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Weâve previously covered the best sake bars. Now, letâs take a look at authentic Japanese restaurants in Singapore where you can find all your favourites - sushi, ramen, udon, and even seafood!
If youâre a devoted fan of Japanese food, chances are youâre likely a sushi lover too. We get it â thereâs no such thing as too much sushi. But with so many options available these days, it can become hard to separate the remarkable from the mediocre. Whether it be a simple nigiri or freshly sliced sashimi, we sussed out some of the best authentic sushi restaurants in Singapore that cater to all budgets!
Wallet-friendly sushi for those on a tighter budget
1. Sushiro
If youâre looking for a fun sushi experience, look no further than Sushiro. Sushiro offers customers the chance to grab bite-sized pieces of sushi as they travel past on a moving belt.
Sushiro should be a household name for most of us in Singapore by now â it is, after all, Japanâs largest conveyor belt sushi chain with more than 500 outlets worldwide. With over 100 varieties of sushi and side dishes here, itâs a great choice for sushi lovers looking to order to their heartâs delight.
Ingredients here are directly imported from Japan, yet the prices remain affordable between S$2.20 to S$4.80 a plate. Just to name a few classics on the cheaper scale: the delectable Tuna Nigiri, Ark Shell and Boiled Conger Eel cost S$2.20 each! Considering the fattiness and freshness of these fishes, theyâre certainly value-for-money.
Apart from sushi, youâd find desserts like Sweet Potato (S$3.30), and even comforting bites such as Crab Cream Croquette (S$3.50). For some heartiness and warmth amidst all that raw fish, consider getting a bowl of Miso Soup (S$2.50). This comes with a generous serving of broth along with sweet clams. For carb lovers with larger appetites, get your fill with the Tonkotsu Ramen (S$5.50)!
Still feeling peckish after your meal? Try these authentic Japanese cookies, which are perfect snacks to munch on.
Address and opening hours: There are several outlets peppered around Singapore. Visit Sushiroâs Facebook page for outlet details and opening hours.
2. Koji Sushi Bar
Holding true to the simplicity of Japanese restaurant interiors, Koji Sushi Bar is a modern joint sporting a minimalistic design. Even at first glance, Koji Sushi Bar gives off a homely and welcoming ambience.
Helmed by the same team behind Shunjuu Izakaya, this tiny space is where youâd spot high chairs that surround an island kitchen in the middle. Whether itâs sushi platter sets (S$9 to S$23) or a-la-carte sushi (S$3 to S$13), rest assured that youâll get a taste of authentic flavours here.
Many classics can be found on the menu, such as fresh Salmon, Sea Bream, Scallop and Sea Urchin. Koji Sushi Bar is also known for its speed and affordability, as it often caters to the busy office crowd.
Donât be fooled though â itâs a casual lunch spot by day and a chic restaurant by night. For a more relaxed dining experience, consider opting for an omakase dinner (from S$68++). With this selection, diners get to sit back as the chef decides on the course of dishes â youâd even get a selection of Japanese sake, shochu and beer to go along with your meal!
Address and opening hours: Thereâs one outlet at Raffles City and another at Pickering Street. Visit their website for details and opening hours.
3. En Sushi
Situated along Prinsep Street, En Sushi is a contemporary joint that offers sashimi, hand rolls and dons, with most items costing below (S$20). Considering the hefty price that is often tagged to sushi, this spot is pretty wallet-friendly (not to be confused with cheap). It is definitely a place to consider for individuals looking to satisfy their sushi cravings in Singapore.
Sporting an open kitchen concept, guests get to observe chefs as they prepare their food. The place is helmed by Chef Kenneth Tan, who has over 25 years of culinary experience in Japanese cuisine under his belt. Theyâve got a variety of dons here â from Salmon (S$17.90) to Mekajiki Goma Zuke Don (S$18.90) and Bara Chirashi (S$16.90).
Their Hotate Mentai Aburi (S$13.90) is another delight made of thinly sliced fresh scallops, topped with mentaiko sauce. While youâre at it, give the Pitan Tofu (S$4.90) a go! This is one of Chef Kennethâs silky signature dishes thatâs worth a try, especially for century egg lovers.
With plenty of fitness studios in Singapore for you to burn off the calories, don't hesitate to enjoy your feast â you just can't say no to such good sushi, can you?
Address: 112 Middle Rd, 01-00B Midland House, Singapore 188970
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday â 11:30am to 03:00pm, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
For those craving an occasional extra treat
4. Standing Sushi Bar
Since opening its doors in 2009, Standing Sushi Bar has established a strong reputation for its high-quality Japanese ingredients. The menu here is comprehensive, with a good selection that ranges from sushi, noodles, don, and even deep-fried or grilled items.
Its concept is very much inspired by the beloved standing sushi bars and sake bars in Tokyo, where people get to watch the food and drinks prepared before their very eyes. For those looking for a more unique take on sushi, begin with their specialty rolls â The All Salmon All Time (S$16.90) comes with eight salmon sushi rolls that are wrapped in cucumber and avocado, then topped with tobiko and yuzu mayo dressing. A simple choice that still offers an explosion of flavours!
