O’Sake in Santa Rosa: Martini Prawns, Flaming Scallops, and Michelin Level Flavor
O’Sake is one of Santa Rosa’s most well known Japanese restaurants, and somehow this was my first time visiting. After this meal, it definitely will not be my last.
Let’s start with this. They invented the martini prawns. If you have ever had this dish before, this is where it came from. Created by Gary Chu, the martini prawns are crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet sauce with just a little tang and a touch of spice. One of my favorite things to do is dip the shredded carrots into that sauce. It sounds simple, but it works. That sauce sticks with you.
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Sashimi Wrapped Albacore
The chef told us not to dip this in soy sauce, and I am glad he did. The flavors were already balanced. You get clean, refreshing bites up front, and then a wasabi style sauce adds just the right amount of heat and tang. It comes with thin crispy chips on the side. Light, fresh, and done right.
Hamachi Carpaccio
The hamachi yellowtail carpaccio came with yuzu sauce and a slice of serrano on top. The citrus from the sauce, the freshness of the fish, and that little bit of spice from the serrano made this dish stand out. Simple but packed with flavor.
Flaming Scallops
These were a special item and one of the best things we tried. They came out in the shell, still warm from the flame. The flavor reminded me of a seafood pasta with a little butter and a sweet sauce underneath. The cheese on top was just barely melted and brought it all together. I almost took the shell home as a souvenir.
The Utah Roll
This is their top selling roll and also my go to roll everywhere I go. It had that perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and savory, with a solid drizzle of unagi sauce to bring it all home. You really cannot go wrong with this one.
Hamachi Sushi Bites with Truffle Oil
These were topped with truffle oil, avocado, and caviar. The truffle flavor hits first, then fades into the freshness of the fish. The caviar gives it a clean finish. Small bite, big impact.
Dessert Done Right
We ended with matcha tiramisu and raspberry sorbet. The sorbet was bright, bold, and full of flavor. It paired perfectly with the earthy matcha and closed out the meal in a way that made sense. Sweet but not heavy.
Final Thoughts
From the plating to the flavors to the service, O’Sake feels like a Michelin level experience. That checks out since they have received Bib Gourmand recognition before. Every dish had care behind it. If you are in Santa Rosa and want something that goes way beyond your usual sushi spot, this is the place.