Japanese Restaurants In Singapore

Singapore’s got a heartbeat fueled by strong kopi, late-night cravings, and an undying love for Japanese food. Back in the ‘90s, when those first sushi conveyor belts started whirring in malls, we were done for, hooked on the stuff. There’s something unreal about sashimi so fresh it practically swims off the plate, sushi rolls that pack a flavor punch like a tiny edible firework, or a Japanese buffet Singapore spread that makes you wonder if pants are optional. This city is a full-on playground for anyone obsessed with Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re up at 2 am frantically googling “Japanese restaurant near me” after a night out, or scoping out the best Japanese restaurant Singapore has to impress a client with a fancy lunch, we’ve got you sorted. No long-winded lectures, just real talk about killer spots, honest prices, addresses that won’t leave you circling some random carpark, and a few Japanese restaurants that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Japanese food in Singapore is a vibe. Picture a Japanese restaurant where chefs slice fish with the precision of a samurai, or another Japanese restaurant grilling yakitori skewers until they’re smoky enough to haunt your dreams. We’ve eaten our way through Orchard’s glitzy malls, Katong’s gritty coffee shops, and the polished palaces of Marina Bay Sands. We’ve queued at 6 am for omakase that costs less than a new phone, stuffed ourselves silly at a Japanese restaurant buffet until we needed a nap, and even found a Japanese restaurant in Clarke Quay sneaking local sambal into their tempura dip for a cheeky twist. From high-roller omakase to a Japanese restaurant dishing out donburi bowls for under ten bucks, this is the ultimate BusyKidd’s guide to the top Japanese restaurants in Singapore. Let’s dive in.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Food Courts in Singapore, Best Gluten Free Cafes and Restaurants in Singapore.

Fine Dining: Michelin Stars And Big Splurges

Sushi Sakuta

2025’s Fresh Two-Michelin-Star Buzz

Sushi Sakuta is the talk of the town right now. Hidden in a shophouse on Mohamed Sultan Road, it’s just 10 seats with Chef Yoshio Sakuta calling the shots. He mixes two kinds of rice and five vinegars to make shari that’s warm, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.

The omakase (300 SGD and up) is a masterclass in edomae sushi. Fish is aged right there in the restaurant – otoro that’s rich and buttery, uni that feels like a hug from the sea, nodoguro lightly torched to release its fat. Every piece lands exactly when you’re ready for it. The space is simple but inviting, with bamboo touches and soft jazz playing low.

Chef Sakuta is the quiet type, but if you ask questions, he lights up. This is the best Japanese restaurant in Singapore for anyone obsessed with the details of rice temperature or fish aging. Book three months ahead, or you’re out of luck.

• Address: 9 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238959
• Must-Order: Omakase nigiri, aged chutoro
• More Details

Waku Ghin

Two Michelin Stars, All the Drama

Waku Ghin feels like dining on a private jet. Perched on the second floor of Marina Bay Sands, you get two choices: the intimate 10-seat Chef’s Table (grab this if you can) or the main dining room. Chef Tetsuya Wakuda performs right in front of you, and it’s pure theater.

The omakase (550 SGD) is 10 courses of absolute fire. It opens with marinated Botan shrimp topped with uni and Oscietra caviar. Next up is pan-seared abalone that’s sweeter than any apology you’ve ever heard. The Ohmi wagyu sushi practically dissolves on your tongue, and the braised lobster in herb butter is straight out of a dream. The room is sleek marble and warm wood, with huge windows showing off the skyline.

The staff are mind-readers – your glass is refilled before it’s empty, and they hand you a napkin right when you need it. The wine list is massive, and there’s a cocktail bar downstairs for a pre-dinner negroni. It’s not cheap, but for a promotion party, anniversary, or just because it’s Friday, this Japanese restaurant delivers.

• Address: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, L2-03, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
• Must-Order: Chef’s Table omakase, Ohmi wagyu sushi
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Omakase @ Stevens

One Michelin Star, French-Japanese Twist

Omakase @ Stevens loves to bend the rules, and it works. Chef Kazuki Arimoto trained in France before heading back to Japan, so his omakase (150 SGD lunch, 250 SGD dinner) mixes the best of both worlds.

