31 Best Japanese Restaurant in Singapore

Explore the Pinnacle of Japanese Dining in Singapore!

Delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine, a symphony of flavors, textures, and tastes—ranging from sushi to curry, tempura to teriyaki, and the enticing world of ramen. With the burgeoning popularity of Japanese restaurants in Singapore, the task of selecting the perfect one becomes a delightful challenge!

Navigating the realm of sushi can be tricky, given its delicate nature. When expertly crafted, it’s a culinary masterpiece; when mishandled, it transforms into a mushy disappointment. Elevate your dining experience by discovering exceptional sushi destinations in Singapore that cater to your discerning palate. Explore the artistry of sushi done right at these recommended establishments.

Best Japanese Restaurant in Singapore

1

Mizuya

The inventiveness, flavours, and textures of the foods placed on the diner’s plate are all reflected in Mizuya, which demonstrates the considerable work put in by the Head Chef, Kenny, in producing the dishes. Every visit to Mizuya is unique since the Omakase menu changes with the seasons. Savour from the freshest prime seasonal ingredients coupled with an outstanding chorus of chosen whiskies as fresh seafood is air-flown from Japan 3-4 times per week.

Their Omakase is known for its inventive Omakase and whisky combinations! Their top-notch Japanese food, pleasant atmosphere, and excellent service ensure that every customer is happy and satisfied at Mizuya.

Highlights:

• Seasonal
• Artistic
• Elegant with the finest ingredients available

Freshly steamed chawanmushi & sushi. – Angel Lim

2

Shinzo Japanese Cuisine

Shinzo Japanese Cuisine, located at Clarke Quay, was founded in 2013 with the goal of bringing high-quality omakase to Singapore at a reasonable price. In Japanese, the word Shinzo means “heart.” Chef Patrick Tan, who has been a sushi shokunin (artisan) for more than 39 years, understands that the best sushi is prepared from the heart.

Highlights:

• Authentic Japanese cuisine
• Freshest Ingredients

Very friendly chefs. He knew I like deep-fried food like tempura and used fish sperm and lobster to make tempura for me. The special Chirashi don bowl is really awesome too. – Yeoh Danielle

3

Maetomo Japanese Cuisine

By developing and creating state-of-the-art meals with a modern twist, Maetomo Japanese cuisine (Kaiseki & Sushi) aspires to rethink “washoku” (a Japanese traditional dining concept)*. “WASHOKU” was named one of UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 and is now officially classified.

To create a tantalizing UMAMI experience for all of his customers, Chef Maetomo is inspired by the beauty of seasonal transitions in Japan. He attempts to bring out the best, most delicate flavours of seasonal ingredients for each dish.

Highlights:

• Innovating and creating state-of-the-art dishes
• Awarded and officially listed as one of the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage

Excellent service. Chef Tomo-san is very friendly. Great food with a nice twist. – Julie Tay

4

Tamashii Restaurant

In Japanese, Tamashii means ‘Soul,’ and Chef-owners Patrick Tan and Max See dedicate themselves to making sure that everything they do at Tamashii is done with a lot of heart and soul. Tamashii’s culinary partnership walks a thin path between tradition and innovation. Using historical recipes and regular trips to Japan as sources of inspiration.

Highlights:

• Authentic Food
• Fresh Ingredients

Good food and service. Marvel at the chef cooking in front of you. friendly staff. Sashimi and seafood are top quality and also fresh. – Tan Yan Cai

5

Shiraishi

For more than 12 years, Shiraishi, their restaurant named after their owner, Mr Shiraishi Shinji, who is also their head chef, has proudly offered the finest sushi and sashimi to our clients. They are one of the few true sushi and sashimi restaurants in Singapore where you can eat fish straight from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan, which is where they get their freshest cargo.

Due to the flourishing Edo culture, their speciality, Edomae Sushi, was invented during the old Edo (old name for Tokyo) period. The term Edomae was given to this form of sushi since it is primarily made up of seafood obtained in Edo’s waters, such as tuna, bonito, halibut, sea eel, and shellfish.

Highlights:

• Authentic sushi and sashimi restaurant
• Finest sushi and sashimi

Consistent quality over the years with superb service. Your cup of tea is never empty and the counter chefs are very friendly. – Patricia Yeo

6

Sandaime Hiraki

Sandaime Hiraki Unagi&Sake Dining, a Japanese izakaya restaurant that opened its doors in 2020, is situated at Millenia Walk. Renowned as one of Singapore’s premier Japanese restaurants, the establishment offers a relaxed ambiance, ideal for gatherings with family and friends. Featuring rooms akin to private spaces, the restaurant is versatile for both casual and business occasions. Explore a diverse menu that includes set meals during lunch, à la carte options paired with sake for dinner, and a celebratory toast with Sapporo beer or highball.

