The best Japanese restaurants in Singapore

What is it? The only international outpost of the two-Michelin-starred Zeniya in Kanazawa.

Why we love it: This refined Kaga kaiseki restaurant now calls Shaw Centre home, joining the ranks of Les Amis Group’s most prestigious concepts. Available for both lunch ($138/$288) or dinner ($288/$388), the menu changes seasonally, as you’d expect. All ingredients are flown in straight from Kanazawa’s historic Omicho Market, except for the water.

Uni and kegani (horsehair crab) might open your meal with a burst of briny sweetness against the tang of tozasu vinegared jelly; you might be treated to nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch); and your meal might end with rice doused in kanou-gani (snow crab), cooked in a thick and rich dashi sauce. Whatever ends up on your menu, we’re confident you’ll enjoy it. 

Time Out tip: Sommelier-selected sake of the day is available in 90ml ($30) or 180ml ($58) pours, or opt for the sake pairing for $118 for four glasses. 

Address: 1 Scotts Rd, Shaw Centre, #01-11, Singapore 228208
Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm
Expect to pay: From $138 per person for lunch and from $288 for dinner.

What started as a humble, family-style sushi joint in Osaka is now a global hit with 101 outlets worldwide and counting, including this sleek spot in Dhoby Ghaut. Helmed by award-winning chef Masaya Kurokawa, whose resume also includes stints in Michelin-starred kitchens, Ganko Sushi Singapore serves up delectable dishes with fresh catch flown in from Japan three times a week – talk about authenticity. The flavours here are also boosted by Chidori vinegar, crafted using a 200-year-old brewing method. Go all out with the monthly omakase (from $98), or swing by for a weekday lunch set that starts at just $30. Either way, you're in for a ‘reel’ treat.

TRY The monthly omakase (from $98), which comes with a rotating 14 or 15-course menu featuring classics like seasonal sashimi, tempura and sushi as well as tasty surprises exclusive to each month.

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What is it? A cosy 12-seater omakase restaurant on Mohamed Sultan Road, run by Chef Rinto Sasagawa, the protege of Tokyo sushi legend Jun Takahashi.  

Why we love it: At Takahashi Singapore, it’s all about the details – and we mean all the details. Chef Rinto is obsessed with getting everything just right, from the perfect blend of Hokkaido and Yamagata grains in the shari (sushi rice) to the freshest seasonal seafood flown in from Japan.  

The omakase menu is a mix of tradition and flair, with a lineup including Takahashi-style tamago (egg), charcoal grilled dish, premium nigiri sushi, and interestingly, a signature zen garden – an edible masterpiece of seasonal ingredients. The space is minimalist and Zen-inspired. With just 12 seats per session, it feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.  

Time Out tip: If Jun Takahashi himself is in town for a pop-up, don’t hesitate – book those seats pronto.  

Address: 4 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 239955
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-10pm 
Expect to pay: Lunch from $128, dinner from $228.

What is it? A tempura omakase spot in The St. Regis Singapore that’s all about crisp, golden perfection – done the old-school way, and all the better for it.

Why we love it: Tentsuru takes one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods and turns it into an art form. Here, tempura isn’t just fried food – it's treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for sushi or wagyu. This isn’t your quick-hit prawn and kakiage combo, since each piece is battered and fried a la minute.

Seasonal ingredients like sweet Hokkaido scallops, kuruma ebi (tiger prawn), and nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) are coated in a whisper-thin batter, so delicately crisp that it practically melts. Some of the more premium pieces include Miyazaki A5 wagyu, uni, and abalone. But even the humble sweet potato shines here, with a caramelised edge that makes it dangerously addictive.  

The restaurant is low-key and intimate, with a counter-style setup where you can watch the chef work their magic. It’s all about the food – no frills, just perfectly crisp tempura.

Time Out tip: Not everything’s on the printed menu: chat with the chef about what seasonal ingredients are in that day. You might just score an extra plump prawns or sweet baby corn.

Address: 29 Tanglin Rd, The St. Regis Singapore, Level 2, Singapore 247911
Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10 30pm
Expect to pay: Lunch from $120, dinner from $180. You can also order a la carte tempura pieces, starting from $12.

