Ashino is an omakase restaurant at Chijmes that’s famous for their aged sushi, and the 8-seater restaurant is so popular that there is a waitlist for a seat.

But is it really worth the hype? We waited 2 months for a seat, and finally got down to trying the S$250 omakase served by Chef Taku Ashino himself—who was trained in Tokyo for more than a decade, and worked at Hide Yamamoto before he opened his own at Chijmes in 2015.

There are 4 options for lunch: S$120, S$180, S$200 and S$250. We went for the S$250 Omakase lunch, because why go for the S$120 one when we already waited 2 months for a seat, right?

Ashino At Chijmes prides themselves on using air-flown Mt Fuji water cooked in a traditional iron kettle for their shari-sushi rice, and a great range of his fish is aged for extra flavours.

We started out with two sushi—marinated tuna in soy sauce and botan ebi—and were a little puzzled as to why we went straight into sushi instead of appetizers. Then came along more sushi, but nothing exactly stood out, rest for this piece featuring merikari (shining eyes)—a very lightly sweet white fish that was firm to the bite.

There were more appetiser-like bite-sized dishes (such as a single deep-fried hotate with lotus root) were slotted in between the sushi pieces.

In between, you may expect pieces such as hokkigai (surf clam), budai (parrot fish) and chutoro. Notably, Chef Ashino has a penchant for the very uncommon fish, but perhaps, one who gravitates more towards the simplicity of natural flavours would appreciate his omakase more.

And the most memorable ones were the sea perch that was prepared with citrus and pepper as well as the one with Uni.

Oh, we loved the fukugi tea. Made from camphor wood, smoked branches and leaves, this caffeine-free tea served at the end of the omakase meal was lightly aromatic and very palatable.

Ashino
30 Victoria Street #01-23 Chijmes, 187996
Tel: +65 6684 4567

The concept of omakase revolves around allowing the sushi chef to decide on the choice of dishes to serve his or her customers and will typically consist of a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and subsequently proceeding on to the heavier dishes.

There’s so much to love about this culinary style—from the trust that diners give the chef to the chef’s expertise in featuring a menu that encompasses only the freshest produce of the season. An omakase meal often starts off with an assortment of sushi, sashimi, cooked dishes and seasonal vegetables with common mainstays such as otoro (fatty tuna belly) and sometimes even premium ingredients with the likes of uni.

What makes omakase intriguing is the fact that you never know what to expect. No one really knows what the chef might serve because the dishes vary according to the season. Make no mistake that meals such as these do not necessarily come cheap, but if you’re hankering for a taste of Japanese omakase dining at its finest, here is our list of 10 best Japanese restaurants for omakase in Singapore.

SUSHI JIRO

Those who are looking for an authentic experience that is similar to what you will find in Japan can look no further than to Sushi Jiro at Marina Mandarin Singapore. The reputable Japanese restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood that are air-flown from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo four times a week.

Whether it is otoro (fatty tuna belly), uni (sea urchin), Wagyu beef or even something a little more unusual such as monkfish liver, rest assured that every dish served here—by the experienced hands of Chef Kenji—is guaranteed to take you on a sensorial journey.

Omakase Pricing
6-Course – S$180++
8-Course – S$220++
10-Course – S$260++

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

FAT COW

Fat Cow is truly an icon when it comes to all things beef or steak related but steaks aside, Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—impresses more with his Chef’s Table Omakase.

Every item on the Omakase menu is specially curated and designed by Chef Kasajima himself. From delicate and bright tasting starters to a stellar line-up of sashimi and sushi options, what you can expect is an array of alluring flavours that will have you drooling between courses.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Omakase Pricing
Sumire Lunch Menu – S$120++
Nagoyaka Dinner Menu – S$250++

1 Orchard Boulevard
Camden Medical Centre, #01-01/02
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: https://www.facebook.com/ginzasushiichisg/

GINZA SUSHI-ICHI

Helming from Ginza, Tokyo, Sushi-Ichi offers an unparalleled authentic Japanese omakase experience right at your doorstep. Housed in Orchard’s Marriott Tang Plaza, this beautiful restaurant can be found in a warmly lit, cosy, wood-trimmed space that exudes a relaxed opulence suggestive of the fare served.

