The best Japanese restaurants in Singapore

What is it? Replacing Sushi Kimura which shut in 2024, Sushi Kimura Plus is an intimate eight-seat counter where every piece of sushi is made by chef Tomoo himself.

Why we love it: Forget the stiff, near-silent sushi temples where even the shuffle of a chair feels like a faux pas. Chef Tomoo runs a far warmer room. He listens. He chats. And he picks up on stray questions and gives you a short spiel on where the various ingredients come from. The main event is 10 pieces of perfectly crafted sushi, each piece presented on a glass counter with a mirrored underside – a setup that lets you inspect the sushi from every angle. You see the grain of the rice, the knife work, the structure and it matters, because the details are dialled in. The sake list is extensive as well, but you’re better off handing over the reins. Tell Chef Tomoo what you like – sweet or dry, fruity or savoury – and he’ll guide you with a sake pick. 

Time Out tip: If you can gather a group of eight, take the whole counter. The layout – six seats directly in front of the chef and a couple tucked to the side – works best when it’s a private session. Oh and if the ankimo (monkfish liver) is available as an optional add-on, get it.

Address: 1 Cuscaden Rd, Conrad Singapore, #01-03, Singapore 249715
Opening hours: Wed-Fri & Sun 12.30pm-2.30pm, 7pm-9.30pm; Tue & Sat 7pm-9.30pm

What is it? One of our favourite yakitori joints in the city is located in the heart of Boat Quay, grilling up perfectly seasoned chicken off-cuts to smoky perfection.

Why we love it: We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to yakitori skewers, but Yakitori Yatagarasu has stepped up the game by using almost all parts of the chicken. It’s nose-to-tail dining in a manner of speaking, but one that has been long respected by traditional Japanese chefs before the practice swarmed all trendy restaurants. Munch on as many sticks of tail as you can muster – these tend to sell out earlier than some of the more popular yakitori items. Some might flinch knowing that just the one skewer is proudly jutted through the rear ends of six chickens, but this is a definite highlight. Equally excellent are the tsukune, shiso pork, and hear us out on this – grilled onigiri. 

Time Out tip: For the best experience, take note of the house rules before you visit. This is, at its core, a drinking place, so make sure to order a round once seated. You'll notice that the regular sodas cost almost as much as a lemon sour. And don't be surprised if you're asked to combine the orders for your group on one phone – it makes it way easier for the kitchen and ensures every single stick is delivered to your table.

Address: 72 Circular Rd, #01-01, Singapore 049426
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-11pm

What is it? Masa Saito Innovative quietly opened its doors three years ago at OUE Downtown. And to this day, it remains discreetly under-the-radar, serving a tight group of regular customers. 

Why we love it: Seasonality is a top priority at any good Japanese restaurant, and Masa Saito is no exception. The menu changes quarterly to reflect the freshest ingredients of the season, with subtle tweaks made along the way. Chef Masanao Saito brings a wealth of experience from both European and Japanese kitchens, and you'll see it reflected throughout the meal. The wagyu sirloin brioche is a standout. The unctuous one-biter features buttery brioche crowned with thinly-sliced wagyu, kalix lojrom (a type of Swedish vendace roe Chef discovered during his time in Stockholm), shiso flowers and fine strips of nori that are surprisingly full of flavour.

Then there’s the ever-popular uni pasta. Chef Masanao plates up a generous portion of cold capellini with perfectly al dente strands topped with creamy Hokkaido uni and sweet, briny pops of ikura. Shio konbu and threads of ooba (shiso leaf) lend depth to the dish while fresh chives add a subtle, pungent kick. 

Time Out tip: Unless you don't mind dining in the company of others on the L-shaped dining table, there's also a private room you can book for special occasions. 

Address: 6A Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery, #01-04, Singapore 068815
Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm

What is it? Sushi Zushi combines three things that Singaporeans love: sushi, omakase-style dining, and a good deal. 

Why we love it: The first thing you'll notice is its unconventional layout, consisting of two islands with counter seats where you get to watch the chefs prepare everything before your eyes. The sushi is served directly by hand onto wooden trays on the countertop – similar to how it’s done in omakase restaurants, except that here, you get to pick what you eat.

At Sushi Zushi, the standard salmon nigiri goes at $2 for two pieces, as does a range of other gunkan and nigiri. On top of the usual suspects like aka ebi, unagi, tuna, and others, there are also lesser-seen ingredients like engawa (flatfish fin) and anago (conger eel). Hokkaido Sansanmaru rice is hand-beaten twice daily and mixed with red vinegar from Tokyo, giving it a distinct brown hue. 

Time Out tip: No visit to Sushi Zushi is complete without ordering one of its handrolls. There’s a dizzying selection of 19 to choose from, with some like the ebi, California, spicy tuna, salmon avocado, aburi engawa, and salmon skin decently priced at $4.50. And if you stay in the West, good news – Sushi Zushi has a second outlet in Westgate with a live genshiyaki station.

Address: 107 North Bridge Road, Funan, #02-01, Singapore 179105
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-4pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm

What is it? There are only two Japanese restaurants in Singapore with two Michelin stars, and the eponymous Sushi Sakuta by Chef Yoshio Sakuta is one of them. 

Why we love it: The 16-seater, with ten counter seats and six in a private room, feels like a quiet sanctuary, with a pale hinoki wood counter as the centrepiece, soft light filtering through shoji screens, and a rotation of Japanese artworks adorning the space. The $500 dinner omakase menu, a 17-course sequence that unravels at a comfortable pace, with plenty of breathing space to anticipate the next bite, but not too much that it dulls the experience.

You're taken through tender morsels of lightly simmered kinki fish, monkfish liver, abalone and the like. But the highlight is undoubtedly the restaurant's perfected shari blend – a mixture of Hitomebore and Sasanishiki grains seasoned with red and white vinegar. While luxuries like uni (sea urchin), snow crab, abalone and fatty tuna are part of the meal, you'll also taste some of the freshest slivers of Spanish mackerel, bonito and horse mackerel in between the richer, more unctuous bites. 

Time Out tip: While the seafood and shari get the limelight they deserve, you'll be equally impressed with head sommelier Iwabuchi Makoto's impeccable beverage pairings that glide along effortlessly with the dishes.

Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk, #01-06/07/08, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-10.30pm; Thu 7pm-10.30pm

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 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

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 chefs 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 prawn 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

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 

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 

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

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

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

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 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

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