We have always believed that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy incredible Japanese food in our city. Over the past eight months, we have personally eaten our way through dozens of Japanese restaurants in Singapore to bring you this exact list of favourite Japanese restaurants that deliver the best Japanese restaurants SG has to offer. From steaming bowls of dipping ramen to charcoal grilled yakitori, We wanted to find places that deliver maximum flavour without the massive price tag.
We all know Singapore is home to some incredible fine-dining establishments. It is easy to find a luxurious omakase menu featuring sea urchin and botan shrimp flown directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. You can easily drop hundreds of dollars at Michelin starred restaurants or places boasting two Michelin stars near Marina Bay Sands and the St. Regis Singapore. However, we wanted to shake things up. What happens when you just want a generous portion of fresh sashimi or a comforting wagyu don?
We have tried all of these budget-friendly spots ourselves, judging them on taste, value, and overall dining experience. You do not always need an omakase menu or a Michelin star to experience the comforting, deep flavours of Japan, sometimes those affordable restaurants in Singapore are more than enough to satisfy our cravings without creating a deep hole in our pockets.
Summary Section: Our Quick Picks of Japanese Restaurants SG
Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore: A lively izakaya in Ubi offering hearty donburi and charcoal grilled meats at fantastic prices, embodying vibrant izakaya culture.
MIZ Japanese Restaurant: A cozy neighborhood sanctuary in Kampong Bahru serving incredibly comforting teriyaki and curry dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Unatoto Guoco Tower: The ultimate Tanjong Pagar lunch spot for rich dipping ramen and affordable unagi bowls.
Sushi Zanmai Raffles Holland V: A fun, casual conveyor-belt sushi joint in Holland Village with surprisingly fresh fish and popular spicy tuna rolls.
Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant @ UE Square: A long-standing favourite near Dhoby Ghaut with unbeatable lunch set combos featuring signature dishes.
Kushi Japanese Dining: A hidden gem in MacPherson delivering juicy, charcoal-grilled yakitori and satisfying rice bowls.
1. Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore (Ubi): A Favourite Japanese Restaurant with Vibrant Izakaya Culture
Price: $ to $$
We visited this spot on a Friday evening around 6:30 pm, and the vibrant izakaya culture was already in full swing. Tora Tora Tora made this list because it perfectly balances the lively atmosphere of a traditional Tokyo pub with incredibly friendly prices. Many Japanese restaurants sg locals frequent tend to overcharge for simple pub grub, but this Japanese restaurant keeps things highly accessible.
The signature dishes here include their Salmon Aburi Don ($14.90). The bowl arrived steaming hot, topped with thick slices of perfectly torched salmon and a generous drizzle of mentai mayo. The fish was incredibly fresh, melting instantly on our tongues with a beautiful smoky aroma from the torch. We also ordered a side of crispy karaage tempura, fried to golden perfection, which paired perfectly with a cold glass of sake. We did notice that the music inside was quite loud (so it might be hard to hear your friends if you sit right under the speaker).
Ideal for: Groups, friends, and casual dinners where you want to share multiple plates in a lively setting.
Steer Clear if: You are looking for a highly formal, quiet sanctuary to celebrate special occasions.
Dining tip: Ask for their combo sets that bundle a main dish with side plates to get the absolute best value for your money.
2. MIZ Japanese Restaurant (Kampong Bahru): Classic Japanese Food with Fresh Seasonal Produce
Price: $
We stumbled upon MIZ Japanese Restaurant on a rainy weekday lunch break, and it felt like stepping into a cozy diner straight out of Japan. We included MIZ on this list because it serves classic, no-nonsense Japanese cuisine that feels like a warm home-cooked meal. It lacks the pretentious decor you might find at high-end spots in Ngee Ann City or Palais Renaissance, focusing entirely on serving great food at fair prices.
