This is where our search took us. Six places across Singapore, each with a different idea of what fresh fish can be. Some are quiet and refined, while others are lively, casual, and built for sharing. We loved them for different reasons, and we think you might too.
Our journey through traditional Japanese cuisine showed us that sashimi is not just about the fish itself. It is about the preparation, the ingredients, and the moments created around the table. Whether paired with a full Japanese meal, a comforting rice bowl, or enjoyed on its own, every slice tells a different story.
Here is what we found when we went looking for the best sashimi Singapore has to offer, from carefully crafted counters to hidden gems that surprised us with a truly satisfying meal.
The Best Japanese Restaurants Have The Best Sashimi
Before we dive into each sashimi experience, here is our cheat key to the six spots that made our list. From intimate sushi counters to lively izakayas, each restaurant offers its own way of enjoying fresh seafood, traditional Japanese cuisine, and signature dishes worth discovering.
| Restaurant | Why We’d Bring Friends Here | A Taste Of What’s Waiting |
|---|---|---|
| Shinji by Kanesaka | For special occasions when we want a refined sushi counter experience guided by the chef. | Seasonal sashimi selections that highlight the quality of each ingredient through traditional Japanese techniques. |
| The Sushi Bar | For an easy Orchard gathering where sharing good food matters more than making plans too far ahead. | Fresh sashimi platters and signature dishes that make a casual dinner menu feel a little more memorable. |
| Standing Sushi Bar | For days when we want quality sashimi without stepping into a formal dining setting. | A variety of seafood selections that show how an affordable sushi experience can still feel satisfying. |
| Torio Japanese Restaurant | For diners who enjoy premium Japanese seafood without committing to a full omakase meal. | Carefully selected sashimi cuts, including richer options like fatty tuna, that let the fish speak for itself. |
| Tora Tora Tora | For catching up with friends over Japanese food, drinks, and a more energetic dining atmosphere. | Assorted sashimi alongside izakaya favourites that capture the spirit of vibrant Japanese dining culture. |
| FYI Freakin’ Yummy Izakaya | For those who enjoy finding lesser-known spots with exciting Japanese offerings. | Chutoro, otoro, and sashimi selections that make this a place worth adding to a future food trail. |
1. Shinji by Kanesaka: The Quiet Room That Changed How We Eat
The Go-To Sashimi: Seasonal Sashimi from the Omakase Wa Lunch Set
Walking into Shinji by Kanesaka at The St. Regis Singapore already feels different. The hinoki wood, soft andon lighting, and intimate sushi counter create a setting where every detail feels carefully considered.
For our Omakase Wa lunch set, we placed ourselves in the chef’s hands and waited for the seasonal sashimi to arrive. Each slice reflected the quality of the ingredients sourced from Japan, including seafood selected through trusted suppliers like Toyosu Market.
The sashimi was simple but memorable. The white fish had a delicate sweetness and clean finish, while the fatty tuna stood out with its rich, buttery texture that melted gently without overpowering the natural flavour of the fish.
Our Group Take
What impressed us most was the attention behind each course. The chef adjusted the pacing based on our table, making the experience feel personal rather than rushed. Beyond the fresh ingredients and traditional Japanese techniques, it was the quiet omotenashi that made Shinji feel like more than just a meal.
2. The Sushi Bar: The Orchard Sashimi Stop We Keep Returning To
The Go-To Sashimi: 5 Kinds Sashimi (S$40)
Our third visit to The Sushi Bar came with a different purpose. We had previously stopped by the Ngee Ann City during our hunt for fresh seafood bowls around the area and tracing our favourite sushi spots where we visited their Far East Plaza outlet. This time, we came back to their Ngee Ann City outlet specifically for the sashimi.
The 5 Kinds Sashimi brought a different experience, from the soft sweetness of salmon to cleaner, leaner slices of fish and seasonal selections that kept the sharing experience interesting.
The salmon sashimi remained one of our favourites. The slices were smooth with a naturally sweet finish, while the texture had the freshness we look for when ordering raw fish. Even our usual salmon skeptic at the table found themselves reaching for another piece.
Our Group Take
Beyond sashimi, The Sushi Bar is also a place we would return to for its wider Japanese menu, whether its trying dishes like their kaisen chirashi don, crispy soft shell crab, or sharing a few sushi rolls with friends. But for this visit, the 5 Kinds Sashimi reminded us why this Orchard favourite continues to earn a place on our list.
3. Standing Sushi Bar: Where Fresh Sashimi Meets Actual Craft
The Go-To Sashimi: Sakura Sashimi Set (S$59)
Standing Sushi Bar at Odeon Towers has a completely different energy from the traditional sushi counters we visited. It feels younger, more relaxed, and more like the kind of place we would drop by when craving good Japanese food without planning an elaborate meal.
The Sakura Sashimi Platter (21pcs) immediately caught our attention because it felt like a small tour of the ocean. The platter brought together seven different selections, including Nagasaki Chutoro, salmon belly, scallop, hamachi, swordfish, red shrimp, and house-marinated white tuna.
Our Group Take
For a platter with this much variety, we expected the price to climb much higher. Instead, we even got to try other menu items like their tempura. We ended up feeling like we had found one of those rare spots where modern Japanese cuisine meets quality raw fish without making diners feel like they need a special occasion to enjoy it.
4. Torio Japanese Restaurant: Refined, Without the Distance
The Go-To Sashimi: Assorted Premium Sashimi, Oh-Toro
Torio carries the polish of a serious sushi restaurant, but the room stays warm rather than intimidating.
