Omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” originates from Japan and has become a revered dining tradition worldwide. It offers a unique experience where skilled sushi chefs curate a multi-course menu based on the freshest seasonal ingredients. In Manchester, omakase has gained popularity due to the city’s growing appreciation for high-quality Japanese cuisine and its increasing number of fine-dining establishments specializing in sushi craftsmanship. Below are the top omakase spots in the city where you can enjoy a truly remarkable meal.
1. MUSU
MUSU opened on Bridge Street in 2022 and rebranded as KAJI by MUSU in 2024 under Chef Steven Smith, offering a fire-led, Asian-inspired fine-dining menu with an accompanying MUSU Theatre of Omakase counter led by sushi chef Andre Aguiar. Please note: after its landlords took possession of the Bridge Street site in April 2026, KAJI/MUSU has now closed. We’ve kept it here for reference, but for a live omakase experience see the spots below.
What it offered:
-
Omakase Tasting Menu: A multi-course journey featuring seasonal and premium ingredients.
-
Kaiseki Menu: A modern take on traditional Japanese banquets.
Location: 64 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BN
Official Website: MUSU Manchester
Dining Experience:
MUSU provided an intimate setting with a focus on chef-diner interaction, its open kitchen letting guests observe the meticulous preparation of each course.
Customer Favorites:
Diners frequently praised the progression of tuna cuts, from akami to otoro, for their melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Rating: 4.9/5 (Google Reviews)
2. Sushi Pod
Tucked above Grape to Grain in Prestwich, Sushi Pod offers one of the city’s most exclusive omakase experiences, seating only a handful of guests per session. Chef Artur Wacewicz, who trained under the legendary Terry Huang of Umezushi fame, presents a 20-course menu priced at £90 per person, which evolves based on the freshest ingredients available. The intimate setting allows diners to engage directly with the chef, gaining insights into each meticulously prepared dish.
Special Menu Highlights:
-
20-Course Omakase Experience: A dynamic menu featuring selections like bluefin tuna, uni (sea urchin), and eel.
Location: Grape to Grain, 1A School Lane, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1PN
Contact Number: +44 161 773 2111
Official Website: Sushi Pod
Dining Experience:
The setting is highly personalized, with guests seated inches away from the chef’s workspace, fostering an engaging and educational atmosphere. As one diner put it, ‘Watching the chef work up close was mesmerizing—the precision, the skill, and the way each dish told a story made it an unforgettable experience.’
Customer Favorites:
The uni temaki is celebrated for its creamy texture and briny sweetness, offering a true taste of the ocean.
Rating: 5.0/5 (Google Reviews)
3. Sapporo Teppanyaki
Situated in the lively area of Castlefield, Sapporo Teppanyaki combines the artistry of Japanese cuisine with an entertaining teppanyaki performance. While renowned for its teppanyaki, the restaurant also offers a selection of sushi and sashimi that showcases the chefs’ skills and the quality of their ingredients.
Special Menu Highlights:
-
Teppanyaki Omakase Menu: A chef’s selection of teppanyaki-grilled meats and seafood.
-
Sushi and Sashimi Platters: Featuring fresh selections like salmon nigiri and tuna sashimi.
Location: 91-93 Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4JN
Contact Number: +44 161 831 9888
Official Website: Sapporo Teppanyaki
Dining Experience:
Guests are treated to a lively and interactive dining experience, with chefs showcasing their culinary skills through engaging performances at the teppanyaki tables.
Customer Favorites:
The calamari starter, accompanied by a creamy garlic dip, is noted for its fresh taste and tender texture.
Rating: 4.4/5 (OpenTable Reviews)
Read Also: Top 5 Manchester Brunch Spots You Must Try
4. One Sushi
Located on Oxford Street, One Sushi is a premium sushi takeaway with a twist: at the back, a stand-up counter hosts an in-store omakase experience led by Chef Eddie, who brings 15 years of experience from a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Hong Kong. Alongside the omakase, it is known for its fresh sushi platters featuring premium ingredients like bluefin tuna and salmon, letting diners explore a variety of flavors and textures.
Special Menu Highlights:
-
Sushi Platters: Assortments of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls crafted with seasonal fish.
-
Chef’s Omakase Counter: An intimate, made-to-order sushi experience served right in front of you.
Location: 75 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EG
Contact Number: +44 7488 528828
Official Website: One Sushi
Dining Experience:
One Sushi offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for both a quick premium lunch and a special omakase occasion.
Customer Favorites:
Diners appreciate the high-quality salmon sashimi and the spicy tuna roll, both of which highlight the freshness of the ingredients.
Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
Conclusion
Manchester’s omakase scene is thriving, with a variety of options catering to different preferences. Below is a comparison table to help diners make an informed decision:
| Restaurant | Price Range | Ambiance | Specialty Dishes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSU (now closed) | £120-£150 | Modern, intimate | Omakase Tasting Menu, Kaiseki | 4.9/5 |
| Sushi Pod | £90 | Exclusive, private | 20-Course Omakase Experience | 5.0/5 |
| Sapporo Teppanyaki | £50-£80 | Lively, interactive | Teppanyaki Omakase, Sushi Platters | 4.4/5 |
| One Sushi | £30-£60 | Casual, contemporary | Omakase Counter, Sushi Platters | 4.6/5 |
This breakdown highlights differences in ambiance, pricing, and specialties, ensuring that every diner finds an experience suited to their taste. Whether you seek an exclusive and intimate dining event at Sushi Pod, a lively fusion of teppanyaki and sushi at Sapporo Teppanyaki, or a premium counter omakase at One Sushi, there is something for every sushi enthusiast in the city. Be sure to book your reservation in advance, as these top-tier omakase experiences are highly sought after. Some restaurants, such as Sushi Pod, require bookings several weeks in advance due to limited seating, while others like Sapporo Teppanyaki may offer more flexible reservation options. Peak dining times, especially weekends and holidays, tend to fill up quickly, so planning ahead is highly recommended. Happy dining!
FAQs
1. What is omakase?
Omakase is a Japanese dining style where the chef picks the dishes for you. It is a surprise meal based on fresh ingredients.
2. How much does omakase cost in Manchester?
It can cost between £30 to £90+ per person. Cheaper platters start around £30, while a full 20-course omakase at Sushi Pod is £90.
3. Which restaurant is the most exclusive?
Sushi Pod is the most exclusive. It seats only a handful of guests and offers a 20-course meal.
4. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is needed. Some places, like Sushi Pod, must be booked weeks ahead. Others may have more open slots.
5. Which is best for beginners?
Sapporo Teppanyaki is great for first-timers, mixing an entertaining teppanyaki show with approachable sushi and sashimi. One Sushi is another easy, premium option to start with.