Delight in an array of dishes, including Yakitori, Sashimi, Oden, Unagi, Grilled fish (Hokke and salmon), pork, and Wagyu beef. Notable recommendations include grilled oysters and fresh oysters. Sandaime Hiraki Unagi&Sake Dining now also offers delivery services.

Highlights:

• Authentic Experience
• Island Wide Delivery
• Seasonal Ingredients

We have happened upon this restaurant by chance and it was a wonderful surprise. I highly recommend the grilled oyster. Also, the option to upsize to sets was a good idea. The ambience is quite cozy and good for hanging out. It’s located in the quiet spot near suntec and far from the busy queus of usual dining spots. – alaine m

Lots of interesting choices in the menu. Came here twice and had the same Unagi half set just because they were so good. I love how their rice was cooked in oden soup. Staffs were all nice during the both times we were there. Usually headed there when it just opened for lunch so always calm and nice! – Theresa H

Good quality ingredients and nice food! Enjoyable time here wasn’t so crowded at 730pm – Teo M

7

KAMOSHITA

So that Singaporeans may comprehend their food, drink, style, and how to taste it, they want to introduce and establish a culture. It’s critical that the folks in the area understand what they’re saying. ‘Hospitality with a heart of gold is the name of their service concept. However, they show neat service to make their customers feel at ease in a nice environment. In order to attract a customer, they must increase customer recognition and expectation at all times.

Highlights:

• Authentic Experience
• Island Wide Delivery
• Seasonal Ingredients

I really like oden. It’s the kind of food that is very comforting to eat. The oden served here is really decent, and the broth was delightful. – irisslove.com

8

Chikuyotei

For well over a century, Chikuyotei’s meals have been fashioned by discerning palates. In 1851, the restaurant opened as a sophisticated dining establishment. They are the first Japanese Eel restaurant to receive a Michelin star in Japan, and they specialize in Unagi (Japanese Eel), seasonal Omakase, and ala carte. They landed in Singapore in the year 1992.

With their totally owned food sourcing company in Japan, they source fresh, high-quality foods. Directly from the ports, the live catch is supplied. Kagoshima Kurobuta and Kagoshima Wagyu beef, in particular, are top-quality meats from prominent areas. Even if it means travelling to the most remote of prefectures to visit brewers and distilleries, Sake and Shochu are chosen for their excellence rather than their convenience.

Highlights:

• Michelin Star
• Japanese Fine Dining

Pretty pricey but the quality of the food is great!! Our family truly enjoyed it, especially on the occasion of mummy’s birthday! – Mike Yip

9

Amazing Hokkaido

Every day, amazing things arrive from Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido! They bring you ingredients that are only available in Hokkaido, thanks to their carefully selected gourmet partners.

Highlights:

• Amazing products

The quality of the food is really nice! The concentricity of the highball is strong. Value for money. – Beary Teddy

10

Kei Hachi

Kei Hachi, a full-service omakase Japanese restaurant on Keong Saik Road, delivers high-quality omakase made using products that are directly imported from various fish markets across Japan. Because of its tiny location and 15-seat bar counter, the restaurant’s intimate environment will allow you to fully and wonderfully immerse yourself in any of their three different Omakase courses, as well as a comprehensive sake list to accompany your meal.

Highlights:

• High quality omakase

Chef Andy is professional and humorous! The food prepared by him is awesome! well recommended. – Darius Loh

11

HIBACHI

Hibachi Japanese Casual Dining is a hidden gem in the heart of Orchard Road. Hibachi emanates Japanese modernism charm with its simplicity and minimalism.

Their meticulously crafted Ala Carte products utilize fresh ingredients primarily from Japan and are a cross between Kappo and Izakaya cuisine. Over a nice chargrill fire, these delectable dishes do credit to the warm chargrill fire. They’re simply cooked on binchotan seasoned with applewood, giving the meats and shellfish a smokey finish and a distinct umami flavour. When your appetite with precisely prepared appetizers before you start your gastronomical tour and sip to your heart’s content with a selection of wonderful wines and beverages.

Highlights:

• Simple and minimalistic
• Hibachi exudes Japanese modernity charm

Super welcoming feeling, great service, and a cosy place, the food was fantastic. super awesome and definitely will go back again. – Agnes Lee

12

Shoukouwa

Shoukouwa is a world-class fine-dining edomae sushi restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, where you may have an authentic, world-class edomae sushi experience.

Their Japanese chefs have spent years honing their creativity and talents infamous Ginza venues, hailing from a lengthy edomae sushi history. With only eight chairs directly in front of the chef’s preparation table, their customers will have the opportunity to connect with and get individualized attention from their chefs.

