We chose the Premium Omakase at Wabi Nori and, while much of the sushi was fresh and good quality,…read morethe overall experience unfortunately didn't live up to what we expected from a premium omakase.
The biggest disappointment was the lack of variety. There was no shrimp, and instead of something warm and traditional like miso soup, we were served edamame. Edamame is perfectly fine as a casual appetizer, but in a premium omakase experience, it felt more like filler than part of a thoughtfully curated progression.
Another thing noticeably missing was the presentation and artistry. A true omakase experience is not only about the quality of the fish--it's also about the chef's touch, attention to detail, and the presentation of each course. Here, the plating felt basic and lacked that refined, personal touch from the omakase chef that makes each piece feel special.
We also felt somewhat rushed throughout the meal, which takes away from what makes omakase enjoyable. It should feel like a carefully paced culinary experience, not simply a sequence of sushi being served quickly.
The service was good and much of the fish quality was solid, but nothing really stood out or surprised us. Most importantly, after choosing the Premium Omakase, we actually left hungry, which was probably the most disappointing part.
We've enjoyed omakase experiences from New York to California, including excellent ones at higher price points, so we understand what a more expensive omakase can offer. Beyond fresh fish, we look for variety, creativity, beautiful presentation, thoughtful pacing, and that unmistakable chef's touch that turns dinner into an experience.
And unfortunately, the meal ended with two particularly disappointing pieces. We were served a fake crab meat sushi that we found awful, something we simply did not expect as part of a Premium Omakase. The eel was equally disappointing--it was missing the rich, distinctive flavor and character that makes eel such a memorable part of a sushi experience.
Wabi Nori has potential, but the Premium Omakase needs more variety, substance, creativity, stronger presentation, and greater attention to the individual pieces before it truly feels premium.
Three stars: good service and some good-quality sushi, but for a Premium Omakase, we expected considerably more--especially from the food, presentation, and overall experience.