Think Hokkaido uni with caviar and a hint of yuzu foam, or wagyu tartare kissed with truffle ponzu. The sashimi is sliced so thin it’s almost transparent, showing off every beautiful color. The room is bright and modern, with a 12-seat counter and a private area for bigger groups. The staff feel like old friends who just happen to have Michelin training.

Bring your picky eater who claims they hate raw fish – they’ll be converted by the third course.

• Address: 30 Stevens Road, #01-03, Singapore 257840
• Must-Order: Uni with caviar, wagyu tartare
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Takahashi Singapore

Warm and Intimate Omakase

Takahashi Singapore is like having dinner at a super-talented friend’s house. The 12-seat counter in River Valley has warm wood tones and gentle lighting, with Chef Rinto Sasagawa working his magic.

His omakase (128 SGD lunch, 228 SGD dinner) uses a blend of Hokkaido and Yamagata rice for a slightly firmer shari. Standouts include the “edible zen garden” – a playful plate of seasonal vegetables and seafood – and chutoro aged to bring out deeper flavors. You never feel rushed, even on a busy weeknight.

The chef is friendly and easy to talk to, and the sake pairings are spot-on. This is the best Japanese restaurant Singapore when you want luxury without the stiffness.

• Address: 4 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239955
• Must-Order: Edible zen garden, aged chutoro
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KOMA Singapore

Image Credit: KOMA via Instagram

Japanese Food with Nightclub Energy

KOMA Singapore doesn’t know how to be dull. Inside Marina Bay Sands, you walk through red torii gates into a space with reflecting pools and a massive glowing maple tree. The menu is modern Japanese with plenty of attitude.

The Koma Roll (48 SGD) crams wagyu, uni, and avocado into a crispy shell – it’s over-the-top delicious. The miso-glazed eggplant (28 SGD) is so good you’ll argue over the last piece. Crispy salmon pillows (32 SGD) are like Japanese rice balls on steroids.

It’s loud, lively, and made for groups. The sake selection is huge, and the cocktails pack a punch. This Japanese food spot is perfect when you want great Japanese food and a night out rolled into one.

• Address: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, B1-67, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
• Must-Order: Koma Roll, miso eggplant
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Wakuda

Image Credit: Wakuda via Instagram

Japanese Heart, Global Soul

Wakuda breaks all the rules and makes it look easy. Also in Marina Bay Sands, the vibe is lanterns, velvet seats, and a DJ spinning smooth tracks. Chef Tetsuya Wakuda keeps Japanese techniques at the core but pulls flavors from everywhere.

Spicy ora king salmon on crispy rice (28 SGD) is a texture explosion. Wagyu tacos (38 SGD) are tiny bites of heaven. The chef’s menu (250 SGD) takes you on a 10-course ride that ends with a dessert worth photographing.

You’ll spot tourists, expats, and locals ready to party. This Japanese restaurant is for when you want to eat like royalty and maybe dance afterward.

• Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 2, Lobby, Сингапур 018956
• Must-Order: Spicy salmon crispy rice, wagyu tacos
• More Details

Nobu Singapore

Celebrity Japanese Food, Done Right

Nobu Singapore needs no intro. In the Four Seasons, it’s all clean lines, ocean views, and a menu that’s been imitated everywhere but never beaten.

Black cod miso (68 SGD) is sweet, flaky, and glazed to perfection. Yellowtail jalapeno (48 SGD) nails the balance of fresh and spicy. Rock shrimp tempura (48 SGD) is crunchy, creamy, and gone in seconds.

The place is elegant but relaxed, with a terrace ideal for sunset drinks. Service is smooth and friendly. This Japanese restaurant makes you feel like a VIP without any effort.

• Address: 190 Orchard Boulevard, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Singapore 248646
• Must-Order: Black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeno
• More Details

Shatoburian

Wagyu Heaven, Grill Your Own

Shatoburian is a carnivore’s dream. In Palais Renaissance, it’s dim lights, leather chairs, and the constant sizzle of beef on the grill.

