Experience Japanese cuisine at the heart of Singapore! We have reviewed the top Japanese restaurant in Singapore you can visit!
Japan is a country that is known and famous for many things, but one thing that the Land of the Rising Sun is really known for worldwide is the cuisine. Wherever you go around the globe, you’re bound to find a Japanese restaurant somewhere nearby, and it’s no different here in Singapore.
If we were to speak honestly, Japanese food is one of the most popular cuisines in Singapore, and the number of options and Japanese restaurants to dine at is endless. Just think of all the sushi places, the yakitori restaurants, and ramen shops we have here, and we’re sure you’ll have a specific place in mind already. It might even be your favourite place, or it might also be on this list already!
As much as we wanted to, we couldn’t list out all the great Japanese places to eat at. But we did narrow down the list to 6 places that we think are great contenders for being top places to eat in Singapore if you have a craving for Japanese food.
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Check out the list below and tell us what you think!
Keyaki
Nothing beats the divine combo of ambience and good food, and Keyaki at Pan Pacific Singapore delivers both to you on a silver platter. It’s been lauded to be a dining experience the moment you begin walking towards the 140-seater restaurant. You’ll start at an entrance that doubles as a sheltered walkway surrounded by a koi pond and well-manicured gardens before you reach the restaurant itself. The whole place is inspired by traditional Japanese homes or minka and truly transports you to Japan without having to leave Singapore.
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As for the food, every bite you take is a burst of flavours and goodness. Sashimi platters are pretty standard Japanese fare but considering how fresh their tuna sashimi is, getting a sashimi platter makes it worth it. What’s great here is that if you want to splurge, they’ve got just the thing for that with their premium options such as the teppanyaki-style wagyu beef. But if you just want a simple yet delectable offering, Keyaki also delivers on that front.
What we love there though is their weekend brunch offer. It’s a seven-course, kaiseki-style brunch that can be made even better with free-flow beers, champagnes, selected sakes, and wines. Can you say “no” to a boozy brunch affair, Japanese style?
For special celebrations, you can book the Garden Pavilion next door for a truly private dining experience.
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/dining/keyaki.html
Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595
Contact: (+65) 6826 8240
Open hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: 6:00pm-10:00pm
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Esora
If you want to try Japanese food at a place that’s a treat for your senses, look no further than Esora. Brought to you by the Lo & Behold Group, Esora is a dream; the place washed in natural light and a warm glow thanks to a fantastic skylight. Esora is known for its kappo-style cuisine and chef-owner Shigeru Koizumi showcases that right at the counter where all your dreams come true.
You’re in for a culinary treat with the chef who has an extensive experience cooking at three-Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryugin in Tokyo and Singapore’s very own two-Michelin-starred Odette. At Esora, producing and creating profound dining experiences is what it’s all about.
You never know what you’re going to get at Esora, with the menu changing on an almost weekly basis. What you can decide on though is how many courses you want to go with. There are choices of a five-course lunch menu and a seven or a nine-course dinner menu. Then there’s the premium chef’s menu that is pretty pricey but absolutely worth it.
Website: https://www.restaurant-esora.com/
Address: 15 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 23896
Contact: (+65) 6365 1266
Open hours:
Wednesday: 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Thursday: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
Friday – Sunday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
The GYU Bar
Operating from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 12 PM to 3 PM for lunch service, and 6 PM to 10 PM for dinner, The Gyu Bar is an intimate Japanese restaurant that is both modern and elegant. Known for its modern yakiniku dining and bar concept, you’re set for a memorable dining experience here with friends or loved ones.
Meat-lovers are in for a treat with The Gyu Bar’s dynamic selection and an assortment of meats to choose from. Their pride and joy is their premium Wa-Oh Japanese beef done up in different flavours, textures, and in different rare cuts for you to enjoy and discover.
If you’re not up for the meat, they also offer seafood and several other amazing dishes. One service highlight that many love about this place is that they have their collection of sake glasses meaning, you can drink your sake in your preferred sake glass straight from their collection! That’s service personalised to your fit.
Since it’s an intimate place, seats are limited, but many have said that waiting for a seat is definitely worth it at The Gyu Bar.
Website: https://www.thegyubar.com.sg/
Address: 30, #01-08 Stevens Rd, Singapore 257840
Contact: (+65) 6732 0702
Open hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Tatsu
For that authentic Japanese dining, Tatsu hits all the right spots and have been doing so since 1996. A former traditional sushi bar, Tatsu now offers food lovers a full-range Japanese cuisine menu as well as a seasonal menu. But you still can’t go wrong with their sushi and sashimi dishes. They use only the freshest catch to craft their dishes, following the traditional Japanese style of crafting recipes together.
They are known for their premium quality seafood, and many love the fact that they actually have a bento delivery service. If you want to get them for a private event outside the restaurant, Tatsu also offers a private catering service. So if you have a private function or special celebration coming up and you sort of want Japanese dishes to be served, remember to call up these guys.
