The stellar sushi – whether rolled or pressed by hand – at these authentic sashimi bars and restaurants in Singapore are good enough to rival even the famous ones in Japan...
If you’re a devoted Japanese foodie who loves ramen, yakitori, shabu shabu and teppanyaki, then we’re guessing your sushi game is strong. Whether it’s hand-pressed nigiri you’re craving, or delicately wrapped temaki, amazing sushi always hits the spot if when it’s fresh, rich, and complemented with a generous dose of wasabi. We bring you these top Japanese restaurants in Singapore that even the most discerning of sushi snobs will approve of…
Standing Sushi Bar
Reasonably priced sashimi and drinks: Best. Combo. Ever. Standing Sushi Bar serves up some pretty attractive promotions that’ll make you come back again and again. Head down to their 8Q branch on Tuesdays and enjoy 50% off sushi selections, while sushi rolls are half-priced at all their branches on Wednesdays.
Standing Sushi Bar, 16 Collyer Quay, #02-02, Income @ Raffles, Singapore 049318
Ginza Yoshino Sushi
Still in the haven for top choice Japanese food, Ginza Yoshino Sushi also comes with a history. Ginza Yoshino Sushi in Tokyo’s Ginza district has been helmed by four generations of one family, the latest being chef Tokio Endo who mans the store in Cuppage Plaza. With fresh ingredients imported from Japan, Ginza Yoshino makes for a refreshing late night meal, a change-up from the usual greasy grub Saturday night offers.
Ginza Yoshino Sushi, 5 Koek Road #06-03 Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Sushi Kimura
Head Chef Tomoo Kimura brings his 15 years of experience (including a stint at the Michelin-starred Ginza Restaurant) to this modern sushi-ya at Palais Renaissance. The best way to savour Chef Kimura’s creations is to opt for the ever-changing omakase menu – done in traditional edo-mae style – that showcases handpicked seasonal highlights from Japan.
Sushi Kimura, 390 Orchard Road, #01-07 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
Hashida Sushi
Over at Hashida Sushi you’re in terrific hands, and we can assure you that you won’t go home hungry. The premium ingredients and fantastic execution are worth every penny of your $300 bill. Chef Kenjiro Hatch Hashida, who helms the kitchen, is also the only son of chef Hashida, who runs a sushi restaurant near the famed Tsukiji Market in Japan.
Hashida Sushi, #02-37 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
Chikuwa Tei
Reminiscent of restaurants and izakayas along the alleys of Tokyo, Chikuwa Tei offers familiar Japanese classics that’ll whet your appetite. Fancy some premium nigiri-sushi? You can’t go wrong with the melt-in-your-mouth otoro sushi, featuring the fattiest part of tuna belly. Don’t forget to try their range of makimono (rolled sushi) either, with selections of tempura and soft-shelled crabs.
Chikuwa Tei, 9 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238959
Ikoi Japanese Restaurant
Do all-you-can-eat Japanese buffets make your heart flutter? Then Ikoi should be your go-to restaurant in Singapore. It’s one of our top picks when we need a full-on feast, but be warned: you need to book early to avoid disappointment. If you’ve got a large posse to feed, ask for the private room (up to 12 pax) for free-flow sashimi and classic sushi bites.
Ikoi Japanese Restaurant, #01-01 Hotel Miramar, 401 Havelock Road, Singapore 169631
Ikyu
The sushi at this sleek Tiong Bahru establishment are things of beauty, and we like them slightly-charred, aburi style. If you like a variety of modern Japanese plates to go along with your exquisite, bite-sized morsels, order creations like the wagyu tsukune and the hotate truffle carpaccio in addition to items like the assorted premium sashimi.
IKYU, 5 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168643
Sushi Jin
Joining the other great Japanese restaurants under the Les Amis Group (Aoki and Shabu Shabu Gen), Sushi Jin is all about the freshest, air-flown ingredients all the way from Tokyo’s world-renowned Tsukiji market – sugoi! Sushi Jin merely sits 38 people, so be sure to make your reservations.
Sushi Jin, #01-11/12 Owen Link, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
Tsukiji Sushi Takewaka
With 28 years of history under their belt, it’s safe to say that the sushi senseis at Tsukiji Sushi Takewaka know their fish. Its Japanese outlet is located near Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market, ensuring that only the freshest seafood is used in the preparation of dishes; the Singapore branch is no exception as it imports fish directly from the market itself. Help yourself to an eight-piece set of Edomae nigiri sushi ($14.40), or go a la carte and order premium sushi such as sea urchin and tiger prawns.