The chateaubriand (158 SGD) is a 200g slab of wet-aged A5 wagyu you cook yourself on a tabletop grill. The wagyu don (128 SGD) piles uni, ikura, and truffles over steaming rice. The sashimi platter (98 SGD) is a colorful mix of tuna, salmon, and hamachi.

It’s cozy and smoky, with staff guiding you like proud coaches. This Japanese restaurant is where you go to eat meat and feel unstoppable.

• Address: 390 Orchard Road, #02-08 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
• Must-Order: Chateaubriand, wagyu don
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Akira Back

Japanese Meets Korean Heat

Akira Back turns up the energy. In JW Marriott South Beach, it’s neon lights, graffiti walls, and a menu that fuses Japanese precision with Korean fire.

The holy cow roll (38 SGD) packs wagyu, kimchi, and avocado into a crispy wrapper. Tuna pizza (34 SGD) is a cult classic – thin crust, truffle oil, pure addiction. Wagyu tacos (38 SGD) are small but mighty.

It’s loud and fun, with a DJ on weekends. This Japanese food spot is for when you want to eat bold and party hard.

• Address: 30 Beach Road, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Singapore 189763
• Must-Order: Holy cow roll, tuna pizza
• More Details

Esora

One Michelin Star, Closing Soon – Don’t Miss It

Esora is closing its doors on 29 December 2025, and Japanese foodies are heartbroken. This one-Michelin-star kappo-style spot in a Mohamed Sultan shophouse is pure poetry.

Lunch omakase (178 SGD) is 10 courses of seasonal beauty. Think uni sandwiched in a crispy monaka wafer, Hokkaido snow crab bathed in dashi jelly, and charcoal-grilled wagyu cooked to pink perfection. The ceramics are handmade, and the 16-seat counter feels intimate.

The team remembers your name and your allergies – it’s that personal. This Japanese restaurant is the farewell dinner you’ll talk about for years. Book now.

• Address: 15 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238964
• Must-Order: Uni monaka, snow crab
• More Details

Zeniya

The Best Japanese Restaurant Singapore for Kaiseki Fans

Zeniya is the only place outside Japan where you can taste the magic of a two-Michelin-starred Kanazawa legend. Tucked away in Shaw Centre, it feels like stepping into a peaceful garden – pale wood walls, gentle lighting, and just 12 seats at the counter. Chef Shinichi Nakatani flies in ingredients from Omicho Market three times a week, so everything is insanely fresh.

The lunch kaiseki (138 SGD) is a 10-course adventure that changes with the seasons. You might start with uni and snow crab nestled in vinegared jelly, then move to charcoal-grilled nodoguro – that glossy blackthroat seaperch that looks almost too perfect. Dinner (288 SGD) brings out the big guns like A5 wagyu and abalone. The finale is always the rice course: steaming Koshihikari topped with snow crab and rich dashi broth. One bite and you’re whispering “wah lao” under your breath.

Their sake list has 50 bottles, hand-picked by a sommelier who knows more about rice wine than your uncle knows about Toto. The service is warm and relaxed – the chef explains each dish without making it feel like a class. If you want to wow someone who swears they’ve “tried everything,” this is your spot. They’ll leave quiet and happy.

• Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
• Must-Order: Seasonal kaiseki, sake flight
• More Details

Hazuki

Hidden Kaiseki Gem

Hazuki is the kind of place you stumble upon and never forget. Up in Takashimaya, it’s Gucci tableware, soft lighting, and an 8-seat counter that feels exclusive.

Lunch kaiseki (180 SGD) is 12 courses that shift every month. You might get shirako chawanmushi that’s creamy like custard, followed by wagyu shabu-shabu that melts in the broth. The sake comes from rare Kyoto bottles, chosen by a master sommelier.

The room is calm with bamboo screens and a little koi pond in the corner. Service is quiet but genuine. This Japanese food spot is your three-hour escape from the world.

