Founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer and entrepreneur Meir Teper, the world-famous Nobu restaurant is opening its first outpost in Singapore on 1 June 2022 at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Nobu has 47 outlets around the world in cities such as Barcelona, London, Milan, Tokyo, Sydney and Hong Kong.

The restaurant will be housed alongside an open-air Japanese garden and bar at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Nobu Singapore’s menu will feature dishes that will showcase Nobu’s signature style of artfully combining Japanese techniques with South American influences.

Some of Nobu’s signature dishes that you can look forward to:

• Black Cod Miso
• Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño
• Toro Tartare with Caviar

The menu is still being finalised, but they will include exclusive dishes that are inspired by local flavours and ingredients of Singapore.

Nobu Singapore is run by Executive Chef Hideki Maeda and Executive Sushi Chef Takahiro Tim Otomo, both of whom worked in the London and Caesars Palace restaurants.

Nobu Singapore
190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 7653

Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda officially reopens to the public today (1 March 2021) at Marina Bay Sands after an extensive renovation since June 2019.

Established in 2010, Waku Ghin is Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s first overseas restaurant and it has won multiple awards over the years.

One of the most famous chefs in Australia, Chef Tetsuya Wakuda is a Japanese-born Australian chef based in Sydney, Australia. He opened his restaurant, Tetsuya’s, in the Australian city in 1989 and it remains one of the top restaurants in the city until today.

The revamped Waku Ghin leans heavily towards Chef Tetsuya’s Japanese roots, featuring a refined selection of the best Japanese produce across different seasons and regions.

Diners can look forward to new experiences, including an a la carte menu offered at a 24-seater extended bar dining area, as well as a selection of fresh grill items as part of the Chef’s Table omakase menu.

“The new Waku Ghin is more contemporary and accessible via the expanded offering at The Bar. But guests can also find pockets of exclusivity through our two private dining rooms and Chef’s Table. From culinary origins to design inspiration, I’ve taken the time to dig deeper into my Japanese roots to present a fresh new interpretation of Waku Ghin – one where diners get to journey and taste the best of Japan across different prefectures and seasons,” said Chef Tetsuya.

Photos credit: Waku Ghin

The Bar at Waku Ghin opens from 5pm daily, while the Chef’s Table welcomes guests from 5.30pm till late. Reservations for Chef’s Table and private bookings are now open via wakughinreservation@MarinaBaySands.com or + 65 6688 8507. The Bar accepts walk-in guests, and reservations are not required.

Waku Ghin
Level 2 Dining, L2-03 The Shoppes
2 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018956

Presenting a brand-new space that boasts breathtaking view of Keppel Bay’s stunning architecture and multi-million dollar yachts along with a larger floor space that can accommodate more than 100 diners, dining at Sushi Jiro at Keppel Bay promises a multi-sensory Japanese dining experience not easily forgotten.

Curated and crafted by esteemed Chef Kenji, diners get to savour a delightful mix of seasonal seafood and fish along with other premium ingredients all moulded into gorgeous masterpieces by the chef himself that will target your taste buds in ways that you’ve never experienced before. Promising wave after wave of sensorial bliss, every ingredient is handpicked and air-flown up to 4 times a week from Japan.

Housing a sophisticated repertoire of signature, elegantly crafted items—both classic and contemporary—get ready to be teased by the likes of their Japanese Premium Wagyu A5 Beef Steak along with a bevvy of new creations, diners will be spoiled for choice.

If you’re ever looking to indulge, go to where every single cent will count—go to Sushi Jiro Keppel Bay. From now until 31 Jan 2019, there’s an opening promotion of 15% discount when you dine at Sushi Jiro’s new outlet at Keppel Bay.

Behind every great sushi experience is a master sushi chef with countless years of experience honing his skill. Armed with a passion that transcends all boundaries, Chef Kenji Nakagawa of Sushi Jiro never fails to astound and leave us awestruck every time we visit.

