Omakase, Reimagined: A Vegan Journey Through Japanese Flavors at Omakaseed NYC

Two things I never thought I’d experience at the same time: plant-based fare served omakase-style. Everything I knew about omakase dining would be thrown out the window with one visit to Omakaseed in New York City. Fun fact about me: whenever I travel, food takes center stage. I do my due diligence in finding some of the best vegan restaurants, eateries, plant-based pubs, and food trucks and will build an entire itinerary around eating.  So, on my recent trip to New York City, a deep dive into the interwebs resulted in one must-try dining adventure just outside of Times Square. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking - Times Square?! Is this a tourist trap? I assure you, it is not. Omakaseed is tucked away in The Sanctuary Hotel, a boho-inspired zen spot with dim lighting and Buddha statues. I walked through the hotel to the very back and found a small bar adjacent to the dining room. When I made the reservation for my fiancé and me at Omakaseed, a time was chosen, and we were encouraged to arrive early. This worked out well since we’re usually the first to arrive, so we can secure some sake pre-meal. We tried a cloudy chilled nigori in a tiny stemmed glass and clinked glasses in anticipation of our meal. 

Before we dive into what I consider one of my favorite meals in New York City, let’s first talk about what omakase is. The term omakase, meaning "I leave it up to you" in Japanese, is commonly used in restaurants where diners allow the chef to select and serve seasonal dishes. In omakase, especially in sushi restaurants in the U.S., chefs present dishes in a carefully chosen sequence from lighter to heavier flavors, incorporating various preparation techniques not limited to raw fish. This approach highlights the chef's skill and choice in crafting a meal suited to the freshest ingredients available.

Seguing over to a vegan approach, the dining experience at Omakaseed includes an 11-course or a more indulgent 15-course option, priced at $65 and $100, respectively. The menu features fresh and seasonal ingredients without heavily processed substitutes. Standout dishes include Coconut Ceviche, Charred Sweet Potato with brûléed miso mayo, King Oyster Mushroom Nigiri with truffle kabayaki, and a playful Smoked Carrot Tartare wrapped in nori. The flavors are meticulously crafted, balancing traditional Japanese influences with innovative vegan flair, which makes the dining experience both elegant and sustainable.

My favorite part about this dining experience was that it was intimate. With limited seating and two chefs behind the counter, the meal feels like it’s being prepared just for you. The chefs will go through each course element in detail before serving one by one. We watched our chef brulee the miso mayo, stuff a pani puri with pureed edamame, layer gold leaves with tweezers, and carefully compose each bite. It was spectacular in terms of curation and even more captivating in creativity.

It’s hard to choose my favorite course. Each presented option was like stepping on a new rung on a ladder of flavor. The Plaintain, which came closer to the end of the meal, innovatively featured the starchy tropical fruit - pureed and rolled in nori, layered with toasted kelp aioli, chives, and crispy shallots. 

Another memorable course - the King oyster mushroom, featuring a fried king oyster mushroom, a truffle kabayaki which is a special food preparation technique featuring grilling with sweet and savory sauces, plus a porcini faux gras and summer truffle.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be vegan to eat here. You don’t need to be plant-based to appreciate it. The way each bite is crafted, you can tell thought was at the forefront. Flavor is held in the highest regard. So, while you might be expecting fish and seafood as part of this meal, you won’t even miss it. This is an experiential dining experience in the heart of Manhattan that I stumbled on completely by accident, and it was one of the happiest and most delicious accidents I’ve ever had. The best part? Omakaseed takes pride in offering seasonal selections and a frequently reimagined menu. So the next time I’m in New York City and reserve a seat here, I’ll have an entirely new experience.