• Address: 391 Orchard Road, #04-18 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
• Must-Order: Seasonal kaiseki, rare sake
• More Details

Sushi & Sashimi: Fresh And Simple

Sushi Kawasemi

Image Credit: Sushi Kawasemi via Facebook

Tokyo-Style Edomae in Telok Ayer

Sushi Kawasemi brings Tokyo to Singapore without the plane ticket. The 10-seat counter in Telok Ayer gets fish from Toyosu Market four times a week and ages it on-site for extra umami.

Lunch omakase (98 SGD) gives you 12 pieces of nigiri plus a few small dishes. Chutoro is rich and buttery, Botan shrimp pops with sweetness, uni is creamy and oceanic. The shari is warm with just the right vinegar kick.

The space is small and peaceful – bamboo walls, one cherry blossom branch for decor. The chef works with samurai focus. This Japanese restaurant is for anyone who wants to taste the real difference in top-tier sushi.

• Address: 120 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068589
• Must-Order: Aged chutoro, uni nigiri
• More Details

The Sushi Bar

Image Credit: The Sushi Bar via Instagram

Islandwide Favorite, Always a Line

The Sushi Bar began as a little stall in Far East Plaza and blew up into a mini-chain. The recipe is straightforward: super-fresh fish, reasonable prices, and donburi bowls that wreck any diet.

The 3 Kind Belly Don (32.90 SGD) layers salmon belly, hamachi belly, and flounder fin sashimi over sushi rice – it’s a party of textures. Aburi salmon mentai roll (18.80 SGD) gets a quick torch so the cheese melts without overcooking the fish.

It’s casual and busy, with queues during peak hours. This Japanese food spot delivers quality sushi without any drama.

• Address: 391 Orchard Road, #05-34/35 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873 (multiple locations)
• Must-Order: 3 Kind Belly Don, aburi mentai roll
• More Details

Teppei Japanese Restaurant

Image Credit: regine ૮₍ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ₎ა via Instagram

80 SGD Omakase That Books Out Fast

Teppei Japanese Restaurant is the omakase that went viral. Chef Teppei Yamashita’s 17-course menu (80 SGD) requires booking three months ahead – it’s that good.

The lineup changes daily but always includes sashimi, sushi, and a few cooked surprises. The barachirashi don (25 SGD) is a colorful mess of tuna, salmon, and ikura over vinegared rice. Chawanmushi comes silky smooth with a uni crown.

The room is small and noisy, with the chef barking orders in Japanese. This Japanese food spot feels like you’ve scored a secret local spot.

• Address: 1 Tras Link, #01-18 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
• Must-Order: Omakase, barachirashi don
• More Details

Sen-ryo

Gourmet Bento Without the Gourmet Price

Sen-ryo makes high-end Japanese food feel everyday. The ION Orchard flagship is packed nonstop, but they keep the quality consistent.

Premium bento (25.80 SGD) packs otoro, salmon belly, and ikura – total steal. Zuwaigani soy nabe (48 SGD) is a steaming hotpot of snow crab and tofu that warms you right up.

Bright, modern vibe with conveyor belts at some branches. This Japanese restaurant is perfect for a solid meal that doesn’t hurt the wallet.

• Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #03-14 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801 (multiple locations)
• Must-Order: Premium bento, snow crab nabe
• More Details

Sushi Zanmai

West Side Sushi for Under 2 SGD a Piece

Sushi Zanmai shows you don’t need big bucks for great sushi. In Holland Village, it’s the go-to for anyone searching “sushi near me” on the west side.

Salmon mentai (1.80 SGD per piece) gets a quick torch and cod roe topping – dangerously addictive. The salmon zanmai set (10.80 SGD) is a mountain of salmon prepared every way.

Family-friendly with kids’ sets and high chairs. This Japanese restaurant lets you eat plenty and still have change.

• Address: 30 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277688
• Must-Order: Salmon mentai, salmon zanmai set
• More Details

Ganko Sushi Singapore

Osaka Family Style in Dhoby Ghaut

Ganko Sushi Singapore channels Osaka’s laid-back family dining. Fish arrives three times a week, and the omakase (98 SGD) is a solid 12-course spread.