What is it? A cosy sushi-ya in Telok Ayer where traditional Edomae sushi takes centre stage.

Why we love it: Sushi Kawasemi keeps it simple – a nod to the fundamentals of great sushi: fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and masterful technique. Here, the chefs age the fish – wet or dry, depending on the cut – to coax out depth and umami, bringing each piece to its peak. Seasonal ingredients are flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market four times a week, so it's likely the closest you'll get to eating sushi in Japan without booking a flight.

Expect delicate slices of fish, like a silky chutoro (medium fatty tuna) or sweet botan shrimp, paired with warm, vinegared rice. There’s no unnecessary flashiness, just a quiet confidence in its sushi. The restaurant itself is understated, with just a handful of counter seats, making it feel like you’re dining in a hidden Tokyo gem. This is a spot for those who appreciate attention to detail and the quiet artistry of Edomae sushi.  

Time Out tip: The flavour of aged sushi can be deeper and more complex than what you’re used to – keep an open mind and trust the process.

Address: 120 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068589
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm
Expect to pay: Lunch from $98, dinner from $188.

What is it? A two-Michelin-star Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands, known for its intimate dining experience and top-tier seasonal ingredients.  

Why we love it: At Waku Ghin, the entire meal feels personal. It's a front-row experience at the 10-seater chef's table – a culinary fanfare that focuses on the theatre of it all as much as the food. The restaurant’s omakase menu is a series of finely plated luxury bites. What steals the show? The famed marinated botan shrimp with uni and Oscietra caviar – a rich, briny combination that’s as divine as it sounds. 

While the menu is seasonal, some other standout dishes might include melt-in-your-mouth Ohmi wagyu sushi, pan-seared abalone, and braised Canadian lobster, all served with the kind of precision you’d expect from a Michelin-starred kitchen. The evening wraps up quietly but with finesse: highly coveted musk melon, Earl Grey chocolate souffle, and a delicate chocolate mousse. And of course, warm Japanese tea to bring this memorable meal to a close.

Time Out tip: You're at one of the city's top Japanese spots – Waku Ghin isn't a dinner to power through. Slow down and soak it all in, since it's the type of meal worth lingering over.

Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #02-03, Singapore 018972
Opening hours: Daily 5pm-10.30pm 
Expect to pay: From $550 for the Chef's Table menu – steep, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What is it? A modern kaiseki restaurant tucked away on the fourth floor of Ngee Ann City, dishing out multi-course Japanese meals that are all about seasonal ingredients and serious craftsmanship – without taking itself too seriously.  

Why we love it: Hazuki gets it just right – elegant without being uptight, indulgent without feeling over the top. It’s where Japanese kaiseki dining gets a little modern makeover, with dishes so beautiful you almost feel bad eating them. 

By the team behind Sushi Masaaki, Hazuki takes ingredient sourcing seriously. Kyoto shiro miso, wild-caught fish, and seasonal gems are turned into dishes that honour Japan’s culinary calendar. You might find sakura ebi donabe (shrimp claypot), shirako chawanmushi (cod milt steamed egg), or wagyu shabu shabu on the menu – all depending on what’s in peak condition that day.

The space is sleek and stylish but still cosy enough to feel inviting. The attention to detail is impeccable: Gucci homeware, Kagami crystalware (favoured by Japan’s Imperial Household), and place settings crafted from 1,000-year-old cedar wood. It's thoughtful, not flashy.

Time Out tip: Notice the sake list? Some rare bottles aren’t listed – ask nicely and you might be rewarded.

Address: 391 Orchard Rd, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #04-18, Singapore 238872  
Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm
Expect to pay: Lunch from $180, dinner from $280.

What is it? A swanky yakiniku joint in Palais Renaissance that takes premium A5 wagyu, wet ages it to perfection, and lets you grill it tableside over flames.

Why we love it: Far from your average yakiniku joint, Shatoburian is all about the good stuff – think buttery chateaubriand ($158) and marbled misuji (oyster blade, $58) cooked over flames. The wet-ageing process cranks up the flavour, while the sleek, dimly lit setting keeps things classy without being stuffy. 

