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Most Singapore residents love a good omakase and the proliferation of venues serving this multi-course Japanese meal attests to that. When it comes to great omakase places, restaurants like Shinji, Ki-sho and Sushi Jiro easily come to mind. For those on a budget and looking for cheap omakase options on the other hand, names like Ryo Sushi and Teppei often pop up.
I have tried my fair share of omakase in Singapore and after some time, I realized you don’t really need to go to those familiar names to enjoy a great meal. Without further ado, I present some of my favorite restaurants which are relatively under-the-radar. Some are new, others have been around for ages but they are all not as popular as the big names despite having great propositions in their own right.
Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout
The place: Dark and atmospheric and with staff wearing outfits akin to ancient Japan, Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout looks just like their name implies. This South Bridge Road has a curated collection of over 300+ types of sake. Their omakase (priced at S$200++) features a number of surprises. During my dinner there, I found a dish hidden within a hollow fruit – tadah! The chef is one of the most jovial I have encountered during an omakase in Singapore.
Pros:
- Wide sake collection to go along with your omakase – probably the most extensive you can find in Singapore
- Friendly and jovial chef
- If you like to have pleasant surprises food-wise, this is the place to go.
- If you love uni (sea urchin), the chef is quite generous in serving dollops of the prized seafood in a couple of courses
- Kappou style omakase featuring a good variety – from sashimi to fried, to fried, steamed and grilled.
Cons
- A meal here may take longer than usual. The chef prefers to cook each course only after the one that precedes it has been served. After I gulped down course 6 for instance, I found the chef only starting to cook for course 7.
- The restaurant is not near an MRT station although there is a bus stop close by.
55 South Bridge Rd
Singapore 058686
+65 6513 2789
Opening Hours: 5PM to 10:30PM from Mon to Saturday
Full review here
Ginza Shinto
ginza shinto
The place: Ginza Shinto is a Japanese omakase restaurant in Mohamed Sultan. Helmed by Chef Ron Newton Leo who has had over 30 years experience in preparing fine Japanese cuisine, this 50-seater luxury dining venue is housed in a charming shophouse in Robertson Quay. Everything is sleek and minimalist with an undeniable Japanese flair. I especially like the shade of beige used here. The bar counter seats take up quite a bit of space, allowing for large groups or multiple small ones to enjoy Chef Ron’s dishes while hearing his stories and humor. There is also a natural skylight on top of the preparation area, allowing one to dine in natural light especially when one comes for lunch.
Pros:
- This restaurant has a skylight on the ceiling on top of the bar counter, allowing for natural light to come in. So far, this is the only omakase restaurant I’ve been to in Singapore where you can dine with natural lighting over the counter.
- The chef – Ron Newton Leo – has a lot of stories to share during the meal, keeping diners entertained in between courses.
- Lunch sets are relatively affordable – starting from just S$30.
- Meals are relatively well-balanced with a modern touch to the omakase.
Cons:
- If you are driving, parking may be hard to find. The restaurant is located in a street-level shophouse.
5 Mohamed Sultan Rd
#01-01
Singapore 239014
+65 8938 8355
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12PM to 2:30PM, 6PM to 10:30PM
Full review here
Mizuki
The place: Located in Ngee Ann City, Mizuki is notable for showcasing an equal mix of tempura and sushi, with separate sections for the two. Diners can choose between their tempura omakase or sushi omakase, or both.
Pros:
- The restaurant offers a duality that can’t be said about other omakase places. Pick between their tempura menu or sushi menu or have the best of both if you can’t decide
- The restaurant is conveniently located inside Ngee Ann City, allowing diners to engage in a bit of shopping before or after the meal.
