Best Japanese Restaurants in Singapore

Japanese restaurants in Singapore: what to expect

Japanese food is one of the most popular international cuisines in Singapore. The Japanese restaurants in Singapore on this list range from a small counter with a handful of seats to a busy noodle shop. High-end sushi counters often fly in seafood from Japan. Prices vary just as widely, so decide on your budget and the style of meal first.

Types of Japanese meal

Omakase and sushi counters

At an omakase counter, you sit in front of the chef, who serves one piece or dish at a time. A full meal can take around two hours. Sushi Kimura is in the Orchard and River Valley area. Shoukouwa is in the Marina Bay and CBD area. Shinji by Kanesaka is in Dempsey, Tanglin and Holland. Sushi Jiro is in the HarbourFront area.

Kappo and other fine dining

Kappo is a style of cooking where the chef prepares a range of dishes in front of you, not just sushi. Think grilled fish, simmered dishes and seasonal vegetables. Kappo Shunsui, in Orchard and River Valley, takes its name from this style.

Other top Japanese dining rooms on the list include Waku Ghin and Wakuda in the Marina Bay area. Ishigaki Hamato is in Orchard and River Valley. Hashida Singapore is on Sentosa, and Mikuni is in Bugis and Kampong Glam. For more tasting menus of all kinds, see Fine Dining.

Ramen, tonkatsu and tendon

For a quick, filling meal, order a bowl of ramen. Ramen is wheat noodles in a rich broth. Tonkotsu ramen uses a creamy pork-bone broth. Keisuke Tonkotsu King in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar is named after this style. Ippudo (Marina Bay Sands) is another ramen choice.

Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. Try it at Tonkatsu by Ma Maison in the Orchard area. Tendon is a bowl of rice topped with tempura, which is seafood or vegetables fried in a light batter. Kogane Yama in Bugis serves it. See the Tendon page for more.

Conveyor-belt sushi

Conveyor-belt sushi is good value and fun for families. Plates pass by on a moving belt, and you take what you like. Many places also let you order on a tablet. Sushiro (Wisma Atria) is on Orchard Road.

Where to find Japanese food

• Orchard & River Valley: the widest choice, from conveyor-belt sushi to quiet counters.
• Marina Bay & CBD: sushi and tasting menus, good for a special night out.
• Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar: ramen and casual meals close to the office district.
• Sentosa and HarbourFront: handy if you are staying on or near the island.

Omakase etiquette and tips

• Book early. Popular counters have few seats and can fill up weeks ahead. Many ask for a deposit or card details.
• Share allergies when you book. The chef plans each menu in advance. Tell the restaurant about allergies or foods you avoid.
• Arrive on time. Counter meals often start at a set time for every guest.
• Eat sushi soon after it is served. The rice and fish taste best at the right temperature. Eating sushi with your fingers is fine.
• Go easy on soy sauce. The chef often seasons each piece already. If you dip, dip the fish side lightly.
• Skip strong perfume. It can affect the taste of delicate food for you and the guests next to you.
• Know rough costs. A bowl of ramen may cost around S$15 to S$25. A top omakase dinner can cost several hundred dollars per person. Prices change, so check before you book.

FAQs about Japanese restaurants in Singapore

What is omakase?

Omakase means 'I leave it to you' in Japanese. The chef decides the menu and serves dishes one by one, often at a counter.

Where can I eat cheaper Japanese food in Singapore?

Ramen shops, tendon bowls and conveyor-belt sushi are the best value. Try Keisuke Tonkotsu King, Kogane Yama or Sushiro (Wisma Atria).

Do I need to book a Japanese restaurant in Singapore?

For omakase and tasting menus, yes, often weeks ahead. Ramen and conveyor-belt sushi places usually take walk-ins, though queues are common at meal times.

Is tipping expected at Japanese restaurants?

No. Tipping is not expected in Singapore, and many restaurants add a service charge to the bill.