For our lunch visit, we got tthe Assorted Premium Sashimi (S$68) which leans into seasonal seafood, and the different cuts let you feel the shift between soft and firm, rich and clean. Each slice brought a different experience, from cleaner and lighter fish to richer cuts with more depth. We barely needed soy sauce because the natural richness of the fish was already enough.
For those wanting a deeper dive into Torio’s seafood, their omakase experience offers a chance to let the chefs guide the meal through seasonal selections. But even during a simple lunch, we appreciated the same attention to detail. Their omakase menus start from S$138 if you want to hand over the reins.
Our Group Take
What stayed with us was how easy the staff made the experience feel. When we hesitated over the premium cuts, their recommendations felt less like upselling and more like advice from someone who genuinely wanted us to enjoy the meal.
5. Tora Tora Tora: The Sashimi Platter Made For Sharing
The Go-To Sashimi: 8 Kind Moriawase Sashimi (S$78)
Some sashimi experiences are about the fish, while others are about the people sharing it with you. Tora Tora Tora in the Ubi area brings both together with its lively modern izakaya atmosphere and generous sharing plates.
The 8-Kind Moriawase Sashimi was made for the table. The chef-arranged platter brought together eight varieties of sashimi, giving everyone something different to try. Each slice highlighted a different taste and texture, from lighter cuts to richer pieces that showed the true quality of well-prepared seafood.
The Salmon Belly Sashimi quickly became our favourite. Its higher fat content gave it a smoother, richer mouthfeel compared with regular salmon, making it one of those plates that disappeared before we realised it was gone.
Our Group Take
We also enjoyed how the sashimi fit naturally into the wider menu. We think a refreshing serving of cold soba could have helped balance the meal but unfortunately they didn’t have any. The Japanese ingredients, added to the overall experience. Tora Tora Tora reminded us that great sashimi does not always need a formal setting. Sometimes, it is best enjoyed around a table full of friends.
6. FYI Freakin’ Yummy Izakaya: The Casual Spot Hiding Serious Tuna
The Go-To Sashimi: 5 Kinds Sashimi (S$22.80) / 9 Kinds Sashimi (S$48.80)
FYI Freakin’ Yummy Izakaya does not look like the kind of place where we would expect to find impressive tuna. The casual setting feels made for skewers, drinks, and catching up with friends, but then the sashimi arrives and changes the conversation.
The 5 Kinds Sashimi is a good starting point for those who want a taste of what they offer, while the 9 Kinds Sashimi is the platter we would order when the table wants more variety. Both showcase their approach to fresh seafood, bringing together different textures and flavours without making the experience feel overly formal.
The highlight for us was the Otoro Sashimi. Rich, buttery, and almost melting as it hits your tongue, it delivered the kind of indulgence we usually associate with premium sushi counters. The Chutoro Sashimi offered a different experience, with a firmer bite and a more balanced richness that made it easier to keep reaching for another slice.
Our Group Take
FYI embraces the fun side of vibrant izakaya culture, but its seafood shows that a casual restaurant can still work with premium ingredients. Sometimes the best discoveries are the places where the surroundings say “weeknight meal”, but the sashimi says “special occasion”.
The Sashimi Search Continues: Places We’re Saving For Later
After putting together our list of sashimi spots, we quickly realised one thing: six places could never fully capture Singapore’s love for Japanese seafood. There are still so many counters, restaurants, and hidden finds waiting for us to explore.
While these spots did not make our first journey, they have earned a place on our next sashimi trail. We have bookmarked them for the days when the craving for fresh fish returns and we are ready to discover another side of Singapore’s Japanese dining scene.
Places On Our Next Sashimi Trail | Why It’s On Our List |
|---|---|
Sushi Dan | This was one of the names that caught our attention while researching sashimi spots in Singapore. We are curious to experience their approach to Japanese seafood and see how their sashimi selection compares with the places we have already visited. |
Sushi Sato | A name that kept appearing during our search, Sushi Sato is now on our radar for a future meal. We would love to explore how they approach traditional Japanese dining and seasonal ingredients. |
Tomi Sushi | A familiar name among Japanese food lovers, Tomi Sushi is one we want to revisit with a sashimi-focused lens. We are curious about how its seafood offerings have evolved and what dishes stand out today. |
Ganko Sushi | With its Japanese sushi heritage, Ganko Sushi is another destination we have bookmarked. It is a place we want to explore when we continue searching for more sashimi experiences around Singapore. |
What We Learned From Chasing The Perfect Slice
After exploring different sashimi spots, we realised the experience was never just about finding the freshest fish. It was about the small details: the way skilled chefs prepare each cut, the balance of flavours, and the conversations that happen when everyone reaches for another slice.
Our love for Japanese food probably explains why there was a period where we joked that we were travelling to Japan “thrice weekly” in spirit, constantly searching for new flavours to bring back into our own food adventures. Somewhere along the way, we accidentally developed a more discerning palate, or at least became better at noticing when a slice of fish was treated with care.
Along this journey, we discovered how each restaurant finds its own balance between tradition and a modern twist. From seafood air flown from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market to simple touches like traditional condiments, every detail shapes how we experience sashimi.
We may have started this search looking for great fish, but we ended up appreciating the people, preparation, and stories behind every plate. With so many Japanese restaurants and passionate chefs in Singapore, we already know there are more slices waiting for us.
