As Singapore honours the art of Japanese food, a mouthwatering tapestry of flavours and traditions emerges in the centre of the city's booming culinary scene. A number of Japanese restaurants have established themselves in Singapore's thriving food scene, embracing diversity and excellence while providing a genuine culinary journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. Exploring the most excellent Japanese restaurants in Singapore on a culinary adventure ensures that customers will experience flavours that cross international boundaries and transport them across the Pacific Ocean.
This listicle encourages you to explore the worlds of umami and accuracy as we present the top 8 Japanese eateries in Singapore that have perfected the art of striking the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Join us on a trip that is sure to delight your senses, where age-old methods fuse with cutting-edge innovations and where each dish represents Japanese culture.
These culinary havens offer a symphony of flavours that capture the spirit of Japan, from expertly prepared sushi that celebrates the purity of flavours to flaming teppanyaki that awakens the senses. These restaurants guarantee an extraordinary dining experience that will transport you thousands of miles away, all within the dynamic centre of Singapore, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or an inquisitive food enthusiast keen to start on a new adventure. As we go across Singapore's top Japanese restaurants, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of gastronomic expertise. Main Image Credit: Imamura Facebook Page
Akira Back
Imagine a chef who is so confident that he names a restaurant after himself. Chef Akira Back, who wears a bright Michelin Star atop his hat, has been a culinary genius for two decades and owns an incredible 16 restaurants spread out all over the world, from Asia to America and everything in between. Enter Akira Back, a cosy restaurant located in the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach's South Tower. Pull yourself a chair at the 100-seater jewel, equipped with a sushi bar, and watch the chefs at work right in front of you. As well as a hidden, semi-private nook is ideal for conducting business or hosting small meetings.
Akira Back is all about fusion style, fusing the best of Japanese and Korean culture. Salads, sushi rolls, and seafood sharing dishes are the stars of the show. Prepare yourself for the iconic Holy Cow: perfectly fried prawns tucked into fragrant sushi rice, topped with tender Tajima striploin and finished with a tangy-sweet kimchi peach kick. Oh, and don't forget to try one of their five distinguished sakes, proudly bearing the Back name. More than just a dining establishment, Akira Back is an experience that will have you saying, "Bravo, Chef!" Image Credit: Akira Back Facebook Page
a. 30 Beach Road, Level B1M JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach South Tower, Singapore 189763
Fukusen Restaurant
Fukusen provides you with authentic Japanese sensations. Produce is flown in twice a week, and professional Japanese chefs are cooking up a storm, so freshness is the word of the game. Both locals and Japanese frequent this location. Their specialties are always-fresh and-on-point sashimi and sushi. Prepare for a laid-back environment in Fukusen. Warm lighting and stylish wooden furniture abound in the inviting space. At the open counter, you can watch as the sushi is created. Fukusen is all about premium ingredients flown in twice a week, so hold onto your taste senses.
Each dish's masterminds, the kitchen staff, ensure that the ingredients shine. Although the portions are ideal for one, feel free to spread the love. Sushi and sashimi are becoming the main attractions. Each dish is freshly made to order by the chef. Let's talk about the Sushi Shake Harasu. Picture tender, vinegared rice with a delicious chunk of flavorful salmon belly on top. Don't miss out on this fantastic Japanese restaurant with outstanding service and a laid-back atmosphere! Image Credit: Fukusen Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 117A Killiney Rd, 2nd Floor, Singapore 239554
w. fukusen.sg
Hamamoto
Prepare yourself for a unique omakase experience at Hamamoto! For those who enjoy Japanese cuisine, this 12-seat oasis is a sanctuary. It's a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, set in a superbly designed setting. Every amazing meal is the creation of chef-owner Kazu Hamamoto, who uses only the finest ingredients and is unflinching in his pursuit of excellence. Chef Kazuhiro Hamamoto, who has more than 20 years of experience, is a great culinary artist. He adds an array of flavours to your plate by drawing inspiration from Kyoto, Tokyo, and Singapore. Don't skip the spiny lobster course; you won't believe the flavour and texture. Not to be overlooked is the chargrilled eel, a strong flavour competitor.
Uni lovers, this place is your paradise. The uni (sea urchin) dishes offered here are a wonderful work of art, with a variety of preparations and ample portions. Additionally, to elevate your experience, each item is paired with the perfect sake from their meticulously crafted sake pairing menu. However, it's more than simply the cuisine; it's an entire soul-nourishing experience. Every meal created by Chef Kazu represents his belief in the ability of food to elevate the spirit. With each taste at Hamamoto, prepare to be immediately transported to Japan. Image Credit: Hamamoto Facebook Page
a. 58 Tras St, Singapore 078997
Hashida
More than just a sushi restaurant, Hashida Singapore is a true sensation. The culinary genius behind the magic is Chef Kenjiro 'Hatch' Hashida, whose creative Edomae-style sushi is just the beginning of his talent. Every meal served here is a masterpiece that has been diligently created and decorated. Hashida's got your taste buds covered with everything from grilled seasonal seafood like Japanese slipper lobster to the gorgeous Japanese pen shell, which is almost a scallop dream. Oh, and the specialties! You must try the uni and grilled belt fish handroll, and you must taste their "dripping" otoro sushi before you go.
