Updated: May 22, 2020
The word omakase is "to entrust" in Japanese, or, "I'll leave it up to you", much like any chef's tasting; where the chef serves you and you do not order.
Right here, in Santa Barbara, we have an outstanding Omakase Restaurant named Sushi|Bar at the Montecito Inn with just ten highly coveted seats. And, no, as Omakase dinners go, it is surprisingly not expensive - in fact - it's a hell of a deal.
As part of the Scratch Restaurant Group, they are making everything from scratch that they can, from craft cocktail ingredients for the optional pairing to their own fresh ground wasabi & house-made shoyu sauce. It's an utterly delightful adventure and I can't recommend it enough. The flavors are fresh and glorious, and the presentation is stunning,
Sushi|Bar is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday with seatings available at 6 pm, and 8 pm; Friday and Saturday evenings with seatings available at 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Sushi|Bar is located inside the Montecito Inn at 1295 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, tele 805.845.9310