How Japan’s coffee omakase experiences are finding success globally

Once the preserve of Japan’s finest sushi restaurants, highly curated omakase experiences are now offered by a growing number of specialty coffee shops. Espresso magazine’s Letícia Souza speaks to the venues taking their customers on a sensory journey to discover some of the world’s rarest coffees while pushing the boundaries of mixology, craft and quality

Imagine sitting at a coffee shop counter and being served rare coffees paired with exquisite food and curated by the world’s finest baristas and craftspeople. Coffee omakase is a unique super-premium experience where customers sit back, relax and are guided through a sensory journey by a barista without ever having to glance at a menu.

The concept of omakase, which means ‘I leave it up to you’ in Japanese, originated in high-end sushi restaurants, where chefs would offer a curated selection of seasonal dishes made with ingredients available on the day. Such is the regard for omakase in the fine dining world, ‘few formal dining experiences are as revered or as intimidating’, according to the Michelin Guide.