Omakase in Singapore is something to behold. Given how Singaporeans love Japanese food and good service, it’s no surprise that this unique dining format has caught on.
Omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave it up to you”, involves putting your entire meal in the hands of your chef, who usually prepares it right in front of your table. Omakase meals typically emphasise some key principles of Japanese cuisine — the careful selection of ingredients, a slow and deliberate dining experience, and the focus on how each dish and flavour leads into the next.
Diners looking for omakase in Singapore will be pleased that the city has no short supply of experienced Japanese chefs, fresh seafood, and intimate omakase dining experiences. Check out some of our favourites. 👇🏻
01 • Sushi Zen
Keong Saik Road is one of the best hotspots for omakase in Singapore. Standing out among boutique and artisanal cafes and restaurants is Sushi Zen, an omakase restaurant headed by Chef-owner E Ran, a Beijing-bred talent whose fanbase includes Tim Cook and Carina Lau.
At $150 for lunch, the sushi here is made with Hokkaido’s Nanatsuboshi rice and seafood from Japan’s famous Toyosu market, flown into Singapore 4 times a week. Nanatsuboshi rice has a light flavour and is firm enough to maintain a strong sushi shape without being so sticky as to clump up in the mouth. This lightness of texture and flavour works wonders to emphasise further the rich taste of E Ran’s choice cuts.
Whether you’re eating a creamy, Shaoxing wine-marinated sea urchin or a delicately vinegared, caviar-topped Tachiuo beltfish, you’ll want to let these fishies swim on your tongue for a while to experience their flavours.
Remember to come with an empty stomach to finish off your omakase experience with a hit of Shizuoka Crown Melon. These melons are carefully cultivated in a climate-controlled environment for nectar-sweet juices. It’s the ideal way to end a good omakase meal in Singapore.
📍 Address: 1 Teck Lim Road, #01, Singapore 088379
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12:30pm – 2pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 6550 2265
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: instagram.com/sushi.zen
02 • Sushi Sakuta
The first thing you’ll notice upon entering this omakase restaurant is the elegant 10-seat counter carved from a 200-year-old cypress tree from Nara. But it takes more to bag a Michelin star than some fancy furniture and a smattering of historical Japanese art. That’s where Sushi Sakuta’s omakase comes in.
At $500 for dinner, every aspect of the omakase experience here screams a meticulousness only afforded by the best of the best. Cuts of raw fish are put through a bevy of marinades that are tailor-made for each of them.
The standout for the raw food portion of Sushi Sakuta’s omakase is the Kohada (gizzard shad). Before being used in sushi, this fish is gently brined in salt and vinegar to emphasise the natural acidic umami of the fish while eliminating the fishy odour. This method creates sushi that tastes as refined in the mouth as it looks on the platter.
Of course, the cooked dishes at this omakase restaurant are no less tasty either. We recommend the deep-fried beltfish topped with caviar, the blackthroat seaperch grilled over binchotan hardwood charcoal, and the steamed abalone paired with liver sauce and an egg yolk emulsion.
📍 Address: 15 Stamford Road, #01-88 The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, Singapore 178906
⏰ Opening hours: Fri to Sun, Tue and Wed, 12:30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10:30pm | Thurs, 7pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 9863 9302
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: sushi-sakuta.com
03 • Nishikane by Nobuhiro Nishi
If the typical omakase experience seems too uptight for you, chef Nobuhiro Nishi might have what you’re looking for. Representing the sixth generation of a chef family that’s been running the original Nishikane restaurant since 1850, Nobuhiro has brought his heritage and experience working for the 3 Michelin-starred Ishikawa restaurant in Tokyo to our shores.
The resulting omakase restaurant in Singapore follows the Kappo style, which focuses on bringing a more intimate, open-concept dining experience than a traditional omakase joint. Dishes in Kappo restaurants are prepared right before diners, allowing them to watch the magic happen up close. There’s a sense of spontaneity here, as the menu changes monthly. But if you come in the winter months, you’ll be treated to a $360 dinner spread with rare servings of Kobako-gani (female snow crab), known for its payload of creamy immature eggs.
Heavier treats include the Donabe claypot and the Iced Fukui Soba, made with buckwheat and pure mountain water for clarity of flavour.
Dessert is just a little playful, as you’ll be asked to choose from a platter of French-inspired treats, such as Kahlua Coffee Pudding and Deconstructed Apple Pie. And in a uniquely generous move, you’re welcome to flip through Nobuhiro’s book of family recipes before you leave. It’s a special treat for those who want to bring just a little Nishikane-style omakase back with them.
