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Top 5 OMAKASE Restaurants Led by Michelin-Trained Head Chefs

June 20, 2025

For many travelers, OMAKASE in Japan offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. This style, where chefs serve the finest seasonal ingredients at their discretion, is especially captivating in sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine—best enjoyed at the counter as each dish is crafted before your eyes.

Tokyo, home to the world’s highest number of Michelin stars since 2008, is a hub for top-tier OMAKASE. Of particular interest are restaurants led by chefs with Michelin backgrounds, who now express their own philosophies through refined, immersive courses. This article explores standout OMAKASE spots in Tokyo where culinary excellence meets personal artistry.

  1. Sushi Fujioka / 鮨 ふじおか(銀座、東京)
  2. Sushi Fukuro / 鮨 ふくろう(池袋、東京)
  3. Sushi Ohmi / すし おうみ(永田町、東京)
  4. Azabujuban Sushi Tomo / 麻布十番 鮨とも(麻布十番、東京)
  5. Sushi Kiyoshi / 鮨 きよし(銀座、東京)

Our Top 5 OMAKASE Restaurants in Tokyo Led by Michelin-Trained Head Chefs

Discover five exceptional OMAKASE restaurants in Tokyo, each helmed by a head chef with experience at Michelin-starred establishments!

1. Sushi Fujioka / 鮨 ふじおか

Tokyo, Ginza
☆5.0 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/971

Features

Sushi in Pursuit of Balance and Depth of the Five Tastes

  • Just a 1-minute walk from Ginza Station.
  • The head chef previously served as sous-chef at Michelin-recognized restaurants and renowned establishments in Ginza.
  • An OMAKASE course designed to enhance the quality of each ingredient, with an emphasis on balance and depth of the five fundamental tastes.
  • The chef personally sources seafood from Toyosu Market, known for attracting the world’s finest seasonal fish.
  • Rice, vegetables, and wasabi are procured directly from contracted farms.
  • The sushi rice (shari) is carefully crafted using a proprietary vinegar blend, balancing grain texture, moisture, and stickiness.

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2. Sushi Fukuro / 鮨 ふくろう

Tokyo, Ikebukuro
☆5.0 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1440

Features

Exquisite Nigiri Featuring the Finest Selected Seafood

  • Just a 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
  • The head chef trained at a Michelin-starred establishment.
  • An OMAKASE course centered around nigiri sushi, complemented by seasonal small plates made from carefully chosen ingredients.
  • A curated selection of rare Japanese sake and white wines that pair perfectly with the season.
  • A modern Japanese interior with views of the city skyline.

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3. Sushi Ohmi / すし おうみ

Tokyo, Nagatacho
☆4.7 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/975

Features

Traditional Edomae Techniques with a Contemporary Twist

  • Just a 2-minute walk from Nagatacho Station.
  • The head chef previously served as sous-chef at a Michelin-listed restaurant in Ginza.
  • Fresh seafood is sourced from markets and fishing ports across Japan.
  • Balanced shari made with a blend of red and white vinegars.
  • A rich array of seasonal ingredients, including deep-flavored red fish, delicate white fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
  • A refined interior with a hinoki wood counter, evoking the serene atmosphere of Akasaka.

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4. Azabujuban Sushi Tomo / 麻布十番 鮨とも

Tokyo, Azabu-Juban
☆4.8 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/977

Features

Sushi that Maximizes the Natural Flavors of the Ingredients

  • A 4-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station.
  • The head chef honed his skills over many years at a Michelin-listed restaurant.
  • Each morning, the chef visits Toyosu Market in person to select the freshest fish.
  • Carefully prepared toppings that reflect seasonal aroma and flavor, using techniques such as aging and dehydration.
  • Sushi rice blended from multiple rice varieties to achieve optimal texture and cohesion.
  • A calm and welcoming space, perfect for solo diners as well.

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5. Sushi Kiyoshi / 鮨 きよし

Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1296

Features

Masterfully Crafted Nigiri that Engages All Five Senses

  • Just a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station.
  • The head chef trained for over 25 years at Kyubey in Ginza, a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
  • A focus on wild-caught fish, directly sourced from contracted fishermen with Toyosu at the center.
  • Each sushi topping is meticulously prepared to highlight the natural umami, including resting and trimming techniques based on the ingredient.
  • Shari made with a proprietary blend of three types of rice and three kinds of vinegar, carefully selected by visiting the production regions.
  • Sake served in stunning Edo Kiriko glasses, traditional cut crystalware showcasing Japanese craftsmanship.

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Conclusion

OMAKASE is more than just a meal—it’s a multisensory journey into the heart of Japanese culinary artistry. With Michelin-trained head chefs at the helm, each course unfolds like a story told in flavor, texture, and rhythm. From the precise knife work to the delicate brush of soy sauce, every gesture is intentional—and unforgettable.

  • Michelin-trained chefs: Masters behind the counter who transform tradition into innovation.
  • The OMAKASE experience: A fleeting moment designed just for you, never to be repeated.
  • Why Tokyo: A city where culinary excellence isn’t an exception—it’s the expectation.

If Tokyo is on your travel list, make your trip truly memorable by booking a seat at one of these extraordinary OMAKASE restaurants. These are not just meals—they are experiences that stay with you.
Reservations are highly recommended, as seats are limited and in high demand—especially among in-the-know locals and returning international food lovers.

 

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