Cover Image: Sushi Katori

Have an authentic sushi dining experience without leaving Singapore at these establishments

When it comes to sushi, Singapore’s dining scene boasts a treasure trove of exceptional options that rival those found in the sushi meccas of Japan. From intimate omakase counters to contemporary sushi bars, the city offers a diverse array of sushi experiences for discerning palates. These sushi establishments are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, impeccable sourcing of ingredients, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. 

Here are 15 of the best sushi restaurants in Singapore on our must-try list.

Read more: 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sushi

1. Sushi Sato

Tatler Asia
Above Sushi Sato's signature uni and ikura rice bowl

Nestled amidst the verdant surroundings of Dempsey Hill, Sushi Sato offers a delightful taste of summer all year round. Led by the esteemed head chef Yuji Sato, the renowned Japanese restaurant charms diners with a miniature Zen garden, adorned with bonsai nooks and an abstract leaf-inspired feature wall, setting the stage for an enchanting culinary journey.

Sato’s close ties with esteemed suppliers in Japan ensure the arrival of the season’s finest ingredients, such as Hokkaido uni, aji, and kamasu (barracuda). As diners savour Sato’s traditional techniques and renowned knife skills, they experience an unconventional rhythm to the meal, where sushi is interspersed with small dishes like grilled fish or sashimi. This unique approach allows Sato to showcase his culinary prowess and create a more intimate and authentic dining experience. To culminate the meal, diners can relish Sato’s signature rice bowl featuring bafun uni and ikura, followed by a delightful dessert of seasonal fruit and homemade warabi mochi.

2. Hamamoto

Hamamoto, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant with only 12 seats, stands as a testament to chef-owner Kazuhiro Hamamoto’s unparalleled mastery honed over two decades in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Singapore. The restaurant’s design, intentionally minimalistic, allows Hamamoto’s cuisine to take centre stage. Guests gather around the brushed hinoki counter, uniquely curved to foster interaction and connection. Hamamoto seamlessly blends the art of sushi and kaiseki, showcasing the finest seasonal produce and dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Hamamoto’s commitment to understanding the life cycle of ingredients and forging strong relationships with Tokyo and Fukuoka’s produce vendors ensures a constant supply of the freshest ingredients. Diners are treated to exquisite creations like sweet hokkigai (surf clams) paired with spring asparagus and junsai, and tender isaki (grunt fish) complemented by urui (snow leaf) and yama udo (mountain asparagus). 

Don’t miss: 12 best Japanese restaurants to book in Singapore

3. Sushi Ayumu

If you’re looking for a more traditional Edomae style sushi experience, Sushi Ayumu in the Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road is the place to be. Under the guidance of head chef Ryoichi Nakatani, Sushi Ayumu specialises in authentic Edo or Tokyo-style sushi. Nakatani’s expertise shines through in his signature move of lightly grilling fish with binchotan, a traditional charcoal, adding a unique touch to the sushi experience.

One standout dish is the binchotan aburi on the skin of kinmedai, where the grilling process enhances the flavours of the fish. Another Edomae classic, the kohada (gizzard shad), is presented in Nakatani’s unique braided style, showcasing his exceptional knife skills and ability to bring out the fish’s true flavours. The meal concludes with the customary Edomae-style tamagoyaki and a slice of fruit, providing a satisfying and traditional ending to the dining experience. Sushi Ayumu caters to the discerning sushi connoisseur seeking an authentic and unforgettable culinary journey.

4. Mizuki

Step into the enchanting world of Mizuki, where culinary excellence is showcased through exquisite sushi and tempura. With a wealth of experience in esteemed fine-dining Japanese establishments, including the Bulgari Resort in Dubai, Chef Kawakami brings his culinary expertise and creativity to the vibrant culinary scene in Singapore.

Adorned with intricately carved koshi screens and elegant Japanese art, this serene restaurant creates a harmonious atmosphere that perfectly complements his masterful creations. With seafood imported from Toyusu Market in Tokyo multiple times a week, Mizuki ensures the freshest ingredients from various regions of Japan. Indulge in the chef's renowned bluefin otoro, celebrated for its unrivalled richness, or savour the decadent bafun uni and ikura don, where creamy uni meets the salty allure of house-cured ikura, elevated by a refreshing touch of yuzu.