Highlights:

• Freshest seafood
• Memory for a lifetime

I highly recommend Shoukouwa for Omakase. Oishii! The seafood was very fresh. Superb good! Ichiban! – Shanie Tay

13

Aburi-EN

Shoukouwa is a world-class fine-dining edomae sushi restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, where you may have an authentic, world-class edomae sushi experience. Aburi-EN specializes in aburi, or partly grilled beef, and provides high-quality donburi (rice bowls) made with premium Japanese ingredients.

They provide a wonderful assortment of Japanese and Australian wagyu, with the highly regarded A4/A5 Miyazaki wagyu being their pride and joy, having received Japan’s “National Wagyu Award” three times in a row. Shoukouwa is a world-class fine-dining edomae sushi restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, where you may have an authentic, world-class edomae sushi experience.

Highlights:

• Won Japan’s “National Wagyu Award” three consecutive times
• A fine selection of Japanese and Australian wagyu

Their fishes have no bones and are children friendly. – Jairus Chng Yao Zi

14

Aoki

Owner Chef Kunio Aoki and the Les Amis Group launched Aoki Restaurant in 2003 as a cooperative venture. This 36-seat Japanese haute cuisine restaurant provides the finest gourmet dining experience. Aoki reopened in June 2017 with a fresh new style created by Yasuhiro Koichi, a Japanese interior designer. The immaculate interior has Kumiko Zaiku panels, an elaborate traditional Japanese woodwork, as well as geometric patterned doors and wall panels, evoking Zen simplicity.

Chef Kunio Aoki, the restaurant’s owner, oversees the sushi bar and kitchen. His cooking approach is traditional, yet with modern nuances that keep his dishes feeling fresh. He has built a devoted following over the years by insisting on serving only the best products purchased straight from Toyosu Market and other artisanal vendors from all around Japan.

Highlights:

• Ultimate Fine Dining Experience

The food here is hard to beat in both quality and value. Their lunch sets are especially good and affordable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good fuss-free Japanese fix in town. Advance reservation is required. – Su Xin Lim

15

Jun Omakase

Jun Omakase is one of the authentic Japanese restaurants in Singapore. They only serve fresh and authentic recipes and they offer Island wide delivery.

Highlights:

• Authentic, Taste and Atmosphere of Japan
• Island Wide Delivery

The staff is friendly, helpful and attentive. We had a good chat with the chef after our dinner. All in all, a highly recommended place for a good omakase meal. – Ben Wong

16

MIZ Japanese Restaurant

MIZ presently has only one store, located at No. 17 Kampong Bahru Road. The creation and offering of a wide selection of genuine Japanese food at competitive costs is the Company’s principal business activity as a restaurant.

As a result, MIZ lays a major emphasis on employing high-quality, experienced chefs with exceptional culinary talents, and has created a diverse menu of Japanese foods. Grilled fish and beef, hot pot, house soups, noodles, sushi, and hand-rolls are just a few of the menu items available at MIZ Japanese Restaurant. The Company’s major source of revenue and attention is its large assortment of genuine and cheap Japanese meals.

Highlights:

• Authentic Japanese Cuisine
• Affordable Price

Awesome place for Japanese food. Look nowhere if you are in the area. Prices can be a little high if you do not choose standard stuff. 2 pax meal costs me $75. – Desmond H.

17

Torio Japanese Restaurant

The Japanese term for the trio is torio. Even though it is a stand-alone business, it cannot thrive without the devotion, participation, and camaraderie of its original partners. They want the perfume of their friendship to pervade this restaurant for the rest of their lives.

They believe in working together to provide excellent cuisine and service.

18

Keyaki Japanese Restaurant

You’ll get freshly sourced, authentically made, and flawlessly presented sashimi, teppanyaki, sukiyaki, and more at a renowned Japanese restaurant in Singapore. Be astounded by professional chefs’ ability to create outstanding gourmet experiences that match the freshness and quality of seasonal ingredients. This sophisticated restaurant, surrounded by a stunning Japanese garden and koi pond, provides an authentic setting for an excellent epicurean voyage. You have the option of dining in a Tatami-style or western-style private dining room.

19

Izakaya Nijumaru

The family-run Izakaya Nijumaru, which opened in 1987, is located in a peaceful area on the second floor of Cuppage Plaza. This unassuming hidden treasure provides Japanese comfort cuisine like Nikujaga (braised beef stew with potatoes), substantial bento boxes, exquisite skewers, and bar snacks – a perfect spot for lunch or after-work beverages.

20

Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant

Chef Teppei Yamashita is extending his renowned restaurant chain to include Man Man Unagi, a specialized unagi restaurant on Keong Saik Road in the heart of Chinatown.

After all of the buzz around Chirashi and Tendon, it’s now time for Unagi to return.

21

YUZU Japanese Restaurant

Yuzu’s cuisine isn’t full of science lab trickery; this traditional Japanese restaurant prioritizes authenticity above exploration.

