If you are reading the news on Michelin Guide 2025, you should know that Singapore’s fine dining world is turning into worse. The number of one-star restaurants in Singapore has fallen from 42 to just 32. That’s a big dip. Even the world of Japanese cuisine, which is one of Singapore’s most favoured cuisines, has not been spared. I was genuinely sad to see that some of our previously starred Japanese restaurants in 2024, like Shinji at Carlton Hotel, Sushi Kimura, and Oshino, have closed. But not all is lost. In fact, some new names are stepping up, reminding us what makes Japanese dining in Singapore so special. Omakase @ Stevens made its debut with one Michelin star this year, and Sushi Sakuta got promoted from one to two stars. These places are proof that the spirit of Japanese culinary excellence is still very much here.
As Sébastien Lepinoy of three-star Les Amis observed, “It’s bad everywhere. We just have to adapt our business and come back fighting.” With cautious hope, he adds, “The worst is over, and Singapore will shine again.” And maybe he’s right because despite the closures and shake-ups, the Japanese food scene here continues to reinvent itself.
So before we explore our top 6 Michelin-rated Japanese restaurants in Singapore for 2025, let’s first take a moment to understand the Michelin star system.
Table of contents
Understanding The Michelin Star System
1. What is a Michelin Star?
So you probably have heard of Michelin Stars, but what is it exactly? Think of it like a holy grail in the culinary world. It is a big trophy that any restaurant would dream of, and it is a global stamp of approval that tells you, “Hey, this place is worth the trip.” It all started in France as part of a travel guide to encourage people to drive more, so people bought more tyres from Michelin (if you don’t know, it is actually a company that sells tyres). They found out that if people are going to cruise around, they might as well eat well along the way. Today, a Michelin star is still one of the highest honours a restaurant can get. More than just good food, it stands for an unforgettable experience that every true foodie lives for.
2. How the Michelin star rating system works
Ever wonder how a restaurant gets a Michelin star? Michelin’s inspectors would eat at restaurants without revealing who they are, just like any regular customer. And they will always pay for the meal. No special treatment and no heads-up. After each visit, they write up thorough notes on the taste and presentation of each dish. Then, they will meet up, compare notes and decide if the place deserves one or two stars.
Now, here’s something most people don’t realise. Michelin stars aren’t awarded to the chef, even though the chef plays a big part. The stars go to the restaurant itself. That means that it is not just one great dish but the whole experience from start to finish.
So what exactly are the inspectors looking for? They’ve got a few core criteria:
- Quality of ingredients (no surprise there)
- Skilful cooking and harmony of flavours
- The chef’s personal touch (yes, you can taste their style)
- Value for money (because it’s not just about how much you pay)
- And finally, consistency (every visit should be just as good as the last)
3. Understanding Michelin Star Ratings
So how do two stars differ from one star? The Michelin stars are awarded based on a carefully defined set of standards, as follows:
One Star: Indicates a restaurant is “very good and worth a stop“. Food is solid (really good, actually) and the ingredients are fresh. The chef has expert culinary techniques, but maybe lacks the creativity of higher-rated establishments.
Two Stars: Signifies “excellent and worth a detour“. This level is all about outstanding food, on-point ingredients, but more than that, it is a dining experience that feels rare and memorable.
Three Stars: Denotes “world-class and worth a special journey“. These are restaurants that people book plane tickets for. Every dish is a masterpiece, innovative, flawlessly executed, and served in an elegant atmosphere. Three-star restaurants are extremely rare.
Now here’s the twist. In this article, we are not just looking at what Michelin inspectors think. We take a more down-to-earth look at the Michelin-starred restaurants, especially the Japanese ones here in Singapore. We rate them based on the feedback from platforms like Tripadvisor and Facebook instead of the Michelin ranking. Our focus is on the average diner’s experience, assessing whether these acclaimed kitchens really resonate with broader tastes. By prioritising online reviews, we present a more democratic view of fine dining and evaluate whether these restaurants meet popular expectations.
While Michelin stars remain the hallmark of fine dining, we are more curious about what real people think about their dishes. Do they live up to the hype? Are they worth the splurge? That is the kind of honest, unfiltered feedback we are putting front and centre.
Now, let’s dive into the Top 6 Michelin-rated Japanese Restaurants in Singapore for 2025 based on online reviews.
| # | Ranking | Tripadvisor1 | Facebook1 | Google1 | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoukouwa ☆☆ | 4.5 (102) | 4.4 (21) | 4.6 (188) | 4.40 |
| 2 | Waku Ghin ☆ | 4.5 (419) | 4.2 (993) | 4.2 (338) | 4.38 |
| 3 | Sushi Ichi ☆ | 4.4 (40) | 4.3 (274) | 4.6 (149) | 4.28 |
| 4 | Omakase @ Stevens ☆ | 5.0 (4) | 5.0 (2) | 4.8 (89) | 4.02 |
| 5 | Hamamoto ☆ | 4.8 (4) | 5.0 (3) | 4.9 (90) | 4.01 |
| 6 | Sushi Sakuta ☆☆ | 5.0 (1) | N/A | 4.9 (54) | 3.92 |
1. Shoukouwa ☆ ☆
Shoukouwa offers an intimate, refined sushi experience steeped in the edomae tradition from Japan’s Edo era. With just eight seats and a private dining room that can accommodate 6 guests, diners can enjoy personalised attention from highly skilled Japanese chefs who serve sushi made from the freshest ingredients flown daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. The delicate balance of premium fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and masterful technique creates a meditative dining experience that celebrates purity and precision in every bite.