Lunch sets (30 SGD) come with sashimi, sushi, and a small hotpot. The space is simple and cozy – wooden tables, paper lanterns glowing softly.

This Japanese restaurant is like eating in Japan without leaving the island.

• Address: 9 Penang Road, #01-01, Singapore 238459
• Must-Order: Monthly omakase, lunch sets
• More Details

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant

Sushi with Clarke Quay River Views

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant in Clarke Quay does double duty – fantastic ala-carte sushi and a premium buffet. The sashimi slices are thick and glistening, aburi sushi torched just right.

The outdoor terrace is gold for sunset dinners. This restaurant pairs great Japanese food with a view of the boats drifting by.

• Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #03-88 The Central, Singapore 059817
• Must-Order: Thick-cut sashimi, aburi sushi
• More Details

Shinrai

CBD Power Lunch with Premium Fish

Shinrai is the spot for CBD folks who want a fast but fancy lunch. The omakase (150 SGD) is 10 courses of top-grade sashimi and sushi flown in daily from Japan.

Sleek and minimal, with an 8-seat counter. This Japanese food spot is where you seal deals over uni and otoro.

• Address: 173 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068622
• Must-Order: Premium sashimi platter, otoro nigiri
• More Details

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore

Rooftop Izakaya with Sake Galore

Tora Tora Tora is a hidden rooftop gem on Ubi Road. Sashimi gets a quick charcoal grill, and the sake menu runs 50 bottles deep. The city view isn’t half bad either.

It’s relaxed and fun – fairy lights, simple chairs, good vibes. This Japanese restaurant is for drinking like a salaryman and eating like royalty.

• Address: 62 Ubi Rd 1, #11-19, Singapore 408734
• Must-Order: Grilled sashimi, sake flight
• More Details

Miz Japanese Restaurant

Heartland Sashimi Bowls Under 20 SGD

Miz Japanese Restaurant proves you don’t need a fancy location for amazing Japanese food. Tucked in Kampong Bahru, it’s a neighborhood favorite for sashimi rice bowls that won’t break 20 SGD.

The five-kind sashimi bowl (18 SGD) mixes tuna, salmon, hamachi, octopus, and scallop in a colorful pile. The place is small and straightforward, but the fish is always fresh.

This Japanese restaurant is boss-level eating on a budget.

• Address: 17 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169347
• Must-Order: Five-kind sashimi bowl, chawanmushi
• More Details

Japanese Buffet Singapore: Eat All You Want

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant

Image Credit: Kisekirestaurant.com.sg

Orchard Central’s Massive Spread

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant is what buffet dreams are made of. On the 8th floor of Orchard Central, it seats 300 and serves over 100 dishes.

The sashimi station keeps salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and squid coming every 10 minutes. Sushi rolls fly out faster than you can grab them. Teppanyaki grills sizzle with wagyu and prawns. Desserts include mochi, matcha cake, and a chocolate fountain.

Lunch runs 29.90 SGD, dinner 49.90 SGD, with no time limit. The kiseki Japanese buffet restaurant menu switches up weekly. It’s bright, busy, and full of families, couples, and solo eaters going hard.

Start with sashimi, finish with tempura, and take it slow. Oh, and don’t pull a Japanese restaurant jewel dine and dash – settle the bill like a decent human.

• Address: 181 Orchard Road, #08-01/02/03 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
• Must-Order: Fresh sashimi, wagyu teppanyaki
• More Details

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

Image Credit: Shin Minori via Facebook

220+ Dishes and Free-Flow Oysters

Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant is built for big appetites. The Omizu ala-carte buffet offers over 220 items – sashimi, hotpots, grilled meats, you name it.

Upgrade to free-flow oysters (85.90 SGD) for plump, briny goodness. Aburi sushi is torched to order. The wagyu beef hotpot is pure comfort in a bowl.

Kids under 4 eat free, and there are high chairs plus coloring sheets. This Japanese buffet Singapore can feed an army.

