14 Affordable Omakase Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo

Maybe you’re tired of the same old options on the menu, or you’re unsure what to order but want to try something new. If you’re looking for something fresh and original, this trick will work wonders for you: ask for omakase. 

Where, though? Any of these affordable omakase sushi restaurants in Tokyo, of course. 

Omakase sushi can quickly begin an expensive habit, but with these cheaper omakase options you’ll be able to appreciate the finest seafood and sushi in Tokyo without using up your entire souvenir budget.

Find out more: Why is Omakase Sushi So Expensive?

Omakase, loosely translated from Japanese as “I will leave it to you,” is the equivalent of saying, “Surprise me.” This is the magic word that gives the chef free rein to express their creativity with the ingredients at their disposal, to make something off-menu that is uniquely yours. 

Unlike the set dishes on the menu, omakase is a fleeting experience that will never again be replicated, so slow down and savor it. Read our beginner's guide to omakase sushi to learn more.

But of course, the art of omakase doesn’t apply everywhere. Large-scale restaurants such as chain restaurants or restaurants with limited ingredients do not offer omakase. Because of its delicate and precise nature and simple ingredients, most of the omakase restaurants in Tokyo are sushi restaurants, showcasing the freshest ingredients of the season.

Omakase sushi, especially, has recently gained the reputation of being a pretty pricey dining experience. While this can be true for certain establishments, a tailored-to-you sushi course dinner doesn't have to break the bank, even if you're staying in the capital.

Going to Kansai? Find affordable sushi restaurants in Osaka and the chef's selection of omakase sushi in Kyoto!

Join byFood host Stephanie as she experiences affordable omakase sushi at Shibuya Sushi Lab and Sushi Academy Shinjuku Nishiguchi, two sushi restaurants in Tokyo that won't break the bank.

Sushi Ishikawa in Tokyo is known for its traditional Edomae sushi crafted by Chef Yamaga, who has been perfecting his craft for over 36 years. Located in the second-floor basement of Shinjuku L Tower, the restaurant serves delicacies like sea urchin, nodoguro and fatty tuna atop Nigata Koshikari rice.

The serene atmosphere, enhanced by sukiya-style architecture and a hinoki cypress counter, offers an intimate and authentic sushi experience.

Shibuya Sushi Lab is a unique culinary experience that blends deep respect for tradition with a spirit of experimentation. Guided by the Zen principle of shuhari ("protect," "break," "leave"), the restaurant offers a journey through the world of Edomae sushi, culminating in an innovative take on this classic art form.

Chef Tahara Ryuichi, a master with 26 years of experience, leads a team that meticulously adheres to the fundamentals of sushi-making. Yet, the name "Lab" hints at a willingness to push boundaries. 

A significant portion of the menu features Tsumoto-style sushi, a rising trend that uses a special bloodletting process to enhance the flavor and umami of the fish. Aged for up to 40 days, each piece at Shibuya Sushi Lab delivers an exceptional depth of taste.

Despite its location near Shibuya Station, Shibuya Sushi Lab offers surprisingly affordable prices compared to similar restaurants in Ginza. This makes it a hidden gem, allowing guests to enjoy the artistry of Chef Tahara and his team in a sophisticated setting tucked away from the bustling crowds.

Jyanoichi’s main store is a holy site among Japanese literature aficionados. Not only was the restaurant’s unusual name — a pun on the snake-eye motif in Japanese culture — bestowed upon it by the famed novelist Shiga Naoya, but it is also rumored to be the setting of the opening scenes of his story, The Shopboy’s God. 

But hundreds who know nothing of Shiga’s work still flock to this sushi restaurant, and for good reason. For five generations now, Jyanoichi has been making authentic Edomae sushi.

The chef at Jyanoichi intentionally selects his ingredients. Only Mitsukan red vinegar is to be used in the rice, and the salt must be carefully selected from the shores of the Noto Peninsula. Fish, meanwhile, must be chosen fresh daily from Toyosu Fish Market. Two items on the menu are of particular note, the first being the conger eel nigiri in sweet sauce reduction. The other, nonojimaki, is a true-to-life recreation of Edomae-style sushi rolls with sesame seeds, sweet egg omelet and dried seaweed.

