11 affordable omakase sets from $38 that won’t break the bank
“I’ll leave it up to you”. That is precisely what omakase (お任せ) means. Beyond just a meal, omakase is a unique experience of interacting with the chef while they show off their culinary prowess. However, this is often accompanied by a hefty price tag of around S$250 to S$400 per pax.
It is thus no surprise that searching for ‘cheap’ omakase spots is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. While none of these places are ‘cheap’, here are 11 affordable omakase sets to indulge in that won’t break the bank.
1. Hana Japanese Restaurant
There is certainly an allure to omakase-style sets. Starting with the most wallet-friendly joint, you can get omakase from Hana Japanese Restaurant for as low as S$38. The 15-course omakase is complete with a mix of sashimi, a sushi platter, butter clams and truffle chawanmushi that is said to be very good.
The store boasts beautiful food that’s pleasing to both the eyes and stomach for a good price. Their mid-tier S$58 omakase has grilled lobster to boot! While not possessing the fanciest space or ambience, Hana Japanese Restaurant is sure to make for a nice, elevated lunch or dinner spot.
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583 Orchard Road, Forum The Shopping Mall, #01-17, Singapore 238884
+65 6737 5525
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
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2. Ryo Sushi
Ryo Sushi is located at Orchid Hotel and, man, their space is tiny. Best enjoyed as a pair, this joint offers omakase that focuses on sushi, and they have just 2 types of omakase on their menu.
Their value for money S$98 omakase boasts an 18-course menu. Highlights include 12 pieces of assorted premium sushi like ootoro (fatty tuna) and hobo (red gunnard), a chirashi bowl, and a temaki.
If you want something more premium, Ryo Sushi also has an 18-course Sea Urchin Omakase (S$128). It is perfect for the uni lovers and features a small uni rice bowl as well as uni as part of the 12-piece assorted sushi.
Seating is limited and reservations open 30 days in advance. So, fastest fingers first!
1 Tras Link, Orchid Hotel, #01-06, Singapore 078867
+65 6443 3463
Mon to Sat: 11.45pm – 2.45pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
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3. Jun Omakase
It’s honestly quite hard to believe that you’re not paying a more premium price for the food you can get at Jun Omakase. They have both counter seats as well as more private tables in Jun Omakase. But for the full experience, the counter seats are the way to go.
The Lunch Omakase here is S$68 and features a stellar 7-course meal with 2 starters, assorted sashimi, 2 mains, assorted sushi, and dessert. Jun Omakase focuses on the quality rather than quantity of courses; while fewer in number, each course is well-curated and exciting both in taste and appearance.
While one may be led to believe that the dinner omakase here could not possibly be under S$100, the one here starts at S$98 for their Natsu set. It comes with 2 starters, assorted sashimi, 2 mains, assorted sushi, and dessert.
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3 Church Street, Samsung Hub, #01-01, Singapore 049483
+65 6224 0311
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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4. Cho
Located in the CBD, Cho has both lunch and dinner omakase, as well as lunch sets. The omakase here comes at five price points: lunch starts at S$78 and dinner omakase starts at S$128.
The menu here is constantly changing, so you can expect to be in for a surprise at every visit. Only the freshest seafood is used for their sashimi, and the chef will clearly explain the recommended way and order to eat everything.
With such great attention to detail at a reasonable price, Cho is the ideal place to head to for those seeking budget with quality.
63 Chulia Street, OCBC Centre, #01-03, Singapore 049514
+65 6223 1276
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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5. KAMOSHITA
In truth, KAMOSHITA specialises in oden, but they also have 3 omakase sets that will transport you to the +81. You’ll also notice that KAMOSHITA receives loads of Japanese customers, so you know the food here is authentic.
This izakaya has omakase starting at S$60 for 8 courses and it includes a daily special as well as 3 types of oden.
Oden dishes take centre stage at KAMOSHITA unlike other omakase on this list that are more sushi and sashimi focused. So, if fish isn’t really your thing but you’re still intrigued by the concept of omakase, KAMOSHITA is the place to visit.
For an ‘upgraded’ omakase, opt for the S$100 course aka the chef’s special course that includes seasonal ingredients. The menu for this is undisclosed and requires a 3-day advance reservation!
5 Neil Road, Singapore 088806
+65 6221 3950
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 11pm
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6. Teppei Japanese Restaurant
Reservations at Teppei are incredibly hard to get. Why? At their price point, the omakase experience is remarkable, and the food is both creative and fresh.
Sometimes, they even collaborate with different Japanese prefectures like Kyoto and Tottori to bring specialised menus!
The menu of the omakase (S$110) at Teppei changes every month. You can get a sneak peek of what you’ll get through Teppei’s Facebook page. Things are kept fresh and exciting, so you’ll be kept on your toes till you finally head down yourself.
