The stellar menus at these Japanese restaurants in Singapore might rival even the famous ones in Japan...
Can’t get enough Japanese food? If you’re a devoted enthusiast who loves ramen, omakase dining, shabu shabu and teppanyaki, 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. On that note, we bring you the top Japanese restaurants in Singapore for stunning sushi and sashimi. Bookmark this list!
Best Japanese restaurants in Singapore
1. Sushi Sato
With chef Yuji Sato at the helm, rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. The chef boasts over 20 years of experience, having trained as a sushi-ya in the Tsukiji market, Tokyo. Thanks to his early years, he’s developed a relationship with suppliers in Japan, giving him access to some of the rarest produce they have to offer. Take a seat at the Hinoki counter and be mesmerised by the chef’s special menu where you get to enjoy fish sashimi-style, grilled, or over rice.
Sushi Sato, 6B Dempsey Road, Singapore 247662
2. Sushi Kimura
Head chef Tomoo Kimura brings 15 years of experience (including a stint at the Michelin-starred Ginza Restaurant) to this modern sushi-ya at Palais Renaissance. The dining room sets the tone for an intimate lunch or dinner and evokes a sense of tradition through the use of room dividers. The best way to savour his creations is to opt for the ever-changing course menu with a sake pairing available as an option.
Sushi Kimura, #01-07, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
3. Tora Tora Tora
You can thank the Japanese drinking game for inspiring the founders of Tora Tora Tora. Situated within the Tai Seng area, this resto specialises in fresh sashimi and sushi served alongside classic izakaya fare charcoal grilled to perfection. It also has a stunning collection of Japanese whiskies and sakes for you to choose from. Looking to host an intimate dinner? Book the private dining room, complete with a karaoke set to sing the night away.
Tora Tora Tora, #11-19, Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Road, Singapore 408734
4. Misaki
If you want to impress your business counterparts, Misaki is the place to be. With its stylish modern interior and devoted chefs, this intimate restaurant serves a plethora of exquisite sushi sets. Indulge in the omakase menu which is an expertly curated feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Misaki, #01-01, Tower 3, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 12 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018982
5. Wakuda
Chef Tetsuya is considered one of Australia’s finest chefs, and now helms Wakuda at Marina Bay Sands. You can expect great things from the great mind that brought us the two-Michelin star restaurant, Waku Ghin. Wakuda aims to capture the nuances of traditional and modern Japan, offering an unconventional experience. A must-try dish is the cold soba with botan shrimp and fresh caviar. Simply delish.
Wakuda, Lobby, Tower 2, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
6. The Ramen House
Don’t be fooled by this moniker. The ramen may be good, but the sushi is just as satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for late-night cravings because it stays open till the wee hours. Our faves are the torched beef sushi, tuna sashimi and unagi maki. Wash it all down with a chilled can of Sapporo.
The Ramen House, 6 Short Street, Singapore 188213
7. The Sushi Bar
There’s always a line to get into this no-frills joint, but we’d gladly wait patiently for a taste of its masterful menu. Go for the rice bowls topped with sea urchin, torched salmon, or even fatty tuna. Or get rolls stuffed with soft shell crab or eel to share. Plus, everything’s pretty wallet-friendly, which we love.
The Sushi Bar, multiple locations including Far East Plaza and Ngee Ann City
8. Ikoi Japanese Restaurant
Do all-you-can-eat Japanese buffets make your heart flutter? Then Ikoi should be your go-to restaurant in Singapore. Expect the likes of sashimi, sushi, tempura and yakitori. 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.
Ikoi Japanese Restaurant, #01-01, Hotel Miramar, 401 Havelock Road, Singapore 169631
9. Hashida Singapore
Long hailed by lovers of progressive Japanese gastronomy, Hashida Singapore bears the unique imprint of its charismatic helmer, Chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida. Journey through a space inspired by a Shinto shrine, and be whisked away for an exquisite dining experience. At its core, Hashida is an omakase restaurant, so count yourself lucky if you get to taste Hatch’s signature hand-carved otoro.
Hashida Singapore, #01-01, 77 Amoy Street, Singapore 069896
10. Sabar
After moving out from Japan Food Town in Wisma Atria, Sabar has a new home in Tanjong Pagar. Specialising in mackerel dishes, the joint offers sushi packed with its signature fish in different styles, such as grilled and flame-seared.