• Address: 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #03-18 UE Square, Singapore 239917
• Must-Order: Free-flow oysters, aburi sushi
• More Details

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant

Premium Buffet with River Views

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant pulls double duty as an ala-carte sushi spot and a premium Japanese buffet Singapore. The 99.90 SGD buffet includes sashimi, yakimono, and tempura, plus a strict no-wastage rule.

The riverside terrace is perfect for sunset meals. This Japanese buffet Singapore combines quality eats with a relaxing view.

• Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #03-88 The Central, Singapore 059817
• Must-Order: Thick-cut sashimi, grilled wagyu
• More Details

Himawari Japanese Restaurant

Robatayaki-Style Buffet, Even Delivers

Himawari Japanese Restaurant centers on robatayaki – meats and seafood grilled over charcoal right in front of you. Sashimi is thick and fresh, sushi keeps coming.

They deliver across the island, so you can enjoy a Japanese buffet Singapore feast in your pajamas. This Japanese food spot brings the king treatment home.

• Address: 991 Alexandra Road, #01-08/09, Singapore 119970
• Must-Order: Robatayaki skewers, sashimi platter
• More Details

IKOI Japanese RESTAURANT

Old-School Ala-Carte Buffet

IKOI Japanese RESTAURANT in Hotel Miramar kicked off the buffet craze years ago. The ala-carte buffet (45 SGD) lets you order whatever and however much you want – thick sashimi slices, generous grilled portions.

It’s got that nostalgic charm with wooden tables and glowing paper lanterns. This Japanese buffet Singapore feels like stepping back to the 90s, but the Japanese food holds up.

• Address: 401 Havelock Road, Level #01-01, Singapore 169631
• Must-Order: Thick-cut sashimi, grilled sanma
• More Details

Hokkaido Sushi

Buffet Chain with Endless Options

Hokkaido Sushi has locations all over, making Japanese buffet Singapore super accessible. The spread covers sushi, sashimi, tempura, hotpots, and sweets.

It’s relaxed and family-oriented with kids’ menus and high chairs. This Japanese buffet Singapore is ideal for feeding a big group without stress.

• Address: Multiple locations
• Must-Order: Salmon sashimi, tempura prawns
• More Details

Specialty Spots: Unagi And Quick JB Runs

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant

Eel Done Four Delicious Ways

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant turned unagi into a cult favorite. The Keong Saik outlet always has a line snaking down the street.

The hitsumabushi (28.80 SGD) is grilled eel over rice with a whole ritual – eat it plain first, then with condiments, next as ochazuke soup with dashi, and finally all mixed up. The eel is crispy outside, fluffy inside, and coated in a sauce that’s sweet, savory, and addictive.

The space is small and lively, with an open kitchen where chefs grill over binchotan charcoal. This Japanese restaurant is for when you want to eat like a warrior.

• Address: 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
• Must-Order: Hitsumabushi, kabayaki don
• More Details

Warakuya Japanese Restaurant

JB’s Hidden Value Gem

Warakuya Japanese Restaurant sits just over in Johor Bahru, but Singaporeans make the trip for the bang-for-buck. Salmon belly sashimi is thick and melts, unagi don is loaded.

It’s casual with plastic chairs and aunties calling out orders. This Japanese food spot lets you eat like royalty on a student budget.

• Address: 43, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
• Must-Order: Salmon belly sashimi, unagi don
• More Details

Final Bites

Singapore’s Japanese restaurant scene is wild – Michelin stars rubbing shoulders with heartland heroes and Japanese buffet Singapore marathons. From the best Japanese restaurant in Singapore, like Zeniya, to everyday steals like Miz Japanese Restaurant, there’s sashimi or sushi for every craving and every wallet.

Quick cheatsheet:

• Sushi near me? Hit The Sushi Bar or Sushi Zanmai.
• Japanese restaurant near me? Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, or Marina Bay are safe bets.
• Japanese food near me on a budget? Unatoto unadon (9.50 SGD) or Kiseki lunch buffet.
• Dine and dash? Bad idea. Remember the Japanese food spot Jewel Dine and Dash mess – pay your bill and keep the good karma.