It’s best to make a reservation ahead of time before dining at Tatsu to get sure seats and a table.
Website: https://www.tatsu.com.sg/
Tatsu, CHIJMES
Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-08 CHIJMES, Singapore 18799
Contact: (+65) 6332 5868
Open hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Dinner: 6:00pm-10:30pm
Fat Cow
It’s a minimalistic and straightforward place, but boy does Fat Cow wow you with their luxurious and modern steak dishes, and expansive menu.
This place is considered to be the fanciest and finest Japanese restaurant in Singapore, and we can’t help but agree with the sentiment. They offer hand-picked Wagyu beef choices which you can choose from and, at the same time, tell them how you want it prepared.
The customised preparation method is something that many look forward to, paired with the grand food preparation that is done for you. Did we mention that their chefs not only create fantastic food but are super friendly too? That’s right. In most reviews you’ll see online, aside from positive remarks about their food, you’ll almost always see someone raving about the friendly staff, and the chefs who not only cook for you but entertain you as well.
Fat Cow offers a lunch menu, a dinner menu, an ala carte one, and of course, a dessert menu.
Website: https://www.fatcow.com.sg/
Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Contact: (+65) 6735 0308
Open hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm-10:30pm
Hashida Singapore
If you want to try one of the best omakase places in Singapore, then you have to head on over to Hashida Sushi on Mohamed Sultan Road. Prepare to be wowed as you enter the restaurant as you are greeted by a sake bar that can be found right at the entrance.
Within the restaurant, you can see three main dining areas. Two of those can be converted into a private dining room while the second level of Hashida Sushi can be booked for special events. That’s just the shop itself, and we haven’t even gotten down to talking about the food.
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Singapore offers a lot in terms of omakase places, but Hashida Sushi’s excellent omakase menu and distinct flavours make it a good one that needs to be mentioned. Headed by chef and owner Kenjiro Hashida, the course at Hashida Sushi follows a format that is traditional and familiar. Yet, it doesn’t mean that chef Hashida won’t play it up a little.
Plans to open overseas branches are already in plans, and we’re excited for what the future hold for this amazing place.
You know what they say; don’t knock it until you try it!
Website: https://hashida.sg/
Address: 77 Amoy St, Singapore 069896
Contact: (+65) 8129 5336
Open hours:
Tuesday: 7:00pm-10:30pm
Wednesday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: 7:00pm-10:30pm
Closed on Monday
Shinji by Kanesaka
If you are into that perfectly sliced sashimi, Shinji by Kanesaka offers the best sushi in addition to their Omakase ambiance. The place is also known for its Edo-style sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine prepared by their artisan chefs. The restaurant boasts Japanese culture and arts, and no wonder it is known to be the best sushi restaurant.
For as low as $55, you can fill your tummies with Hana lunch sets and enjoy nine nigiri pieces. One mouthwatering meal to try, too, is their uni rice bowl, a great bowl of tasty ingredients! If you are into a small feast, then go ahead and let them serve you with cooked dishes and appetizers for $250. You can find their restaurants in Carlton Hotel or at St. Regis.
Website: https://shinjibykanesaka.com/
Shinji by Kanesaka (In Carlton Hotel)
Address: 76 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189558
Contact: (+65) 6338 6131
Open hours:
Monday – Saturday:
Lunch: 12-3pm
Dinner: 6-10:30pm
Closed on Sunday
Shinji by Kanesaka (The St. Regis)
Address: 29 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247911
Contact: (+65) 6506 6888
Open hours:
Monday – Saturday
Lunch: 12-3pm
Dinner: 6-10:30pm
Closed on Sunday
Akira Back
Taste the award-winning dishes of the famous celebrity chef, Akira Back, in this Japanese restaurant named after him. This restaurant serves modern Japanese cuisine with touches of Korean if you are torn between these two tastes. Something to look forward to is their handrolls where you can fully taste the spice of Korean bulgogi, starting at $12.
Their sushi and sashimi are a must-try, and you can have it for as low as $6. Customers have the option to choose from cold and hot servings.
The restaurant is exceptionally welcoming and conventional. There’s an expansive dining table for families, and if you need to eat in private, there are cozy places to dine in. No wonder it’s known to be one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Singapore. Everything is superb, including their staff.
Website: https://www.akiraback.com/
Address: 30 Beach Road, Level B1M, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, South Tower 189763 Singapore, Singapore
Contact: (+65) 6818 1914
Open hours:
Sunday – Thursday:
Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm –10pm
Friday – Saturday:
Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm
9. The Sushi Bar
Well, you have to wait a little time to get to taste their outstanding menu. Indeed, it’s worth the wait to grab a plate at The Sushi Bar. The specialties of this restaurant are mostly sashimi, sushi, donburi, and other Japanese-style pasta. From this menu, you will taste an authentic Japanese meal! As you enter this sushi bar, you feel a peaceful and calm ambiance, a big thumbs up.