My favourite dishes at Shoukouwa are:
- Monkfish Liver with Uni (Sea Urchin): This dish is well-known for its exciting mix of creamy textures. It shows the restaurant’s skill in balancing rich flavours and luxurious ingredients.
- Crab Rice with Uni and Ikura: This dish is one of the restaurant’s most memorable items. It features sweet fresh crab, salty sea urchin, and popping salmon roe. Many describe it as “almost perfect harmony” on the omakase menu.
- Nigiri Sushi Selection (especially Squid Nigiri and Toro Maki): The sushi at Shoukouwa is made from seafood flown in from Japan. It features delicate rice and top-quality seafood. The squid nigiri is known for its fine slicing and a touch of sudachi lime. The toro maki, which is a tuna hand roll nigiri, receives regular praise for its amazing flavours and skilled preparation.
Address: One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd, #02-02A One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Contact: +65 6423 9939
Opening hours: 12:30–3 pm and 6–10:30 pm (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Website
2. Waku Ghin ☆
Waku Ghin, a one-Michelin-star restaurant by Japanese celebrity chef Tetsuya Wakuda, blends seasonal ingredients with Japanese culinary mastery. Designed by Yohei Akao, the space pays homage to nature and heritage. Guests can enjoy sushi omakase, casual bar dining with signature dishes, or a luxurious degustation at the Chef’s Table. Private dining rooms offer privacy and beautiful waterfront views for special occasions.
My favourite dishes at Waku Ghin are:
- Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Oscietra Caviar: This is Waku Ghin’s signature dish and is considered its best creation. This dish highlights the sweet taste of botan shrimp, the salty flavour of sea urchin (uni), and the rich saltiness of Oscietra caviar. It is often served on an ice-cold plate or shell for a beautiful presentation.
- Japanese Wagyu Beef with Wasabi and Citrus Soy: This dish features tender, high-quality Japanese wagyu beef that is expertly seared. It comes with freshly grated wasabi, which gives a nice kick, and citrus soy sauce, which adds a bright flavour. Together, the wasabi and citrus soy enhance the rich taste and texture of the beef.
- Seasonal Grilled or Steamed Seafood (such as King Crab, Abalone, or Lobster): Waku Ghin is known for its seafood tasting menus, including dishes like grilled abalone with dashi brown butter and Oscietra caviar, steamed king crab with lemon-infused olive oil, and broiled lobster with tarragon. These meals impress with their freshness, precise cooking techniques, and complex flavours.
Address: Marina Bay Sands Singapore, 10 Bayfront Ave, L2-03 The Shoppes, Singapore 018956
Contact: +65 6688 8507
Opening hours: 5–10:30 pm
Website
3. Sushi Ichi ☆
Sushi-Ichi, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a unique dining experience rooted in tradition. The inviting atmosphere features a counter made from 300-year-old hinoki cypress and handcrafted wooden ornaments from Nara. Here, seasonal seafood and vegetables from Japan are paired with the finest rice, marinated in red or white vinegar, to create exquisite Edomae sushi. The highly recommended omakase menu showcases a delightful selection of dishes. With sister outlets in Jakarta and Bangkok, Sushi-Ichi is committed to sharing its exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality with every guest.
My favourite dishes at Sushi Ichi are:
- Otoro (Fatty Tuna Belly) Sushi: The otoro is known for its freshness, rich flavour, and smooth texture. Many diners say it is a highlight of the omakase meal, enjoying its buttery taste.
- Uni (Sea Urchin) and Ikura Rice Bowl: This rice bowl features rich and sweet sea urchin, paired with the salty burst of salmon roe (ikura). It is visually appealing and offers an excellent mix of flavours and textures. This dish showcases some of Japan’s finest ingredients.
- Seasonal Nigiri Sushi Selection (e.g., Kinmedai, Shima Aji, Kuruma Ebi): Ginza Sushi Ichi offers a Seasonal Nigiri Sushi Selection that features rare fish. This selection includes kinmedai (golden eye snapper), shima aji (striped horse mackerel), and kuruma ebi (imperial prawn). Each piece of sushi is prepared with great care, highlighting traditional Edomae-style sushi techniques.
Address: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd, #01-04 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore 238865
Contact: +65 6235 5514
Opening hours: 12–2.30 pm and 6–10 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Website
4. Omakase @ Stevens ☆
Omakase @ Stevens is a fine-dining restaurant known for its unique Japanese-French kaiseki meals. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Kazuki Arimoto, the omakase experience features seasonal dishes made with high-quality Japanese ingredients and creative French touches. Guests enjoy a carefully arranged series of dishes, including caviar starters, seasonal seafood, and premium wagyu, all served at a minimalist counter that seats just 16 people. The atmosphere is calm and elegant, with attentive service that highlights the skill and balance of each dish. It is essential to make reservations in advance for this popular omakase spot, which is praised for its lively flavours, precise presentation, and great attention to detail.