Tsukiji Sushi Takewaka, Wisma Atria Level 4, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877
Sushi Jiro
Though it doesn’t have any affiliation with Michelin-starred sushi master Jiro Ono (his restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro in Japan is heralded as Japan’s national treasure, in case you’re wondering), this traditional sushi joint situated along quaint Siglap doesn’t disappoint with its fresh offerings. Owned by Jiro Nakano who has over 30 years of experience under his belt, pamper your tastebuds when you dig in to his delicate Japanese creations. Sushi Jiro also serves grilled and deep fried dishes, as well as a variety of steamboats and soups.
Sushi Jiro, 695 East Coast Road, Singapore 459059
Tomi Sushi
First opened in 1954 at Niigata, the establishment ventured out of Japan in 2010, with the first stop being sunny Singapore – whoop! If you adore sashimi, you’ll be pleased to know that they come thickly sliced and uber fresh. Feeling adventurous? Try the Ankimo, an Angelfish liver.
Tomi Sushi, #02-11 Novena Square, Novena Square Shopping Mall, 238 Thomson Road, Singapore 307683
The Sushi Bar
There’s always a line to get into this no-frills joint, but we’d gladly wait patiently for delights like their chirashi don (available in three different prices – sorted according to the “grade” and amount of toppings) and the salmon aburi roll. Everything’s pretty wallet-friendly too.
The Sushi Bar, The Sushi Bar, #04-28 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Wasabi Tei
Hardcore nigiri fans will be very pleased with Wasabi Tei’s generous (read: very thick) slices of sweet, fresh raw fish. The small eatery only sits about 15 people, and everyone has to order a main lest they get asked to leave.
Wasabi Tei, #05-70 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Sabar
Sabar has an obsession with the number 38 –38 seats, 38 items on the menu, even the saba fish used in all of its dishes is exactly 38cm each! If you’ve no qualms munching on mackerel, this specialty restaurant is for you. Get the restaurant’s signature toro-saba sushi, a platter of five with fresh mackerel slices, Or if everything on the menu looks delicious to you, why not get their sushi teishoku? You’ll get to sample a lil’ of each!
Sabar, Wisma Atria Level 4, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877
Tatsuya
Any serious sushi eaters will know that Tatsuya has got some of the finest aburi sushi in the city. Run by Chef Ronnie who won the prestigious World Gourmet Summit Asian Ethic chef for two years, one can expect exquisite quality at this luxurious Japanese resto. The menu is seasonal, meaning you only get the freshest produce served to you. Come here for lunch; their set menu comprises of the same dishes served during dinner, but are much friendlier to your pockets.
Tatsuya, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Hakumai Sushi
From the premium Koshihikari variety rice to the specially concocted garnishing sauce, every sushi at Hakumai Sushi is made with the finest ingredients. Leave it to the chef and get the Hakumaki Sushi Omakase that comes with an assortment of premium sushi, kawahagi, soup, and ice-cream.
Hakumai Sushi, #01-50A, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903
Ki-Sho
Helmed by Chef Hamamoto, this former chef from Waku Ghin uses his wealth of experience to create an unforgettable dining experience at this omakase restaurant. While you can’t choose your sushi, you can rest assured that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the chef’s creations while you relish your eight- to 10-course meal. Always trust the chef!
Ki-Sho, 29 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228224
Misaki
If you wanna impress your Japanese business counterparts, Misaki is the place to be. With its stylish modern interior and devoted chefs, this intimate restaurant serves up a plethora of exquisite sushi sets. Indulge in their deluxe assorted sushi set which comes in at $52 – definitely an expertly curated feast for the eyes and palate alike. Other delights include their must-try bara chirashi teishoku.
Misaki, 2 Marina Boulevard, T3 #02-08, MBFC Tower 3, Marina Bay Link Mall, Singapore 018984
Aoki Restaurant
This upscale Japanese dining resto offers front-row seats to see the chefs in action; watch as they dexterously prep your meal and serve it to you with utmost precision. Besides serving a mean bowl of mazehirashi, the menu also offers quality sushi sets; order the nigiri shushi tokusen ($55) which comes with nine types of sushi and a maki roll.
