Ki-sho

Ki-sho is a kappo-style Japanese restaurant at 29 Scotts Road, a short walk from Orchard Road. It sits inside a heritage black-and-white bungalow and serves omakase menus at an 11-seat counter. The name means "aristocratic craftsmanship".

Kappo means "to cut and cook". The chef prepares each course in front of you and serves it across the counter, so the meal feels more relaxed and personal than formal kaiseki.

The chef

Chef Taro Takayama took over the kitchen in September 2025. He was born in Wakayama and trained at Kashiwaya Senriyama and Koryu Kitashinchi in Osaka. In 2013 he became private chef to the Japanese Ambassador in Singapore. He later opened his own restaurants, Takayama and Hanare by Takayama, before joining Ki-sho.

Ki-sho belongs to the same group as Buona Terra, The Bar Kakure and Indocafé.

What to order

There is no à la carte menu. You choose an omakase menu and the chef decides the dishes based on what is in season. Lunch offers the Sou and Yui menus. Dinner offers Yui and the longest menu, Shin, with nine courses.

A dinner usually moves through these stages:

• Dashi of the day, made fresh at the counter
• Small starters, including the "Zen Garden" platter of seasonal bites
• Sashimi, such as bluefin tuna
• Seasonal cooked dishes and a main course
• Rice cooked in a donabe clay pot, then dessert, such as a hojicha financier

The chef makes his dashi with natural water from Wakayama and kelp. Ki-sho also brings in wagyu from Tottori, which is rarely seen in Singapore.

The drinks list includes hard-to-find sake, such as Eiheiji Hakuryu from Yoshida Brewery. You can also order from the wine list of Buona Terra, its sister restaurant in the same building.

The setting

The dining room has a sleek, dark interior that keeps the focus on the counter. There is just one seating per lunch or dinner service. A private room seats up to eight guests, which suits small celebrations or business meals.

Good to know before you go

• Book ahead online through TableCheck. With only 11 counter seats, places fill quickly.
• The dress code is smart casual. Sandals, flip-flops and singlets are not recommended.
• Parking is available on site.
• Tell the team about allergies or foods you avoid when you book, as the menu is set by the chef.

Nearby

Ki-sho is a short walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts and Grand Hyatt Singapore. After dinner you can stroll down to Orchard Road. For more special meals, browse our fine dining restaurants and Japanese restaurants, or see all restaurants in Orchard and River Valley.