A master in the art of Edomae Sushi, Chef Kenji believes that simplicity is the key to crafting great sushi and that the freshness of every ingredient should be enough to speak for themselves. As such, his treatment of many of his dishes are minimal and relies heavily on his expansive knowledge of Japanese produce.

JIRO SPECIAL SET

When it comes to indulging in champion-quality Japanese food, you either go all the way or go home, and there truly is no better way than to opt for the brand-new Jiro Special Set (S$68++).

A massive culmination of dishes highlighting some of Japan’s greatest produce, the set comprises sashimi, uzaku (vinegared unagi & cucumbers), tempura, ika uni ikura, salad, onsen egg, a half portion of udon, chawanmushi, rice and ice cream. Every course is executed with utmost precision and care, ensuring the flavours are well-balanced, allowing diners to savour every plate without overwhelming the palate.

Lightly battered and deep-fried, the assortment of tempura retained a lightness to it them along with the dish’s signature crunch factor. Neither greasy nor lacking in seasoning, the tempura was prepared very well and the ingredients used were at their optimum freshness.

A shot of pure decadence that comprises ikura and uni carefully placed atop a mound of squid sashimi, this side dish is best enjoyed with slivers of pickled ginger in between. Every mouthful is a culmination of briny, savoury flavours that will literally have you swooning.

A SUSHI LOVER’S PARADISE

Freshly grated wasabi is the standard at luxe omakase joints and besides giving you the real deal, it actually tastes fundamentally better. Here, every piece of nigiri sushi comes dotted with fresh wasabi and licked with an appropriate amount of soy sauce which accents and influences the sushi the way that it’s meant to.

The Assorted Sushi Premium (S$108++) presents a lineup of 10 different nigiri sushi offerings with each one boasting unbeatable freshness as well as its own unique characteristic.

Piling over a generous slice of fresh fish atop carefully pressed mounds of seasoned sushi rice, along with the appropriate seasoning added, Chef Kenji carefully ensures that every piece of sushi is well balanced.

The otoro (fatty tuna) boasts a buttery, almost creamy texture and is one that we always save for last.

ASSORTED SASHIMI

Offering a wide assortment of sashimi ranging from 5 kinds (S$65++), 8 kinds (S$110++) and 10 kinds (S$140++), knock yourselves out with some of the finest quality seafood you’ll ever find.

Using only the best fish that the season has to offer, treated with so much care and precision and displayed in a manner so elegant that it is almost too stunning to tuck into, the various sashimi platters here are truly worth the splurge.

THE ROLLS ROYCE OF BEEF

One particularly noteworthy item includes the moreish Japanese Premium Wagyu A5 Beef Steak (S$64++) that comes from Japan’s Miyazaki prefecture.

Of the four unique Wagyu breeds raised in Japan, Miyazaki Wagyu is easily crowned king. This particular breed is best known for its cherry-red colour, impeccable quality and snowflake-white marbling that is evenly distributed.

Here at Sushi Jiro, they treat it simply with minimal seasoning, using only salt and the garlic to flavour the beef. The steak is served pre-sliced across the grain, revealing its stellar marbling before being topped with shards of fried garlic and garlic oil.

Sushi Jiro Keppel Bay
No.2 Keppel Bay Vista #02-01,
Marina at Keppel Bay,
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6252 4333
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post was brought to you by Sushi Jiro.

Come this November, The Ritz-Carlton is inviting guests to indulge their culinary senses at their first-ever Stellar Dining Series. A once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between six Michelin-starred chef talents, mixologists and patissiers from The Ritz-Carlton itself across four gourmet cities around the Asia Pacific region, the Stellar Dining Series will happen from 1 November to 1 December 2018. The journey will begin in Singapore, then to Osaka, Hong Kong and finally at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

Driven by a desire to create memorable experiences, each destination on the four-city tour will see these Michelin-starred chefs collaborate to present their signatures as well as create spectacular new dishes, orchestrating a constellation of cosmic dining events as well as exclusive masterclasses and cocktail craftsmanship.