Served atop the polished 300-year-old cypress counter – hand-carved by a renowned carpenter in Nara – are traditional Edomae sushi crafted from ingredients flown in from Japan. By ensuring that their sushi are made from nothing short of the best ingredients, Sushi-Ichi Singapore has captivated the palates of Singaporeans, earning it a place in Singapore’s Michelin Guide since 2016.

Omakase Pricing
Lunch Omakase – S$240++
Dinner Omakase Nigiri – S$220++
Omakase – S$430++

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6235 5514
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.hakumai.com.sg/

HAKUMAI SUSHI

At Hakumai Sushi & Omakase, each dish is treated with respect and only the best of each ingredient is sourced, from their premium Koshihikari rice that is imported directly from Niigata Prefecture to a whole slew of seasonal seafood from Tsukiji Market.

Dining here is always a no-frills experience as you entrust everything to the chef. With over two decades of experience under his belt, you can bet that you will be in good hands. Omakase prices are also reasonably affordable here too, making it a hot spot among locals.

Omakase Pricing
Sushi Omakase (8 pcs) – S$78.80++
Sushi Omakase (10 pcs) – S$98.80++
Sushi Omakase (12 pcs) – S$118++
Sashimi & Sushi Omakase – S$150++
Hakumai Signature Omakase – S$218++

10 Anson Road,
International Plaza, #01-50A
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 6224 4790
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/sushihashida/

HASHIDA SUSHI

Upscale from its swanky interiors to its unbelievable food, Hashida Sushi is the Singapore outpost of the original restaurant back in Kachidoki, Tokyo.

The focus here lies primarily on seasonal produce, of which their sashimi and sushi comprise, and the food is served during dinner in omakase-style. Prices here are by no means affordable but for the amount you pay, you can expect to tuck into their signature house-smoked chutoro (medium fatty tuna) or buttery uni served in various ways.

Omakase Pricing
Chef’s Omakase Lunch Menu – S$300++ – S$500++
Chef’s Omakase Dinner Menu – S$350++ – S$500++

333A Orchard Road
Mandarin Gallery, #04-16
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6733 2114
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue: 12.30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Wed to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: https://www.junomakase.com/

JUN OMAKASE

One of the newer entrants in the local omakase scene, Jun Omakase offers a full-fledged omakase experience with produce sourced directly from Tsukiji market.

Priding itself in offering an omakase menu that constantly evolves with Japan’s seasons, expect each visit to be filled with a fresh set of curated flavours reminiscent of the dominant colours of the prevailing season.

Omakase Pricing (Dinner)
Natsu – S$98++
Ume – S$138++
Jun – S$188++

3 Church Street
#01-01
Singapore 049483
Tel: +65 6224 0311
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.15pm – 9.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/Keyaki.Singapore/

KEYAKI

Located in Pan Pacific Singapore, there is more to dining at Keyaki than its intricate fare. Sitting amidst a lush, picturesque Japanese garden on the fourth floor, dining at Keyaki offers temporary reprieve with its calm and relaxed ambience.

Entering the pavilion invites a sight of both the traditional and contemporary – at one end sits a modern dining space, and along the other are rows of rooms with tatami seating. The food served presents a similar union as well, with time-honed techniques used to incorporate modern flavours into traditional Japanese dishes.

Omakase Pricing
Seasonal Omakase Kaiseki – S$190++
Ran Sushi Moriawase – S$110++
Kiku Sushi Moriawase – S$90++
Sashimi Omakase – S$230++

7 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6336 8111
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Photo Credit: https://ki-sho.com.sg/

KI-SHO

From the seasonally inspired ingredients right down to the silverware and serving plates of which the restaurant’s gorgeous creations are presented in, Ki-Sho reflects a certain value that is both visually stunning and sensorial from taste to texture.

