Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Dining
おまかせでお願いいたします。苦手なものは特にございません。 — I'll trust your choice. There's nothing I particularly dislike. (Cultural · Dining, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N3)
You
おまかせでお願いいたします。苦手なものは特にございません。
おまかせでおねがいいたします。にがてなものはとくにございません。
I'll trust your choice. There's nothing I particularly dislike.
Romaji: Omakase de onegai itashimasu. Nigate na mono wa tokuni gozaimasen. / Reply Romaji: Kashikomarimashita. Junban ni odashi shimasu ne.
Reply
かしこまりました。順番にお出ししますね。
かしこまりました。じゅんばんにおだししますね。
Certainly. I'll serve them in order.
Gesture & etiquette
Sit upright at the counter, leaving space for the chef's preparation. Make eye contact when ordering, then watch the preparation respectfully — silent observation is appreciated. When a piece is placed, give a small nod of thanks before eating. Eat promptly so the temperature/texture is at the chef's intended state.
At a sushi counter, 'omakase' (I leave it to you) lets the chef (itamae) showcase the day's best. Telling them about dietary restrictions or strong dislikes up front prevents awkwardness mid-course. Eat each piece in one bite, ideally with chopsticks for slices or hands for nigiri (both acceptable). Compliment specific pieces ('kono toro wa yawarakai desu ne') rather than generic praise. Never wave the soy-sauce-dipped sushi around.