Compliments to the chef! Our list of omakase restaurants in Singapore isn't only limited to sushi and sashimi. You'll be on the edge of your seat...
When you think of Japanese food, sushi, ramen, yakitori, Japanese curry, teppanyaki and shabu shabu come to mind. That obviously leads us to choice paralysis, so when in doubt, we turn to the culinary art of omakase. For the uninitiated, omakase literally means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese. It’s commonly used in restaurants where the chef dishes out a series of plates depending on the ingredients available. So forget about making decisions, respect the chef and enjoy the gastronomical ride. Here’s our edit of the top omakase restaurants in Singapore.
Best omakase restaurants in Singapore
1. Sushi Katori
Savour only the finest Japanese cuisine at this fine-dining omakase sushi restaurant. Taking the helm is one of Singapore’s most renowned sushi chefs, Ryuta Katori, who started honing his craft in sushi-making at Tsukiji market when he was 19. Trust Chef Katori to bring you traditional and authentic Edomae-style sushi, with fresh fish flown all the way from Tokyo’s famous Toyosu market.
Here, shari, or sushi rice, takes centre stage with two variations available: white vinegar and Akazu – red vinegar that has been aged for three years. Every grain of rice is flavoured to perfection; think the optimal texture, with a rich umami and natural sweetness. Plus, each rice variation is expertly paired with specific types of fish (at the most precise temperature, no less) to bring out the best flavours. We’re so saying yes to this omakase experience with the utmost precision and flair!
Sushi Katori, #01-03, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088444
2. Shunsui
Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Hongkong Street, you’ll easily miss the entrance of Shunsui if you walk by too quickly. Shunsui is the result of a merger between Kyuu by Shunsui and Kappo Shunsui, a five-time Michelin-plate awardee. You’ll get Kappo-style Japanese cuisine served with contemporary flair at an affordable price. Helmed by chief chef Kazu Oyama, he has over a decade worth of world-class experience and knowledge. He’s been under the mentorship of a number of acclaimed chefs and worked for several Michelin-awarded restaurants.
Shunsui, #01-01, 17 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059660
3. Oumi
This new farm-to-table restaurant concept atop CapitaSpring serves the most mouthwatering contemporary Japanese Kappo cuisine. We love that it uses plants from 1-Arden’s very own food forest in plenty of its dishes. Talk about fresh! Taste decadent creations like the uber-tender gyutan yaki from its a la carte menu. Or treat yourself to a seven-course omakase experience featuring highlights like kabocha uni tofu, and Kyoho sorbet.
Oumi, #51-01, CapitaSpring, 88 Market Street, Singapore 048948
4. Takayama
The menu at Takayama pays homage to the food culture in Osaka, also known as “the kitchen of the world” during the Edo period in Japan. Executive chef Taro Takayama calls the shots and uses seasonal ingredients to bring forth the art and tradition of fine Japanese cuisine. Taste highlights like shabu shabu-style wagyu beef in white miso broth, and foie gras monaka with yuzu. You won’t forget about this incredible omakase restaurant in Singapore anytime soon!
Takayama, #01-09/10, Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
5. Masaaki
Kyoto-raised chef Masaaki Sakashita, who’s helmed the kitchens of Ishi and Hashida Sushi, brings his culinary expertise here. The restaurant is outfitted by Takenouchi Webb, showcasing a stunning collision of contemporary design and oriental glamour. Think soft pink Gucci wallpaper with beautiful white crane illustrations, a cascading wave of washi sheets hanging from the ceiling, and a wood counter crafted purely from a 250-year-old hinoki. Specialising in sushi omakase, each dish is a reflection of chef Masaaki’s skills and Japanese culinary ethos. Sit at the counter for a visual feast of the open kitchen. You’ll set your eyes on live crabs meeting the flames in the charcoal hearth and the intricate art of sushi-making.
Masaaki, B1-17, South Beach, 26 Beach Road, Singapore 189768
6. Fat Cow
Apart from its superb selection of Japanese wagyu beef, Fat Cow boasts an omakase dining room helmed by chef Shingo Iljima, who has worked in the kitchens of restaurants, hotels and ryokans in Japan. Choose from two types of omakase experiences: chef’s table for a mix of seafood and wagyu, and wagyu to spotlight the ingredient with seafood, vegetable and carb dishes to complement the meat.
