5 Japanese restaurants in Singapore for extra special occasions
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It's common for Japanese restaurants to take some of the top spots in Michelin-starred and restaurant lists, and there are plenty of reasons. Japanese seasonings are incredibly flavourful, with a heavy discipline on using quality raw ingredients. Surrounded by the sea, fresh seafood is showcased in their food plentifully. Their poultry, fruit and vegetable farms, too, are known to maintain high quality across the board. It was also a Japanese scientist who invented monosodium glutamate – what we know as MSG – and also the purest form of the umami flavour.
You'll be hard-pressed not to find a Japanese restaurant or eatery in any Singapore mall, but an omakase or a namesake restaurant might rank right up there in terms of experience (and of course, cost). To help you narrow down some options since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, we’re listing some Japanese restaurant options in Singapore that are perfect for special occasions or as a treat if you and your loved ones are foodies.
1) Maetomo Japanese Cuisine Kaiseki & Sushi
Sheraton Towers Hotel Singapore, 39 Scotts Road, #01-01, Singapore 228230
Maetomo Japanese Keiseki & Sushi at Sheraton Towers offers not just one experience, but three different experiences in three different rooms. The Sushi Counter is recommended for those who want to enjoy simply sushi or a quick dinner (closed on Sunday). Then there's the Kaiseki Counter, which serves only omakase courses. There's also a Private Room for a more intimate experience, with Omakase sushi and special kaiseki courses. Check out our experience in the video below!
Maetomo Japanese cuisine Kaiseki & Sushi’s is open from 6 to 10.30 pm. Prices start from S$200++ for the Kaiseki Counter. A La Carte menu is only available on weekends. On weekdays, only Omakase Courses are served. Reservations can be made here.
Why not throw in a staycay to the mix? Check out hotel rates here: Agoda | Booking.com
2) Nobu
Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Blvd, Level 3, Singapore 248646
You won't go wrong with the consistent quality from Nobu. This Japanese restaurant is frequented by celebrities overseas and quietly made its way to our shores last year. Read our full review here.
Why not throw in a staycay to the mix? Check out hotel rates here: Agoda | Booking.com
3) Sushi Jiro
Pan Pacific Marina Bay, 6 Raffles Blvd, #04-600, Singapore 039594
With fresh fish and seafood air-flow from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, and an emphasis on the traditional way of preparing a Japanese meal, be prepared to feel like you've been transported to Japan, sans the cost of an air ticket.
Why not throw in a staycay to the mix? Check out hotel rates here: Agoda | Booking.com
4) Wakuda Restaurant & Bar
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Tower 2, Lobby, Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972
Wakuda offers a multi-faceted gastronomic experience, from à la carte and bar dining in its Main Dining Room and Bar, to a more private sushi room in an exclusive enclave. Check out our full review here.
Why not throw in a staycay to the mix? Check out hotel rates here: Agoda | Booking.com
5) NOKA by Tippling Club
Funan 109 North Bridge Rd #07-38 (Lift Lobby A)
Relatively new to the scene, NOKA by Tippling Club is Tippling Club's new foray into the modern Japanese dining experience.
NOKA presents a provenance-driven modern Japanese dining experience, where guests can expect ultra-progressive Japanese dishes influenced by the award-winning Tippling Club’s flair for playful gastronomy. The menu pays homage to fresh ingredients curated from Chef Ryan Clift’s network of food producers across the Asian region. In tune with the seasons and produce available, the Omakase menu transforms every quarter with a spotlight on small-batch air-flown Japanese ingredients and authentic cooking techniques.
For a taste of everything the restaurant can offer, go for the 17-course Omakase (S$245++) experience. Veering away from the typical rules of a traditional Japanese restaurant, go through a belly-filling journey through appetisers, soup, sashimi, yakimono, sushi and maki, followed by the main course and finish with an array of expertly crafted Japanese sweets. Top-up (S$148++) to enjoy tasting menu sake and cocktail pairing.
Click here for reservations.