📍 Address: 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 9179 4355
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: hedonismhospitality.co/nishikane
04 • Kenwa Orenji
Much like its Japanese counterparts, most omakase in Singapore is usually served in a low-key, understated setting. Kenwa Orenji bucks the trend in a major way. From the second you step in, Kenwa fills your vision with everything Hermès. Hermès boxes and Hermès wall decor — even the food here is served atop Hermès plates!
At up to $288 for lunch and $388 for dinner, the menu here is similarly extravagant. You’d be hard-pressed to find omakase in Singapore more extravagant than this. Every Japanese ingredient within spitting distance of the word “fancy” comes in generous amounts. The first thing that’ll catch your eye is the A5 Wagyu Don (topped with sea urchin), cooked for maximum softness and minimal greasiness.
But the dish you’ll most likely remember is the Toro Bomb, an extravagant concoction of prawn heads topped with tuna belly, caviar, and sea urchin. This bold indulgence is so dense with umami that your tongue will be recalling its flavour for weeks. Another noteworthy dish is the Hotate Scallop, which also comes with generous scoops of French caviar.
Pro tip: this omakase restaurant is perfect for a girls’ night out, as female diners will be gifted with a complimentary cashmere shawl, courtesy of Hèrmes.
📍 Address: 5 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-01, Singapore 239014
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 8898 5718
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: kenwaorenji.com
05 • Sushi Yujo
Omakase isn’t typically a wallet-friendly affair but Sushi Yujo subverts this narrative by offering affordable omakase while retaining its refined edge. Lunch sets here begin at a surprising $48, but go all the way to $348 for those who don’t mind splurging.
Lunches at this Singapore omakase begin with a Chawanmushi topped with a generously thick layer of fishy Ikura and end in a scoop of Melon Ice Cream. But you’ll want to slow your roll when the chef rolls out the Chiraishi Don. Despite its diminutive size, this bowl is bursting with vibrant flavours thanks to the contrast between the fresh cucumber bites and the cubed salmon.
Dinners here begin with a platter of appetisers, crowned by a bite of monkfish liver. Monkfish is a prized delicacy in Japan, and its creamy, buttery, and melty texture recalls the taste of caviar.
Another especially notable course here is the Carpaccio. It’s a plate of sliced sea bream topped with a touch of summer truffle, an uncommon topping for omakase. To take it just a step further, the bream is garnished with shisho flower for just the slightest hint of spiciness.
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy omakase experience with flair, you’re in luck, too. Several of the sushi here, such as the Aburi Otoro and the Kamasu (barracuda), are torched right in front of diners. Be sure to get those cameras ready. 📸
📍 Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel #02-26, 088539
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm daily
📞 Contact: 8877 8831
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: sushiyujo.sg
06 • Suzuki Omakase
Tucked away in a quiet part of Orchard Road, Suzuki offers a serene escape from the bustling city. This omakase restaurant is helmed by Chef Suzuki, who’s been making sushi since he was just 18. The restaurant’s 12-seater interior is a masterclass in precision and artistry. Be prepared to journey through the different seasons of Japan, with each dish reflecting the freshest ingredients available at that time of the year.
One of the standout dishes is the Hokkaido Uni, served atop a delicate bed of sushi rice. The uni (sea urchin) is so fresh it melts in your mouth and leaves behind a sweet, briny aftertaste that lingers delightfully. Another highlight in the $350 dinner set is the A5 Wagyu Sushi, where the marbled beef is lightly seared to perfection to release its rich, buttery flavours.
Apart from its namesake chef, the co-star here is the interior design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. A sloped faux skylight directs your attention to the counter, framed by a miniature Japanese garden. It only takes a glance up from your plate to treat your eyes to a living painting of a master at work in a garden.
📍 Address: 83 Neil Road, #01-09 Mondrian Hotel, Singapore 089813
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 11pm daily
📞 Contact: 9755 7899
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: suzukiomakase.com
07 • Jun Omakase
As omakase in Singapore catches on, we can only expect more and more affordable omakase restaurants with double-digit price tags to pop up. What Jun Omakase offers is not just an affordable, $88 lunch that still feels premium — but also a hint of innovation in its cuisine.
Many meals here begin with a refreshing Chawanmushi, elevated with a hint of truffle oil and topped with a delicate slice of abalone. As the courses progress, you’ll be treated to an array of sushi, each piece a masterpiece in its own right. The Otoro, with its rich, fatty texture, is a particular standout. So is the Ankimo (monkfish liver), which is creamy and indulgent.
