All posts by : shibumi

Omakase at Shibumi: The Japanese Tasting Experience in Quito

When it comes to sushi in Quito, many restaurants offer a variety of menus, but at Shibumi we decided to take it a step further and get closer to the essence of Japanese cuisine: Omakase.

What does Omakase mean?

In Japanese, omakase means “I leave it in your hands.” It is a culinary tradition in which the diner trusts the chef to choose the dishes. More than a menu, it is an act of trust and a bond of respect: the customer acknowledges the chef’s experience and sensitivity, and the chef responds with the best of their creativity and the freshest catch of the day.

The Omakase Experience in Japan

In the best Japanese restaurants, omakase is a ritual. It is not about ordering a dish, but about living an experience that flows through multiple courses. Each preparation is designed to take the palate from delicate to intense, from raw to cooked, from the sea to the land. The order is not random: it is philosophy, balance, and respect for nature.

The Philosophy Behind Omakase

Omakase reminds us that food can be a meditative experience. By trusting the chef, we stop controlling and allow ourselves to be surprised. Each bite tells a story: of the sea, the season, tradition, and refined technique. That is why, more than a dinner, omakase is a silent dialogue between the diner and the sushi master.

Omakase at Shibumi

At Shibumi, we want omakase to be our calling card and what sets us apart from other Japanese restaurants in Quito. Our tasting menu consists of 8 carefully crafted courses:

• A soup that opens the appetite and prepares the senses
• Tatakis full of flavor and technique
• Sashimis that highlight the freshness of our catch
• Nigiris, our specialty and the heart of omakase
• Rolls that combine tradition and creativity
• And finally, a dessert that sweetly closes the experience

Each visit to omakase is different, because the catch changes, the season changes, and the chef always finds new ways to surprise.

Where to Find the Best Sushi in Quito?

Answering that question is not easy, but we believe authenticity, technique, and freshness are essential. At Shibumi, omakase is the purest way to show what we do and why so many diners consider us among the best restaurants in Quito.

Location: Ruiz de Castilla and Lorenzo Aldana
Reservations: https://bit.ly/ReservaShibumiWhatsApp

Shibumi: Beauty in Simplicity

In Japanese culture, Shibumi represents an ideal that goes beyond the obvious. It is the union of simplicity and sophistication, a balance between modesty and impact. The word comes from the term “shibu,” which originally referred to the astringent taste of certain fruits, but over time acquired a deeper meaning: the ability to find beauty in the subtle, in what is not ostentatious, yet leaves a lasting impression.

In the Japanese context, Shibumi is applied to art, architecture, nature, and everyday life. It is the pursuit of an aesthetic that does not need to be explained because its value is perceived instinctively.

The Shibumi Philosophy in Our Restaurant

At Shibumi, we have embraced this philosophy to create an experience that aligns with this concept of discrete yet powerful beauty. From the moment you step through our doors, you will notice that every detail is designed to reflect the essence of Japanese minimalism.

• Décor: The spaces are designed with clean lines, natural materials, and warm tones that invite calm. You won’t find excessive decorations, because we believe that true elegance lies in simplicity.
• The Dishes: Our cuisine also embraces this philosophy. Each dish is crafted with a few carefully selected ingredients, highlighting the freshness of our catch from Manabí. Through traditional Japanese techniques and impeccable presentation, we aim to convey intense and memorable emotions with every bite.

For example, our Omakase, the tasting menu where the chef selects the best ingredients of the day, is a celebration of Shibumi. Every piece of sushi and sashimi reveals perfection in simplicity, allowing the natural flavors to shine without distraction.

Shibumi: More than a Restaurant, an Experience

At Shibumi, we don’t just want you to enjoy the food, but also to find a space to reconnect with yourself, appreciate the small details, and experience the beauty of simplicity.

We invite you to visit us and discover how the Shibumi philosophy is present in every corner of our restaurant. Let yourself be carried away by a unique experience, where every element is designed to create harmony and awaken your senses.

Location: Ruiz de Castilla and Lorenzo Aldana
Reservations: https://bit.ly/ReservaShibumiWhatsApp