Top 5 Omakase Spots in Ipoh for Authentic and Curated Japanese Meals
Aside from rediscovering historical sites, exploring limestone caves, and hiking, one of my favourite things to do in Ipoh is to try its rich culinary scene. Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the freshest sushi rolls in the city, which led me down a rabbit hole of omakase restaurants.
To my surprise, there are plenty of authentic omakase spots in the city that are ACTUALLY worth spending your money on. At the same time, however, there are ones that I think you should steer clear of, which is why I made this list!
Whether you’re looking to impress your date with curated Japanese dishes or simply want to enjoy a peaceful dinner with your family, you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading to discover the best omakase spots in Ipoh!
Dozo De Garden
– Media credit: dozo.my
Address: DGR-1, Ground Floor, Zone D
Contact details: +60 5-543 0666
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Dozo De Garden is one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in the city, offering a wide array of classics from sushi to sashimi, gyoza, etc. However, what elevates this place to another level are the brains behind it, most notably Hon San, the former sous chef at Nobu.
The chef curates special sets that offer the freshest ingredients for different types of customers. One of the best examples of this is their Hokkaido No Sachi, which features 18 pieces of sashimi, comprising seven types carefully selected by the chef.
Aside from the food, the restaurant also boasts a classy, minimalistic interior and a peaceful al-fresco area. The place also features a sushi conveyor belt to make ordering and getting food even more convenient.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, we recommend visiting on weekdays to enjoy their lunch sets. These sets cost around RM30 and feature dishes such as grilled pork belly, salmon, mackerel, and sushi rolls.
Tare Omakase
– Media credit: tareomakase
Address: Pusat Perdagangan, No 10 (GF)
Contact details: +60 12-963 2338
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Tare Omakase should be on your radar if you’re looking for a fancy Japanese dining experience in Ipoh. The beautiful stone walls, glass windows, and marbled tables are enough to give you an idea of what you can expect from their kitchen!
The curated dishes their chefs offer are nothing but hits, whether it be the yellowtail and bluefin tuna, Shiro ika, or anything in between. Our favourite out of their selection, however, is the traditional uni/sea urchin, which offers sweet, creamy, and briny undertones.
Watching the chefs assemble dishes with finesse is also a treat, as it does a great job of making our stomachs rumble in anticipation. As suckers for desserts, my family and I were mostly pleased with how they assembled the matcha pudding with ice cream before our very eyes.
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram page to view their updated menu items, as they are constantly refreshed. Furthermore, you can check out ongoing promotions that they usually offer on holidays.
Toki Japanese Dining
– Media credit: tokijapanesedining
Address: 9, Persiaran Greentown 8
Contact details: +60 17-786 9354
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re looking for an Instaworthy and authentic omakase spot, then Toki Japanese Dining should be right up your alley! Seeing its tori gate-inspired entrance will immediately allure you into its doors, where you’ll be met with amazing aromas of freshly made Japanese dishes.
One of the stars from the chef’s curated menu is the foie gras that has been grilled to perfection. It’s a rich and buttery dish that pairs perfectly with some of the fresh and salty sashimi they have in their selection, like tuna and salmon.
Another highlight of their menu is their fresh sea urchin, which is served in martini glasses. If you want something more premium, we recommend the VIP package, which consists of prawns, sashimi, fresh oysters, and fish heads!
Pro tip:
Wash the fishy aftertaste from your mouth after eating here by crossing the street to The Grass Ipoh. This dessert shop offers various traditional sweets such as taufufa, uji matcha, and grass jelly iced desserts.
Bijutsu Omakase
– Media credit: bijutsuomakase
Address: 55, Jalan Lapangan Siber 5
Contact details: +60 11-5310 1969
Operating hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Bijutsu Omakase is among the classiest spots where you can try fresh sashimi, sushi, and seafood in Ipoh. It features beautiful dark wooden floors, fancy chairs, hanging decorative elements, and even a grand piano!
However, we believe that the highlight here remains to be the food, and there’s a lot to cover! For starters, they offer delicately prepared sashimi, which features the springiest texture we’ve tried—plus, they’re vibrant and don’t feature that strong fish odour.
They also offer fresh lobsters, which are prepared on the spot! You’ll find them in the tanks inside the restaurant, where they are prepared with finesse by the expert chefs behind the omakase bar.
Pro tip:
Reserve your slot on their official website to secure your preferred time. Moreover, we recommend booking your slot during the weekdays to avoid the crowds!
Genki Japanese Food
– Media credit: genki_izakaya
Address: 9, Jalan Tun Sambanthan
Contact details: +60 17-520 4210
Operating hours:
Cost: $-$$
Genki Japanese Food is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut back on its quality, and you don’t have to look further than their sashimi moriawase to realise this. A set of 14 pieces of sashimi has never been this cheap, not to mention the quality of their ingredients!
This set features curated meat ranging from different kinds of tuna and salmon—plus, it features beautiful plating courtesy of their sushi chef.
Lastly, we love the authentic Japanese vibes of this place, featuring mostly wooden interior decor, oriental lanterns, and traditional Japanese sliding doors. They even offer private dining rooms, complete with “zaisu” chairs, which let you sit on the floor comfortably.