Looking for the best omakase in Orange County? In this review, I’ll share all about my experience dining at Omakase by Gino!
In my seemingly endless search for the best omakase sushi, few restaurants (or their chefs) have created a buzz quite like “OmG” or OMakase By Gino, I knew I had to check this place out, and soon.
At nearly any sushi bar I’ve visited in Orange County over the past few years, I would hear “you’ve got to try OmG.” It’s a place for everyone, but adored by those “in the know” and a mecca for the type of diner seeking out the best sushi bar experience possible without going to Tokyo (little or big!).
Here’s my experience dining at Omakase by Gino!
About Omakase by Gino
Three simple letters (OmG!), a rising star chef, and a no-frills, 10-seat space in downtown Santa Ana. Chef Gino Choi has full control over his dominion, and he does it with a calm, humble and graceful demeanor.
Situated in downtown Santa Ana next to a colorful corner bar, you’re almost reminded of a Tokyo alleyway. Inside, that transition continues as the warm wood interior is adorned with Japanese figurines, nicknacks and fine dish-wear. Essential jazz and classical music subtly meandered through our evening as we picked from a fun list of both high-end sake and everyday drinks for all tastes.
Wondering about the Omakase by Gino price?
Currently, dining at OmG is set around $200 a person. Of course, dining here isn’t inexpensive but it is on par with other omakase experiences in the Orange County area and you can expect premium ingredients reflective of the high price point.
With a seasonal, ever-changing menu, you’re sure to have a unique experience each time you go. And, if you have any dietary restrictions, you can make note of these while making a reservation (so the restaurant can prepare in advance!).
Making an Omakase by Gino Reservation
The restaurant releases reservations for the following month at 10am on the second Sunday of every month via the Resy app.
Due to its popularity and its 10-seat capacity, OmG is almost always fully booked out as soon as the reservations are released. Hopeful diners regularly set their Resy reminders and spots for the following month disappear quickly, from adoring fans and sushi explorers alike.
In fact, my reservation this night came from a Resy cancellation notification only a few days before, and I sure am glad I was able to go!
If you want to snag a reservation, my recommendation is to follow their Instagram (@OmakasebyGino) for updates and reservation release schedule. Also, turn on notifications for availability through the Resy app and they’ll push you notifications of “new table alerts” when someone cancels and a table opens up. The app allows you to select notifications for multiple dates so you can pick any days you’re free throughout the month!
Dining Experience at Omakase by Gino
At the start, Chef Gino and his lovely server prepare you for the meal ahead… you’re in for a treat! Around 18 courses featuring predominantly market fresh Japanese fish as well as Japanese classic dishes with unique ingredients and a tasteful flair.
OmG works hard to stay seasonal and showcase a range of skills from inventive sauces, caviar and truffles to chawanmushi and, of course, nigiri sushi. There are sure to be a few surprises or new flavors for you!
One of my favorite parts of the experience was talking to the chef. He was very kind and answered all of our questions, tending to each guest while masterfully crafting our meal. Our server helped us pick out sake which would suit the meal, a lovely junmai ginjo.
Our first course was a truffle, yuzu-honey cream topped with ikura and Japanese pear. And it was so delicious, I immediately knew we were about to have an incredible meal!
Next up, we had scallop in yuzu sauce topped with lime zest and Kaluga caviar. I actually don’t usually love scallop but this one was different… I found myself scraping the bowl for every last drop!
Then came a beautiful King Crab leg topped with garlic foam and, one of the first sauces of the night, an uni (sea urchin) sauce. It became pretty clear Gino San loves to experiment with sauces — which were always complementary and never overpowered the star ingredients.
One dish that really surprised me was the black cod that was baked with thinly sliced tomato and lime. It was such an interesting mix of ingredients but they all worked together so perfectly!
Getting into the rhythm, laughing and forgetting how much or how little sake we had, chef began the sushi course, showing off a marvelous wood box filled with a market haul of fish that made you feel as if you’d visited the Tokyo fish market merely hours before.
The following plate of toro, sea bream, striped jack and yellowtail sashimi was fresh, light and served with shiso leaf and fresh grated wasabi, a personal favorite of mine.
Next our palate was drawn into a totally other realm with an incredible uni pasta made with Santa Barbara sea urchin, fish egg, udon noodles and topped with freshly shaved truffle. I’d tasted these ingredients before but not all together and not like this… it was delicious!
To close the night out, we finished with a number of nigiri dishes: black-throat sea perch, Japanese flounder, toro with caviar, Hokkaido uni, A5 Miyazaki Waygu, and sea bream with tomago.
For dessert, a simple yet delicious and rich panna cotta topped with fresh fruit.
My Thoughts
Omakase by Gino is a total gem! It’s in a sort of hidden spot off the beaten sushi path, with a very cool chef and an overall fun appeal. While the price tag is high for your average date night, all sushi lovers will be able to appreciate Chef Gino’s passion and the flavors he brings to the table. I also really loved the way Gino uses his nostalgia for recipes from his past then improves upon them with some unexpected flavors and stellar knife work. I think it’s definitely deserving of the high praise they’ve received and I can’t wait to go back again!
Location: 304 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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