Beef tongue gets the royal treatment, offered in cuts like tokujo (premium ox tongue, $42), negi (thin-cut with spring onions, $48), tantsuteki (centre cut, $98), and plenty more. You might have also seen their wagyu don ($128) make the rounds on your social media feed: a decadent heap of A5 wagyu, glazed foie gras, uni, ikura, and a scattering of fresh truffles. 

It’s no surprise this hidden gem debuted at #59 on 2025’s World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. The vibe is intimate, the service is faultless, and the beef? Absolutely delicious.

Time Out tip: It's worth placing an advance order for the beef tongue platter ($228), a beautiful showcase of six different ox tongue cuts.  

Address: 390 Orchard Rd, Palais Renaissance, #02-08, Singapore 238871
Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 6pm-9pm
Expect to pay: It’s an a la carte menu so it depends on your own hunger level, but expect upwards of $250.

What is it? A one Michelin-starred kappo-style Japanese restaurant set in a heritage shophouse along Mohamed Sultan Road, serving up seasonal omakase that’s as stunning as it is delish.

Why we love it: Esora nails that sweet spot between fine dining and warm hospitality. It’s elegant without the ego with crowd-pleasers like uni-topped monaka, sweet Hokkaido crab, and grilled wagyu, all served with just the right amount of ceremony. Nab a counter seat and watch the chefs in action.

With a menu that shifts with the seasons, you’ll never have the same meal twice. Even the tableware is curated to match the mood of each dish. And despite the well-deserved Michelin star, the vibe is relaxed – this is fine dining without the white tablecloths. Thoughtful touches are everywhere, from housemade condiments to complimentary financiers to bring home. Service is smooth, pacing is spot-on, and you’ll leave feeling thoroughly spoiled, not stuffed.

Time Out tip: Swap the wine for tea. Esora's tea-pairing is thoughtfully brewed to match each course, starting from $48.

Address: 15 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238964
Opening hours: Thu-Mon noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm
Expect to pay: Lunch from $178, dinner from $238.

What is it? A glitzy Japanese hotspot at Marina Bay Sands, where fine dining meets nightlife swagger, with show-stopping sushi and chef Tetsuya Wakuda's signature flair.

Why we love it: Wakuda doesn’t do subtle. The moment you step in, you’re wrapped in a cocoon of sculpted woods, glowing lanterns, and an electric buzz that lasts the whole night. Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s reputation draws in the in-crowd and serious food lovers alike, but there’s nothing stuffy here – just top-notch service and plenty of big-night-out energy. 

The menu is a parade of good food: spicy ora king salmon on crispy rice ($28), silky slices of swordfish carpaccio ($28), and a whole Canadian lobster ($128) sautéed with chilli are our top picks for the table to share. Settle in at the counter for a front-row seat, or slide into a booth if you’re in the mood for hushed conversation and people-watching. The team keeps things rolling smoothly, topping up sake, offering menu tips, and making sure every guest is in good hands. Whether you’re here for a full-blown omakase or just a quick meal of sushi and cocktails, Wakuda certainly delivers.

Time Out tip: Come early for a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar – the lychee martini ($23) always goes down easy.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 2 Lobby, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-midnight
What to expect: Chef’s menu from $250 (only available on Sundays to Thursdays) or you can expect to fork up around $100 to $150 for a satisfying meal.

What is it? A show-stopping restaurant in Marina Bay Sands that’s a feast for the senses.

Why we love it: The majestic 20-metre-long passageway of torii gates is inspired by Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine. Then step inside, where you'll find a jaw-dropping 2.5-metre-high bell overlooking a traditional footbridge and reflecting pool, framed by a stunning seven-metre-high ceiling adorned with lily pad-inspired panels.

But Koma isn't just a feast for the eyes – its menu impresses with original creations made from fresh, seasonal ingredients from Japan. Proudly recognised with the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence 2024, it boasts an extensive selection of over 30 types of sake and 390 wines. For an extra-special treat, let KOMA’s Omakase experience take you through Japan’s seasons and regions.

