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Top 5 Japanese Restaurants in Singapore

Top 5 Japanese Restaurants in Singapore

How We Picked

Ambiance

We reviewed each restaurant’s design and the overall experience when dining.

Service Time

We checked how quickly food is served from each establishment.

Cost

We examined the menu rates of each Japanese restaurant and compared them to other entries on this list.

Accessibility

We looked into the business hours of each restaurant and if they are open throughout the week.

Menu

We examined the variety of Japanese food served in these restaurants.

    1. The Gyu Bar

    The Gyu Bar Homepage

    Menu: Yakiniku, sushi, sukiyaki, ramen, wagyu, and more

    Website: https://www.thegyubar.com.sg

    Address: 30, #01-08 Stevens Rd, Singapore

    Contact Details: +65 6732 0702

    Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm

    Google Reviews Score4.3/5
    Facebook Reviews Score4.2/5
    Total Reviews4.2/5
    Score Consistency4.2/5
    Ambiance5/5
    Service Time4/5
    Cost3/5
    Accessibility4.6/5
    Menu5/5

    Pros

    • Open all week
    • Warm and inviting ambiance
    • Gourmet dishes
    • Diverse menu
    • Offers premium Wa-Oh Japanese beef
    • The ingredients are sourced from top Japanese farms

    Cons

    • Expensive menu
    • Unavailable between 3 pm to 6 pm
    • Long service time

    The Gyu Bar is situated on Stevens Road, which is just next to the Novotel Mercure bus stop. It is open all week but is unavailable between 3 pm to 6 pm.

    This Japanese restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy dinner with loved ones because of its warm, inviting ambiance. Guests may enjoy a handcrafted gourmet dining experience at this modern Yakiniku eatery.

    A dinner seat there costs between $30 and $50, so it’s an expensive Japanese eatery.

    If you are looking for more affordable options, we suggest checking our other entries on this list.

    There will always be something to eat because the menu is split into lunch and dinner courses.

    The premium Wa-Oh Japanese beef is the pride of this establishment. It’s available in a range of rare cuts, flavors, and textures. 

    The beef is sourced from cows brought up in a peaceful setting and only given vegetables to eat.

    Meat lovers will be drawn to the variety of meat selections. Additionally, there are a plethora of different dishes available, including organic steak, noodle soup, and ramen. 

    Gyu Bar’s dishes are of good quality because it purchases all ingredients from top Japanese farms. 

    The service time could use some improvement, though. The customers we interviewed were happy with their orders, but most wished the food had arrived much sooner.

    2. Fat Cow

    Fat Cow Homepage

    Menu: Omakase, nigiri, sashimi, salad, wagyu, and more

    Website: https://www.fatcow.com.sg/

    Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore

    Contact Details: +65 6735 0308

    Operating Hours:

    Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm

    Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm

    Google Reviews Score4.4/5
    Facebook Reviews Score4.2/5
    Total Reviews4.8/5
    Score Consistency4.4/5
    Ambiance5/5
    Service Time5/5
    Cost3/5
    Accessibility4.7/5
    Menu5/5

    Pros

    • Open all week
    • Offers high-quality meats
    • Relatively quick service time
    • Well-known for its starters and omakase experience
    • Contemporary interiors
    • Ideal for all kinds of events
    • Unique menu 

    Cons

    • Expensive menu
    • Unavailable between 3 pm to 6 pm

    Fat Cow is located inside the Camden Medical Centre, which is just a 3-minute walk from the Orchard Boulevard Station Exit 1 bus stop.

    It is open the whole week but is unavailable from 3 pm to 6 pm.

    Fat Cow specializes in high-end meats such as the famous Wagyu beef from Japan. 

    This well-known steakhouse is renowned throughout the world for its raw, cold, and hot starters and its omakase experience, wherein the chef carefully creates a signature dish just for you. 

    From the lounge to the dining area, the interior of Fat Cow is a modified contemporary Japanese restaurant with wood and slinky bronze subtly braided together. Simplicity and minimalism are two design aesthetics that are widely used.

    The ambiance is very relaxing and ties well with the dishes it offers. This makes it an ideal restaurant for business dinners, family dining, and intimate dates.

    The Fat Cow is dedicated to serving a wide variety of distinctive micro-dishes overflowing with rich flavors and specializing in Japanese Wagyu beef. 

    Its omakase business model is perfect for those individuals who prefer a unique meal experience every time they visit the restaurant. The service time is also noteworthy. 

    However, its rates are in the expensive range, but we believe it’s still quite reasonable because of the quality of meat it serves. If budget is a concern, we suggest looking into our other entries on this list.

    3. The Sushi Bar

    The Sushi Bar Homepage

    Menu: Sushi, udon, rolls, miso soup, gyoza, and more

    Website: https://thesushibar.com.sg/

    Address: 14 Scotts Rd, #04-28, Far East Plaza, Singapore

    Contact Details: +65 9653 6464

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 11:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 5 pm – 9:45 pm

    Friday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 9:45 pm

    Google Reviews Score4.4/5
    Total Reviews4.2/5
    Score Consistency4.3/5
    Ambiance5/5
    Service Time5/5
    Cost5/5
    Accessibility3.7/5
    Menu5/5

    Pros

    • Open every day
    • All dishes are made using authentic Japanese ingredients
    • Quick service time
    • Calm and relaxing ambiance
    • Wide selection of Japanese dishes and drinks
    • Affordable menu
    • Excellent customer service

    Cons

    • Usually packed with customers
    • Must book in advance to get a table
    • Unavailable between 3:30 pm to 5 pm

    The Sushi Bar is found inside the Far East Plaza. It is just in front of the Thong Teck Building bus stop.

