Most Singapore residents love a good omakase and the proliferation of venues serving this multi-course Japanese meal attests to that. When it comes to great omakase places, restaurants like Shinji, Ki-sho and Sushi Jiro easily come to mind. For those on a budget and looking for cheap omakase options on the other hand, names like Ryo Sushi and Teppei often pop up.
I have tried my fair share of omakase in Singapore and after some time, I realized you don’t really need to go to those familiar names to enjoy a great meal. Without further ado, I present some of my favorite restaurants which are relatively under-the-radar. Some are new, others have been around for ages but they are all not as popular as the big names despite having great propositions in their own right.
Suzuki
suzuki omakase chef counter (source: suzuki)
The place: Entering Suzuki for the first time, diners will forget for a moment that they are in Singapore and imagine themselves in Japan with the rows of bamboo lining both sides of the entrance and even the ceiling. Suzuki was designed by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma and his trademark usage of materials in experimental ways is evident in the 600kg ancient piece of stone at the entrance and the diagonally-clad bamboo poles seemingly emanating from the ceiling of the chef’s preparation area. Suzuki is helmed by chef Suzuki Yuichiro and offers sets ranging from S$160 to over S$450++.
Pros:
- Dine in a beautiful space designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma: one of the most aesthetic for an omakase restaurant in Singapore
- There are a number of omakase sets to choose from depending on budget, with 3 kinds each for both lunch and dinner
- Its strategic location in Mondrian Singapore Duxton makes it easily accessible from no less than 3 MRT stations – Tanjong Pagar, Maxwell and Outram Park
Cons:
- For those driving, parking in Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a tad pricey, at S$5/hour. A possible way to remedy this is by parking at Craig Place which has cheaper rates
- Seating spaces are rather limited, consisting of a 12-seater counter and a private room seating so there may be a need to book early to secure seats.
Suzuki Restaurant
83 Neil Road
#01-19
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Singapore 089813
+65 9755 7899
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12PM to 2:30PM / 6:30PM to 11PM
Reserve here
Ki Su Shoujin
The place: Coming here, I was initially unsure what to expect from a meatless omakase but I walked out feeling enlightened by the possibilities. The food is exceptional and I do count it as among my memorable omakase experiences in Singapore thus far.
Pros:
- Finally – a vegetarian omakase option in Singapore
- No mock meat or highly processed plant-based dishes – each course is centered around a fundamental herb or plant so there’s not much processing going on.
- As everything is plant-based, prices are markedly lower than a seafood / sashimi omakase
Cons
- May not suit people with nuts allergies due to its preponderance in the dishes
- Notably higher priced than other vegetarian restaurants
60 Tras Street
Singapore 078999
+65 8522 6824
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12PM to 3PM / 6PM to 10PM
Full review here
Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout
The place: Dark and atmospheric and with staff wearing outfits akin to ancient Japan, Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout looks just like their name implies. This South Bridge Road has a curated collection of over 300+ types of sake. Their omakase (priced at S$200++) features a number of surprises. During my dinner there, I found a dish hidden within a hollow fruit – tadah! The chef is one of the most jovial I have encountered during an omakase in Singapore.
Pros:
- Wide sake collection to go along with your omakase – probably the most extensive you can find in Singapore
- Friendly and jovial chef
- If you like to have pleasant surprises food-wise, this is the place to go.
- If you love uni (sea urchin), the chef is quite generous in serving dollops of the prized seafood in a couple of courses
- Kappou style omakase featuring a good variety – from sashimi to fried, to fried, steamed and grilled.
Cons
- A meal here may take longer than usual. The chef prefers to cook each course only after the one that precedes it has been served. After I gulped down course 6 for instance, I found the chef only starting to cook for course 7.
- The restaurant is not near an MRT station although there is a bus stop close by.
55 South Bridge Rd
Singapore 058686
+65 6513 2789
Opening Hours: 5PM to 10:30PM from Mon to Saturday
Full review here
Takahashi Singapore
takahashi singapore
The place: The Singapore outlet of this Ginza restaurant is stunning! Among the various omakase restaurants I have tried, Takahashi’s interiors are perhaps the most zen in Singapore. By the dining area is a miniature zen garden filled with sand, rocks, bamboo and even a small fountain. It feels absolutely mesmerizing to see this inside a restaurant. There is also a natural skylight on top of the zen garden, allowing one to dine in natural light especially when one comes for lunch.
Pros:
- This restaurant has a skylight on the ceiling on top of the zen garden, allowing for natural light to come in. So far, this is the only omakase restaurant I’ve been to in Singapore where you can dine with natural lighting over the counter.
- Skip the year-long waitlist in the Ginza restaurant by dining in their Singapore outpost. The Mohamed Sultan outlet is helmed by Chef Rinto Sasagawa who was worked with Chef Jun Takahashi for a number of years. Chef Takahashi himself also comes to the Singapore outlet from time to time to prepare the dishes.
- Meals are relatively well-balanced with a modern touch to the omakase.
Cons:
- If you are driving, parking may be hard to find. The restaurant is located in a street-level shophouse.
4 Mohamed Sultan Rd
#01-01
Singapore 239014
+65 8877 0501
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30AM to 3:00PM, 6:30PM to 10:30PM
Full review here
Mizuki
The place: Located in Ngee Ann City, Mizuki is notable for showcasing an equal mix of tempura and sushi, with separate sections for the two. Diners can choose between their tempura omakase or sushi omakase, or both.
Pros:
- The restaurant offers a duality that can’t be said about other omakase places. Pick between their tempura menu or sushi menu or have the best of both if you can’t decide
- The restaurant is conveniently located inside Ngee Ann City, allowing diners to engage in a bit of shopping before or after the meal.