Time Out tip: Highlights include crispy salmon pillow featuring Ora King salmon, smoked avocado, and roasted jalapeño; the miso glazed eggplant; and the signature Koma Roll with Kagoshima A4 wagyu, Hokkaido uni, and snow crab.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, #B1-67, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-midnight
Expect to pay: From $58 for the lunch set, around $150 for the a la carte dinner, and $380 for the dinner omakase menu.

What is it? The first of its kind, Ki Su offers a meatless omakase experience with plates inspired by shojin ryori – a traditional style of cooking practised by Buddhist monks in Japan.

Why we love it: The opening of Ki Su is a big win for vegetarians and veggie eaters eager to savour the art of omakase, free of restrictions. Here, you’ll find plant-based dishes featuring diverse textures and rich, refreshing flavours. The lunch ($98 per person) and dinner ($168 per person) sets come with eight and ten courses respectively, packed with healthy and nourishing dishes. Look out for the Air Flown Tonburi Caviar appetiser if it’s available – it’s a vegan delicacy consumed in Japan’s Akita Prefecture that is reminiscent of fish caviar.

Time Out tip: Dining with the little one? The restaurant offers a seven-course kids menu (for ages five to 10, $48.80) so the young ones don’t get left out. They’ll get to savour everything from nigiri sushi to seaweed pizza.

Address: 60 Tras St, #01-01, Singapore 078999
Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Expect to pay: $98 for lunch, $168 for dinner.

What is it? A late-night ramen joint and izakaya on Tras Street, where hearty bowls and smoky bar bites keep the party going well after dinner hours.

Why we love it: Torasho’s real magic is in its energy. Walk in and you’re hit with neon lights, thumping tunes, and the aroma of broth and charcoal wafting through the air. It's also where ramen gets the royal treatment, with the kitchen slinging out steaming bowls loaded with springy noodles, punchy broths, and all the fixings. 

But this isn’t your standard slurp-and-go: truffle tonkotsu ramen ($20) turns heads, spicy mapo tofu ramen ($18) brings the heat, and the tsukemen (dipping ramen, $16) is practically a rite of passage for noodle fiends. Order the signature cult-favourite Cold Stupid Ramen ($69), an overload of langoustine, king crab, botan shrimp, uni, and ikura. It's intended for two to share but a real treat for those with a big appetite. 

But ramen is just the start. The charcoal bar churns out a parade of skewers (from $5 per stick) – boneless short rib, ajitama quail egg, pink langoustine, even the occasional surprise special – each perfectly charred and juicy. It’s impossible to stop at just one, especially when they’re paired with a round of icy highballs or Japanese craft beers.

Time Out tip: They’re open for late-night suppers from Friday to Saturday, so you can snack and sip till 3am. After a night out, tuck into comfort food with a twist: mac and cheese ($5), ikura nachos ($12), and onion karaage ($12).

Address: 32 Tras St, Singapore 078972
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 11.30-3pm, 6pm-3am
What to expect: Around $80 for the full works, or $15 for a quick weekday lunch.

What is it? A bustling yakitori izakaya in Novena that serves up expertly grilled chicken skewers and seasonal Japanese bites over traditional binchotan charcoal.

Why we love it: Torimaro is where serious yakitori meets zero pretension. The chefs treat every part of the chicken with reverence – even offal and gizzard – turning out glistening skewers that are juicy, charred, and beautifully savoury. Think crispy skin ($6), tender thigh ($6), and the crowd-pleasing tsukune (grilled meatball, $6), all with a salty-sweet glaze that demands another round of beer. From bonjiri (tail, $3.50) to wing ($4), each yakitori skewer is grilled to order, and finished with either a slick of tare sauce or a sprinkle of salt.

But it’s not just about the food. The energy here is infectious: counter seating puts you in the heart of the action, with flames leaping and sake bottles clinking. The staff keep things light and cheeky, always ready with a recommendation. Regulars rave about the off-menu chef’s specials, where seasonal produce gives you a reason to come back again and again.

Time Out tip: Snag a seat at the counter for front-row views of the grill and first dibs on the daily yakitori specials before they disappear.

Address: 275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency, #01-08, Singapore 307645
Opening hours: Mon-Fri noon-11pm; Sat-Sun 3pm-11pm
Expect to pay: Around $80 for a hearty dinner with a few rounds of beer.