Madison G.
Yelp
Ok I want to start off by saying I am one of Omakai's biggest fans. I give it a five star review almost every time, and I go to their hand roll bar once a week at least. However, I think they really missed the mark with this "deluxe summer series" menu. It's an extra $15 for seemingly elevated pieces, but it seemed to me like the same pieces of sushi, with a little extra topping - such as some shaved truffles, or a couple pieces of ikura. The garnishes did not accentuate the dish to warrant a $15 upcharge, and I would have preferred the regular deluxe menu, and ordering extra pieces. Many of the regular deluxe items were BETTER than the summer series, and my friend and I both agreed on this. Let me be specific-- for started they give you these cold noodles, which my friend and I both thought were nasty. The brosh was really fishy, the noodles had a strange texture. I can't imagine a world where a patron would prefer those over the typical seaweed salad. Neither one of us finished this dish, or had more than a few bites. The seared salmon was fine, but the salmon sashimi with ponzu onions far and away takes the cake. This did not compare at all. Then as previously mentioned, the other nigiries were great as always, but just with little changes that did not warrant this price difference in our opinion.
There was one thing that absolutely blew us away. I have never ordered Omakai's uni, and my friend and I both ordered two pieces of their Japanese uni. It was OUTSTANDING. Served so ice cold, it melted in our mouths and was extremely creamy. For most people, uni is an acquired taste, but I cannot imagine anyone not absolutely loving this piece. Not only was it the best bite we had, it was the best bite I've had at Omakai thus far, and might just be one of the best bites of Uni I've ever had in general (and this is including my trip to Japan.)
With that said, the service was great as usual, and place was packed for a Thursday lunch. I will recommend Omakai every time.