There are certain facts of life that everyone knows by heart. Birds fly, people walk, and Singaporeans love themselves some Japanese food. As a result, the Japanese food scene here can get quite competitive sometimes. It feels like every new place that pops up claims to be the most authentic. But if you’re looking for the cream of the crop (or the roe of the roll), we’ve taken the liberty of finding the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant in Singapore that truly stands above the rest, Shinji by Kanesaka needs to be on your radar. As one of the best places for omakase in Singapore, you’re never going to know exactly what you’ll get the moment you step into the door. But one thing’s for sure: everything you eat here will be prepared with a strict adherence to Japanese hospitality.

The menu changes based on head chef Keiichi Kobayashi’s discretion, but when I went there, I was treated to a light, velvety Abalone Soup that refreshed both mind and body. I was also delighted to feast on a selection of sushi that was lovingly handcrafted with in-season fish and pre-vinegared rice. It was so delicious I didn’t need soy sauce.

📍 Address: 76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189558
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 6338 6131
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: shinjibykanesaka.com 

Koma’s 20-metre-long entranceway lined with Torii gates is downright stunning. But the spectacle doesn’t stop there — the restaurant’s ambience, food presentation, and flavour combine to create an experience that’s good enough to keep Taylor Swift coming back for more.

Whether you’re in the mood for the delicate Miso-Marinated Black Cod that’s subtly elevated by the tanginess of jalapeno vinaigrette or an entire Zen Garden made out of coconut vanilla mousse, the menu here will truly make you feel pampered. For something more traditional, don’t leave without trying out their Assorted 12-piece Sushi set, which features generous portions of 3 varieties of perfectly-seared, ocean-fresh fish.

📍 Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, B1-67 The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Thu, 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 11pm | Fri and Sat, 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 12am
📞 Contact: 6688 8690
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: taogroup.com/venues/koma-singapore 

After 15 years of research spanning over 2,000 yakiniku restaurants across Japan, it’s safe to say that husband-and-wife duo Suguru and Tomoko Ishida know a thing or two about grilling. Their experience slinging meat on charcoal, combined with their eye for rare cuts, is what makes them able to pull off ambitious dishes. My personal favourite is the Niku Somen, striploin sliced to a noodle-thin consistency to immerse it fully in the flavours of the dish.

If you feel like sitting back and just relaxing, you can count on the staff to help you grill the restaurant’s extra-marbled meats that are guaranteed to melt in your mouth.

📍 Address: 333A Orchard Road Mandarin Gallery, #04-08/09/10, 238897
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm daily
📞 Contact: 6223 4129
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: yakiniquest.sg  

Apart from being full of antioxidants and plant-based proteins, buckwheat makes for a mighty fine soba. So, it’s no wonder why Healthy Soba Iki has made such a name for itself despite its hole-in-the-wall location. 

Every bowl of soba served here is made from 100% buckwheat powder for maximum freshness and springiness, as opposed to regular soba, which is typically made from a mix of regular wheat and buckwheat. The result is a bowl of noodles with a rustic, grainy texture and a nutty flavour that goes down incredibly well in the throat.

While Healthy Soba Iki serves its signature noodles in the traditional style, you can also choose to pair yours with a selection of healthy ingredients for an even more nutritious meal. Our recommendations are the daikon radish, avocado, and the earthy goya bitter gourd.

📍 Address: 1 Raffles Place, #04 – 47, Singapore 048616
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9pm
📞 Contact: 6438 6022
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: ikisoba.com

Last year, Japan’s largest gyukatsu speciality chain landed in Raffles City and has quickly become a favourite among the busy office bees in the area, and for a good reason. The restaurant offers 5 different cuts of beef, all basted in traditional Japanese Koromo Batter for maximum crispiness.

While it is common for a beef-focused Japanese restaurant in Singapore to have ample A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, don’t let that deter you from trying other dishes. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu’s beef tongue is a standout in its menu thanks to its dense, beefy flavour that absorbs sauces well and has a pleasant chew.

📍 Address: 252 North Bridge Rd, #B1-63/64 Raffles City, Shopping Centre, 179103
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm daily
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: gyukatsu-kyotokatsugyu.com.sg  

While most people think that good sushi always has fatty flavours and rich cuts of fish, the sushi made in the Kansai region brings in a different flavour profile entirely. Kansai-style sushi often has milder flavours and is made with a focus on bringing out the sweetness of the fish.

You’d be delighted to know that Haku Sushi has perfected this. A genuine Kansai-style, affordable omakase restaurant in Singapore, Haku Sushi serves picks that are steeped with the well-balanced, sweet-and-creamy Kaki Oyster. Not only that but every one of its 8-course dishes is topped with ikura (salmon roe) pearls that explode in your mouth with fishy flavour.

📍 Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, B1-135 Great World, Singapore 237994
📞 Contact: 6235 1645
⏰ Opening hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm daily
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: instagram.com/kouhaku.omakase 

Anyone who’s been to Japan can confidently tell you that some of its best eats are found in its most unassuming corners. Maji Curry perfectly recreates this experience. Looking at its modest appearance, you’d never guess that this restaurant was the two-time winner of the reputable Kanda Curry Grand Prix.

Every plate served at Maji Curry comes with its signature curry, which is especially notable for its depth of flavour. They use a range of internationally sourced spices to lend their signature curry’s flavourful base a bright, well-defined roux flavour. Top your plate up with a fluffy omelette, and you’ll have a meal even Japan’s most picky curry fans would be jealous of.

📍 Address: 10 Sinaran Drive, #02-07, Singapore 307506
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 9:30pm daily
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: instagram.com/majicurrysg

Established in 1994 and now a global brand consisting of over 50 restaurants, Nobu is synonymous with fine dining. The restaurant’s signature Japanese-Peruvian style of cooking has made it a celebrity hotspot in every country it’s present, so there’s no surprise that its Singapore branch has proven to be yet another smash hit.

Come on down to try its award-winning omakase menu, but don’t leave without ordering a plate of the Chilean Seabass. The fish’s broad flakes lend it a wild texture that’s rare in Japanese cuisine, and its slightly sweet finish is complimented wonderfully by the spicy cilantro.

📍 Address: 190 Orchard Boulevard, Level 3, Singapore 248646
📞 Contact: 6831 7653
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm daily
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: noburestaurants.com/singapore    

It’s not easy to come across a ramen store so classically good, and Brothers Ramen is so humble about it despite bringing their A-game.

Bowls here are served with generous heapings of ingredients to let you fully savour the restaurant’s signature slippery-yet-springy noodles that come with just a hint of Kansui bitterness.

If you’re feeling extra hungry, don’t miss Supermen. The bowl comes with twice the toppings, including 2 types of chashu — a regular, well-balanced pork chashu, and a chicken chashu that bursts with sharp and slightly-caramelised savouriness.

Address: 10 Anson Road, #01-20 International Plaza, Singapore 079903
Opening hours: Mon to Tue, Thu to Fri, 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 7:45pm | Wed and Sat, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Halal status: Not halal
Website: instagram.com/brosramen

(Featured photo: Tatler Asia)