We tried Victoria's new omakase bar, here's how it went

Chobap Sushi Bar is a newly opened omakase restaurant on Courtney Street in Victoria offering a one-of-a-kind dinner experience. Here diners entrust the chef to select and prepare a multi-course meal. The word omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, and it reflects a dining style where the chef curates each course to showcase their creativity.

Operated and run by chef Clark Park, a highly-esteemed chef with previous experience working at reputable places like Miku, Yua Bistro and Marilena Cafe, the menu is defined by his mastered blend of traditional Japanese flavours with modern cooking techniques that use fresh, seasonal ingredients to take guests on a rich culinary journey. 

Chef Park is from Korea, and Chobap in Korean means nigiri, hence the name of the restaurant. Chobap Sushi Bar blends the fresh flavours of Victoria’s coastline with select ingredients flown in from Japan. With years of experience in Osaka, Japan, chef Park brings a unique, artistic approach to each dish with the goal of celebrating Victoria’s bounty while blending in Japanese tradition. Through each course, chef Park hopes to bring a taste of both Japan and Victoria.

The heart of Chobap is its intimate eight-seat counter, where guests are treated to a front-row view of chef Park's meticulous preparation. The restaurant offers three distinct omakase journeys:

• Edition Omakase ($75) - An eight-course exploration

• Harmony Omakase ($85) - Eight courses with curated sake pairings

• Elegant Chef's Collection ($120) - A grand 10-12 course adventure

We chose the “Edition Omasake” on our first visit to Chobap.

The dining experience

The evening begins precisely on time—a courtesy to ensure all diners experience each course at its peak. Chef Park opens with his signature tuna gomae with sesame soy sauce. The tuna is fresh and delicious. Next we had grilled saba barbecue (mackerel), a perfectly grilled fish, highlighting its natural flavours. Omakase is all about enjoying the moment, that’s why guests are encouraged to take a break in between courses, letting the flavours settle, and getting ready for the next chapter in this chef’s omakase story.