If there’s one thing that Singaporeans love other than buffet, it’s definitely Japanese food. Here’s a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

1) ABURIYA JAPANESE BBQ

Aburiya is one of the better Japanese BBQ restaurants in Singapore. It is the kind of place to go for a fun night out with a group of friends to pig out.
Its ala carte menu offers plenty of choices for beef, pork, lamb, chicken, vegetables and seafood, but they recommend opting for the sets – the signature beef set (S$80) comes with an assortment of beef such as prime short rib, tenderloin and skirt; the seafood set (S$75) with prawns, scallops and squid; and the premium wagyu set (S$120) which offers beef tongue, cube-cut steak, skirt and prime short rib.

Address: #01-03 The Quayside 60 Robertson Quay
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm
                                Sun & PH: 6pm – 10pm

2) AOKI RESTAURANT


Aoki Restaurant at Shaw Centre is definitely not cheap. The prices of set lunches are acceptable ($35-50) as it serves top quality Japanese food in a nice environment. Dinner sets are available from $40-80. And if you feel like indulging, omakase during lunch is $100, while dinner is $165.
Some people like to dine at the bar counter (which can only accommodate 15 guests) and witness the chefs in action, and the table seats (there are only three tables) which offers an intimate and cosy experience. Remember to specify your preference when calling to make a reservation.

Address: 1 Scotts Road Shaw Centre #02-17
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat: 12noon – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm

3) AKANOYA ROBATAYAKI


Akanoya specialises in robatayaki. For the uninitiated, robatayaki is a technique in Japanese cuisine; customers sit around an open counter where fresh ingredients are displayed, and they can just point to order. The chefs will then grill the ingredients like seafood, meat, and vegetables over charcoal, and serve it to the customers using a long wooden paddle.

Address: 1 Tanglin Road #01-01 Orchard Parade Hotel
Operating Hours: Daily 6pm – 2am

4) EN JAPANESE DINING BAR


En Japanese Dining Bar at River Valley has a 50% promotion off Sushi and Sashimi from 6pm – 8pm daily. For those who cannot make it for the early bird discount from 6pm to 8pm, you can go there for supper as the Mohammed Sultan branch opens till late night 3am on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 207 River Valley Road #01-57 UE Square Singapore

Operating Hours: Sun to Thu: 6pm – 12am
                                Fri to Sat & PH Eve: 6pm – 3am

5) GINZAWA


Ginzawa (formerly known as Sushi Kuu) – a hidden gem in the heart of the city – at Palais Renaissance is one so elegant that you definitely need to check it out.
The must-try dish at Ginzawa is the Tokusen Hokkai Chirashi Don (S$48) that is available as part of its lunch sets. Topped with 11 types of premium seafood, it is not only super photogenic and Instagram-worthy, but also one of the best chirashi in town.

Address: 390 Orchard Road Palais Renaissance #01-07
Operating Hours: Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

6) HIDE YAMAMOTO


At Hide Yamamoto, diners can enjoy four different menus – namely: sushi, robatayaki, ramen and teppanyaki. The Japanese Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino, and it is the brainchild of renowned Chef Hide Yamaamoto.
While prices are steep, we’d recommend Hide Yamamoto restaurant at Marina Bay Sands if you like teppanyaki.

Address: 8 Bayfront Avenue 02-05 Casino Side Level 2, Marina Bay Sands
Operating Hours: Mon to Wed: 6pm – 11pm
                                Thu to Sun: 6pm – 3am


7) ITACHO


Salmon skin sushi for S$0.40 – everyone will know Itacho Sushi because of this. And more than that, they are a favourite because of the wide variety of sushi creations at very friendly prices. When dining at Itacho, treat yourself to a selection of makis, rolls and nigiris made with fresh ingredients.

Address: #03-03/31 Changi Airport Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard
Operating Hours: Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
                                Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm

8) IZAKAYA NIJUMARU


Izakaya Nijumaru is a great hidden gem with good Japanese food at very affordable prices. If you are meeting your friends in town and trying to decide what to eat in Orchard, you may want to drop by Izakaya Nijumaru at Cuppage Plaza for a drink and some Japanese food.

Address: 5 Koek Road #02-10, Cuppage Plaza
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
                                Sun:  6pm – 10pm