Sushi lovers regularly return to Sushi Oumi for its delectable Edomae-style sushi and meaningful conversations with the chef. Enjoy 10 nigiri sushi, as well as Chef Oumi's signature conger eel and egg dish, and leave with a full stomach and new memories. 

An omakase lunch at Sushi Oumi is an excellent introduction to this traditional cuisine and all with an affordable price tag.

Sushi Academy offers a premium all-you-can-eat experience for two glorious hours. Choose from over 65 delectable items, from classic nigiri and maki to small plates and sweet finales. Indulge in luxury ingredients like chutoro and uni, all prepared fresh to order in a stylish, upscale setting. This is all-you-can-eat sushi redefined.

Sushi Mitsuyoshi in Tokyo offers an exceptional omakase sushi experience with a lunch course that is both affordable and delightful. Renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, the restaurant provides an array of fresh, expertly prepared sushi at a budget-friendly price. 

Perfect for sushi enthusiasts looking for a top-tier dining experience without breaking the bank, Sushi Mitsuyoshi stands out as a must-visit spot for an economical yet exquisite meal.

Sushi Tenkawa may be situated at the heart of Ebisu, but a single bite of its Edomae-style sushi is guaranteed to conjure up images of Japan's expansive nature and ocean coasts.

By serving dishes that use seasonal seafood and vegetables, the restaurant aims to let guests enjoy a "sense of season," even amidst the glass and steel of the Tokyo metropolis. Instead, the restaurant strays away from the usual red vinegar in its shari rice for rice vinegar, resulting in a milder taste that lets the fish's natural flavor come through.

The flame-grilled tuna is a must-try; its smoky flavor and fragrance make it the restaurant's most popular dish.

Chef Takashi Kamikura heads to the market at the crack of dawn to sample, purchase and, later on, age fish to serve his guests at his restaurant in Minato City.

Chef Kamikura specializes in traditional Edomae-style sushi and exclusively uses Tsubuzoroi, a variety of rice grown and cultivated in Ogata, Akita Prefecture. To Chef Kamikura, using the best rice with the best protein makes a world of difference, and he invites each customer to discover the range of flavors and textures of Edomae-style sushi.

The third-generation sushi chef of Imayoshi Sushi, Gento Imai continues his family traditions of sushi making while introducing a more contemporary approach. 

The thoughtfully-considered menu includes halal, vegetarian, and vegan options, as well as brown rice as an alternative to the usual white sushi rice. This has made his sushi restaurant popular among foreign visitors.

You might know this top Tokyo sushi restaurant by its previous name — Sushi Saisho. Now trading as Ginza Saisho, in the glitzy neighborhood of Ginza, this is the place to go for fresh sea urchin sushi. Sea urchin, or uni, is their specialty, and they even have festivals in honor of this delicacy. Held irregularly, they sell out super fast, with people racing to secure a seat.

Sea urchin aside, Ginza Saisho's other sushi is top-notch, making it an excellent choice for an omakase meal. Chef Saisho hails from Akita, and is happy to share a taste of his home town through local sake, selected by a sake sommelier.

The chef brings over two decades of experience to the table, and has hosted diners from around the world — helping to create a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

Sushidokoro Yamada may have the best cost performance when it comes to Tokyo sushi omakase. With an intimate seating capacity of eight, no matter where you sit you'll have a front-row seat to view the chef at work. 

They offer only one menu, but you don't need anything else. The sushi omakase here, featuring 15 pieces, is priced at a reasonable ¥10,000. Their sushi is rich and soft, and Sushidokoro Yamada's loyal patrons say that every piece is beyond perfection.

This top Tokyo sushi restaurant is fully booked every night, so it's recommended to make an early reservation!

Michelin-star sushi can seem out of reach for the average person. Take Sukiyabashi Jiro, the famous Tokyo sushi shop featured in the popular documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi: an omakase set there can be very expensive — more than the cost of a night at a luxury hotel!

