NEW OMAKASE MENU AT TEMAKI BAR
Ready for a San Diego omakase? Unlike dining at a restaurant when you order the dishes off the menu, omakase means that your meal will be determined by the chef. We have already had some incredible meals at Temaki Bar in Encinitas, so I was intrigued and excited to learn that they have just added a 10-course seasonal chef-guided omakase to the menu.
During your meal, you will have direct interactions with the sushi chef giving you a real immersive event to match your dishes. The best seating is around their sushi counter, where you watch each dish being prepared.
The focus of the omakase is seasonality, aesthetics, and taste. I listed the courses that were on the menu we enjoyed, however the chef sources the freshest and highest quality ingredients daily. That means that the menu will change frequently. Going there with the attitude of enjoying the dishes as they come out will be the best way to approach the meal.
Executive sushi chef Sebastian Sevilla took us through an incredibly delicious journey with these dishes. As we watched him preparing each dish, he shared why he had paired those ingredients, and how his heritage is reflected in the dishes. This is indeed a dinner and a show experience.
The omakase costs $85 and includes a bowl of miso soup to start and mochi as a final sweet taste. Temake Bar also offers a selection of premium sake, beer, and wine that you can add to the meal.
This San Diego omakase is available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended.
SAMPLE OMAKASE MENU
AMUSE YELLOWFIN TATAKI – Ponzu, Truffle Oil, Pickled Wasabi, Goma
HALIBUT – Nikiri, Wasabi, Mandarin Kosho
BAJA STRIPED BASS – Yuzu Aguachile, Crispy Strips, Furikake, Cilantro
CHUTORO – Nikiri, Wasabi
KAMPACHI – Kumquat Chutney, Crunchy Garlic
HOKKAIDO SCALLOP – Nikiri, Wasabi
SNAPPER – Tamarind Ponzu, Jicama Salsa, Cilantro
SALMON – Honey Mustard Miso Glaze
O-TORO – Nikiri, Wasabi
BLUEFIN – Bay Scallops, Brulee Persimmons
SURF & TURF – Wagyu, King Crab, Brown Butter, Nikiri, Truffle, Crispy Onions
If you do not want to order the omakase, Temaki Bar has a full sushi menu. My recommendation would be to order their signature handrolls. They use special warming boxes to toast the nori and a modern rice tumbler to mix and fluff the short-grain Koshihikari rice. The rolls are served with toasted nori, warm sushi rice, and cold sushi individually. Once you finish the roll, only then will they make the next one for you.
Temaki Bar is owned by Clique Hospitality which also owns Serēa at Hotel Del Coronado, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine in Gaslamp Quarter, Oxford Social Club, and The Pool House in Pendry San Diego.
If you would like to try other San Diego omakase places, I recommend you also read my list of “The Best Sushi Restaurants in San Diego“.
