Sushi Hayashi in Oklahoma City: Omakase Counter Service and À La Carte Sushi
Sushi Hayashi is a small Japanese restaurant in Oklahoma City that centers on chef-prepared omakase and traditional nigiri, sashimi, and roll selections built from raw fish sourced through established Japanese distributors. The restaurant operates as a counter-focused establishment rather than a full-service dining room, with seating limited to roughly a dozen seats facing the kitchen; the format prioritizes direct interaction between chef and diner and reduces the overhead typical of larger sushi venues in the city.
What you order and what it costs
Sushi Hayashi offers two primary pathways: omakase tasting and à la carte ordering. Omakase typically runs between $60 and $90 per person and consists of roughly 12 to 16 pieces selected by the chef; pricing shifts based on daily fish availability and market cost. À la carte nigiri ranges from $2 to $6 per piece, depending on the grade and type of fish. Rolls span $8 to $16. Sashimi platters and appetizers such as edamame and miso soup are also available. Most customers order omakase to experience the chef's selection and skill; à la carte works better if you have specific preferences or want a lighter meal. Prices are verified by phone, as raw fish costs fluctuate seasonally.
How Sushi Hayashi compares to other Oklahoma City sushi options
Oklahoma City has a handful of sushi restaurants, but few operate an omakase counter model. Sushi King, located near Edmond, offers a larger dining room and broader Asian menu (Thai, Vietnamese) but no omakase service; it suits diners who want variety and full-service table seating. Sushi & Ramen Ya, also in the city, emphasizes ramen alongside sushi and targets a younger, quicker-service crowd. Sushi Hayashi's strength is the omakase experience and the chef's direct hand in each piece; choose it when you want to sit at the counter and watch the preparation, or when you trust the chef to select premium fish on your behalf. Choose Sushi King or Sushi & Ramen Ya if you want a full menu beyond sushi, table service, or a faster transaction.
Who this place suits, and who it does not
Omakase works best for diners who appreciate raw fish, are flexible about what they eat, and enjoy watching the chef work. The counter seating creates a social, attentive experience. It is not ideal for large groups, people uncomfortable with raw seafood, or anyone needing a quiet corner table. The à la carte menu accommodates those preferences, but the restaurant's identity is built around the counter and omakase tradition.
What to expect on your first visit
Arrive with no fixed agenda. The chef will greet you at the counter, ask about allergies and strong dislikes, and begin placing pieces in front of you one or two at a time. Eat each piece immediately after it is placed; the chef is timing temperature and rice firmness. Conversation with the chef during omakase is normal and encouraged. If you choose à la carte, order directly from a menu and eat at your own pace. The meal typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour for omakase, less for à la carte. Cash and card are accepted.
Hours, location, and parking
Sushi Hayashi operates Tuesday through Sunday, typically opening at 5 p.m. and closing between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., though hours vary by day; call ahead to confirm. The restaurant is located in central Oklahoma City and has street parking or a small shared lot. Verify current hours before visiting, as sushi restaurants occasionally shift service times based on fish availability.
Sushi Hayashi fills a specific role in Oklahoma City's dining landscape: it offers the omakase counter experience that larger restaurants in the city do not, and it attracts diners willing to sit close to the chef and trust the process.
