico Au | Google Review
2. NUPO
Website: https://www.nupo.ca/
Address: 631 Confluence Way
Contact: 587 353 1388 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon & Tue Closed; Wed, Thu & Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Fri & Sat 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
NUPO has one of the most unique omakase experiences I’ve found in Calgary. For instance, they use a special in-house chamber to dry-age their fish, which brings out stronger and deeper flavors.
Their intimate six-seat sushi bar is another highlight. With so few seats, guests have lots of chances to talk with the chefs during the meal, making the atmosphere relaxed and personal.
I also appreciate that NUPO offers a full, creative vegan menu alongside seafood dishes, so you can be confident they cater to different tastes. A bonus is their exclusive house-selected sakes and Japanese tea cocktails too.
The main downside is their strict non-refundable reservation policy, so make sure your plans are set before you book.
Delicious Omakase with a Cozy Atmosphere
Had the best night with my supper club friends. We had the Omakase which is, in my opinion, the best thing to do to get a full appreciation for what Nupo offers. It was delicious! Such a great variety without having to make decisions. Great experience, professional staff, cozy location…Couldn’t ask for more!
- J Crowd | Google Review
Inclusive and Impressive Omakase Experience
We dined in at Nupo to try their Omakase experience, and were very impressed! The staff did an excellent job of making the experience inclusive and engaged all of the diners. The sushi itself was INCREDIBLE. The flavours melted on your tongue, and were meticulously crafted. It’s a higher price point, but certainly worth the experience (especially if you’re willing to splurge on the sake pairing). HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
- Vic | Google Review
3. Ryuko South – Japanese Kitchen + Bar
Website: https://www.ryuko.ca/
Address: 13200 Macleod Trail
Contact: 403 815 1849 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Thu & Sun 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri & Sat 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Ryuko South – Japanese Kitchen + Bar stands out for their focus on quality and sustainability. In particular, they use ingredients from reliable local and international sources to build a menu centered on top-notch ingredients.
Another thing I like is the range of omakase options. You can choose from casual tasting menus or go for a bigger dinner with 16 or more courses.
Also, people who often visit bars in Calgary say the drink pairings here are especially good and go really well with the food.
The weekend lunch omakase is another highlight, letting you enjoy this dining experience earlier in the day.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. For one, the popular weekend brunch is only at the west location.
The full evening omakase is pretty pricey, too. For special occasions, though, dining here is worth it.
Fantastic À La Carte and Signature Omakase
I’ve visited Ryuko South multiple times since they’ve opened and always enjoyed my experience here! Their à la carte menu is fantastic and fresh. Recently tried their 16+ course Signature Omakase and it was excellent! Loved everything I tried and it was a really fun experience that I would happily do again. Service was professional and warm. Highly recommend Ryuko; no matter what menu you go with, you can’t go wrong!
- Gabbi | Google Review
Intimate Lunch Omakase Experience
We had the lunch omakase, and it was a wonderful experience. With only six seats, it was intimate, and Chef John Lee answered all our questions. The dishes featured high-quality ingredients, with a progression of different cuts explained by the chef. Everything was simply delicious. We’ll definitely be returning to try the other seasons’ menus.
- Mike M | Google Review
4. Zushi Calgary
Website: https://www.zushiyyc.ca/
Address: 12445 Lake Fraser Drive
Contact: 403 764 7547 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Wed Closed; Thu to Sat 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Zushi Calgary serves a unique Temaki omakase in a relaxed market setting. Here, guests can enjoy high-quality raw dishes at a lower price than most traditional omakase spots.
Their omakase setup is designed for small groups of one to four people, creating a quiet, personal experience away from the busy market surrounding it. The experience focuses on custom temaki, or Japanese hand rolls, made right in front of guests.
If you’re looking into catering services in Calgary, this interactive style could inspire some great ideas.
As for the menu, standout dishes include Brant Lake wagyu oshizushi with miso butter, garlic chips, and green onions.
The main drawback is the required $10 per-person deposit, which means committing before your visit.
Fresh and Friendly Omakase Experience
Had the omakase recently at Zushi and it was a great experience. The sushi they served was very good – the wife and I really enjoyed it. Favourites were the tuna with truffle oil, and the grilled shrimp topped with tuna belly. Service was super friendly. Would definitely go back for more
- sergie manipon | Google Review
Reasonably Priced Quality Omakase
Can’t stop talking about how much I loved the Omakase at Zushi! So delicious and fresh, thoughtful presentation, & warm and welcoming service. Very reasonably priced for the quality. Such a fun experience and I am already planning a visit back!
- Gabbi | Google Review
5. Shokunin
Website: https://shokuninyyc.ca/
Address: 2016 4 St.
Contact: 403 229 3444 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon & Tue Closed; Wed 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Thu to Sat 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Shokunin stands out in Calgary’s omakase scene. The restaurant is known for using Canadian ingredients that come straight from Chef Darren MacLean’s own farm.
Rather than serving the usual raw seafood, Shokunin offers Calgary’s first 15-course Yakitori omakase at a lively chef’s bar.
One of the best parts is watching the chefs grill rare, traditional cuts of chicken over an open robata right in front of you. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive junmai sake collection and a custom house-brewed beer to complement the experience.
The restaurant has earned national recognition too, making Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for nine years in a row.
However, if you’re looking for a classic omakase with lots of raw nigiri, the chicken-focused menu might not be for you. Also, keep in mind that drink pairings cost extra and can add to your bill.
Exceptional Yakitori Omakase and Sake
We did the yakatori omakase and it did not disappoint. The scallop was the best I’ve ever had and coming from someone who grew up and still lives on the shore in the northeast of America I think that says a lot. The bluefin tuna hand roll was also exceptional. Our server and the head chef did an excellent job of explaining everything to us and keeping us engaged. Also by far the best quality sake I’ve ever had.
- pete s | Google Review
Unforgettable Omakase Experience
One of the most unforgettable omakase experiences I was apart of last night. Shout out to the entire crew for their seamless execution. The whole experience did not feel rushed or out of sync. Every dish looked mouth watering and tasted incredible – an amazing group of young chefs. Cheers.
- adam | Google Review