For those who dine as adventurously as they travel, The Ritz-Carlton invites you to set your course by the stars and experience the Stellar Dining Series hosted by one of the greatest luxury hotels around. Whether you’re seeking to impress, or to experience gastronomic excellence at its finest, we say reserve now before it’s too late.

1 – 4 NOVEMBER: THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE

Happening on our very shores between 1 to 4 November 2018, guests in Singapore can expect a harmony of the best that Cantonese cuisine has to offer at both the ‘6 Hands’ lunch and dinner, proudly presented by Michelin-starred chefs Paul Lau of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, Gordon Guo of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou and Cheung Siu Kong The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

Prepared in the form of a la carte dim sum alongside speciality dishes, every handcrafted dish attributes to their burning love passion for the cuisine and their respect for nature of which their ingredients are sourced.

Aching to knock back a tipple or two? Indulge in an innovative spread of hand-crafted cocktails by mixologist Oscar Mena, featuring a combination of traditional and cutting-edge ingredients at the Chihuly Lounge.

If not, in the afternoon, delight your taste buds with a celestial eight-course afternoon tea session elegantly designed by celebrated patissier, Richard Long, from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.

On 4 November 2018, discover the authentic flavors of Singapore at Colony’s Michelin-starred brunch where the seven conservatory kitchens will take you on a gastronomic journey. Michelin-starred chefs Paul Lau and Gordon Guo will helm a live station each, together with with Richard Long and Oscar Menu.

8 – 10 NOVEMBER: THE RITZ-CARLTON, OSAKA

From 8 to 10 November 2018, The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka will be joined by a constellation of four culinary stars, bringing into orbit Japanese-inspired French cuisine with Chef Christophe Gibert and Chef Shintaro Miyazaki. Chef Kenji Fujimoto of Tempura Mizuki at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto along with Chef Takeshi Fukana at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka will work together to deliver a sensational seasonal tempura using seasonal ingredients to highlight the art of the cuisine.

Chef Cheung Siu Kong of Summer Pavilion from The Ritz-Carlton, Singapore will bring to life authentic Cantonese cuisine with Chef Peter Cheung at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. There will also be a one-of-a-kind chocolate masterclass, chocolate-themed afternoon tea with Champagne and cocktail workshop tailored for all refined palates.

22 – 25 NOVEMBER: THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, the highest hotel in the world, takes guests closer to the stars in every sense with Chef Paul Lau joining hands with Chef Shintaro Miyazaki of Azure 45 from The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to create a series of extraordinary lunches and dinners showcasing the best of Cantonese and French haute cuisine.

The Hong Kong event also includes unique chocolate themed afternoon tea by award winning Chocolatier Masatada Hosokawa from The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka and Executive Pastry Chef Richard Long.

Discover some of the season’s unique cocktail recipes with Kentaro Wada and Oscar Mena, two cocktail connoisseurs with a knack for boldness.

29 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER: THE RITZ-CARLTON BEIJING

The events conclude with a supernova at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing where Michelin-Starred Chef extraordinaire Christophe Gibert of La Baie in Osaka will collaborate with Chef Cheung Siu Kong of Summer Pavilion in Singapore to create an haute French experience and a contemporary Cantonese menu to the nation’s cultural nexus.

The three-day gastronomic line-up will feature a series of Michelin lunch and dinners, afternoon tea, as well as exclusive cocktail workshops inspired by China’s treasured teas—proudly brought to you by the acclaimed cocktail connoisseur, Oscar Mena.

You can find out more information about the Stellar Dining Series and make a reservation here. This is one exclusive and very highly-coveted Michelin experience that is worth luxuriating in!

This post is brought to you by The Ritz-Carlton.

Whenever we talk about Japanese food whether it’s your humble conveyor belt sushi or a full-on gastronomic omakase experience, the same question never fails to pop up—is it worth the splurge?