FAQ

How to Pay in Japanese Restaurant?

Paying for Japanese food is easy. At casual spots like Yayoiken or Menya Sanji, you might use a ticket machine. Pick your dish, pay with cash or card, and give the ticket to the staff. At places like Sushi Tei or Gyu-Kaku, ask for the bill with “Okaikei onegaishimasu” (check, please), and they’ll bring it to your table. Fancy Japanese food spots like Sushi Jiro might hand you the bill quietly at the end. Cash works at small spots. Bigger ones take cards or mobile apps like PayLah. No tipping needed in Singapore. Say “Arigatou” (thank you) when you’re done. Want to split the bill? Say “Betsu-betsu de” (separate checks), but some places don’t do it for big groups.

Tip: Check if GST or service charge is added. Most Japanese food menus show final prices.

What Not to Do in a Japanese Restaurant?

Don’t mess up the vibe at a Japanese food spot. Here’s what to avoid:

• Don’t stick chopsticks in rice. It’s a funeral thing and bad luck.
• Don’t soak sushi in soy sauce. Dip lightly, fish-side down.
• Don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. Use serving spoons instead.
• Don’t let omakase sushi sit. Eat it fresh at places like Teppei.
• Don’t get loud. Keep it chill, especially at fancy spots like Shinji.
• Don’t ask for wild changes at high-end Japanese food spots. Casual ones are cooler with tweaks.

Slurping ramen is fine. It’s a compliment at places like Ramen Nagi.

What to Eat in a Japanese Restaurant?

Japanese food spots have tons of options. Here’s what to try:

• Sushi/Sashimi: Nigiri (fish on rice) like tuna (maguro) at Sushi Jiro. Chirashi bowls (sashimi on rice) at Hana Hana (22 SGD). Rolls like dragon roll (6 SGD) at Sushi Tei.
• Ramen: Tonkotsu (pork broth) at Menya Sanji (14 SGD) is rich. Spicy miso at Ramen Nagi (16 SGD) for heat.
• Yakitori: Grilled skewers at Torikage—chicken thigh (3 SGD) or pork belly (4 SGD).
• Donburi: Rice bowls like katsu don (12 SGD) at Yayoiken or una don (eel, 18 SGD) at Hana Hana.
• Hotpot: Shabu-shabu (40 SGD) at Enmaru with wagyu. Bijin nabe (30 SGD) at Tsukada Nojo for chicken broth.
• Japanese Buffet Singapore: Shinkansen (50 SGD lunch) has sashimi and tempura. Gyu-Kaku (60 SGD) for BBQ.

New to Japanese food? Start with katsu curry or a chirashi bowl at a casual restaurant.

How to Order at a Japanese Restaurant?

Ordering Japanese food is no sweat. Casual spots like Ichiban Boshi give you English or picture menus. Just point or say the dish. Ticket-machine places like Menya Sanji? Pick, pay, and hand over the ticket. Fancy ones like Aoki have servers to guide you.

Try these phrases:

• Greet: “Konnichiwa” (hello) or “Konbanwa” (evening).
• Menu: “Menu o onegaishimasu” (menu, please).
• Recommend: “Osusume wa?” (What’s good?).
• Sushi: “Maguro nigiri, futatsu” (two tuna nigiri).
• Ramen: “Tonkotsu ramen, katame” (firm noodles).
• Quantities: “Hitotsu” (one), “futatsu” (two).

Customize with “Wasabi nashi” (no wasabi) or “Shari sukuname” (less rice). At a Japanese food spot, grab plates off the belt. For omakase, say “Omakase onegaishimasu” and let the chef do their thing. Finish with “Gochisousama” (thanks for the meal).

Tip: Confirm with “Kore de ii desu” (this is fine) to avoid mix-ups.

Questions? Ask the staff. They’re friendly. Now go eat at a Japanese food spot like a boss.

Featured Image Credit: Shin Minori via Facebook