While treating yourself to a fancy omakase meal like sushi has long been a quintessential Tokyo experience, dessert omakase might just be the next must-have culinary escapade in the capital. One of the best places to enjoy this super-sweet experience is Haruka Murooka, the namesake restaurant of acclaimed pastry chef Haruka Murooka, who opened her elegant space in April 2024.
The restaurant near Nogizaka Station has only six counter seats, all facing an open kitchen where you can watch Chef Murooka craft her desserts using fresh fruits and vegetables sourced directly from producers across Japan. Murooka’s dessert omakase has quickly gained acclaim, landing in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2025 as a Selected Restaurant in the Creative category – and one of the few places in the city devoted solely to fruit- and dessert-focused cuisine.
Drawing on 16 years of experience, Murooka crafts each dessert like a work of art. Her nine-course omakase showcases the best seasonal produce in beautifully composed sweets. On our recent visit this summer, we were treated to a menu highlighting the season’s sweet peaches. The Peach Vervain showcased Yamanashi peaches in various forms, including a fragrant jelly made from the peels, a refreshing peach kakigori shaved ice, a light peach cream foam, and delicate cuts of the fruit cooked just on the surface to maintain their juicy bite.
Another standout dish was the Water Cacao, a decadent chocolate creation featuring layers of foamy chocolate, ice cream, coffee kakigori and cacao bean roasted jelly. The bitterness of this chocolate dessert was a nice punctuation between the other sweet plates.
While dessert takes the spotlight, savoury elements add unexpected layers throughout the experience. For instance, we got to try Murooka’s freshly baked edamame bean focaccia served with prosciutto, and her chilled corn soup topped with mozzarella mousse and freshly shaved truffle.
With so many options out there, it’s no wonder diners today are seeking out fresh, unique experiences – especially when it comes to sweets. When asked about the growing popularity of dessert omakase, Murooka explained:
‘After visiting their go-to sushi or Japanese restaurants, many people are looking for something new. I think more are turning to dessert omakase because it’s an experience that really exists only in Japan. Thanks to Japan’s rich agricultural landscape, we have access to delicious, fresh fruit all year round. That’s one of the country’s strengths – and it’s what makes the dessert omakase scene possible. It’s exactly what many of my customers come looking for.’
If you’d like to try out Haruka Murooka’s dessert omakase for yourself, you can make a reservation via the website. Omakase meals start from ¥23,100 and include a drink pairing featuring wines, fruit brandies and original fruit cocktails – or non-alcoholic options – curated by Murooka. Cakes and other baked goods, including Murooka’s famous focaccia, can also be ordered online.
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