- Very friendly sushi chef who actively interacts with diners
Cons:
- Those driving might not find the often congested roads around Orchard too appealing
- As an omakase restaurant, all seats here are counter seats with no private room or private table options
Mizuki
391 Orchard Rd
Ngee Ann City
#05 – 32
Singapore 238872
+65 6734 6308
Opening Hours: Daily except Monday, 11:30AM to 3PM, 6PM to 10:30PM
Full review here
The Gyu Bar
the gyu bar
The place: The Gyu Bar which is located within the same grounds as Novotel Singapore on Stevens differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants by specializing in beef. The restaurant opened in 2018 as a yakiniku joint and bar but has since diversified its menu to offer other types of seafood. The Gyu Bar is also offering omakase in its repertoire but because of its “beef-y” proposition, their omakase is distinct from the bulk of sushi / seafood dining that other Japanese restaurants have. The Gyu Bar’s omakase is 9-courses and all but two (the dessert and soup courses) have beef in them.
Pros:
- A “beef” omakase might intimidate some at first but the meat is actually quite nicely spread out in small quantities per dish and doesn’t feel heavy at all even by the end of the meal.
- Easy to find parking, as it is located in a hotel complex.
Cons:
- Compared to other omakase concepts, there are less interactions with the chef.
- If you are coming by public transport, the MRT is some distance away but there is a bus stop just in front of the restaurant.
30 Stevens Rd
#01-08
Singapore 257840
+65 6732 0702
Opening Hours: Daily 12PM to 3PM, 6PM to 10PM
Full review here
Sushi Hare
chef angus chang of sushi hare
The place: Sushi Hare has a mere 10-seat capacity but entering it, one is immediately transported to a seemingly serene world. This world is marked by motifs dealing with the concept of light, such as the luminous sun disc by the entrance and sheets of cypress and glass veneers from the ceiling.
Pros:
- The only Japanese restaurant helmed by a Taiwanese chef – Chef Angus Chang.
- Subtle but effective service. During my time there, staff members were conscientiously checking on me without being intrusive.
- Memorable, cake-like and fluffy tamagoyaki – among the best I’ve had!
Cons:
- Not the place to go if you are looking for the theatrical kind of omakase with chatty chef. Chef Angus Chang is rather quiet, diligently preparing each dish for diners.
Sushi Hare
14 Stanley Street
Singapore 068733
+65 9737 0113
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 12 to 3PM / 6 to 10PM
Full review here
Hiryu
The place: Hiryu opened in 2018 in Tras Street as a Japanese restaurant specializing in inventive Japanese cuisine. It’s helmed by Chef Raymond Tan who has spearheaded other well known Japanese restaurants such as Sushi Jin, Sushi Murasaki and Kurama Robatayaki. He also served a stint at Fat Cow. Like most of the independent restaurants lining the Tanjong Pagar area, Hiryu’s floor space is relatively limited, making for excellent intimate lunches or dinners. Hiryu’s space is situated in the northern end of a long row of shophouses along Tras Street near a bridal shop. Blink and you might miss it. I managed to check it out for lunch one December afternoon. The Japanese restaurant has been open for just a month or so but has seen a steady flow of diners, especially for dinner.
Pros:
- A “beef” omakase might intimidate some at first but the meat is actually quite nicely spread out in small quantities per dish and doesn’t feel heavy at all even by the end of the meal.
- Easy to find parking, as it is located in a hotel complex.
Cons:
- Compared to other omakase concepts, there are less interactions with the chef.
- If you are coming by public transport, the MRT is some distance away but there is a bus stop just in front of the restaurant.
39 Tras St
Singapore 078978
+65 6788 9188
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12PM to 1:30PM and 6PM to 9:30PM
Full review here
Kappo Shunsui
The place: Shrouded in an air of mystique, Kappo Shunsui’s inconspicuous entrance is marked by dark tones and a tunnel-like corridor to get to the main dining area. Once there, guests are entertained through a theatrical dining experience, with the chefs’ food preparation shown through two screens. At the very end of the meal, Chef will even do a small ritual by striking a stone to generate sparks behind me to wish one good luck.
Pros:
- Kappo style omakase with carefully sourced ingredients. Diners are treated to the best of both worlds – with both seafood and meat dishes given equal standing.
- The unassuming entrance and lack of any prominent signage create an air of exclusivity here.
Cons:
- Might be difficult to locate, even if it’s marked on the maps.
- No private dining space or table dining. All dining is done via counter seating.
17 Hongkong Street
#01-01
Singapore 059660
+65 91715592
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30AM to 2PM & 6:45PM to 11PM
Full review here
Sushi Sei
The place: Located in a quiet corner within the grounds of Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, Sushi Sei boasts of a refined space with an elegant wooden counter, textured satin walls and minimalistic decor such as a bonsai tree and an alluring and darkly lit private space near the entrance. The counter seats can fit up to 10 persons and the private room up to 6 persons. The restaurant serves omakase sushi kaiseki for dinner, priced at $400, $500 and $600 and comprising of up to six dishes followed by nigiri (sushi), dessert and freshly whisked matcha (green tea) to end. Lunch courses are available from $200 with a different set of dishes.
Pros:
- Hokkaido-style omakase with plenty of courses / dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find in other places in Singapore
- Good for private gatherings, as the space is relatively intimate with private room option available
Cons:
- Prices are noticeably on the high side
11 Cavenagh Road
#01-13/14
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Singapore 229616
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 12PM to 2:30PM / 6PM to 10PM
Full review here