Light garnishes of foie gras aside, you’ll occasionally be served surprises in the form of dishes like Century Egg or the Steamed Radish with Smoked Duck. Unconventional choices for an omakase for sure, but not too radical entirely,
📍 Address: 3 Church Street, #01-01 Samsung Hub, Singapore 049483
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm
📞 Contact: 6224 0311
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: junomakase.com
08 • Tomidou
Tomidou is a relatively new player in Singapore’s omakase scene. But word travels fast, especially when your head chef has 15 years of experience at Ginza Kyubey — one of the best omakase restaurants in Tokyo which hosted the Obamas.
Starting at $150, the omakase menu at Tomidou is a feast for the senses. The meal kicks off with a delicate amuse-bouche of Foie Gras Chawanmushi, crafted specifically to appeal to the Singaporean palate.
Many places for omakase in Singapore have a healthy amount of uni, but the stock at Tomidou is of another class entirely. Unlike most uni, there isn’t a hint of the metallic flavour that tangs even some of the best sea urchins. Not only that, but the creamy flavour of the uni handrolls here is delivered in perfect clarity.
The dining experience at Tomidou is further enhanced by even more premium ingredients treated with care. Examples include Ayu Sweetfish (which can only survive in clear waters), Water Lily Miso Soup, and Tuna Sushi topped with Foie Gras and Shoyu.
📍 Address: 1 Nassim Road, #01-01, Singapore 258458
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
📞 Contact: 9135 1010
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: tomidou.com
09 • Shinya Izakaya
Shinya Izakaya offers a unique twist on the traditional omakase experience. Located in the bustling Clarke Quay, this restaurant combines the casual, convivial atmosphere of an izakaya with the refined techniques of omakase dining. And at $48 to boot, it’s one of the most affordable omakase in Singapore.
The omakase menu at Shinya Izakaya is a delightful mix of surefire crowdpleasers, such as Ebi Mentaiyaki, Pan-fried Swordfish Steak, and A5 Wagyu Tataki. But of course, for the price of admission you’ll also receive a fair share of refined treats, such as the Fish Carpaccio in Truffle Shoyu Sauce. This dish provides a unique combination of earthiness and fishiness you may not find even at more upscale omakase restaurants.
📍 Address: 79 Boat Quay, Singapore 049867
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 2am, daily
📞 Contact: 9682 3826
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: shinyaizakaya.com
10 • Shoukowa
Not content to limit its range to just one location, this omakase restaurant in Singapore pulls from a wide range of Japanese and international sources. The lacquerware hails from Fuji while the plates come from Gifu. The seafood hails from regions as far as Alaska and China and as close as Thailand.
It’s no surprise, then, that Shoukawa has bagged 2 Michelin stars and boasts a $680 price tag. Though of course one can imagine even the most impartial food reviewer getting a little soft-hearted when their meal is as grandiose as this. 3 types of caviar: Tenshi Ebi (angel shrimp), Gazami Crab Roe, and Mexican Frupta Tropicana are just some of the goodies you’ll be feasting on at this truly premium omakase.
The flavours here generally run light and subtle, but Shoukawa isn’t afraid to mix things up on occasion. The Maguro Sushi here is brushed with a mala soy sauce that adds a fun kick to the traditional tuna delicacy.
📍 Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Thurs, 12:30pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 6423 9939
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: shoukouwa.com.sg
11 • An Omakase
If you wish to infuse your omakase experience with adventure, An Omakase has your back. This moon-themed restaurant is hidden deep in the annals of Keong Saik and offers a spread geared towards the local palate.
This means you’ll have to prepare yourself for the slightly stronger flavours of Sea Snail, Hyogo Oyster, and Amaebi (sweet shrimp). Even their more unassuming-looking dishes come with twists of their own like the Medai (Japanese butterfish) sushi spruced up with Yuzu Peach zest.
Dinners here cost up to $218 with regular promotions and discounts for up to 30%.
📍 Address: 33 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089140
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
📞 Contact: 9053 2226
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: anomakase.com
12 • Haku Sushi
Haku Sushi’s focus is on Kansai-style sushi, known for its layered and boxed technique. For an affordable $88, you’ll be treated to an 8-course omakase spread comprising Kaki oyster, sea bream, amberjack, and other fresh seafood.
Many of the seafood dishes are further enhanced by generous heapings of ikura (salmon roe) that explode with fishy flavour on every bite.
Stick around for dessert finish off your meal with the chef’s housemade Warabi Mochi with Ice Cream, glazed with kuromitsu (Japanese brown sugar) for a mellow sweetness.
📍 Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, B1-135 Great World, Singapore 237994
⏰ Opening hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm daily
📞 Contact: 6235 1645
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: instagram.com/kouhaku.omakase
(Featured photo from: Suzuki Omakase)