Puff The Magic Dragon (S$18.90) is another great option. This is made with a unique combination of prawn tempura and cucumber thatâs bundled with grilled eel. Aesthetically, it looks very much like what its name suggests: a dragon! Other popular choices are the chefâs specials. The Hotate Aburi Superstar (S$25) and Wagyu Aburi Superstar (S$32) may be marked at a steeper price, but are well-worth the occasional treat just from the fattiness and freshness of the meats alone.
If youâre still craving for more after your meal, head back home to order some yummy Japanese sake to sip on and recreate the izakaya experience.
Address and opening hours: Thereâs an outlet at Marina One and another at Odeon Towers. Visit their website for details and opening hours.
5. Tomi Sushi
Tomi Sushi was first founded in 1954 in Niigata, Japan. Nearly half a century later, it has expanded across its shores and beyond, with 22 outlets in Japan alone. For those unfamiliar with this region of Japan, Niigata is most known for its ever-changing climate and fresh seaborne delicacies. Itâs also where you can find izakayas and taste delicious Japanese sake.
All Tomi Sushi outlets utilise authentic ingredients from the region â its Niigata Koshihikari rice and sea salt, for instance, originates from the sea of Japan. Fresh fish are also imported from the Niigata local fish market three times a week. Even seasonings like soy sauce are traditionally concocted for a lighter taste!
An assorted Tokusen Sashimi platter comes with eight different types of fish and is priced at S$48 each. Bentos are aplenty too â the priciest one being the satisfying Osusume lunch set (S$45++) which comes with tempura, nigiri sushi, chawanmushi, salad, miso soup and fruits. Aside from watching chefs prepare your sushi, you can also get to enjoy Niigataâs authentic local side dishes such as Hegi Soba (S$12) and Tochioage (deep-fried beancurd) (S$16).
Address and opening hours: There are three outlets in Singapore located at Millenia Walk, Novena and Katong. Visit their website for details and opening hours.
Top-tier sushi indulgence for when your bonus comes in
6. Hashida
An authentic restaurant where even the Japanese in Singapore come to eat, Hashida is sure to knock you off your feet. Celebrity Chef Kenjiro Hashida, affectionately known as Hatch, helms this restaurant where you can find one of the best sushi in Singapore. For those unfamiliar with the name, Chef Hatch apprenticed under his influential father, Master Chef Tokio Hashida, from the age of 14.
In its newest sando-themed enclave located along Amoy Street, youâd find three dining halls; each boasting its own distinct character. One of which is Bi, an eight-seater room thatâs traditionally furnished in calming brown hues of the Hiba wood â akin to Chef Hatchâs old home in Japan.
Chef Hatch brings a multitude of inventive creations that are served in his signature omakase-style at Hashida. So not only do they taste good, but theyâre also artfully plated.
The lunch omakase is priced from S$200++, whilst dinner costs S$380++. Apart from that though, you can opt for set meals (S$120) that feature a myriad of hand-crafted sushi and fresh sashimi too.
Hatchâs unfaltering devotion to his craft means youâd likely find sushi that goes beyond the convention. Even the most simple dishes may surprise you. Their Chawanmushi, for instance, comes with a genius dab of sour plum sauce and some shiitake mushroom hidden within all that eggy goodness. Hashidaâs sushi platter is also served with freshly grated wasabi, which can be hard to find in most places. That itself makes a world of a difference!
Address: 77 Amoy St, Singapore 069896
Opening hours: Tuesday â 7:00pm to 10:30pm, Wednesday to Sunday â 12:00pm to 03:00pm, 7:00pm to 10:30pm
7. Sushi Kimura
This isnât going to be your average sushi joint. If you're looking for Japanese cuisine with a twist or two, head to Sushi Kimura for a truly spectacular one Michelin star restaurant experience. Source: @sushikimura
Sushi Kimura is a one-Michelin-starred sushiya in Singapore that provides guests with an intimate dining experience. While here at one of the most unique Japanese restaurants in Singapore, youâll spot centuries-old noren (room dividers), earthen wall plasterings and heirlooms that belong to Chef Kimura himself.
Each ingredient has been carefully selected to bring about the best flavours here, like organic Fujisu vinegar from Miyazu city, Kyoto, as well as Tsuyahime organic rice derived from a family farm in Yamagata prefecture. Of course, fresh seafood is also flown in from the Tsukiji market. Itâs said that Chef Kimura only chooses ingredients that are in season too!
Expect to find high-quality Edomae sushi thatâs priced between S$120 to S$250 for lunch, and S$280 to S$390 for dinner. Some of its notable dishes include Beancurd with Dashi Jelly and Hokkaido Abalone thatâs simmered in Japanese sake for eight long hours.
Just like Hashida, wasabi is freshly grated here too â it is the attention to such details that makes these places worth the high price point.
Address: 390 Orchard Rd, 01-07, Singapore 238871
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday â 12:30am to 3:00pm, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Roll on with the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore
Sushi may seem like a simple dish thatâs easy to make, but that canât be further from the truth. These tiny delights can take decades to master, as every component needs to be masterfully handled â from perfectly torched snappers, glorious marbling of meats to perfectly seasoned rice.
We hope that this list helps in your next Japan-inspired exploration around the city! Also, if youâre around Jewel Changi Airport, here are the best Japanese restaurants over there that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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