Omakase dining is where tradition meets trust—centuries of Japanese culinary mastery served with an invitation to let the chef take the lead. Originating in the Edo period, this chef-curated dining style reflects its name: omakase, or “I leave it up to you.” The menu is built around the freshest seasonal ingredients, showcasing the chef’s artistry and intuition.
Intrigued? There’s no need to book a flight to Tokyo. Singapore is home to some of the best omakase restaurants, blending tradition with modern flair. Here’s where to indulge in the finest interpretations of this time-honoured culinary craft.
1. Terra
Image: Terra
Terra on Tras Street redefines omakase with its innovative “Tokyo-Italian” approach, seamlessly blending Japanese precision with Italian flair. Once helmed by Chef Seita Nakahara, the one-Michelin-starred restaurant now shines under his protégé, Chef Melvin Chou.
Terra’s omakase experience is rooted in tradition, with a focus on premium Japanese produce sourced through an exclusive network of farmers, fishermen, and suppliers across Japan. Before the meal, diners are introduced to a “produce box,” showcasing the seasonal ingredients that inspire the six-course menu.
Hokki Clam fresh from Hokkaido.
Image: Terra
Standout dishes include the Bruschetta Nishin, featuring Hokkaido herring marinated in vinegar, its skin crisped to perfection. A dollop of herbed yogurt sauce, house-cured ikura in sherry vinegar, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil complete this elevated take on bruschetta.
Lunch menus are priced at $98, $128, $198, and $298, while dinner starts at $198, with premium options at $298 and $398.
2. Ki-Sho
Set within a stunning black-and-white colonial bungalow along Scotts Road, Ki-Sho pays homage to aristocratic craftsmanship through its refined kappo-style omakase. This traditional approach highlights diverse cooking techniques, from boiling to frying, while celebrating seasonal ingredients and impeccable quality.
Image: Ki-Sho
The cosy dining room features an 11-seat L-shaped hinoki wood counter, perfect for savouring the chef’s artistry up close. For private occasions, two dining rooms on the upper floor accommodate eight and 12 guests, offering exclusivity in an elegant setting.
Omakase menus range from $180 for a 7-course experience to $450 for the luxurious 11-course feast. Pair your meal with their curated sake selection, featuring standout bottles like Junmai Daiginjo Kamonishiki Brilliance from Niigata and Isojiman Emerald from Shizuoka.
3. AN Omakase
Image: An Omakase
An Omakase offers a sleek and intimate setting with its 15-seater counter, perfect for a personalised dining journey. The minimalist interiors, crafted with black stone and stainless steel, bring a contemporary edge, breaking away from the typical neutral tones of traditional Japanese eateries.
Image: An Omakase
Chef Kevin helms the kitchen, curating memorable experiences through his masterful creations. Lunch omakase options include Todoroki ($138) and Ibuki ($158), featuring an array of intricate hot dishes, delicate seasonal sashimi, five expertly crafted nigiri sushi (think buttery tuna belly and briny sea urchin), and a handroll to round off the meal.
For dinner, the offerings are even more expansive, with seasonal cold dishes and the chef’s selection of five premium nigiri.
4. Ginza Sushi Ichi
Situated within the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Ginza Sushi Ichi brings the prestige of its one Michelin-starred Tokyo counterpart to Singapore. While the original is currently closed, this outpost continues its commitment to excellence, serving sushi crafted with the finest ingredients.
Rice seasoned with uni and crab meat, crowned with bahun uni and premium ikura.
Image: Ginza Sushi Ichi
Seafood arrives fresh from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market five times a week, complemented by seasonal delicacies such as maguro (tuna), awabi (abalone), kegani (horsehair crab), and bahun uni (sea urchin). These exceptional ingredients are paired with rice marinated in either red or white vinegar, striking a perfect balance of flavours. The omakase menu ($480) showcases the chef’s curated selection, ensuring a bespoke culinary journey through Japan’s finest produce.
Image: Ginza Sushi Ichi
The space exudes understated elegance, with a counter crafted from 300-year-old cypress and walls adorned with handcrafted wooden ornaments from a renowned Nara artisan. At Ginza Sushi Ichi, every detail—from ingredient sourcing to interior design—reflects the art of Japanese dining.
5. Shoukuwa
Image: Shoukouwa
Shoukouwa is Singapore’s sole two Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant–and it’s synonymous with refined elegance and precision. Specialising in traditional Edomae sushi, the restaurant sources its seafood directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market, ensuring only the freshest, top-quality produce graces the counter.
Image: Shoukouwa
The dining room is an intimate 14-seater, with guests enjoying a front-row view of Chef Kazumine Nishida’s artistry. His culinary philosophy is embodied in two thoughtfully curated omakase menus, each meticulously balancing seasonal ingredients and harmonious flavours.