If you want to further enhance your omakase experience, an alcohol pairing of 2 sake or 2 wine is also available. The ambience at Teppei has a relaxed vibe, almost like fine dining in an izakaya environment. It is great for both family gatherings and catching up with friends.
1 Tras Link, Orchid Hotel, #01-18, Singapore 078867
+65 8831 5185
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10pm
Sat: 12 pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10pm
Closed on Sun
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7. Hana Hana Japanese Restaurant
Behind Hana Hana Japanese Restaurant (not to be confused with Hana Japanese Restaurant) are the same folks as Teppei. The concept is pretty similar, except that Hana Hana has both omakase as well as grilled skewers (or kushiyaki).
The omakase here is only available for dinner and is priced at a slightly more affordable S$80. Like its sibling, the joint provides an intimate dining experience, and the staff will prepare the food in front of you while explaining everything you need to know before serving.
Hana Hana Japanese Restaurant arranges their dishes based on seasonal items like seafood, so everything is extra fresh. If you’re thinking of going down for an omakase dinner, definitely book a reservation; they may not have enough ingredients to accommodate walk-in customers!
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1 Tras Link, Orchid Hotel, #01-17, Singapore 078867
+65 6444 7753
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
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8. Yuta
Tucked away at Orchard Plaza, Yuta is quite the hidden gem. Yet, in the old shopping mall, it looks almost comically out of place with its brilliant blue exterior. At the moment, Yuta only offers dinner omakase and it is priced at S$115 for an 11-course meal.
You can enjoy your omakase at either the counter seats with a full view of the preparation of your meal, or go for the more private tables.
The 11-piece set features zensai, oyatsu, usuzukuri, sumiyaki, agemono, nigiri, wanmono, temaki, agemono, chef’s recommendation, YUTA Signature and dessert. Among the courses, you can expect to dig into A5 Miyazaki wagyu sirloin, ultra fresh oysters and creamy uni bowls.
150 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, #02-12, Singapore 238841
+65 8858 0012
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun
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9. Sushi Michi
The cosy and quaint Sushi Michi is a newcomer to the vibrant omakase scene in SG. The joint was opened by the same team as the ones behind Yuta, and they focus on (drumroll) sushi omakase.
They have two lunch omakase sets, and it starts at S$80 for their Tama Omakase that comes with 13 courses and includes 10 pieces of nigiri. Their more up-market lunch option, the Yuu Omakase is S$108 for 13 courses with 10 pieces of premium nigiri.
For dinner, omakase starts at S$128 for the Mizu Omakase — 18 courses with 12 pieces of nigiri. And if you feel like splurging, the Kagayaki Omakase priced at S$168 with 20 courses and 14 pieces of nigiri would be bang for your buck.
150 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, #02-22, Singapore 238841
+65 9298 0222
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
10. Kaunta
Ok. I lied. In terms of “affordable”, including Kaunta is almost pushing it. But they do have one omakase set at a pretty resasonable price point, and that is their Kashiwa (S$100) lunch omakase set. Hear me out; Kaunta’s here for good reason because this particular set is truly value for money.
Compared to the other affordable omakase options on this list, Kaunta is definitely on the pricier side, especially for their lunch omakase. But for the calmer, more exquisite ambience here, I can definitely see why it’s priced as liked that.
The set includes an appetiser, aged sashimi, 9 pieces of sushi, an uni chirashi bowl, miso soup and dessert. Aged sashimi is a pretty rare find, so having it in the S$100 set together with uni is pretty great! The selection of fish at Kaunta is excellent for both their more affordable as well as their more expensive options. For those who are curious, dinner starts at S$195 for the Masa omakase.
11 Kee Seng Street, Onze, #01-12, Singapore 089218
+65 8788 3535
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 3pm & 5.45pm – 10pm
Closed on Sun
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11. Rakuya
Immediately when I saw the interior of Rakuya, my first thought was: wow, they carry their name really well. The character “楽” (raku) in Rakuya means “comfort” or “relaxation” and, intentional or not, it was almost like Rakuya was a house of relaxation.
From their space to the meticulously planned menu, you would feel right at home even when you’re about to dig into a fine-dining meal.
The lunch omakase at Rakuya starts at S$98. Named Kaiso (回想), the set comes with 12 courses, assorted sashimi, chawanmushi, a hot dish, 5 pieces of sushi, rice and soup as well as dessert. Rakuya moved from an older location in the East, and the dishes in Kaiso are reminiscent of their previous shop.
The Nekojita (S$198) (literally meaning cat tongue) dinner omakase set draws on dishes without heat or spiciness and caters to those with a delicate palate. While this 15-course meal is by no means “affordable”, it is a great option if you want to try something more upmarket without breaking the S$300 or S$400 mark.
25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
+65 9189 6459
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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