ordered omakase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordered omakase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a dining experience where a customer requests a chef's selection of dishes, typically in a Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi. Example: "Last night, we ordered omakase at the new sushi place downtown, and it was an incredible experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They ordered omakase, chef's choice.

The New Yorker

Again, the women ordered omakase, and when they asked for whale they were allegedly served a plate of it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On a recent evening, ordering omakase yielded, among other courses, a clear soup anchored by a slowly disintegrating pickled plum; little loaves of ground chicken and tofu wrapped in nori and bracketed by deep-fried shishito peppers; and a raft of sushi.

The New York Times - Food

In fact, I didn't think about it at all on my first visit to the restaurant, when I sat down at the bar and ordered an omakase meal – that is, I let the chef decide what to serve me.

The New York Times

In the small and minimalist dining room you can order the omakase (chef's choice) of chef and owner Koichi Minamishima.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the best of the lot was the marinated and grilled yellowtail jaw, a roughly rectangular piece of fragrant, succulent and tender fish that almost sidetracked my plan to order the omakase, which is mainly sushi.

The New York Times

Probably the best way to experience the place is to sit at the counter and order the omakase, allowing Kuribara to decide what cuts of fish to serve.

The New Yorker

Order the omakase, and leave your choices to talented chef Keiko Suzuki Steinberger and her team.

The Guardian - Travel

You may order à la carte or pre-set combinations, but best is omakase (to let the chef choose), which may run around $100. It's expensive, but a surprisingly good value compared with other sushi bars.

The New York Times - Food

He bought the restaurant after the LA riots and has evolved it into more of a kaiseki-style omakase spot, as opposed to somewhere you can casually order à la carte items.

Vice

Sushi Kimagure Ike "It's a true sushi-snob omakase place," Bo said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about dining experiences, use "ordered omakase" to clearly convey that the diner entrusted the chef to curate their meal. This shows an appreciation for the chef's expertise and a willingness to try new things.

Common error

Avoid using "ordered omakase" when you actually selected specific dishes from a menu. Omakase implies a chef's choice, not a custom order. If you picked individual items, simply state what you ordered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordered omakase" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of requesting a chef's choice meal, especially in Japanese cuisine. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to describe a specific dining experience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordered omakase" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of requesting a chef's selection, particularly in Japanese dining. While its frequency is rare, its meaning is well-established. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in reputable sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the dining experience – that the chef, rather than the diner, curated the meal. Remember to inform the chef of any dietary restrictions before you "order omakase".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested omakase

Substitutes "ordered" with "requested", implying a formal request for the chef's selection.

opted for omakase

Replaces "ordered" with "opted for", highlighting the conscious choice to select the omakase option.

chose omakase

Uses "chose" instead of "ordered", emphasizing the selection process.

selected omakase

Employs "selected", akin to "chose", focusing on the act of picking the omakase.

went with omakase

Uses "went with" as a more casual alternative to "ordered", still indicating the choice of omakase.

asked for omakase

Similar to "requested", "asked for" implies a request to the server or chef.

decided on omakase

Replaces "ordered" with "decided on", indicating a decision-making process leading to the omakase choice.

got omakase

A more informal way of saying they received the omakase selection.

had the omakase

Uses "had" to indicate the experience of eating the omakase selection.

tried the omakase

Emphasizes the act of trying or experiencing the omakase selection.

FAQs

What exactly does it mean to "order omakase"?

To "order omakase" means you are allowing the chef to choose your meal, often a tasting menu of the chef's best and freshest selections. It's common in sushi restaurants and signifies trust in the chef's expertise.

Is there a difference between "ordering omakase" and ordering from a regular menu?

Yes, when you order from a regular menu, you select specific dishes. When you "order omakase", you are giving the chef freedom to create a personalized culinary experience for you.

What can I expect when I "order omakase" at a sushi restaurant?

You can expect a series of courses featuring fresh, seasonal seafood prepared in a variety of ways, from sashimi and nigiri to cooked dishes. The chef will consider your preferences and any dietary restrictions you mention.

Is it appropriate to "order omakase" if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes, it's important to inform the chef of any dietary restrictions or allergies before you "order omakase". This ensures that the meal is both enjoyable and safe for you.