Singapore’s food scene is a vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines, but when it comes to Japanese food, the city-state truly excels. From high-end omakase restaurants in glamorous hotels to hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods like En Sushi, there’s a sushi spot for every palate and budget. Finding the best sushi, however, can be a challenge in a city with so many options.
This guide is your insider’s look into Singapore’s sushi landscape. As a local who has spent years exploring everything from budget-friendly sushi trains to exclusive, chef-led experiences, I’ve learned what separates the good from the truly exceptional. We’ll explore the different types of sushi experiences available, what to look for in terms of quality, and, most importantly, where to find the most delicious and memorable sushi across the island.
You’ll get a curated list of top-tier restaurants that are worth the splurge, as well as affordable spots that deliver incredible value without compromising on freshness. We’ll cover what makes each place special, from the sourcing of their fish to the skill of their chefs. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate Singapore’s sushi scene like a seasoned local.
Understanding the Singapore Sushi Scene
Before we get to the recommendations, it’s helpful to understand the different tiers of sushi experiences you can find in Singapore. This will help you choose the right spot for the right occasion.
Omakase: The Ultimate Dining Experience
“Omakase” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” and it represents the pinnacle of sushi dining. In an omakase experience, you entrust your entire meal to the chef. There’s no menu; instead, the chef prepares a multi-course meal featuring the best and freshest ingredients available that day.
- What to expect: An intimate setting, often at a counter with only a handful of seats. The chef prepares each piece of sushi in front of you, explaining the origin of the fish and the best way to enjoy it.
- Price point: This is the most expensive option, with prices often starting from S$180 and going well over S$500 per person.
- Best for: Special occasions, celebrating a milestone, or for serious foodies who want an educational and immersive culinary journey.
Mid-Range Sushi Restaurants
These restaurants offer a great balance of quality, atmosphere, and price. You can order à la carte, from set menus, or sometimes a more accessible omakase menu. The quality of fish is still very high, often flown in from Japan multiple times a week.
- What to expect: A comfortable, sit-down restaurant environment. You’ll find a wider menu that might include cooked dishes (izakaya-style), rolls, and sashimi platters alongside traditional nigiri.
- Price point: Expect to spend between S$60 and S$150 per person.
- Best for: Date nights, family dinners, and business lunches where you want impressive quality without the formality or price tag of a top-tier omakase.
Affordable & Casual Sushi
This category includes conveyor belt (kaiten-zushi) restaurants, small eateries in shopping malls, and neighborhood joints. While they may not offer rare, premium fish, the best spots in this category pride themselves on freshness and value.
- What to expect: A bustling, casual atmosphere. You can grab plates off a conveyor belt or order from a digital menu. The focus is on popular items like salmon, tuna, and tamago sushi.
- Price point: Very budget-friendly, often between S$20 and S$50 per person.
- Best for: A quick lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or satisfying a sudden sushi craving without breaking the bank.
Top-Tier Omakase: When Only the Best Will Do
For those seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, these omakase restaurants represent the best of what Singapore has to offer. Reservations are almost always essential and should be made weeks, if not months, in advance.
1. Hashida Singapore
Helmed by Chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida, this restaurant is an institution. After moving to a new, more opulent location on Amoy Street, Hashida continues to deliver a masterful omakase experience that blends tradition with a touch of modern creativity. Chef Hashida’s charming personality makes the meal as entertaining as it is delicious.
- Signature Style: Edomae-style sushi with a creative flair. The rice, seasoned with a proprietary blend of vinegars, is a standout feature. Don’t miss his famous ikura (salmon roe) or the hand-carved otoro (fatty tuna).
- Location: 77 Amoy Street
- Why it’s worth it: It’s a complete sensory experience. The quality of the ingredients is impeccable, and the chef’s skill is evident in every single piece.
2. Shinji by Kanesaka
A spinoff of the 2-Michelin-starred Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s original in Tokyo, Shinji has two locations in Singapore, one at the St. Regis and another at the Carlton Hotel. It is the gold standard for traditional Edomae-style sushi. The atmosphere is serene and reverent, putting the focus squarely on the craft.