Sabar, #03-14, 100AM, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
11. Sushi Jin
Joining other great Japanese restaurants under the Les Amis Group, Sushi Jin focuses on the freshest ingredients air-flown from Tokyo – sugoi! Noteworthy dishes include the unagi chirashi don and wagyu don. Otherwise, try the chef’s premium omakase dinner with seasonal cooked dishes and assorted sushi.
Sushi Jin, #01-11/12, Owen Link, Farrer Park Hospital, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
12. Tomi Sushi
First opened in 1954 at Niigata, the establishment ventured out of Japan in 2010, bringing its brand of Japanese food to Singapore. If you adore sashimi, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re thickly sliced and uber fresh here. Feeling hungry? Try the Tokujyo Chirashi. It comes with a treasure trove of oceanic delights, including maguro chutoro, served atop a bed of Niigata Koshihikari rice.
Tomi Sushi, multiple locations including Millenia Walk and East Coast Road
13. 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. For example, on Mondays and Thursdays, you can get salmon sashimi for $3.90, beer for $6 and a glass of sake for $3.
Standing Sushi Bar, multiple locations including Odeon Towers and Marina One
14. Hakumai
From premium Koshihikari variety rice to the specially concocted garnishing sauce, every sushi at Hakumai is made with the finest ingredients. Leave it to the chef and get the Sushi Omakase that comes with an assortment of premium sushi, kawahagi, soup, and ice cream.
Hakumai, #01-50A, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903
15. Ki-Sho
Chef Shinichi Nakatake 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 you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the exquisite creations that make up your seven- to 11-course meal. Always trust the chef!
Ki-Sho, 29 Scotts Road, Singapore 228224
16. Akira Back
Award-winning chef Akira Back made his Singapore debut with the opening of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach. The menu features modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair while emphasising seasonal produce. Look forward to innovative handrolls like the Perfect Storm, which is shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, salmon belly aburi, and chipotle mayo rolled into bite-sized perfection.
Akira Back, Level B1M, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, 30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763
17. Goho
Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner with fun and innovative modern twists. Hidden above Rappu, Goho celebrates good food by highlighting the five culinary techniques of Japanese cuisine. The menu changes with the season, so you know you’re getting the freshest seafood it has to offer.
Goho, 53A Duxton Road, Singapore 089517, entrance via Rappu
18. Shinji by Kanesaka
When it comes to decadent Japanese food in Singapore, there aren’t many that come quite as elegant as Shinji by Kanesaka. It’s run by chef Shinji Kanesaka, who holds two Michelin stars. His much-revered establishment serves fuss-free yet formidable menus that boast fresh sushi and sashimi in nine-, 12-, or 15-piece sets. The space even features a sushi counter carved from the trunk of a 220-year-old hinoki tree. Not to mention, exquisite omakase sets that can shake things up with all sorts of gastronomical curveballs!
Shinji by Kanesaka, multiple locations including The St. Regis Singapore and Carlton Hotel Singapore
19. Shiraishi
Shiraishi takes pride in serving edomae-styled sushi. Seafood caught in the waters of Tokyo is prepared fresh with the addition of soy sauce, vinegar and wasabi. The menu rotates seasonally, so you can expect only the freshest catches to be featured here.
Shiraishi, #03-01/02, The Ritz- Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
20. 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 red lanterns strung around the restaurant. Dine at this rebellious establishment in the CBD and enjoy the views at its swanky rooftop bar. Unconventional sushi selections include AC/DC Dynamite, sushi made fresh and deep-fried seafood with Sriracha soy sauce, and Dragon Chaser, made with seared foie gras and eel and fried breaded prawn.
Kinki, #02-02, Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323
21. Shoukouwa Restaurant
Why Shoukouwa? For starters, it’s the only two Michelin-starred sushi spot in Singapore. This fine dining establishment quickly beat other Japanese stalwart restaurants in its opening year to snag those coveted stars in Singapore’s inaugural Michelin Guide. Its omakase menu stands out for featuring ingredients fresh from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. So expect to splash some cash on this remarkable dining experience.
Shoukouwa Restaurant, #02-02A, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Get a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun at these excellent Japanese restaurants in Singapore!