Fat Cow, #01-01/02, Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248649
7. Shoukouwa
Why Shoukouwa? For starters, it’s one of two Japanese restaurants in Singapore that boasts two Michelin stars. 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, previously known as Tsukiji Market. So expect to splash some cash on this remarkable dining experience.
Shoukouwa, #02-02A, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
8. Rappu
Brought to you by the same folks behind The Feather Blade, this 36-seater offers handroll sushi omakase-style at wallet-friendly prices. Rigged out in an industrial-chic ambience, the 20m-long quartz bar invites you to a six-course sushi meal. Expect ingredients like tuna belly, fluke fin and amberjack to make an appearance. Complete the experience with a sake pairing or Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Rappu, 52 Duxton Road, Singapore 089516
9. Sushi Kimura
Head chef Tomoo Kimura brings over two decades of experience (including a stint at the Michelin-starred Ginza Restaurant) to this modern sushi-ya. The best way to savour his creations? Opt for the ever-changing omakase menu done in traditional edo-mae style. It showcases handpicked seasonal highlights from Japan.
Sushi Kimura, #01-07, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
10. Terra
Hidden behind its earth-toned walls, Terra is chef-owner Seita Nakahara’s love song to Tokyo-Italian cuisine. (He’s particular about his cuisine not being labelled Japanese-Italian.) The Michelin-starred establishment has no a la carte menu in sight. Instead, Seita uses seasonal ingredients and flavours to showcase his innovative creations. Being an omakase-only place, there’s no guarantee a particular dish will be on the menu. But if you’re lucky, you might just taste his signature spaghetti with uni. *Chef’s kiss*
Terra, 54 Tras Street, Singapore 078993
11. Bam Restaurant
Singapore’s first modern shudo (the way of sake appreciation) restaurant takes the road less travelled by marrying Spanish tapas with Japanese techniques. Following omakase-style dining, executive chef Pepe Moncayo serves up a six- and an eight-course menu that highlights the season’s freshest ingredients in Singapore. And it goes without saying, sake pairing is a must!
Bam Restaurant, 38 Tras Street, Singapore 078977
12. Hakumai Sushi
From the premium Koshihikari variety rice to the specially concocted garnishing sauce, every piece of sushi is made with the finest ingredients. Leave it to chef Gary Ng, who has two decades of experience under his belt. Get the sushi omakase that comes with an assortment of premium sushi, kawahagi, soup and ice cream. Alternatively, the signature omakase offers more substantial surprises with seasonal signature dishes.
Hakumai Sushi, #01-50A, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903
13. Ki-Sho
Yokohama native, chef Shinichi Nakatake, takes the helm at one of the best omakase spots in Singapore. Enjoy multi-course Japanese cuisine in a Kappo-style dining room that sits just up to 11 guests. While you can’t choose your sushi, rest assured you’ll be pleasantly surprised by creations such as caviar with uni sauce, and shirako tempura garnished with finely shaved black truffles. Always trust the chef!
Ki-Sho, 29 Scotts Road, Singapore 228224
14. Shinji by Kanesaka
When it comes to decadent Japanese food in Singapore, there aren’t many quite as elegant as this Michelin-starred spot. The revered establishment serves fuss-free yet formidable menus that boast fresh sushi and sashimi in nine-, 12-, or 15-piece sets. But we say go straight for the exquisite omakase sets that whip out all sorts of gastronomical curveballs! Oh, and look out for the sushi counter carved from the trunk of a 220-year-old hinoki tree.
Shinji by Kanesaka, multiple locations including The St. Regis Singapore and Carlton Hotel Singapore
15. Teppei
The waiting list for Teppei can be a tad insane (sometimes it goes up to six months). But that’s because this omakase restaurant in Singapore is famously affordable and delicious. Word to the wise: reservations open at the start of each month and it’s a 22-seater restaurant, so it’s fastest fingers first. You know what to do!
Teppei, #01-18, Orchid Hotel Singapore, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867
16. Jinhonten
Tucked away in the heart of Orchard Road, Jinhonten invites diners to experience the finest of Japanese cuisine. Jinhonten is helmed by executive chef and Saitama-native, Makoto Saito, who brings 30 years of experience in Kaiseki to Singapore. Choose from a seven-course lunch or dinner menu, featuring the freshest ingredients. We’ve got our eyes on the Kagoshima wagyu sukiyaki, seasonal sashimi and seafood donabe!
Jinhonten, #01-11, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Are you ready for an indulgent dining experience at the best omakase restaurants in Singapore?
[This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2023 by Ashe Liao.]