- Signature Style: Pure, unadulterated Edomae sushi. The focus is on bringing out the natural flavor of the fish through precise aging, curing, and slicing techniques.
- Location: The St. Regis Singapore & Carlton Hotel Singapore
- Why it’s worth it: For the purist, this is as close as you can get to a top-tier Ginza sushi-ya without leaving Singapore. The consistency and quality are unwavering.
Excellent Mid-Range Choices
These restaurants prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality, authentic sushi.
1. The Sushi Bar
What started as a humble eatery in Far East Plaza has grown into a local favorite with several outlets. The Sushi Bar is famous for its generous portions and reasonable prices. It’s consistently busy, so be prepared for a queue, but the food is well worth the wait.
- Must-Try Dishes: The “Kaisen Chirashi Don” is legendary—a mountain of fresh, thick-cut sashimi over a bed of sushi rice. Their Aburi Salmon Roll is another crowd-pleaser.
- Location: Far East Plaza & Ngee Ann City
- Why it’s great: It offers incredible value. The sashimi is thicker and fresher than what you’d find at many more expensive places. It’s a no-frills spot where the food speaks for itself.
2. Koji Sushi Bar
Located in the heart of the CBD, Koji is a popular spot for office workers looking for a high-quality lunch. They offer affordable sushi sets and omakase menus that provide a taste of luxury without the hefty price tag.
- Must-Try Dishes: Their lunch sets are a steal. For a more special meal, the 5-course omakase dinner is a great entry point into the world of omakase dining.
- Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre & Pickering Street
- Why it’s great: It makes premium sushi accessible. The quality punches well above its price point, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying and impressive meal.
Best Budget-Friendly Sushi
Craving sushi but on a tight budget? These places deliver freshness and flavor at prices that are hard to beat.
1. Itacho Sushi
With multiple outlets across Singapore, Itacho is a reliable choice for affordable, à la carte sushi. They often run promotions on specific nigiri pieces, allowing you to sample a wide variety without spending much.
- Must-Try Dishes: Look out for their “one-piece” specials, where you can get premium items like fatty tuna or uni for just a few dollars. Their roasted salmon with soy sauce is a consistent winner.
- Location: Multiple outlets including ION Orchard, Bugis Junction, and Plaza Singapura.
- Why it’s great: The ordering system is fun (you fill out a paper chit), and the quality is consistently good for the price. It’s a great place to experiment with different types of sushi.
2. Genki Sushi
Genki Sushi takes the conveyor belt concept and modernizes it. You order via a tablet, and your food is delivered directly to your table via a mini “Shinkansen” (bullet train) system. It’s fun, fast, and surprisingly good.
- Must-Try Dishes: The Trio samplers (e.g., Salmon Trio, Tuna Trio) are great for tasting different preparations. Their Mentai Mayo Fries are also dangerously addictive.
- Location: Multiple outlets including Orchard Central, Suntec City, and VivoCity.
- Why it’s great: It combines entertainment with decent food. It’s a huge hit with families and young people, and the quality is a step up from many other conveyor belt chains.
A Local’s Final Tips
After countless sushi meals, here are a few final thoughts to help you make the most of your dining experience:
- Sit at the counter: If you have the option, always choose a seat at the sushi counter. You’ll get your sushi at its absolute freshest, and you can interact with the chef.
- Don’t overuse soy sauce: High-quality sushi is already seasoned by the chef. A light dip (fish-side, not rice-side) is all you need, if any at all. For omakase, the chef will often tell you if no soy sauce is needed.
- Eat sushi in one bite: Nigiri is designed to be eaten in a single bite to get the perfect balance of fish, rice, and wasabi.
- Use the ginger as a palate cleanser: The pickled ginger (gari) is meant to be eaten between different types of fish, not on top of the sushi itself.
Find Your Perfect Sushi Spot
Singapore offers a sushi experience for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating with a lavish omakase dinner or grabbing a quick and satisfying lunch, the key is knowing where to go. This list is just a starting point. The real joy is in exploring the city’s rich culinary landscape and discovering your own personal favorites.
So go out, be adventurous, and enjoy the incredible sushi that Singapore has to offer.