In case you missed it: Mizuki’s latest sushi and tempura omakase menu offers the best of both worlds

5. Sushi Sakuta

Situated in the The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Sushi Sakuta offers an unparalleled omakase dining experience crafted by revered chefs. Chef-owner Yoshio Sakuta and his distinguished team meticulously curate every aspect of the opulent omakase concept, featuring premium ingredients such as caviar and truffles. Step into the restaurant and be captivated by the rotating collection of exquisite historical art from renowned Japanese artists, immersing guests in a feast for the eyes.

The 16-seat fine-dining omakase counter, handcrafted from a rare 200-year-old cypress tree sourced from Nara, Japan, serves as the centrepiece, while a private room provides an intimate setting for special occasions. Among the indulgent offerings, the deep fried belt fish with caviar entices with its perfect blend of crispy texture and delicate flavours, while the steamed abalone with abalone liver sauce presents a harmonious combination of tender abalone and a rich, umami-packed sauce.

6. Sushi Katori

Sushi Katori is a relatively new addition to the city’s culinary scene. This culinary gem is the result of a collaboration between Robert Collick and Bruce Chapman, the owner and co-founder of the Providore Group respectively, and the talented up-and-coming sushi chef, Ryuta Katori. Hailing from Chiba prefecture and trained in the art of sushi-making at Tokyo’s legendary Tsukiji market, Katori has quickly become a rising star in Singapore’s gastronomic landscape. At Sushi Katori, diners can indulge in the authentic flavours of Edomae (Edo-style) sushi and savour a seasonal set menu featuring ingredients air-flown directly from Toyosu Market in Japan. A standout dish is the hot stone awabi (abalone), where pieces of awabi are served with a delectable liver sauce. Prepared with precision, the dish is presented on a heated stone, creating a bubbling spectacle before being enjoyed with a side of vinegar rice. 

In case you missed it: What is natto and how do Japanese chefs in Singapore enjoy this delicacy?

7. Ki-Sho

Tatler Asia
Ki-sho
Above Interior of Ki-Sho

Its name translates to “aristocratic craftsmanship”, which aptly reflects its culinary showcase of Japanese artisanship delivered with sublime hospitality (omotenashi). The restaurant is housed in a black-and-white heritage bungalow and guests can expect to dine in complete privacy in its kappo-style dining room that can seat 11 guests, or two dining rooms for eight and 12 guests, respectively. The resident chef serves modern kaiseki and seasonally inspired omakase menus that are rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. All menus can be paired with the restaurant's wide selection of sake.

Ki-Sho
Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |  

29 Scotts Road, S(228224)

Website Website
Call Call

8. Hashida Singapore

Tatler Asia
Chef Kenjiro 'Hatch' Hashida
Above Chef Kenjiro 'Hatch' Hashida

Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida has opened the third reincarnation of Hashida Singapore on Telok Ayer with new F&B partner OUE Restaurants. His return to the F&B scene sees him doing what he does best—taking gourmands on a journey to his homeland through a meticulously crafted omakase menu that showcases the season’s best bounty. Naturally, the standout is the sushi course which includes a delicious combination of belt fish (delicately grilled over binchotan), ocean-fresh bafun uni and sushi rice, then wrapped with crisp nori.

Hashida Singapore
Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |  

77 Amoy St, 01-01, S(069896)

Website Website
Call Call

9. Shoukouwa

Tatler Asia
Photo: Shoukouwa
Above Photo: Shoukouwa

Perfecting the craft of the Edomae-style sushi is acclaimed sushi-ya Shoukouwa, which is led by chef Kazumine Nishida, who has over 20 years of sushi-making experience. Each exquisite nigiri sushi is sculpted with rice that is a blend of grains from Yamagata and Ishikawa prefectures, mixed judiciously with rice vinegar. Produce is still flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Signature sushi include the nodoguro, which has rice scented with oil from grilled black throat sea perch, and Ika, which comprises finely diced squid seasoned with a touch of salt and lime. Western ingredients are also used in its omakase menus; the kegani features steamed hairy crabs from Hokkaido topped with caviar and shiso flower.