    It is open every day. However, it is on break from 3:30 pm to 5 pm on Monday to Thursday.

    The Sushi Bar specializes in typical dishes such as donburi, sashimi, sushi, and its signature Japanese-style pasta, all of which are made with authentic Japanese ingredients.

    This restaurant aims to provide exquisite cuisine in a calm and unassuming atmosphere that is ideal for those who want a relaxing dining experience.

    The Sushi Bar has a wide selection of fresh dishes, as well as a broad range of Japanese sake and whiskey to enhance the overall experience. 

    Unlike other restaurants, this establishment wants to provide high-quality dishes at a fair price. Creating an affordable Japanese-centered menu is a crucial component of its service.

    The individuals we spoke to also commented on the restaurant’s good customer service. The servers were polite and knowledgeable about the components of every dish, which helped diners appreciate the meals even more.

    The service time is also much appreciated by the hungry customers since orders are served at a very reasonable time. The combination of delicious meals and an affordable menu makes it one of the most favorable Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

    Having said that, make sure to book in advance since the restaurant is usually packed.

    4. Shukuu Japanese Izakaya

    Shukuu Japanese Izakaya Homepage

    Menu: Tapas, sashimi, yakitori, kushiyaki, gobo maki, and more

    Website: http://shukuu.sg/

    Address: 8 Stanley St, Singapore

    Contact Details: +65 6327 9240

    Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

    Google Reviews Score4.5/5
    Facebook Reviews Score4.8/5
    Total Reviews5/5
    Score Consistency4.7/5
    Ambiance4.5/5
    Service Time5/5
    Cost5/5
    Accessibility5/5
    Menu4.5/5

    Pros

    • Open daily
    • More than 90 varieties of Japanese tapas
    • Quick service time
    • Wide selection of alcoholic drinks
    • Affordable menu
    • Fun and lively atmosphere

    Cons

    • Opens late at 5:30 pm
    • Not the most ideal for a family or business dinner events
    • Can be pretty loud inside

    Shukuu Japanese Izakaya is situated along Stanley Street, which is only a 2-minute walk from the Opp GB Building bus stop.

    It has a straightforward business schedule and is available from Monday to Sunday. However, it opens much later in the afternoon.

    In Japan, an izakaya is a small bar that serves small dishes that complement alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, the word “Shukuu” means alcohol paradise.

    Those two words are the main inspiration for this restaurant. 

    Shukuu Izakaya, was established by four longtime friends who are culinary experts and share a love of all things from Japan. 

    The owners take considerable pride in their passion for Japanese culture and cuisine. Shukuu Izakaya is the founders’ way of promoting love and awareness for Singapore’s underappreciated Japanese culinary scene.

    Its menu provides more than 90 varieties of Japanese tapas, which is a testament to the establishment’s hard work and dedication to creating a complete and authentic izakaya experience. 

    We are also pleased that its dishes are quite affordable. Its customers find the entire atmosphere to be lively and that the food is best paired with alcoholic beverages. 

    Having said that, this may not be an ideal destination for casual family diners or business dinners. It can be quite loud, especially much later in the evening.

    However, if you want to go to a Japanese restaurant and have a fun night out, then Shukuu Izakaya should be at the top of your list. The service time is also very fast since most of its dishes have smaller portions.

    5. Shinji by Kanesaka

    Shinji by Kanesaka Homepage

    Menu: Omakase, onigiri, sushi rolls, sashimi, unagi, and more

    Website: https://www.shinjibykanesaka.com

    Address: 76 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore

    Contact Details: +65 6338 6131

    Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday:12:30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10:30 pm

    Google Reviews Score4.6/5
    Facebook Reviews Score4.2/5
    Total Reviews4/5
    Score Consistency4.2/5
    Ambiance5/5
    Service Time5/5
    Cost3/5
    Accessibility3.4/5
    Menu4.9/5

    Pros

    • Closes relatively later
    • Offers a traditional omakase-style menu
    • Fast service time
    • Excellent customer service
    • Only uses the best available ingredients

    Cons

    • Closed on Sundays
    • Expansive rates
    • Unavailable from 3 pm to 6 pm

    Shinji by Kanesaka is located along Bras Basah Road. It is a 2-minute stroll from the Aft Bras Basah Station Exit A bus stop.

    It’s unavailable from 3 pm to 6 pm and is closed on Sundays. However, it closes relatively later than other Japanese restaurants.

    The Japanese eatery Shinji by Kanesaka is a new branch of Tokyo’s Edo-style sushi master Chef Shinji Kanesaka, which originated in the upper-class district of Ginza, Japan.

    The restaurant aims to spread appreciation for traditional Japanese culinary practices without sacrificing traditional methods. 

    It has a team of master chefs who hosts and manages an omakase dinner, which means they will be the ones to select the ideal dish for you based on the best available ingredients.

    This traditional method offers an exceptional dining experience for interested customers. However, it may not be for everyone.

    If you’re the less adventurous type who already knows what to order, you might have a better time in the other Japanese restaurants on this list.

    The restaurant’s manager, Okami-san, ensures that customers are taken care of, which is another representation of the Japanese fine dining experience. Diners also noted that Shinji by Kanesaka’s service time is also very quick.

    Its unique menu is relatively expensive, but most individuals we talked to are more than happy to spend more for a traditional Japanese culinary experience. 

    FAQs on Japanese Restaurants in Singapore