10 Spectacular omakase restaurants in Singapore for explosions of flavour

Lim Han 22 May 2017 updated the 17 July 2017 à 12:25

1/10
Ashino
Tucked away in the gorgeous building of CHIJMES, Ashino is one of the lesser known Japanese restaurants in Singapore. But, don’t underestimate its prowess – this underdog establishment is certainly a winner. The head chef, Chef Ashino, specialises in Jukusei sushi, which refers to aged sushi. The aging of the fish gives enzymes time to break down and tenderise the flesh, just enough for the fish to attain a sublime texture and taste. Contrary to the traditional omakase meal where the sushi is served halfway through the course, the first thing you’ll be served is the sushi, as Chef Ashino wishes to grant patrons the full gastronomic experience of their impeccable sushi before you get filled up by the starters.

30 Victoria Street, #01-23 Chijmes

Photo: @charlesfoodadventures
2/10
Shinji by Kanesaka
With a serene elegant dining space setting the tone for the glorious culinary orchestra performed every mealtime by the acclaimed chefs, Shinji by Kanesaka truly deserves the Michelin star it’s been bestowed with. This august restaurant is well-patronised by adoring epicureans, all craving for a repeat experience of the most heavenly Japanese cuisine that they had been graced with the previous time. Expect the creamiest melt-in-your-mouth Otoro sushi, amongst other creations, pressed by talented chefs possessing the utmost poise and flair. A second trip back isn’t even a question.

76 Bras Basah Rd, Lobby Floor, Carlton Hotel

Photo: @nyonyokecil
3/10
Shinzo Japanese Cuisine
With a name that translates into ‘heart’ in Japanese, Shinzo makes it clear to its patrons that its food isn’t just made with fine techniques and traditional methods, but also crafted with passion and love. The clean classy interior with Japanese paintings adorning the walls is bound to appeal to you and whet your appetite for the impeccable meal ahead. Serving up two kinds of omakase courses, patrons can pick from the Shinzo Omakase and Jonetsu Omakase, the latter being the more luxurious one. Don’t miss out on their Early Bird special where patrons can enjoy a whopping $68++ omakase if they dine between 6pm to 7.30pm!

29 Carpenter Rd

Photo: Shinzo Japanese Cuisine Facebook
4/10
Tatsuya
Owned by Singaporean Chinese Ronnie Chia, Tatsuya serves up show-stopping Japanese cuisine as good as any other acclaimed Japanese chef. Their spacious sushi bar and elegant rooms are marked by a light wooden theme and tasteful rows of illuminating lights, lending a classy atmosphere to the place. An omakase course at Tatsuya entails a seemingly interminable stream of exotic appetisers, the freshest sushi and sashimi platters, guaranteed to have you swooning even before the main appears. Keep an eye out for their flamed aburi sushi, vowing to melt in your mouth.

22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel

Photo: @vickiima
5/10
Hashida Sushi
Located a mere stone’s throw away from the famous Tsujiki Fish Market in Japan, Hashida Sushi has crossed borders and landed on the shores of Singapore, while still retaining the freshness of its food. This famous Japanese establishment is spearheaded by celebrity chef, Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida, whose opulent edible creations are simply masterpieces to marvel at. Leave your meal in his or his apprentices’ hands and you’ll be graced with a line-up of authentic yet groundbreaking Japanese dishes, from the silkiest life-changing Chawanmushi to buttery tuna sashimi.

333A Orchard Road, #04-16 Mandarin Gallery

Photo: Hashida Sushi
6/10
Hakumai Sushi & Omakase
On the hunt for some seriously value-for-money omakase? Hakumai will end your hunt right away. This authentic Japanese restaurant serves up two kinds of omakase meals: the Hakumai Sushi Omakase, which consists of eight pieces of the most mouthwatering assorted sushi, kawahagi, soup and ice cream, and the Hakumai Omakase Course, where the chef surprises you with their signature gourmet creations. With the head chef, Gary Ng, having over 10 years of training from renowned Japanese chefs, expect to be digging into faultless sushi of the highest quality.

#01-50A, 10 Anson Road, International Plaza

Photo: Hakumai Sushi & Omakase Facebook
7/10
Hachi Restaurant
Bragging of highly qualified and dedicated chefs and the freshest seasonal ingredients, Hachi Restaurant strives to be the top omakase restaurant in Singapore. The people here are absolutely dedicated to what they do, making frequent visits to Japan to procure ingredients and gain inspiration from the varying seasons. Although an omakase course entails a meal entirely curated by the chef, they do give leeway for customisation by the diner, for instance, if you would like a particular ingredient to be included.

6 Mohamed Sultan Rd

Photo: @allmyfckingfood
8/10
Ki-Sho
Prizing the importance of interior design and gastronomic art, Ki-Sho brings to the table Japanese delicacies of the highest quality against a backdrop of elegant matte walls and hardy pine-timber table tops. Take your pick from four kinds of lunchtime Omakase courses, where perfectly marbled sashimi slices and epicurean delights like Charcoal Grilled Hida Beef and Uni and Ikura Rice await. A single bite of their food is all it takes to understand why many agree that Ki-Sho serves up one of the best omakase meals in Singapore.

29 Scotts Rd

Photo: Ki-Sho Japanese Cuisine Facebook
9/10
Sushi Kou
Yet another value-for-money omakase restaurant, Sushi Kou offers multi-course menus ranging from $50 to $100. The place boasts of a lush wooden interior with artistically drawn Japanese characters swiped across the entrance. With fresh catches from the ocean and seasonal produce being flown into the restaurant from trusted Japanese suppliers, expect to be tantalising your tastebuds with stellar creations of the highest quality. From unbelievably generous sashimi platters to exotic tempura dishes, their selection will render you at a loss for words, especially since the amount you’re forking out is bizarrely disproportionate to the quality you’re graced with.

1 Tras Link, #01-16 Orchid Hotel

Photo: @curvierunicorn
10/10
Teppei Japanese Restaurant
Expect to be spoon-fed with the freshest silkiest sashimi at this unassuming Japanese restaurant. Yes, you heard us correctly. The cosy homely feel of this restaurant doesn’t just stop at their interior – it plays out in their customer service as well, as the chefs and servers treat you just like family. If you go on the right day, you may be getting a taste of the most unikely but heavenly gastronomic matrimony - foie gras and cinnamon ice cream.

1 Tras Link, #01-18 Orchid Hotel

Photo: @pikachieww

What you’ll be having for dinner won’t be up to you anymore!

“What do you want to eat?” “I don’t know.” Doesn’t this conversation sound all too familiar to us? For many, struggling with choices when it comes to mealtimes is a daily routine. With the myriad of diverse cuisines and dishes at our fingertips, circling in on a single one can be a knotty task. Sure, we can always indulge in another dish the next time, but don’t we all want to gain the maximum satisfaction from every meal?

Thankfully, this difficult decision doesn’t always have to be made, that is, if you’re steering towards Japanese cuisine. The renowned Japanese-style service omakase awaits, where knowledgeable chefs are ready to take full reign over your meal, from your starters to your dessert. The concept of omakase, which translates into “I’ll leave it up to you”, has been around for decades now and has garnered monumental success. At any omakase meal, you can expect platters of creamy, marbled sashimi and exquisite uni dishes sharing the stage with other heavenly creations. You couldn’t have been happier to have left your meal completely in the hands of the chef.

Ready to be liberated from the dreaded decision-making during your next meal? Then head over to any of the 10 omakase restaurants we’ve picked out in Singapore that are stashed away in the gallery!

Lim Han

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