Best Japanese Restaurants in Singapore [Updated in Jan 2025]

Last Friday, I craved a piping hot bowl of spicy shoyu ramen to pair with some ASMR-worthy tempura prawns. So, as one would do in my place, I dragged my sister to the nearest Japanese joint. It started well—the chawanmushi was comforting and delicious. But some of the other dishes weren’t as good as the last. That got me thinking—where should you go for Japanese grubs that’ll consistently hit the spot every time you drop by?

Whether you’re a fan of fresh sashimi, succulent chicken kaarage, or perfectly charred yakiniku, these Japanese restaurants in Singapore promise an authentic and mouth-watering experience every time you visit.

1. Sushi Kimura

First on our list is the esteemed Sushi Kimura, a Michelin-starred haven that showcases Chef Masaaki Kimura’s artistry.

Here, you can indulge in a set omakase menu meticulously crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients.

From the tantalising seasonal chawanmushi to the divine uni ikura rice bowl, every dish is a masterpiece, promising a culinary journey you won’t forget anytime soon.

Location: 390 Orchard Rd, #01-07, Singapore 238871

Opening hours: Tues to Sat (12.30 pm – 3 pm, 7 pm – 10 pm), closed on Sunday and Monday

Menu: sushikimura.com.sg

Contact number: +65 6734 3520

2. Waku Ghin

Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavours at Waku Ghin, a two-Michelin-starred gem in Marina Bay Sands.

The menu here boasts a variety of kaiseki dishes, or traditional Japanese multi-course meals, that will transport you straight to Japan. The private Sushi Room offers an exclusive sushi omakase experience featuring regional delicacies like hotaruika (firefly squid) and shirako (milt).

For a casual night out, visit the extended bar dining area for pasta, donburis, and indulgent bar bites.

Location: Level 2 Dining, L2-03 The Shoppes at 2 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956

Opening hours: Mon to Sun (5 pm – 11 pm)

Menu: wakughin_bar_menu

Contact number: +65 6688 8507

3. Goho

Next up, Goho invites you on a culinary adventure, exploring the five essential techniques of Japanese cuisine – Nama (cutting), Niru (simmering), Yaku (grilling), Musu (steaming), and Ageru (frying).

Their ever-changing seasonal menu promises surprises with every visit – so check out the current menu on their website before getting a table!

Don’t forget to complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails from their award-winning cocktail bar team for a truly exceptional experience.

Location: 53A Duxton Rd, Entrance via RAPPU, Singapore 089517

Opening hours: Wed to Sun (12 pm – 2 pm, 6 pm – 12 am), closed on Monday and Tuesday

Menu: Goho_weekend_dinner

Contact number: +65 9170 2557

4. Wakuda

For those seeking a high-end dining experience that’s a little more affordable than Waku Ghin, add Wakuda to your devour list.

Chef Tetsuya skillfully coaxes pure flavours from prized produce such as Tasmanian ocean trout and Ōra King salmon.

Exclusive ingredients like quality Tokujo AA uni from Hokkaido and delicate umibudo (sea grapes) from Okinawa make Wakuda a must-try if you’re a fan of Japanese food.

Location: Lobby, Hotel, Bayfront Ave, Tower 2, Singapore 018972

Opening hours: Mon to Sun (11.30 am – 2.30 pm, 5 pm – 12 am)

Menu: wakuda-food-menu

Contact number: +65 6688 8885

Standing in line or waiting for your meal? Explore 99.co and turn these idle moments into exciting opportunities to discover your dream home.

5. The Sushi Bar

The Sushi Bar has multiple branches in Singapore and is a beloved gem among sushi enthusiasts.

This popular sushi spot has earned its reputation for serving up generous, tasty portions of food. Whether you’re a fan of fresh sashimi, delicate sushi, crispy tempura, or comforting soba, The Sushi Bar has something to cater to every palate.

The best part? The delightful flavours come at an easy price on the wallet, making it a go-to destination for those seeking affordable indulgence without compromising quality.

Location: Multiple locations

Opening hours: Varies according to location

Menu: thesushibar.com.sg

6. 千両 sen-ryo

Looking for more Japanese restaurants that won’t break the bank?

This Japanese restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring a variety of sushi and grilled dishes, promising a range of flavours that will keep you coming back for more.

Don’t miss out on their thick, juicy slabs of wagyu steak, grilled squid Ikayatori, and comforting Omi Beef Gyu-don bowls.

A heads-up: Be sure to secure a reservation to dine here. Reservations at Sen-ryo are typically snapped up 1-2 months beforehand, so if you intend to drop by, plan your visit well in advance.

Location: 2 Orchard Turn, #03 – 14 / 14A, Singapore 238801

Opening hours: Mon to Sun (11 am – 10 pm)

Contact number: +65 6974 6782

Menu: senryo.org/menu/

7. Esora

This fine-dining Japanese kappo-style restaurant is renowned for its too-good-to-eat plating and exquisite seasonal produce.

Indulge in their carefully curated menu, featuring standout dishes like the mushroom donabe, a warm and earthy delight that celebrates the richness of carefully selected mushrooms.

Get the A5 omi wagyu, chicken wing, and foie gras monaka for meat lovers.

Location: 15 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238964

Opening hours: Wed, Fri and Sun (6.30 pm – 10.30 pm), Sat (5.30 pm – 10.30 pm), Thu (12 pm – 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm). Closed on Mon and Tue

Contact number: +65 8533 7528

Honourable mentions

As always, raise your sake glasses to some of these honourable mentions: Waa Cow, Una Una, Kagayaki, Hamamoto, Hashida Singapore, Hanare by Takayama, Gyu San, Senshi Sushi & Grill, Kappo Sho, Fat Cow, and Unagiya Ichinoji.

Each of these establishments brings something unique, so check them out!

Read this: 10 best restaurants in Singapore you must try

Wrapping up

It doesn’t matter if you’re indulging in the elegance of fine dining or relishing the comforts of a cosy izakaya. This list promises an authentic and delightful experience for everyone. Itadakimasu!

Just a quick note: The information provided in this article is accurate as of March 2023. Check the venue’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates and further details.

About Sophiyanah David

Sophi, a seasoned copywriter specialising in Singaporean real estate and property, is one of the minds behind 99.co's informative articles. Like her colleagues at 99.co, Sophi is dedicated to keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of real estate so you can find your forever home. When off the clock, you can find her giggling and kicking her feet as she reads her romance novels, watching anime - if FMBA is not your fave, she might fight you (but you'll probably win) and looking up latest skincare trends.

Looking to sell your property?

Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.

One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.

Alternatively, you can jump onto 99.co’s Property Value Tool to get an estimate for free.

If you’re looking for your dream home, be it as a first-time or seasoned homebuyer or seller – say, to upgrade or right-size – you will find it on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co.

Meanwhile, if you have an interesting property-related story to share with us, drop us a message here — and we’ll review it and get back to you.

Join our social media communities!

From sushi to ramen: 7 must-try Japanese restaurants in Singapore