There are few types of food out there that are a surprise as they are a treat—Kinder Surprises and BeanBoozled beans maybe—but none have the ability to leave you gasping in delight as an omakase dining experience.
Omakase aptly means “entrust” in Japanese – in this setting, customers leave it entirely to the chef to prepare and serve the best dishes of the day or season.
If you are a creature of habit who sticks to the same dishes every single time, and love Japanese cuisine, an omakase experience is the perfect and safest way to try something new. Everything will taste good – that’s the chef’s promise.
As with many Japanese dining establishments, eating omakase can be a rather pricey affair. Here, we take a look at some of the best Japanese omakase in Singapore, arranged based on price points. Everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while!
Affordable omakases in Singapore (less than S$100)
1. Jun Omakase
Jun Omakase has made its name in Singapore’s crowded Japanese cuisine scene by offering one of the most affordable omakase experiences out there. For just S$68, you can get a seven-course meal for lunch. Authentic omakase doesn’t get any cheaper than that.
There’s no trade-off in quality either. The set comes with two starters, assorted sashimi and sushi, two mains, and a dessert. Their sashimi is touted to be flown in straight from Tsukiji Market, also known as Japan’s “food town”.
If you’d like something a little fancier, they offer a premium set called Natsu Omakase, which costs S$98 for lunch. There are set meals that include a salad, soup and dessert in the lunch menu of Jun Omakase too, which boasts the best ingredients like Japanese wagyu beef with foie gras, or Ton Toro (grilled pork jowl).
Omakase during dinner starts from S$98, which is still very affordable for a proper omakase meal. Seats are limited – and with its highly popular price point, you’d definitely want to make a reservation well in advance.
Address:
3 Church Street, #01-01, Samsung Hub, Singapore 049483
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday — 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm
2. Cho Omakase
If you happen to work in the central business district, why not head down to Cho Omakase for a lunch treat? In our humble opinion, it’s the perfect antidote to an otherwise dreary hump day.
They offer two lunch omakase menus—priced at S$78 and S$108, depending on how much you feel like splurging. Both of them come with two appetisers, assorted sashimi, two mains, a rice dish, soup and dessert.
It’s worth pointing out that it’s not a completely Japanese establishment. The food also features notes of European culinary styles, a nice touch to Japanese dishes, which can serve to elevate that atas (sophisticated) feel even further.
Address:
63 Chulia Street #01-03, Along Phillip St, 049514
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday — 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm
3. Hana Omakase
We’re not too sure if Hana Omakase really counts as an omakase experience since more than half the course is fixed, but it is so affordable that it’d be a shame not to include it on this list.
The sets start from just S$38, for a grand total of 15 items. There’s house-made tofu, grilled hotate (scallop), an assortment of sushi and tempura, seasonal sashimi (that’s the omakase bit) and more. It’s such an insane value-for-money deal that we have absolutely no complaints.
If you’d like, you could also have the omakase experience to-go for the same price.
Address:
583 Orchard Road, Forum The Shopping Mall, #01-17, 238884
Opening hours:
Daily — 12:00pm to 2:00pm, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Mid-range omakase restaurants (S$100 - S$200)
1. Teppei Omakase
Teppei Omakase is ridiculously, ridiculously popular, so much so that its waitlist can stretch to six months! Congratulations if you do manage to snag a seat – you’re a warrior among men. A feast fit for royalty awaits you.
The price varies depending on what’s available each season. As at the time of writing, omakase dinner sets in December start from S$138, while January slots start from S$110. There’s a different theme each month too.
A better price doesn’t just get you better ingredients and dishes, it also gets you better service. Past customers have gushed about how friendly the staff at Teppei Omakase are, including how chefs have literally delivered food to them by hand. Charmers.
Address:
1 Tras Link, #01-18, Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday — 11:45am to 2:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:00pm, Saturday — 12:00pm to 2:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:00pm
2. Hakumai
Here’s a place where the omakase experience is as much a dining affair as it is entertainment.
Chef and restaurant owner Gary Ng is well known among regulars for his cheeky banter and bag of tricks when he’s cooking up a storm for customers. It’s part and parcel of the restaurant’s branding—it wants diners to feel like family.
While it has a lunch sushi omakase for a slightly lower price tag, the main draw for customers are its Sashimi and Sushi Omakase. Lunch costs S$188 while dinner’s S$198, both of which come with hors d'oeuvres (an assorted selection of premium sashimi, sushi, soup and Japanese ice cream). Depending on your luck, you might even get the foie gras amaebi nigiri (sweet shrimp sushi) too!