Aoki Restaurant, 1 Scotts Road, #01-19 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Shinji by Kanesaka
When it comes to decadent Japanese cuisine, there aren’t many that come quite as elegant as Raffles Hotel’s Shinji by Kanesaka. Formed by Chef Shinji Kanesaka who holds two Michelin stars, this much-revered establishment – there’s even a sushi counter carved from the trunk of a 220-year-old hinoki tree – serves fuss-free yet formidable menus that boast fresh sushi and sashimi in nine-, 12-, or 15-piece sets. Not to mention, exquisite omakase sets that can whip out all sorts of gastronomical curveballs!.There’s a reason why this resto ranks #21 on the respected Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list!
Shinji by Kanesaka, 76 Bras Basah Rd, Lobby Floor, Carlton Hotel, Singapore 189558
Kinki
Mention sushi restaurants and you’ll think of zen-looking places with an air of formality. Kinki shatters stereotypes with its lavish use of graffiti art and garish red lanterns strung around the restaurant. Dine in this rebellious establishment in the CBD (it also has a swanky rooftop bar), with unconventional sushi selections such as spider maki (a sushi made with soft shell crabs and avocado) and dragon maki, made with eel, prawn tempura and avocado.
Kinki, 70 Collyer Quay, #02-02 Customs House, Customs House, Singapore 049323
Shiraishi
Shiraishi takes pride in serving edomae-styled sushi, where seafood caught in the waters of Tokyo are prepared fresh with the addition of soy sauce, vinegar, and wasabi. Stop by for lunch with their edomae special 1.5 which includes 15 different delectable sushi bites, or have your fill of sashimi and sushi simultaneously with the nagisa sushi course, a seasonal dish containing both with a side of tuna soup.
Shiraishi, No. 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz- Carlton, #03-01/02, Millenial Singapore, Singapore 039799
Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou
As the name would imply, MaguroDonya Miuramisakikou Sushi & Dining (now isn’t that a mouthful?) prides itself on being true maguro (blue-fin tuna) mavens. Singapore is home to several Japanese speciality beef restaurants, but this is the first time we’ve had a specialty maguro restaurant open up. The restaurant freshly imports maguro directly from Japan; grab three of your buddies and spring for the four-person sashimi platter ($120) that will treat you to several prime cuts of maguro – including the buttery, fatty bits!
Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou, 3 Temasek Blvd, 310-316 Suntec City, Singapore 038983
Shoukouwa Restaurant
To say this restaurant is a rising star is an understatement. Launched in March 2016, this sushi resto beat other sushi stalwart establishments to land two Michelin stars in the Singapore’s inaugural Michelin Guide. What makes this eight-seater fine dining restaurant – run by the Emmanuel Stroobant Group – stand out is its omakase menu featuring ingredients fresh from Tsukiji Fish Market. Although their dinner sets – Miyabi ($320++) and Hana ($480++) – run a bit on the pricey side, they’re absolutely worth every buck.
Shoukouwa Restaurant, #02-02A One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Megumi Japanese Restaurant
Probably one of the country’s best-kept secrets, this Japanese establishment might be inexpensive, but they certainly don’t skim on quality. The sashimi slices are fresh and slightly oversized – perfection when layered over pressed vinegared rice. East Coast’s too far out for you? Its second outlet is located at Sunset Way.
Megumi Japanese Restaurant, #01-03, 77 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455218
Tampopo
This Japanese franchise has a couple of outlets available, but our favourite has to be its Liang Court branch where you’ll often spot plenty of Japanese expats dining – do you need a clearer indicator of its authenticity and quality than this? Order the Tampopo Tokusen Sushi set if you want a real treat – indulge in urchin, salmon roe, fatty tuna and grilled saltwater eel. The rolls here – the salmon and crab roll is a winner – will also leave you stuffed.
Tampopo, #01-23/24 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Akira Back
Award-winning chef Akira Back made his Singapore debut recently with the opening of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach. The menu here features modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair, while emphasising on seasonal produce. It’s currently having a three-course set lunch, and you can order sushi moriawase as one of your mains – a handpicked (and handmade) selection of the freshest nigiri airflown from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.
Akira Back, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, 30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763
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