However, there is still a way to enjoy Michelin-starred omakase sushi without breaking the bank. Takumi Sushi Owana offers their Michelin-star omakase sushi, prepared with exquisite craftsmanship, at an affordable price.

A bit bigger than your usual sushi-ya, Seamon Ginza seats 20 people, but reservations are highly recommended because these seats fill fast. They serve superb sushi, and their sushi lunch set, which consists of nine pieces of sushi, soup, dessert, and three otsumami (appetizers), provides great value for money.

The wasabi is freshly grated, none of that packaged and dyed fake wasabi you get at kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants or in supermarket bentos. The sushi is served elegantly on gorgeous ceramic dishware, a work of art on a work of art, and the restaurant has a relaxed vibe, so you can easily mingle with other people or have a quick chat with the chef.

Sushi Takahiro is the culmination of Chef Ikuta Takahiro’s expertise, beginning at just 18 years old when he became an apprentice responsible for visiting Toyosu Market every morning to master the art of selecting the best possible fish. 

Fast forward to the age of 31 — still extremely young in the world of sushi expertise — and Takahiro was opening his own restaurant. Cutting no corners, you’ll discover the finest ingredients and flavors from across Japan, served one sushi piece at a time before your very eyes.

Offering a premium nigiri course, a lunch omakase course and an afternoon and evening omakase course, Sushi Takahiro offers a variety of ways to experience the art of omakase sushi in Shinjuku.

There are a few things to remember when dining out and choosing omakase in Tokyo or anywhere else.

First, freshen up before going to the restaurant, but avoid strongly-scented soaps (and laundry detergents), and don't apply any perfumes or colognes. Strong scents can affect the delicate flavors of the food — for both you and other patrons — so chefs ask that you keep this in mind when getting ready. Check your shoes, too — especially in the sticky summer months!

Second, always sit near the chef. This will give you a better view of what they are doing. They might ask you about your taste preferences and, from there, will create a dish that’s made especially for your palate. Also, choosing a seat near the chef gives you that intimate personal experience that is at the heart of omakase.

Third, it’s always a plus if you know how to speak their language. Usually, the chef will strike up a conversation with the guests, and if you try to speak in Japanese, even just a few simple Japanese phrases, they'll be impressed. But of course, it’s also important to practice reading the room. And, if you’re going to take a photo, always ask for permission first.

Lastly, if you're willing to be an adventurous eater for a day, then the omakase experience is for you. After all, these chefs create the dishes, especially for you, straight from their own imaginations. Omakase may not be the easiest option for people who are picky eaters or have food allergies or dietary restrictions. Always keep in mind that every dish given to you will be a surprise!

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about omakase sushi in Tokyo.

How expensive is omakase in Japan?

Omakase can be as expensive or as cheap as you like. There is a huge range of restaurants offering omakase sets in Japan. Most omakase is sushi, and you can find an omakase sushi set to suit every budget, from under ¥5,000 to over ¥30,000. Check out our tips to find affordable omakase sushi restaurants.

How much does omakase cost in Tokyo?

Tokyo omakase sushi sets range from under ¥5,000 to ¥30,000 and up. You can get an idea of what's available in our Tokyo sushi restaurant listings.

Is omakase worth the money?

Yes, omakase is worth every yen. It's a one-off dining experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. See our blog post on why omakase sushi is expensive for more insights.

How much do you tip for omakase in Tokyo?

In Japan, you don't tip at omakase or other types of restaurants. Tipping is not part of the culture.

How long is an omakase in Japan?

It depends on the restaurant, but an omakase meal in Japan will typically last 1-2 hours.

What is the dress code for an omakase in Tokyo?

It depends on the restaurant. For high-end Tokyo omakase restaurants, smart or elegant attire is recommended. For more casual eateries, you can dress down a little. When in doubt, check with the restaurant itself.

Hungry for more? Browse sushi experiences in Japan or check out our YouTube channel.