Great value omakase! Shunoko offers a casual omakase menu at $100 per person which honestly is quite a steal! Be sure to make reservations at this little restaurant - you get to choose between sushi bar vs dining table for indoor seating options, but I always recommend sushi bar. Watching the sushi chefs make the nigiri right in front of you has a certain type of charm that can't be replaced. We noticed diners at the tables would be served the same omakase course, although the nigiri would come out in trios on a plate. Not exactly what I'd be envisioning an 'omakase' course to feel like, but to each their own!
Shunoko has a chalkboard hung with the omakase course offerings for the night, in case you forget the name of the deliciousness you just devoured. The sashimi platter for the night included Japanese Sea Bream, Japanese Sea Bass, Smoked Salmon, and Smoked Bonito. My favourite of the quartet had to be the Smoked Salmon, since it was deeply infused with a smokey yet not overpowering flavour. The next course was a Tuna Tartare with truffle oil and little crispy bits - the sushi chefs prepare it so that diners can mix all the ingredients themselves before eating. My girlfriend loved the truffle oil, but I felt it took away from the actual taste of the tuna (then again, I'm not necessarily the biggest fan of truffle oil in general).
If you sit at the sushi bar, you get served each piece of nigiri one-by-one. The sushi chef gives a brief description of the type of fish served, including region, as it is placed on your plate. Be sure to eat some ginger in between each serving to cleanse your palate. Each piece of 12 nigiri was masterfully made and had a little unique twist (i.e. shiso leafs, uni, sea salt). Obviously, the pieces are already brushed atop with some soy sauce and includes wasabi within, so dig in and enjoy! The rice-to-fish ratio was just right to create the perfect bite. Our favourites obviously included the Botan Ebi (sweet delicious thick bites of shrimp) and the clean taste of the Madai.
Shortly after, you get served a Miso Soup rich with fish flavour and a simple, light tamago handroll with shiso leaf, cucumber, and mushrooms. It really was a nice way to end off the entire meal before dessert!
For $100, Shunoko really is a steal. While we truly admired the food, the restaurant was at times, too loud between the dining table and sushi bar. It really did make the Omakase experience less intimate. You'll definitely see me back at the sushi bar again! read more