- Very friendly sushi chef who actively interacts with diners
Cons:
- Those driving might not find the often congested roads around Orchard too appealing
- As an omakase restaurant, all seats here are counter seats with no private room or private table options
Mizuki
391 Orchard Rd
Ngee Ann City
#05 – 32
Singapore 238872
+65 6734 6308
Opening Hours: Daily except Monday, 11:30AM to 3PM, 6PM to 10:30PM
Full review here
The Gyu Bar
the gyu bar
The place: The Gyu Bar which is located within the same grounds as Novotel Singapore on Stevens differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants by specializing in beef. The restaurant opened in 2018 as a yakiniku joint and bar but has since diversified its menu to offer other types of seafood. The Gyu Bar is also offering omakase in its repertoire but because of its “beef-y” proposition, their omakase is distinct from the bulk of sushi / seafood dining that other Japanese restaurants have. The Gyu Bar’s omakase is 9-courses and all but two (the dessert and soup courses) have beef in them.
Pros:
- A “beef” omakase might intimidate some at first but the meat is actually quite nicely spread out in small quantities per dish and doesn’t feel heavy at all even by the end of the meal.
- Easy to find parking, as it is located in a hotel complex.
Cons:
- Compared to other omakase concepts, there are less interactions with the chef.
- If you are coming by public transport, the MRT is some distance away but there is a bus stop just in front of the restaurant.
30 Stevens Rd
#01-08
Singapore 257840
+65 6732 0702
Opening Hours: Daily 12PM to 3PM, 6PM to 10PM
Full review here
Kaunta
kaunta (source: the restaurant)
The place: Kaunta offers a highly affordable omakase in Tanjong Pagar without scrimping on quality and taste. The place feels distinctly upscale with its zen vibe and wooden interiors. Most of the sushi in Kaunta are aged which render them particularly flavorful to the tastebud. The lunch omakase, which starts at S$78, is of particularly good value.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable, especially for lunch
- Great, upscale vibe that belies the price tag (especially for lunch)
- Flavorful aged sushi
Cons:
- A bit of a walk if you are taking public transport
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-12 Onze
Singapore 089218
+65 8788 3535
Opening Hours: Tues to Sat 11:45AM to 3PM, 5:45PM to 10PM; Mondays 5:45PM to 10PM
Hiryu
The place: Hiryu opened in 2018 in Tras Street as a Japanese restaurant specializing in inventive Japanese cuisine. It’s helmed by Chef Raymond Tan who has spearheaded other well known Japanese restaurants such as Sushi Jin, Sushi Murasaki and Kurama Robatayaki. He also served a stint at Fat Cow. Like most of the independent restaurants lining the Tanjong Pagar area, Hiryu’s floor space is relatively limited, making for excellent intimate lunches or dinners. Hiryu’s space is situated in the northern end of a long row of shophouses along Tras Street near a bridal shop. Blink and you might miss it. I managed to check it out for lunch one December afternoon. The Japanese restaurant has been open for just a month or so but has seen a steady flow of diners, especially for dinner.
Pros:
- A “beef” omakase might intimidate some at first but the meat is actually quite nicely spread out in small quantities per dish and doesn’t feel heavy at all even by the end of the meal.
- Easy to find parking, as it is located in a hotel complex.
Cons:
- Compared to other omakase concepts, there are less interactions with the chef.
- If you are coming by public transport, the MRT is some distance away but there is a bus stop just in front of the restaurant.
39 Tras St
Singapore 078978
+65 6788 9188
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12PM to 1:30PM and 6PM to 9:30PM
Full review here
Sushi Sei
The place: Located in a quiet corner within the grounds of Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, Sushi Sei boasts of a refined space with an elegant wooden counter, textured satin walls and minimalistic decor such as a bonsai tree and an alluring and darkly lit private space near the entrance. The counter seats can fit up to 10 persons and the private room up to 6 persons. The restaurant serves omakase sushi kaiseki for dinner, priced at $400, $500 and $600 and comprising of up to six dishes followed by nigiri (sushi), dessert and freshly whisked matcha (green tea) to end. Lunch courses are available from $200 with a different set of dishes.
Pros:
- Hokkaido-style omakase with plenty of courses / dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find in other places in Singapore
- Good for private gatherings, as the space is relatively intimate with private room option available
Cons:
- Prices are noticeably on the high side
11 Cavenagh Road
#01-13/14
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Singapore 229616
Opening Hours:
Wednesday & Sunday: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 6pm – 9.30pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
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