The talk-of-the-town is the chirashi don, which you can have at three prices depending on your desired toppings, starting at $22.9. What most Singaporeans love and the salmon aburi rolls for only $14.9! The Sushi Bar definitely serves excellent-quality food for a reasonable price. The restaurant has various locations, and you can visit anywhere from Ngee Ann City, Far East Plaza, and Tampines Central.
Website: https://thesushibar.com.sg/
The Sushi Bar, Ngee Ann City
Address: 391B Orchard Road #05-35, Singapore 238874
Contact: (+65) 6818 1914
Open Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am – 9:45 pm
The Sushi Bar, Far East Plaza
Address: 14 Scotts Road #04-28, Singapore 228213
Contact: (+65) 9653 6464
Open hours:
Monday to Thursday:
Lunch: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Friday to Sunday: 11:30 am – 9:45 pm
The Sushi Bar, Tampines Central
Address: Tampines 1 #04-09 10 Tampines Central
Contact: (+65) 6818 1914
Open hours:
Monday to Thursday:
Lunch: 11:30am – 3:35pm
Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:45pm
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 9:45pm
10. Tamashii Robataya
Tamashii Robataya is guaranteed to serve you authentic Japanese food, which you will surely love, a Japanese restaurant that boasts both traditional and innovative touches. The restaurant features an open kitchen view where you can see how their meals are prepared and cooked. Just by the looks of it, you’ll definitely want to grab it in an instant.
Of course, there are many food Singaporeans love, and you must try them, too, and their specialty: donburi! There’s market-style robatayaki. Imagine serving this to you on wooden oars. Dished with premium ingredients like grilled sea eel, saga beef, and all topped with organic Japanese eggs. Another food to try is the gyudon for only $5. You’ll get to taste an A5 saga beef with truffle shavings. For lunch, you can have their executive lunch for $45 or Tamashii lunch for $55.
Website: https://www.tamashii.com.sg/
Address: 12 North Canal Road #02-01 Singapore 048825
Contact: (+65) 6222 0316
Open hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
11. Sushi Kimura
Want to know a secret? Then, head over to the quiet place Palais Renaissance, and dine in at Sushi Kimura. The restaurant’s specialties are the Edomae-style sushi prepared with Japan-quality ingredients. With 15 years of experience, it’s no secret that the head chef Tomoo Kimura will serve you the absolute best of their Japanese cuisine. The restaurant serves an omakase menu, $120-180 for your lunch and $280-390 for dinner.
Website: https://www.sushikimura.com.sg/
Address: 01-07, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Contact: (+65) 6734 3520 / (+65) 8428 0073
Open hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:30 – 15:00
Dinner: 19:00 – 22:00
12. Rockon Tokyo
For Kyoto-style dishes, visit Rockon Tokyo, a Japanese restaurant serving the best obanzai flavors, and the atmosphere is calm and cozy. Rockon Tokyo offers a wide range of fresh ingredients, serving both hot and cold dishes. Their potato salad is a must-try for only $18, and their classic hijiki seaweed for $6. What is more, Gout-o ICU consists of three rice bowls topped with a delicious and friendly serving of ikura, caviar, and uni, and that’s for only $69.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockon_tokyo/
Address: 106 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088525
Contact: (+65) 9731 1136
Open hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 5:00pm – 10:30pm
Closed on Monday
Guide to Japanese Restaurants in Singapore
What to expect in a Japanese restaurant?
A Japanese restaurant can offer a unique dining experience with a variety of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Here are some things to expect when dining at a Japanese restaurant:
- Greetings: You will likely be greeted with a friendly “irasshaimase” (welcome) as you enter the restaurant.
- Seating: Japanese restaurants may have traditional seating options, such as floor cushions or low tables, as well as regular tables and chairs.
- Menu: The menu will feature a variety of Japanese dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, tempura, and yakitori. Some restaurants may also offer set menus or omakase (chef’s choice) options.
- Drinks: Japanese restaurants may offer a variety of Japanese drinks, such as sake, shochu, beer, and green tea.
- Table setting: The table setting may include chopsticks, soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
- Etiquette: It’s important to be respectful and follow Japanese dining etiquette, such as not talking loudly, not using your phone at the table, and not tipping.
- Service: Japanese restaurants typically offer attentive and polite service, with servers checking in frequently to make sure everything is to your liking.
- Payment: Payment is usually made at the end of the meal at the cashier, rather than at the table.
Overall, dining at a Japanese restaurant can be a unique and enjoyable experience, with a variety of delicious dishes and attentive service.
Be Bold and Explore Japan Cuisine
Singapore is a foodie’s haven, and the love for Japanese cuisine cannot be overstated. There’s a Japanese place for everyone, from affordable yet delicious ramen shops to the more expensive teppanyaki places.
As much as we want to be experiencing an authentic Japanese meal in Kyoto, sometimes we just can’t, and that’s okay because with what Singapore has to offer, there’s no need to pack your bags to get that great Japanese food.
We’re pretty sure that if you start in your own neighbourhood, you’re bound to find a gem of a restaurant that will tickle your taste bud and have you sighing in delight.
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