Omakase by Gino (OMG) in Santa Ana, a unique experience for the sushi fanatic!

Recently had the pleasure of dining at Omakase by Gino (OMG) in downtown Santa Ana and had to share my experience for the fellow sushi fanatics! 

OMG opened quietly a few years ago but like most restaurants was hard hit by the pandemic. Truthfully, it's a very non-descript place on Main St in Santa Ana, next to a noisy bar and an old theater that's been converted to a church - you'd walk right by it without even knowing it was there but once you step inside it's like you're transported to Tokyo. The décor and the ambiance of a true sushi bar - as authentic as you're going to find in OC. 

Of course, what would all that be without authentic food as well? Happy to report that OMG doesn't disappoint in this department either. Only offering a seasonally changing omakase (Chef's choice) menu so this isn't for the unadventurous or the roll-exclusive sushi patrons. YMMV but our menu for the evening featured 16 items, and suffice it to say we left so full we were literally waddling to our car. ;) 

Salmon Roll w roe & gold leaf
in a yuzu truffle sauce

We started out with a variety of appetizers - think amuse bouche one-bite of pleasure style dishes but each more flavorful and creative than the last. It was a lovely start to what would prove to be almost more of a show than a dinner with Chef Gino preparing every dish in front of the L shaped bar and making sure that all 8 seats get a view of the dish prior to consumption. 

Lobster Chawanmushi

 BTW, Chef Gino is the owner and ONLY employee in  the kitchen, as he cooks and preps everything himself daily. It is quite the spectacle and worth the price of admission alone to see the Chef doing what he does best! He displays many creative techniques and tools that were quite educational and entertaining to watch. 

Following the appetizers we had an assortment of the freshest sashimi I've ever tried in my life. The Chef only serves what is in season, flown over from Japan, and also what corresponds to the weather. Such a unique approach which shines through as every piece of sashimi was pure perfection featuring toro, kampachi, hokkaido salmon.. and many more !

Uni Udon wTruffles

Also included in our dinner was a special signature dish of udon loaded w local fresh Santa Barbara uni and freshly shaved black truffles. I have never had such fresh creamy uni which paired perfectly with the udon noodles. 

Fatty Toro w caviar and
shredded black truffle

Our final courses were 9 different nigiri - each crafted in front of our eyes and set on our plate immediately after bein handcrafted by the Chef. Instructed to eat them within 10 seconds for optimum flavor, they were heartily devoured! 

They were all absolutely delicious but the standout for me was most definitely the fatty toro w shredded truffle and caviar which literally melted in my mouth. 

Seared A5 Wagyu

AND if after all that fish you're craving a little beef, Chef Gino scratches that itch for you with a unique seared A5 Wagyu nigiri garnished w a smidge of gold leaf.

The infamous Chef Gino, owner/Chef

If you'd like to try out OMG for yourself be warned that it is not inexpensive at $165 per person but IMHO the value of the premium ingredients coupled with the outstanding service far exceeds the price charged. I've paid for more for experiences like this that were much less stellar. 

The hardest part about dining at OMG? Getting a reservation is a tad bit like winning the lottery. On one day each month, he opens up reservations on yelp for the entire following month but be warned that they literally fill up within minutes. To find out which day he will open the reservations follow his Instagram @omakasebygino as it's typically announced on there. Trust me though, it's worth every little bit of effort! :) #goodluck

A small side note: I was also BEYOND pleasantly surprised to find out that OMG serves Suntory Premium Malt on draft. This is a rarity and seriously one of the most delicious draft beers. The creamy foam and robust flavor paired perfectly with the meal. I highly recommend you try it with yours if you dine at OMG. It's also a favorite of the Chef. ;) 

Our menu for the evening alongside
a lovely glass of Suntory Premium Malt Draft Beer

Omakase by Gino (OMG) is located at 304 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. 

Phone: 657/231-6008  

Reservations are required, and are only available one day a month through yelp. 

Don't forget to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! ;)