A native of Kyoto, Chef Hamamoto brings to the table modern kaiseki-style cuisine through a series of seasonally inspired omakase dishes that he executes with utmost precision and flair. Some dishes that will no doubt have you reminiscing for days include the Hokkaido Uni with Caviar and Seasonal Vegetables as well as the Aburi Hida Beef Sushi.

Omakase Pricing
Rosan Lunch Menu – S$150++
Oribe Lunch Menu – S$150++
Taihaku Lunch Menu – S$250++
Aoi Dinner Menu – S$300++
Kai Dinner Menu – S$450++

29 Scotts Road
Singapore 228224
Tel: +65 6733 5251
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Newton

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ShangriLaSingapore/

NAMI RESTAURANT & BAR

Tucked away near one of the top floors of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, NAMI offers an intimate gastronomical experience with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding estate.

Each visit to NAMI invites an array of exquisitely prepared food served with a warm helping of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) for a truly authentic dining experience. To elevate your meal, approach the friendly staff for personalised alcohol pairings; alternatively, head towards the bar to peruse the selection yourself.

Omakase Pricing
Sushi Omakase – S$240++
Aki no Omakase 5-Course – S$148++
Aki no Omakase 7-Course – S$188++

22 Orange Grove Road
Tower Wing, Level 24
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4398
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ryosushi/

RYO SUSHI

Highly popular for being one of the more affordable Japanese omakase restaurants in town (with no GST and service charge), getting a seat at Ryo Sushi is often a challenge.

The restaurant specialises mainly in sushi omakase and their seasonal menus can be priced as low as S$18 for a 10-course omakase set to S$98 for an 18-course omakase set that will have you wobbling out the door with a satisfied tummy.

Omakase Pricing
10-Course Lunch Menu (Limited) – S$18
15-Course – S$38
18-Course with Tuna – S$68
18-Course with Sea Urchin Menu – S$98

1 Tras Link
Orchid Hotel, #01-06
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6443 3463
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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.

Omakase Pricing
Omakase Lunch Special – S$250++
Chef’s Omakase Lunch Special – S$300++
Omakase Wa Dinner Menu – S$300++
Chef’s Omakase Dinner Special – S$500++

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
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: http://www.shinzo.com.sg/

SHINZO JAPANESE CUISINE

Exuding a resounding warmth reminiscent of cosy eateries in Japan, Shinzo Japanese Cuisine is where you can find authentic Japanese cuisine that stays true to its roots from the choice of ingredients to the traditional techniques used.

Dining here is always a joy because you never know what to expect and prices are reasonably affordable as well considering that many of the dishes include premium and seasonally sourced ingredients that are air-flown all the way from Japan.

Omakase Pricing
Chef’s Weekly Special Lunch Set – S$68++
Regular Lunch Sets – S$38++
Shinzo Omakase Course – S$188++
Jonetsu Omakase Course – S$220++

17 Carpenter Street
Singapore 059906
Tel: +65 6438 2921
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/Shoukouwa/

SHOUKOUWA

Opened back in March 2016 as one of Emmanuel Stroobant Group’s first forays into Japanese dining comes Shoukouwa, an intimate sushi restaurant that managed to beat other sushi establishments to land itself two Michelin stars.

What makes this eight-seater fine dining restaurant stand out from the rest is its commitment to keeping things as authentic as possible, meaning that their omakase menu only features ingredients from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Dining here is sure to leave a lifelong impression from its humble appetisers right down to its premium seafood.

Omakase Pricing
Miyabi – S$380++
Hana – S$480++

1 Fullerton Road
One Fullerton, #02-02A
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6423 9939
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SUSHI MURASAKI

Sushi Murasaki’s omakase dining concept constantly pushes culinary boundaries by combining numerous cooking techniques to better bring out the natural textures and flavours of each ingredient—which are all flown in directly from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.

If you love the ice cream of the ocean (also known as uni) then the Kumo Omakase Set is what you should definitely opt for. What you get is a glorious (and generous) portion of buttery smooth uni atop sushi rice and wrapped with seaweed—a true joy to devour.