Gastronauts celebrating a special occasion should splurge on the En Omakase, which presents an indulgent showcase of the chef’s seasonal favourites, highlighting the richness and subtleties of Japanese cuisine. For a more accessible option, lunch menus start at $260 per person.
6. Sushi Sato
Image: Sushi Sato
Nestled in the verdant enclave of Dempsey Hill, Sushi Sato is a serene retreat helmed by master chef Yuji Sato and head chef Yusuke Kawana. Chef Sato, a native of Hokkaido’s Obihiro, brings over 20 years of expertise to the table, honed through his formative years at Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market. That was where he developed an unparalleled understanding of seafood.
Image: Sushi Sato
The restaurant’s interiors mirror the essence of Japan, with feature walls carved in leaf motifs and soft cream and pink hues evoking the Sakura cherry blossom season. At its heart lies the exquisite Hinoki counter, crafted from 200-year-old Japanese hinoki wood, offering an inviting centrepiece for the dining experience.
Image: Sushi Sato
Both lunch and dinner menus celebrate fresh, seasonal seafood through expertly prepared sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes. For a grand feast, indulge in the chef’s special menu featuring a medley of appetisers, sushi, and traditional Japanese desserts.
7. Nijuuichi
Image: Nijuuichi
Nijuuichi – meaning “21” in Japanese – takes its name from its address on 21 Duxton Hill. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Marcus Yan, a protégé of the legendary Yoshio Nogawa. With over three decades of experience, Chef Marcus has delighted illustrious names in history, from the Sultan of Johor to Singapore’s late Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew.
Nijuuichi offers a refined take on Edomae sushi, a traditional Tokyo style from the 1820s, served omakase-style. The seafood, flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market four times a week, forms the backbone of its seasonal menus. Signature dishes include the kanpachi carpaccio with caviar and uni, and the Trinity Rice Bowl topped with negitoro, ikura, and uni.
Image: Nijuuichi
For a complete experience, try the Natsu omakase menu featuring premium sashimi, seasonal dishes, chef-selected nigiri sushi, and indulgent add-ons like A5 Wagyu Don and Hokkaido Wagyu Tataki.
8. Oumi
Image: Oumi
Oumi may be perched atop CapitaSpring with stunning views of the Marina Bay, but it brings a refreshing farm-to-table approach to Japanese Kappo cuisine. This contemporary restaurant integrates produce from 1-Arden’s rooftop food forest into its dishes, creating a unique dining experience that’s as sustainable as it is refined.
Chargrilled Wagyu Short Rib.
Image: Oumi
Oumi’s omakase menus offer two indulgent journeys: a seven-course feast featuring highlights like Foie Gras Monaka and Kohitsuji Yaki—grilled Australian lamb paired with sweet potato, house-grown lemon balm, and calamansi; and the nine-course extravaganza, which starts with a platter of chef-selected small bites and includes dishes such as Kani Chawanmushi, Ise Ebi Bouillabaisse, and Chargrilled Wagyu Short Rib. Desserts cap the experience beautifully, with creations like Matcha Oshiruko and Kyoho Sorbet with Tomorokoshi.
For those seeking flexibility, à la carte options–like a bowl of grilled unagi glazed in a rich, sauce–are also available.
9. Tomidou
Image: Tomidou
A Nassim Hill gem, Tomidou offers an exceptional dining experience under the guidance of Chef Akira Horikawa, whose nearly 30 years of expertise in sushi craftsmanship are evident in every dish. The restaurant embodies the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—a deep-seated culture of wholehearted hospitality rooted in the traditions of the tea ceremony.
With a 13-seat sushi counter and two private VIP rooms, each featuring its own sushi counter, Tomidou caters to both intimate gatherings and lively interactions with fellow diners. Choose from four omakase menus: Hidane ($180) and Homura ($280) for lunch, and Ryujin ($380) and Houou ($480) for dinner.
Image: Tomidou
Signature highlights include the delicately prepared Bafun Uni, served atop expertly seasoned shari rice and wrapped in crisp nori for a perfectly balanced bite. Another standout is creations featuring Otoro, the most decadent cut of bluefin tuna belly, offering a melt-in-your-mouth richness that lingers long after the last bite.
Indulge in Singapore’s best omakase experiences
Navigating the plethora of dining options in Singapore can be overwhelming, but omakase offers a unique reprieve from decision fatigue. Entrusting the chef with the menu allows you to savour a meticulously crafted culinary experience where each bite is a revelation.
From Terra’s fusion of Japanese and Italian influences to Shoukouwa’s Michelin-starred Edomae sushi, these omakase restaurants showcase the pinnacle of culinary artistry. Now just sit back, trust the chef, and enjoy the surprises that await.
Cover image: Ginza Sushi Ichi, An Omakase
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