Read more: Shoukouwa announces new partnership with lauded sushi chef Junya Kudo

Shoukouwa Restaurant
Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |  

1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton, S(049213)

Website Website
Call Call

10. Ichigo Ichie Singapore

Once a Monday night Michelin pop-up at Sushi Kimura, Ichigo Ichie is now a fine-dining kappo restaurant at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. At the helm is chef Akane Eno, who presents her own brand of omakase dining through a parade of dishes that highlights the season’s best harvest, while keeping in mind the market's evolving palate. These ingredients are personally sourced in Japan by Akane herself, a meticulous chef whose culinary career spans 20 years. While the repertoire is often updated to present the fresh produce of the day, some signatures remain, including the prawn somen, saute Hokkaido abalone and tomato sukiyaki.

Ichigo Ichie Singapore
Japanese   |   $ $ $   |  

1 Nanson Rd, #02-07A located within Intercontinental, Robertson Quay, S(238909)

Website Website
Call Call

11. Ishi

Known for its reasonably priced menus, Ishi brings the true taste of ancient Japan to diners here. The omakase menu of premium sushi and sashimi features seasonal produce flown in fresh from various parts of Japan, served alongside kaiseki-style dishes and add-ons such as assorted tempura, Wagyu beef steak and toro rolls. Whatever they choose to have, guests can expect a relaxed fine dining experience at the elegant sushi counter that can seat up to 28 diners.

Don't miss: Ready for ramen? 10 best spots for a comforting bowl of ramen in Singapore

Ishi
Japanese   |   $ $ $   |  

1 Nanson Rd, #02-06, InterContinental Robertson Quay, S(238909)

Website Website
Call Call

12. Shinji by Kanesaka (The St. Regis Singapore)

The St Regis Singapore is home to the second outpost of famed Japanese chef Shinji Kanesaka in Singapore. The wood-lined restaurant coddles diners in tranquillity throughout the stellar dining experience. The star behind the stunning hinoki wood sushi counter is head chef Keiichi Kobayashi, who brings with him more than 20 years of culinary experience. Each piece of Edo-style sushi is deftly assembled and made with the finest seasonal ingredients from Japan. 

Shinji by Kanesaka (The St. Regis Singapore)
Japanese   |   $ $ $ $   |  

29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, S(247911)

Website Website
Call Call

13. Oshino

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Oshino

After helming Michelin-starred Shinji by Kanesaka outlets for a decade, master chef Koichiro Oshino has opened his eponymous sushi-ya, under the Kanesaka Sushi group. He serves his signature Edomae or Edo-style sushi grounded in the Japanese washoku cooking methods; this means he aims to capture the essence of nature and its changing seasons on a plate. The omakase menu comprises sashimi, cooked dishes and his signature sushi creations. These are made using a special rice (shari) from his hometown in Yamagata that is seasoned with Japanese red vinegar for punchier flavours that make the catch of the day—whether it’s tuna belly, sea urchin or milt—more satisfying.

In case you missed it: A food lover’s guide to Fukuoka, Japan

14. Sushi Masaaki

After working at lauded sushi restaurants such as Ishi and Hashida Sushi, Japanese chef Masaaki Sakashita has opened his eponymous restaurant at South Beach. His omakase menu is a delicious parade of ever-changing dishes, prepared using traditional cooking techniques and using the freshest produce flown in directly for Toyosu Market. His mastery of the cuisine is evident in his parade of sushi, delicious morsels of shari perfumed with Japanese vinegar, and a special Akazu red vinegar and topped with pristine slices of seasonal fish.

15. Kuriya Dining

Tradition, modernity and opulence come together at Kuriya Dining, which features fresh seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan. For lunch, choose from the variety of sushi and sashimi sets. The most luxurious is the Nigiri Sushi Gozen, which includes seven pieces of assorted sushi alongside sushi rice topped with sea urchin, chopped tuna belly and salmon roe. Meanwhile, the Kuriya Dinner Course features an assortment of kaiseki-style dishes. Omakase menus, paired with a selection of sake or wine, are also available.

Kuriya Dining
Japanese   |   $ $ $   |  

1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-127, Great World City, S(237994)

Website Website
Call Call

This story was first published on August 28, 2021, and updated on June 9, 2023.

Topics