REVIEW: OMAKASE SUSHI & GRILL, Saratoga
Omakase Sushi & Grill
30 Lake Ave, Saratoga Website: omakasesushiandgrill | IG: @albanyaleandoyster
We like it for: Lunch, date night, omakase with friends at the bar
Must try: 13-course omakase
About: Housed in the former light-filled 30 Fish, Omakase Sushi & Grill is a complete transformation of the space into something more intimate and cozy, even with the cascading blossoms. The omakase sushi is exceptionnally fresh and even though the 13 or 17-course menus are printed, staff frequently ad lib with new variations. Unlike Sushi By Bou, this is not a timed omakase experience so it feels less rushed and you can walk-in and start the omakase at any time if there are seats at the bar. Tip: Groups should reserve in advance and, when you do, they often plan ahead and offer a bonus course or complimentary sake pour.
Vibe: Upscale, modern Japanese restaurant with dark woods, sakura blossom trees, omakase counter, and bar.
Parking: Street
Fresh Intel (October 2025): Owners Mia and Joe Hinners have a new project set to open in their old space in a few weeks. Mia will open Little City Luncheonette with Renee Matthews, GM for both businesses. I caught up with Mia and asked: What’s your inspiration for the new space and what can people expect to see on the menu?
“The inspiration for Little City Luncheonette stems from our love of hospitality and that nostalgic experience visiting a luncheonette or diner. As with Albany Ale and Oyster, we want to help to continue to uplift this neighborhood — it’s a love letter to our community. Luncheonettes at their core are community spaces and their appeal is that they are cozy, and unpretentious.
Little City will be just that with elevated comfort food , serving breakfast and lunch all day. A place for families to gather for breakfast and watch Saturday morning cartoons, to meet a friend and catch up enjoying a cup of coffee and a piece of pie, or to rub elbows with a stranger at the counter eating a patty melt and drinking milk shake or float.
There will even be a breakfast happy hour with specialty cocktails, wine and beer. You’ll see favorites like fluffy pancakes, Eggs Benedict, matzo ball soup, tuna salad and even meatloaf on the menu.
When will you open? “We hope to open the first week of November. Will be open 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily, using the space for private events and pop ups at night and eventually a Sunday dinner service.”
Is BMT Hospitality still connected to the businesses? “We’re still connected but building a separate brand.”