New high-end sushi bar wants to ‘change the scene’ in midtown Sacramento. Take a look inside
A Wednesday morning sun gleamed into the new Okesutora, a reservation-only sushi concept, as owner Mymy Nguyen and Executive Chef Hieu Phan greeted friends, family and supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The restaurant officially opened its doors on L Street in Sacramento, introducing the city to a unique, high-end omakase experience.
Omakase, which translates to “I leave it up to you,” is a form of Japanese dining where guests allow the chef to decide what to prepare, according to the Michelin Guide.
The restaurant, nestled at 1801 L St., Suite 70, joins a crew of eateries along L Street, including the recently opened Pazza Notte, The Rind and Saigon Alley, which Nguyen also owns and recently expanded with a location in Natomas.
The proximity of her restaurants is intentional, Nguyen told The Bee at the grand opening event. The goal is to have different concepts in and around the area, not compete with one another.
“Every time that we’re doing something, we’re hoping to elevate and change the scene,” Nguyen said.
Across from Okesutora, Nguyen said that she’ll be opening an upscale lounge early next year.
“We’re definitely going to change the course of things around here a little bit and I’m excited because I think Sac needs that,” she said.
Inside the 1,524-square-foot space is an intimate arrangement, detailed with matte black walls, warm yellow lights and wood furnishing — an ode to traditional minimalist Japanese aesthetics, Nguyen said. Taking reservations for 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, the restaurant seats 30 people, with spots by the window and bar where guests are treated to a view of chefs preparing their dishes.
Okesutora will feature an immersive dining experience, a 14-course chef-tasting menu with traditional Edomae and new-style sushi, cold and hot dishes, and dessert, led by Phan, a Sacramento native and the former chef at Nobu in Palo Alto and Las Vegas. Phan is of Vietnamese descent and has studied Japanese cuisine.
“It was fun to explore and do what I love, but the city of Sacramento kind of drove me home,” Phan said.
‘Irasshaimase!’
When you enter the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a chef with “Irasshaimase!” which translates to “Welcome!”
This means a chef acknowledges you and will likely be the one to take care of you, Phan said.
The omakase experience will include a deep understanding of your food and where it comes from.
“We want people to get out of their comfort zone and learn about new fishes or seasonal ingredients,” Phan said. “So we educate them on the proper sushi etiquette, where the fish is sourced and the proper way to eat and the reason why we incorporate the flavors that we do.”
Phan and his team will curate seasonal menus every three months, featuring local and global ingredients, including fresh, wild-caught and hand-caught fish flown in from Japan every Tuesday and Thursday, Nguyen said.
That’s why the spot is closed on Sundays and Mondays, she said, to preserve the freshness of the fish.
Reserve your spot online
You can start making reservations to Okesutora online.
The restaurant is business casual, Nguyen said, encouraging people to wear what they would for a fancy date, anniversary or birthday.
“We just want everybody to have a good time and it’s nice to dress up,” Nguyen said.
Address: 1801 L St., Suite 70, Sacramento
Hours: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