Well, while a 500-dollar omakase meal may not qualify for a typical weekday dinner, there are in fact, plenty of Japanese restaurants of varying price points that allow even the most thrifty of individuals to have a pretty solid Japanese meal whenever they are craving for Japanese cuisine—even if they are on a budget constraint.

From top-of-the-line Japanese dining establishments to humble hole-in-the-walls, here is our list of Japanese restaurants in Singapore for every budget.

AFFORDABLE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a cosy little shop located inside Sunshine Plaza that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no GST and service charge), is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items. Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

91 Bencoolen Street, #01-15
Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

FISH MART SAKURAYA

Fish Mart SAKURAYA is a Japanese supermarket-cum-eatery that has three branches in Singapore. You can find all kinds of Japanese food-related items in their mart ranging from fresh sashimi to Japanese snacks and frozen ingredients to buy home—think Don Don Donki without the jungle.

Once you’re done shopping, proceed to SAKURAYA Dining at the back of the supermarket to enjoy Japanese mains and side dishes. If you are there for the sashimi, choose your preferred fish over at the display chiller before heading to your table.

370 Alexandra Road
#01-32 Anchorpoint
Singapore 159953
Tel: +65 6474 2495
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza.

The nondescript outlet has been around for three decades. We actually only discovered it about seven years ago but it has since remained as a favourite of ours whenever we want a simple, affordable Japanese meal in Orchard Road.

5 Koek Rd, #02- 228796,
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Nestled in the centre of a bustling food court in Wisma Atria, yet serving up restaurant-quality maki rolls, yakitori and sushi is Koh Grill & Sushi Bar. The Japanese restaurant is extremely popular so reservations are recommended.

Must-try’s include their stellar Shiok Maki as well as their various grilled skewer offerings that just ooze smoky deliciousness—if you’re ballsy, go for the chicken heart.

435 Orchard Road #04-21
Wisma Atria Singapore
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

OMOTE

Omote—formerly known as Sushiro—is a haven for anyone who’s a sucker for raw fish and lots of it. Snaking queues form from as early as before the eatery opens, all just to get their hands on their famous Bara Chirashi Don.

Stacked high, and generously with thick cubes of raw fish and at such an affordable price point too, there is no reason why you should give this a miss if you truly love sashimi—or Japanese food for that matter.

301 Upper Thomson Road
#01-22/30 Thomson Plaza
Singapore 574408
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11.45am – 2.15pm, 5.45pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

SUMO BAR HAPPY

If you are looking for a casual ramen restaurant which does not compromise on service or quality of food, Sumo Bar Happy is the place to check out. This casual dining concept is brought to you by the team behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid.

What makes the ramen bowls there better than average is its collagen-rich tonkotsu ramen broth which can only be achieved through 48 hours of simmer. Every bowl of ramen comes with bean sprouts, toasted seaweed, black fungus and free-flow soft-boiled eggs.

261 Waterloo Street
01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue & Wed: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

THE SUSHI BAR

Hankering for a quality Japanese meal without the over-exorbitant price tag? Then The Sushi Bar is just the place you need to visit—preferably in a group of 3 or more so you can order more dishes for sharing.

This hole-in-a-wall delights with an impressive array of Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, Japanese-style pasta and donburi but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi.

14 Scotts Road
#04-28 Far East Plaza
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.45pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

Located on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central is Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant! It houses 5 different restaurant concepts in one, serving up flavourful Japanese fare in generous portions at fairly affordable prices.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant takes pride in providing diners with a variety of fresh seasonal fish and you’d be happy to know that most of their seafood products are all air-flown from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market twice a week.

181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MID-RANGE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

EN SAKABA

En Sakaba at Capital Tower enthrals with their stellar shabu shabu offerings, visually stunning à la carte items as well as a selection of curated Japanese whiskies and sake for your after-work tippling pleasure.