Address:
10 Anson Road, #01-50A, International Plaza, Singapore 079903
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday—12:00pm to 2:00pm, 6:15pm to 9:00pm
3. Fat Cow
While most omakases revolve around sashimi and various Japanese dishes, there’s no rule saying it has to be that way. Here at Fat Cow, the crowning glory goes to the fatty and indulgent wagyu.
The lunch omakase comes with several mixed small dishes (including bluefin tuna collar), various sushi and more for just S$138. The set includes broiled wagyu, but if you’d like to give yourself a treat and immerse yourself in the Fat Cow experience, they’ve got a specialty Wagyu Omakase for S$320.
Address:
1 Orchard Blvd, #01-01/02, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday—12:00pm to 3:00pm, 6:00pm to 10:30pm; Friday to Saturday—12:00pm to 3:00pm, 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Opulent omakase experiences (>S$200)
1. Takayama
In the midst of Singapore's Shenton Way lies Takayama. This particular spot is known for its elegant and lavish ambience. Its main dining room features two counters, with fewer than 20 seats. You can even choose between two private dining rooms (with seats for six and eight guests) for a more intimate dining experience.
Most notably, Takayama is helmed by Chef Taro Takayama—a seasoned expert who first began his career at three-star Michelin restaurants back in Osaka. Today, he brings that very comforting taste and passion for Japanese cuisine here in Takayama.
In fact, its menu is inspired by the four seasons, leveraging the freshest ingredients in season. Some highlights? The delectable Wagyu Beef served with Japanese Chilli and Eggplant, Female Snow Crab and Otsukuri (a seasonal Japanese Fish).
The dinner omakase will set you back S$350 - but it will be a dining experience that you will remember for a long time.
Address:
6A Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery, #01-09/10, Singapore 068815
Operating hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays—12:00pm to 2:30pm, 7:00pm to 10:30pm
2. Masaaki
Aside from being delicious (of course), Masaaki's known to present an unforgettable visual feast. Picture live crabs meeting charcoal flames before your eyes thanks to its open kitchen. Every dish here is a reflection of Kyoto-raised chef, Massaki Sakashita, who has been in the kitchens of restaurants Ishi and Hashida Sushi - some of the most prominent Japanese restaurants in Singapore.
In terms of cooking techniques, Chef Sakashita infuses traditional methods with his personal take—anything from utilising the sweetness of Hinoki wood, to taking desserts to a whole new level (the ultra-luxe Uni Cake is topped with caviar and a must-try).
It doesn’t just stop there! There's also a glamorous, contemporary take to its interiors. Pink dancing Gucci cranes, for instance, and a cascading wave of washi sheets that were made to embody Japanese clouds.
The lunch omakase at Masaaki starts from S$220 and dinner from S$280. If you’re planning for a meal at Masaaki, do reserve early to secure a seat.
Address:
26 Beach Road, South Beach, B1-17, Singapore 189768
Operating hours:
Tuesday to Saturday—12:00pm to 3:00p,, 6:00pm to 11:00pm
3. Hamamoto
In less than one year since its grand opening in 2021, Hamamoto's already managed to clinch a Michelin star in 2022. At first glance, the place is seemingly sparse. But that's only purposeful design. This is made to accentuate and reflect Chef Kazu's style of cuisine—simplicity.
Its 12-seater counter (the only curved sushi counter in Singapore), is specifically designed to encourage interaction among guests and the chef. While you're there, make note of the ceramics in which dishes are served on. These are custom-made in collaboration with the chef's old friend and lacquer artist, Kenji Hishida.
A Hamamoto experience for dinner is priced at S$425 per pax and if you are feeling extra bougie, opt for the Fancy Omakase for dinner (S$550+) that serves its signature Crispy Unagi, Ise Ebi Sashimi & Seasonal Uni with Kaluga Caviar.
Address:
58 Tras Street, Singapore 078997
Operating hours:
Tuesday to Saturday—12:00pm to 3:00p,, 6:30pm to 11:00pm
Omakase dining promises a deliciously good time, and who doesn’t love that? With omakases available at every price point, everyone can experience the culinary journeys chefs take you on. And if you’d like to finish the night with some alcohol, we’ve got a list of izakayas and sake bars for you too. Itadakimasu!
For more updates on Changi Airport, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube. You can also sign up for a Changi Account and have the latest news and articles delivered right into your inbox.