It’s Day 62 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in Maryland, and this one sent me straight to Gambrills for a sushi spot I still can’t stop thinking about. Otani flies their fish in from the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, and their $65 omakase (yes, uni AND wagyu included) is the kind of deal that makes you double-check the menu, lol. But it’s not just the omakase, the hibachi’s super tasty and their specialty rolls are a whole thing, with the Green Monster roll leading the pack. If you love sushi and you’re anywhere near Route 3, this Anne Arundel gem’s a must, Nomsters. Come hungry and maybe bring a date, because this is the kind of meal you’ll want to slow down and actually savor.
View this reel on Instagram
What Makes Otani a Standout Sushi Spot in Gambrills
So what sets Otani apart? For starters, that Tsukiji connection’s no small thing. Getting fish flown in from Tokyo’s most famous market means the sushi and sashimi taste as clean and fresh as you’d hope. Then there’s the value. A $65 omakase that includes uni and wagyu is genuinely hard to find in the DMV, where a spread like that usually runs way higher. Beyond the raw stuff, they’ve built a reputation on their specialty maki, and the menu goes deep with hibachi, teriyaki, tempura, katsu, and noodle dishes too. It’s the rare spot that nails both the fancy omakase experience AND the comforting, load-up-the-table hibachi meal.
What to Order at Otani
Here’s what I got, plus a few things to keep in mind when you go.
The $65 Omakase
Let me put you on to the star of the show. Otani’s omakase starts at $65 for one (it scales up to $85 for two and a $160 Love Boat if you’re going all out), and mine came loaded with uni and wagyu, which still blows my mind for the price. You’re basically handing the chef the wheel and letting them serve you the freshest cuts of the day, piece by piece. If you’ve never done omakase before, this is a really approachable, budget-friendly way to try it, and it’s the single best reason to come.
Hibachi Combo ($22.55)
If raw fish isn’t your thing, their hibachi’s super tasty and a solid deal. My combo was $22.55 and came with steak and shrimp, plus fried rice and soup, and everything was on point. I really enjoyed the steak and shrimp, and the fried rice and soup were delicious too. It’s a great option if you’re dining with someone who wants cooked over raw, or if you just want a big, satisfying plate.
Green Monster Roll
Their specialty rolls are bestsellers for a reason, and the Green Monster’s the one to beat. It’s stacked with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, fresh tuna, avocado, and black caviar, then finished with eel sauce, mayo, and yuzu sauce for that sweet-savory-citrusy hit. With all those ingredients going on, it’s easy to see why it’s the bestseller, so it’s a fun place to start before you branch out. I’ve got a feeling the rest of the maki here are just as yum, so don’t be afraid to explore the roll menu.
A few more things worth knowing off the broader menu:
- Lunch specials run about $15.55 to $22.55, so a weekday lunch is a budget-friendly way to try the kitchen.
- There are hand rolls and a la carte nigiri if you’d rather build your own spread than commit to the omakase.
- They pour beer, wine, and sake, so it works for a proper night out.
What Is Omakase, Exactly?
Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese, so an omakase is a chef’s-choice tasting where you trust the kitchen to serve you the best of whatever’s freshest that day. Instead of ordering off a menu, you get a curated parade of nigiri and sashimi, often building from lighter, delicate fish to richer, fattier cuts. At Otani that’s how you land uni and wagyu in a single $65 sitting. If you want to read up on how it all works before you go, this explainer breaks it down well. It’s easily one of my favorite ways to eat sushi.
The Vibe and Experience
The team here’s genuinely lovely. They actually recognized us from the last video we did for them and ended up comping our meal, which was so generous of them (thank you!!). It’s the kind of neighborhood Japanese spot that works whether you’re after a low-key date night or a family dinner. There’s free parking on-site so you’re not circling the lot, and it’s wheelchair accessible too. Gambrills has quietly become a fun little food stop, so if you want something more casual another night, Asian Wok & Bowl is right around the corner for affordable Chinese combos.
Good to Know
- 📍 1153 MD-3 (Route 3 North), Suite K, Gambrills, MD 21054, with free on-site parking.
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11-3 and 4:30-9:30, Fri 11-3 and 4:30-10:30, Sat 11-10:30, Sun 12-9:30.
- Dine-in and takeout; there’s no delivery listed on their own site.
- Reservations are call-ahead (they’re not on OpenTable), which I’d recommend if you’ve got your heart set on the omakase.
- Pricing’s approachable for what you get: lunch specials around $15.55 to $22.55, omakase from $65.
- Vegetarian picks like vegetable tempura, tofu teriyaki, and vegetable fried rice are on the menu.
- They serve beer, wine, and sake.
Is Otani Worth Checking Out?
YES, for sure. Otani’s one of the best sushi values in Anne Arundel County, and that $65 omakase alone makes the trip to Gambrills worth it. It’s my kind of spot for a date night or a treat-yourself dinner, and it’s earned a real place on my Maryland sushi list. If you’re chasing another sushi splurge, Sushi Sono in Columbia is a lakeside pick worth adding to the rotation too.
Have you guys been to Otani yet?! It’s one of those spots I want everyone to know about, so if you make it out for the omakase, come back and tell me what the chef served you. Save this one for your next sushi craving, Nomsters, and send it to your favorite raw-fish partner in crime.