At the heart of their food offerings, their highly prized A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef is something that warrants a visit. From top-notch farms in Japan to the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, this elite offering is one that promises sheer, melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite—whether in the form of shabu shabu or even as a nigiri sushi.

168 Robinson Road #01-10
Capital Tower
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6423 0110
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Tatsu

TATSU

Boasting a 28-seater restaurant with sushi bar and a teppanyaki counter, Tatsu is the ideal venue if you are after a gastronomical Japanese experience.

To get more bang for one’s buck, order the Teppanyaki Course instead where you get to indulge in a plethora of Japanese delights such as codfish, wagyu steak, king prawn, scallop and lobster.

#01-08 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6332 5868
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

UNI GALLERY

Nestled in the basement of The Plaza (which is just behind PARKROYAL on Beach Road) is this sea urchin-oriented dining concept that specialises in a wide array of uni-centric dishes. Uni Gallery is where your senses take flight with premium uni that originates from Japan and countries such as L.A’s Santa Barbara and British Columbia in Canada.

Standouts include their Uni Sampler Set that allows you to savour the sheer majesty that is uni of different varieties, as well as the Uni Oyster Shot that sees both ikura and uni atop a massive oyster.

7500A Beach Road
#B1-310 The Plaza
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 9838 8209
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

JAPANESE FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

FAT COW

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal.

Helmed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—every course in his Chef’s Table Omakase menu takes you on a gastronomic trip from the first course right to the very last.

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Keyaki

KEYAKI

Located on the 4th floor of Pan Pacific Singapore, Keyaki is an elegant Japanese restaurant that is perfect if you’re looking to impress a date. Masters at their craft, the chefs here at Keyaki serve up a culinary experience that is as fresh and vibrant as the quality seasonal ingredients that they use.

Here, diners can look forward to a myriad of freshly-sourced sashimi, teppanyaki and lots more, making this restaurant great for any occasion.

7 Raffles Boulevard,
Level 4 Pan Pacific Hotel,
Singapore 039595
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

MIKUNI

Captivating in both its stylish, somewhat seductive interiors and top-notch food, Mikuni is one place that takes the values of presentation, produce and culinary technique seriously. The restaurant features 3 live stations—Sushi, Robatayaki, and Teppanyaki—and depending on what you’re craving, will promise you a truly memorable dining experience nonetheless.

Exercising Japanese precision and modern technique into preparing only the highest quality of produce, what you can expect is nothing short of sheer perfection.

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2 Stamford Road,
Swissotel The Stamford,
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6431 6156
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

SHINJI BY KANESAKA

Boasting an exquisite selection of fine sake, food and impeccable service, Michelin-starred Shinji By Kanesaka over at Carlton Hotel Singapore promises a dining experience like no other.

An extension of 1 Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district, the restaurant promises nothing but the finest Japanese cuisine around.

76 Bras Basah Road
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6338 6131
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / City Hall

SUSHI JIRO

As far as Japanese fine dining goes, Sushi Jiro still remains one of our top few picks for the very simple reason that top quality ingredients remain at the heart of their food.

Their lunch donburi options are stellar and come packed with premium ingredients such as wagyu beef, fatty tuna and more but what you must definitely go for is their omakase. Armed with culinary skills gleaned from his 2-decades-long experience preparing sushi and cooking Japanese food, Chef Kenji astounds with his repertoire of dishes that make use of only the finest produce.

6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-600 Marina Mandarin Singapore
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6445 3055
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

TATSUYA

A stalwart of the local dining scene, Tatsuya is where in-the-know locals go for top quality Japanese food. The set lunches are extremely value-for-money, and it explains their evergreen popularity.

Their menu changes every fortnight and comprises fresh seasonal produce directly imported from Japan. Go for the Bara Chirashi and you will not be disappointed.

22 Scotts Road,
Goodwood Park Hotel,
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6737 7411
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 10 best Omakase restaurants in Singapore.