Omakase Pricing
Aoi Lunch Menu – S$128++
Nodake Lunch Menu – S$78++
Fuji Lunch Menu – S$48++
Kumo Dinner Menu – S$180++
Murasaki Dinner Menu – S$250++
Gen Dinner Menu – S$128++

9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk, #02-08
Singapore 039569
Tel: +65 6341 9668
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/YoshiRestaurant.SG/

YOSHI RESTAURANT

Honoured as an Excellent Chef of Diplomatic Missions by the Japanese Foreign Service, head chef, Chef Yoshiyuki, plates up sensational Kyoto-styled kaiseki that highlights the best flavours from the Hokkaido region.

Bringing in all their ingredients from Hokkaido, Chef Yoshiyuki utilises a ‘Kyo-ri’ preparation style to ensure that the innate flavours of these ingredients are retained for the enjoyment of his customers. Moreover, each course is accompanied by a glass of hand-picked sake straight from the breweries of Hokkaido to complete the culinary experience.

Omakase Pricing (Dinner)
Yoshi’s Omakase – S$258++ / S$288++ / S$328++

583 Orchard Road
Forum The Shopping Mall, #B1-39
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 8188 0900
Daily: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Among the many intricate and beautiful aspects of Japanese cuisine, one of the most unique is the Omakase. Omakase in Japanese fine dining is the act of leaving one’s culinary experience entirely up to the chef, transcending beyond what’s written on the menu. It is in fact, a huge compliment to the chef and is a sign that the diner has total trust in the chef’s expertise, culinary skill and recommendations. It’s a huge deal as far as Japanese food is concerned and the one place that we have total confidence in when it comes to a  luxurious, top-notch dining experience, Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase undeniably takes the cake.

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal. From their snazzy interiors, laid-back jazzy tunes to their extensive array of top-of-the-line wagyu and seafood-forward dishes, Fat Cow truly gives you a sense of exclusiveness and is quite realistically, the closest one gets to experiencing royalty.

Fat Cow’s dinner Omakase (S$250++ per pax) has always been known to be on the pricier side but for what it’s worth, diners are treated to nothing short of a pure, sensorial and blissful experience. With their newly curated lunch Omakase menu at S$80++ featuring 7 courses, lunchtime will no doubt be the best time to visit the restaurant to enjoy deluxe but wallet-friendly Omakase indulgences.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Now, who’s up for Fat Cow’s lunch and dinner Chef’s Table Omakase? We know we are.

The man behind the restaurant’s highly celebrated Chef’s Table Omakase, Head Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—ensures that all dishes prepared are nothing short of perfection. He serves only the best seasonal seafood and produce—treating them delicately so as to present diners with only the purest, most pristine flavours and textures—and prides himself with serving premium ingredients of the highest grade.

Whether it is a moulded nigiri sushi or a simple soup, you can rest assured that Chef Kasajima cuts no corners—he ensures that every item is perfect before serving from seasoning to garnish.

Decked out in an intimate space of tranquil elegance and a sleek counter that sits just eight, guests are able to witness Chef Kasajima’s culinary prowess that embodies the spirit of both Japanese precision and French flair. Intimate from beginning to end, be prepared to be pampered like royalty as you entrust your evening to the chef himself. Dining at Fat Cow promises heightened dining experience unlike any other—one filled with a myriad of delicate tastes and unforgettable moments of sensorial bliss.

AMUSE BOUCHE

Both the lunch and dinner Omakase kicks off with the Amuse Bouche, which is essentially a wagyu beef carpaccio served with a marinated egg yolk and shiitake mushrooms.

Straightforward and visually stunning, we were blown away by how each individual component stood out without outshining one another, flavour-wise. The marinated egg was creamy and decadent while the shiitake was surprisingly sweet with a hint of umami. The seared wagyu, on the other hand, provided a nice buttery texture which completed the dish.

SEA BREAM SOUP

With the introduction of rich flavours at only the first course, it made complete sense to have the Sea Bream Soup with Lime Sudachi as our second. A hearty palate cleanser with notes of citrus, the light yet flavourful fish soup was hot, savoury and just what we needed to prep ourselves for the heavier courses ahead.