The 30-seat restaurant (eight in a private room) is located on the second floor of a Holland Village shop flat and offers just three meal options: a sushi omakase ($150) and two additional omakase sets ($120/6 dishes and $170/7 courses). However, the high quality of the ingredients and the perfected technique of chef Takahashi Tadashi — a kaiseki-trained chef who worked at Nobu Melbourne and London before landing at Hashi in Singapore – compensate for the limited selection.

22

Sushi Ayumu by Masa Ishibashi

“Ayu-mu” () is a Japanese word that signifies “to go toward a fresh beginning.”

They began their adventure three years ago, motivated by a deep appreciation for and desire to convey the rich history of “edomae” sushi. The name was inspired by their long-time and good friend, highly recognized Chef Masakazu Ishibashi, lovingly known as “Chef Masa” by his following in Japan and Asia, and symbolized a new beginning with limitless possibilities.

They are incredibly honoured and pleased to be able to announce the birth of a new dream with the rebranding to

23

Shinji by Kanesaka

Shinji by Kanesaka is a spin-off of Shinji by Kanesaka, a Michelin-starred Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza area. The underlying principle is simply a genuine desire to express an appreciation for age-old Japanese culinary traditions without jeopardizing their purity.

Kanesaka’s Shinji pays respect to the ‘kata’ and ‘do’ that distinguish Japanese culture and art. The restaurant is based on a meticulously woven foundation of core ingredients that provides a genuine eating experience, true to its tradition.

24

ShinnSato Okinawa Cuisine

ShinnSato is a restaurant that serves real quality Japanese food in a sophisticated atmosphere that is appropriate for any occasion. Aside from lunch and supper, our menu has a diverse selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails.

25

Teppei

The Teppei Japanese restaurant is well-known for its “OMAKASE,” or Japanese cuisine invented by the restaurant.
The precise meaning of “OMAKASE” is “what you have is up to chefs,” implying that chefs pick what clients are served.

26

ToriYard

ToriYard, Singapore’s first Japanese restaurant and late-night Yakitori business, is set in the beautiful nature of Bishan Park, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Allow nature to transport you while you savour and indulge in delectable Japanese food.

27

Ki-sho 葵匠

Ki-sho, which translates to “aristocratic workmanship,” shows a deeply embedded value in every part of the dining journey they offer for their visitors. Ki-sho is a culinary exhibition for Japanese artisanship served with omotenashi, from the design of the building and the vessels that carry the food to the seasonally inspired delicacies you savour and the sake you sip.

Ki-sho features a kappo-style dining room with an L-shaped hinoki wood counter that seats 11 people, set in a vintage black-and-white home along Scotts Road that originally functioned as a dwelling for colonial-era civil workers. Additionally, two dining rooms on the top deck — one for eight people and the other for twelve – provide visitors with a unique location to dine in total solitude.

28

Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant

Nanbantei provides you with an ORIGINAL piece of the yakitori tradition, which began in Japan. They are perhaps Singapore’s oldest and one of the first JAPANESE YAKITORI eateries. It opened its initial location on the fifth floor of Far East Plaza in 1983, and its second location was in Chinatown Point in 2016.

You are invited to dine in one of our pleasant dining areas, but they believe that the finest experience is to sit at the counter, right in the middle of the activity. There, you’ll get a front-row seat to your meal being prepared right in front of your eyes, as well as the skill and care with which our yakitori chefs prepare it to serve you hot off the grill.

29

MARUKYU Japanese Restaurant

Executive Chef Derrick Lau, who has over 25 years of expertise in Japanese haute cuisine, including 7 years at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s Nadaman, is in charge. To demonstrate his culinary expertise, he will only use the best and freshest ingredients, most of which will be air-flown in from Japan. You can always depend on chef Derrick to satisfy your Japanese (cuisine) cravings!

30

Watami Japanese Dining

WATAMI offers a pleasant and elegant eating experience at low pricing with courteous service for consumers outside of Japan, providing a pleasurable and informal taste of Japanese specialities.

WATAMI develops the Ishokuya idea of an “eating-oriented bar” with more than 600 eateries across Asia and four outlets in Singapore. Diners may sample a broad range of Japanese cuisine while sipping sake and shochu in a pleasant setting!

31

Sushi Tei

Sushi Tei is a Japanese restaurant where exceptional culinary talents and natural respect for nature combine to inspire and enrich the eating experience.

Since its inception in 1994, they’ve established a distinct identity by fusing the complexities of sashimi with teppanyaki to provide the best of Japanese food to the people. Sushi Tei isn’t your typical Japanese eatery. They believe in creating a seductive atmosphere that distinguishes us from other restaurants.

This concludes our list of the best and finest Japanese Restaurants in Singapore. Please let us know if you know of any other fantastic restaurants that should be included on this list.

Do check out our list of Japanese Cakes and have time to taste their delicacies.