As if Takato couldn't get any better.
Credit: Oku by Takato
If you think you need to cross a county line – or book a flight for that matter – to experience a truly elite omakase, allow us to gently correct the record. Tucked quietly inside Takato, one of Fort Lauderdale’s most polished Japanese-Korean restaurants, Oku by Takato is a kind of under-the-radar dining experience that feels like a secret you’re almost hesitant to share. (Almost until we blab about how great it is.)
Named after the Japanese word “Oku,” meaning “inner” or “deep,” this intimate, 10-seat omakase lounge delivers exactly that. It’s a deep dive into technique, sourcing and storytelling, led by world-renowned Executive Chef Taek Taka Lee. Relaunched in September with a brand-new seasonal menu, Oku offers a meticulously curated, multi-course journey that changes regularly based on peak ingredients and inspiration.
Here’s how it works: two seatings on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., $250 per guest, no distractions, no shortcuts. Expect a progression of exquisite bites, regulars including toro crowned with caviar, Ora King salmon, A5 wagyu and indulgent lobster bisque. Each is prepared with surgical precision and presented right in front of you at a private sushi bar. Premium fish is flown in from Japan and Korea, and the experience is elevated further by a thoughtful selection of sake and wine pairings.
What truly sets Oku apart is the rarity. Broward County has very few high-end omakase counters operating at this level, and even fewer that feel this personal, immersive and quietly confident. If there’s a better under-the-radar omakase in South Florida, tell us. We’re waiting.
For reservations and more information, visit takatorestaurant.com/oku.