TOMATO UNI

Served in a martini glass, the Tomato with Sea Urchin and Tosazu Jelly—available only in the dinner Omakase menu—comprises a chilled Japanese tomato, sweet and savoury jelly (Tosazu Jelly), sea urchin (uni) served in a light, refreshing sauce.

A delightful appetiser, every mouthful was a combination of rich flavours that were nicely underscored by savoury and umami notes.

WAGYU TARTARE W BLACK TRUFFLE & QUAIL EGG YOLK (LUNCH & DINNER)

Another appetiser to look forward to is the Wagyu Tartare with Black Truffle and Quail Egg Yolk in Yuzu Ponzu. A true spectacle to behold, everything about this dish from the way Chef Kasajima prepares it to its final assembly is a display of Japanese precision and discipline at its best.

The dish first begins with a carefully formed layer of wagyu beef mince followed by shiitake mushrooms that he carefully places on top. Finally, black truffle is shaven over the top and a yuzu ponzu sauce is drizzled over.

Chef Kasajima’s advice is to first take a bite of the dish as it is to appreciate the raw flavours of each component and subsequently to drizzle in the quail egg yolk and mix everything together.

YUZU MISO FLOUNDER (LUNCH & DINNER)

Sliced thin and seasoned with a few drops of their house-made yuzu miso, the first thing you taste is the salty kick from the miso followed by the citrus notes from the yuzu. The raw flounder was relatively neutral tasting, which perfectly brought out the dominant flavours in the dressing.

5-PIECE NIGIRI (LUNCH)

The Chef’s Table Omakase lunch comes with five pieces of nigiri sushi. The sushi selection encompasses a smorgasbord of fresh ingredients that were carefully executed so as to not overshadow one other.

For lunch, guests can tuck into the likes of Alfonsino, Bluefin Tuna, Striped Jack, Signature Surf and Turf and Conger Eel. Some are dipped in shoyu, torched or simply served as it is to allow the original flavours of the fish to shine through with every bite.

The sushi is also served with a side of Pickled Chrysanthemum (Japan’s national flower and a snack that was enjoyed by royalty), instead of the traditional ginger, setting a more modern take on the Omakase experience.

Do note, however, that the ingredients used may vary depending on seasonality.

8-PIECE NIGIRI (DINNER)

For dinner, indulgence truly knows no bounds with the addition of three sensational nigiri sushi items on top of the ones mentioned above. They are the sea urchin (uni), marinated foie gras and baby leeks with bonito flakes.

The uni (sea urchin) sushi was phenomenal and a true luxury for the palate—from the brininess that hits you when it first touches your tongue to the subtly sweet taste that lingers.

WAGYU SUMIBIYAKI

Dining at Fat Cow would not be complete without savouring some of their prime wagyu beef and the Wagyu Sumibiyaki is a dish specially designed for the Omakase dinner to showcase just how exemplary the quality of their beef is.

With a meat so fine in quality and marbling, only the simplest treatment is needed. Lightly seared to achieve a caramelised exterior but just enough so that it still retains its buttery interior, the wagyu is delicate, soft yet extremely flavourful.

The quality of the beef is simply divine and as if having it on its own wasn’t good enough, served on the side is Chef Kasajima’s house-made koji miso that further accentuates the tender beef, giving it a nice salty kick.

If you find yourself drooling in envy now and hankering for a taste of all these decadent goodness, just know that there is still much more to expect from Fat Cow’s respective Omakase menus—we’ve barely scratched the surface.

Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase Dinner (S$250++ per pax) comes with amuse bouche, soup, five appetisers, three seasonal sashimi, six pieces of nigiri sushi, wagyu sumibiyaki, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and Japanese fruits.

If you are new to Omakase, you can choose to try the Chef’s Table Omakase Lunch (S$80++ per pax) first which consists of amuse bouche, soup, two starters, appetisers, five pieces of nigiri sushi, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and ice cream.

Do note that the aforementioned courses may not be available during selected days/ seasons and the chef will replace them with seasonal specials that are of similar value.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Fat Cow
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

This post was brought to you by Fat Cow.