My favourite dishes at Omakase @ Stevens are:
- Wagyu Katsu (Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Cutlet): This main dish features premium A5 Wagyu. The meat is breaded and fried to create a crunchy outside and a tender inside. It is served with truffle, garlic paste, and Perigueux sauce, making it both elegant and comforting.
- Unagi Donabe (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl): This dish features a small but flavorful bowl of unagi (grilled eel). The eel has a crisp skin and is served on rice with a homemade kabayaki sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin. This combination creates rich and satisfying traditional flavours.
- Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper): The fish is well-cooked with crispy skin. It comes with a seafood broth, rouille, and basil oil. The mix of textures and flavours makes it a highlight on the menu.
Address: Novotel Hotel, 30 Stevens Road #01-03, Singapore 257840
Contact: +65 6735 8282
Opening hours: 6–10:30 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Website
5. Hamamoto ☆
At Hamamoto, Chef Kazuhiro Hamamoto, a native of Kyoto with over 20 years of experience, offers a refined sushi-kappo experience in his 12-seat restaurant. Known for sourcing the finest ingredients, his menu features exquisite nigiri and memorable starters, such as spiny lobster with uni. With only one seating for lunch and dinner at the elegant counter, reservations require a bit of patience. Each dish reflects Chef Kazu’s vision of harmony and connection, showcasing seasonal produce at its peak of freshness. Enjoy an unforgettable meal that transports you to Japan, where every detail is crafted to provide comfort and care.
My favourite dishes at Hamamoto are:
- Lobster, Uni, and Caviar Dish: This dish combines lobster, uni (sea urchin), and caviar, known for its rich flavours and textures. It is one of the restaurant’s most popular items. The types of seafood and toppings change with the seasons. Chef Hamamoto focuses on high quality and the best timing for each ingredient.
- Grilled Eel (Unagi): This dish features eel that is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat. The flavour is enhanced by a well-matched sauce or just a sprinkle of salt and a touch of wasabi. This allows the rich taste of the high-quality eel to come through. The dish shows the chef’s skill in preparing ingredients and creating balance.
- Seasonal Nigiri and Shellfish Dishes (e.g., Hokkaido Hairy Crab, Chutoro, Sea Bream): Hamamoto’s sushi courses focus on the best seasonal ingredients from Japan. They feature nigiri like nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), and aged sea bream, showcasing expert preparation. The seasonal shellfish starters, such as Hokkaido hairy crab and monkfish liver, are also praised for their freshness and delicate flavours.
Address: 58 Tras St, Singapore 078997
Contact: +65 9672 7110
Opening hours: 12–3 pm and 6:30–11 pm (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Website
6. Sushi Sakuta ☆☆
At Sushi Sakuta, Chef-Owner Sakuta prioritises customer satisfaction and culinary excellence, crafting an inclusive experience for both connoisseurs and newcomers. The restaurant features a stunning 5-meter hinoki counter, crafted from a 200-year-old Yoshino cypress tree, where guests can appreciate the chefs’ precision techniques. With seating for just ten and a private room for 6, diners enjoy exquisite Edomae-style sushi in a luxurious and intimate setting, highlighting the artistry and tradition of Japanese cuisine.
My favourite dishes at Sushi Sakuta are:
- Sweet Shrimp with Caviar in Sea Urchin and Egg Sauce: This dish is a standout on the menu. It uses rich ingredients and creates a delicate balance of flavours.
- Steamed Abalone with Abalone Liver Sauce: A delicious dish known for its rich sauce and careful cooking. It shows the chef’s attention to detail.
- Kinki Shabu Shabu: This seasonal fish is cooked using the shabu shabu method. This method keeps its delicate, sweet taste, making it a refined and elegant dish on the omakase menu.
Address: 15 Stamford Rd, #01-88 The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, Singapore 178906
Contact: +65 6214 9477
Opening hours: 12:30–3 pm and 7–10.30 pm (Closed on every Monday and for lunch on Thursdays)
Website
Ikeda Spa – Experience Japan’s Finest in Singapore
After indulging in the delicate tastes and artistry of Singapore’s Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants, treat yourself to the perfect finishing touch at Ikeda Spa. Voted Singapore’s top Japanese spa by TripAdvisor, this peaceful sanctuary offers time-tested treatments crafted to soothe both body and spirit.
Just as the Michelin kitchens use only the purest seasonal ingredients, Ikeda Spa centres wellness around pure, carefully chosen products from Japan. Slip into a relaxing atmosphere where omotenashi (Japanese spirit of hospitality) wraps around you. Immerse yourself in the special hinoki onsen, take in the healing scent of the wood, or relax on the warm ganbanyoku stones. You will experience the same dedication to thoughtful care that you enjoyed at the restaurants.
To round off your Michelin-starred evening on an equally high note, drop by Ikeda Spa and enjoy a complimentary onsen session when you book any massage or facial, because every Michelin meal deserves a moment of pure relaxation.
