Wasabi in Oklahoma City: Fresh Omakase and Counter Sushi in Midtown
Wasabi is a small sushi counter and omakase restaurant in Oklahoma City's Midtown district, emphasizing chef-selected nigiri and sashimi courses alongside a full à la carte menu. It operates as a sit-down establishment with limited seating, drawing regulars who prioritize ingredient quality and the omakase experience over casual grab-and-go service.
What Wasabi actually is
Wasabi functions as a traditional sushi bar with two service models: counter seating where diners can order individual rolls and nigiri, and omakase seatings where the chef controls the progression of dishes. The restaurant sources fish through established distributors and focuses on technique in rice preparation and knife work rather than fusion rolls. It seats roughly 20 people across a U-shaped counter and a handful of tables, creating an intimate setting where the kitchen is visible to most patrons.
Menu and pricing
À la carte nigiri runs $3 to $6 per piece, with rolls priced between $8 and $18. The omakase experience costs $65 per person for a standard course (typically 12 to 15 pieces) and $85 per person for a premium course with higher-grade fish. Omakase must be reserved in advance and requires a minimum party size; call ahead to confirm current minimums and pricing, as these occasionally shift with fish availability and market costs. Beer and sake are available; wine service is limited.
How Wasabi compares to other Oklahoma City sushi options
Wasabi differs from full-service Japanese restaurants like Yokozuna, which offers broader menu depth including udon, tempura, and cooked proteins alongside sushi. Wasabi's advantage lies in omakase consistency and nigiri focus; its disadvantage is limited seating and no walk-in availability during peak hours. Compared to casual conveyor-belt operations, Wasabi charges more per piece but offers chef interaction and ingredient traceability. For diners seeking omakase specifically, Wasabi is the primary dedicated option in Oklahoma City; for those wanting traditional sushi with more seating flexibility, Yokozuna is the alternative.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Wasabi suits omakase enthusiasts, sushi purists who value nigiri over rolls, and diners comfortable with fish-forward presentations. It works well for small groups (2 to 4 people) and dates. It does not suit large parties without reservation, people with limited sushi experience seeking approachable rolls, or those needing extensive cooked-protein options. Children are welcome but the menu caters to adult palates.
What the first visit involves
Call ahead to reserve omakase or arrive during counter hours for à la carte service. For omakase, expect to sit at the counter facing the chef, who will explain each piece before service. The experience lasts roughly 45 minutes to an hour. For à la carte, order from the menu or ask the counter staff for recommendations. Rice temperature, fish doneness, and seasoning are noticeable: Wasabi uses vinegar-forward sushi rice and minimal soy sauce, which some diners find different from sweeter American-style sushi.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Wasabi operates Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Street parking is available on the surrounding Midtown block, though weekend evenings require circling. There is no dedicated lot. The restaurant is located south of Downtown Oklahoma City in Midtown's growing restaurant corridor. Verify current hours before visiting, as seasonal adjustments occur occasionally.
Wasabi fills a specific role in Oklahoma City's dining landscape: it is the place to experience chef-guided sushi in a direct format rather than a casual setting, and it prioritizes sourcing and technique over volume.