Watch as the sushi chef expertly cuts those melt-in-your-mouth, fatty tuna pieces, then tenderly arranges them on a bed of rice. It is a mind-blowing one-bite wonder. Fans of wine and sake, rejoice! Hashida is a Krug Ambassade-approved restaurant, and Chef Hatch is passionate about matching his dishes with the ideal beverage. Hats go to the amazing staff as well; they are a wealth of knowledge and are always willing to help you on your culinary adventure. Hashida Singapore is more than just a dining restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience. Image Credit: Hashida Facebook Page
a. 77 Amoy St, Singapore 069896
w. hashida.sg
Imamura
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary evening of hospitality and excellence from Japan at Restaurant Imamura. Imamura, which is tucked away in the calm and green end of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, instantly takes you to Japan with its serene ambiance. The environment is a blend of relaxed warmth and affluent charm, and attention to detail is in their DNA. Consider this: Every seat has a view of the open kitchen, providing a front-row seat to the culinary genius in action. The twist is that there isn't a set menu. It's all about enjoying the most that the season has to offer. Instead of presenting each meal as usual, the crew brings out the components on a tray.
Hirofumi Imamura, the restaurant's chef-owner, is a seasoned veteran with 20 years of expertise at some of the most exclusive dining establishments in the world. He is the expert at transforming those ingredients into delectable dishes that showcase his talent as a Japanese chef. His modern omakase menu has exquisite courses that are painstakingly prepared to highlight the unadulterated flavours of each component. Prepare to experience authentic Japanese cuisine and a unique culinary journey at Restaurant Imamura. You won't soon forget this experience, which is a symphony of flavours. Image Credit: Imamura Facebook Page
a. 14 Gunner Ln, at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Singapore 099566
Sen of Japan
Let me welcome you to Sen of Japan, a place where authentic Japanese cuisine is combined with the 'sen' philosophy, which stands for freshness and purity. With NOBU Chef Nakano Hiromi at the helm, this Marina Bay Sands hidden gem has been popular since 2016. Prepare yourself for a flavour explosion with their finest sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, and bento boxes, all at affordable prices. The maki dishes made by Chef Nakano Hiromi are amazing.
Consider the Mala Maki, which has flame-seared salmon, cucumber, crab meat, tobiko, soft-shell crab tempura, and a spicy mala kick. Naturally, sake is necessary for a Japanese feast to be complete. Sen's got you covered with a great assortment, and they even include a sweetness-dryness guide to assist you in choosing the ideal one. Sen of Japan is the place to go, therefore, if you're in the mood for some deliciously fresh and authentic Japanese food. Be ready to be amazed! Image Credit: Sen of Japan Facebook Page
a. 2 Bayfront Ave, 01 - 86, Singapore 018972
Shukuu Izakaya
Two things bind the owners of Shukuu Izakaya together: a longstanding friendship and a genuine passion for everything Japanese, including food, sake, and culture! As soon as you walk in, you'll notice the relaxed feelings that connect everyone—customers, employees, and owners—throughout the space. But don't let the laid-back atmosphere deceive you; Luis, Mario, and their team are real serious about providing Singapore with the best izakaya experience. They only use premium ingredients that have been flown directly from Japan, and, drum roll please, their pride and joy is an incredible selection of artisanal sake!
They have the ideal sake to pair with each meal, speaking of which. Sakemire Jumai Ginjyo is appropriate for sushi, while Noguchi Honjozo Nama pairs well with chargrilled deliciousness. fried foods? The key to winning is Tenzan Jizake Jumai. Oh, and this is the cool part: people regard these guys to be one of the best sake bars in the area. They have it listed under their name on the website because they are thrilled about it! These proprietors are the real deal—certified sake sommeliers on a mission to enlighten this region of the world about the joys of sake. So, if you're up for the whole izakaya experience, heed their advice about sake pairings. Kanpai! Image Credit: Shukuu Izakaya Facebook Page
a. 8 Stanley St, Singapore 068727
w. shukuu.sg
Wakuda Restaurant & Bar
Tetsuya Wakuda, a skilled chef, and the 50 Eggs Hospitality Group present Wakuda Restaurant & Bar! This chic new restaurant, located in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel Lobby, specialises on modernising Japanese cuisine. Hold on to your taste buds because both the food and the design are amazing. Wakuda offers a genuine dining experience. Just picture a treasure trove full of excellent treats from everywhere – Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, you name it! These stunning seasonal dishes are given a contemporary touch by Chef Tetsuya in the distinctive "Wakuda-style."
Prepare to delve into traditional Japanese favourites with a modern twist. We're discussing Hokkaido's Tokujyo AA uni, Kagoshima's best black pork, melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu, and Kyoto's handcrafted yuba (beancurd skin). However, there's still more! If you're a sushi expert or a tempura novice, this place has you covered because they're all about being open and inviting. At Wakuda, it's time to enhance your Japanese dining game! Image Credit: Wakuda Restaurant & Bar Facebook Page
a. Lobby, Hotel, Bayfront Ave, Tower 2, Singapore 018972
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