We ordered their signature Pork Curry Donburi Set ($12.50). The curry was thick, rich, and packed with sweet carrots and tender pork chunks. It had that perfect, comforting spice level that warms you from the inside out. The set also came with a beautifully crisp side salad and a deeply savoury miso soup made with fresh ingredients. We were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion sizes, though the seating is a bit cramped (you might bump elbows with the person at the next table).
Ideal for: Weekday lunches, casual dinners, and anyone who wants classic Japanese comfort food without premium pricing.
Steer Clear if: You are hunting for premium seasonal ingredients like snow crab or fatty tuna.
Dining tip: Always look out for their bento set deals during the lunch block, as they deliver the biggest savings.
3. Unatoto Guoco Tower (Tanjong Pagar): Affordable Japanese Food with Steaming Bowls of Dipping Ramen
Price: $ to $$
Finding an affordable meal in the heart of the Central Business District is usually a nightmare, which is why Unatoto Guoco Tower is such a lifesaver. We visited on a Tuesday around 1:00 pm, and the line was moving surprisingly fast. This place made the list because it serves high-quality unagi and deep-flavour broths right in the middle of Tanjong Pagar without draining your wallet.
Their signature Unadon ($14.50) is an absolute steal. The grilled eel was served on a bed of fluffy rice, coated in a sweet and savoury tare sauce that had beautifully caramelized on the grill. The flesh was soft, while the skin retained a slight, satisfying crispness. We also noticed that the AC in the mall was quite strong (you might want to bring a light jacket if you get cold easily). While the unagi is the star, their spicy dipping ramen with springy noodles is also phenomenal.
Ideal for: Hearty office lunch breaks and casual dinners when you are craving quick, flavourful Japanese food in the CBD.
Steer Clear if: You want a slow, multi-course meal where you can linger for hours.
Dining tip: The curry don here is a hidden hero that is often overlooked by first-timers; definitely give it a try if you want something different.
4. Sushi Zanmai Raffles Holland V (Holland Village): A Fun Japanese Restaurant with Fresh Sashimi and Spicy Tuna
Price: $ to $$
If you want the fun of a conveyor belt without the questionable quality of massive budget chains, Sushi Zanmai is the perfect middle ground. We visited this spot on a Sunday afternoon, and the bright, airy dining room immediately put us in a good mood. It made the list because it consistently offers incredibly fresh sashimi and nigiri at prices that beat out many competitors in Far East Plaza or Millenia Walk.
We focused heavily on their fresh fish plates, particularly the Spicy Tuna Maki ($4.50 per plate) and the Salmon Belly Nigiri ($5.50 per plate). The salmon belly was exceptionally fatty and sweet, draped over a perfectly seasoned mound of sushi rice. The spicy tuna had a great kick from the fresh spring onions and chili mayo. The service is fast and friendly, though the bill can definitely creep up on you if you blindly grab every single plate that looks delicious.
Ideal for: Families, groups, and casual sushi lunches where everyone wants to pick their own specific dishes.
Steer Clear if: You are specifically seeking an intimate, chef-led omakase experience.
Dining tip: Focus primarily on the plates with “fresh fish” tags on the belt, as these tend to offer the best value for the quality.
5. Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant @ UE Square (River Valley): A Favourite Japanese Restaurant for Generous Portions of Signature Dishes
Price: $$
Shin Minori has been a reliable favourite for years, and for good reason. We walked in for a late lunch on a Thursday and were immediately seated by the incredibly welcoming staff. We added this restaurant to the list because they offer some of the most comprehensive and satisfying lunch specials in the city. It is a fantastic alternative to the pricier traditional spots you might find closer to Boat Quay or the East Plaza.
We ordered their signature Mixed Sashimi and Tempura Lunch Set ($22.00). The presentation was lovely, featuring thick, cold cuts of fresh salmon and tuna alongside a basket of lightly fried, crispy prawn tempura. The seafood tasted incredibly fresh, and the tempura batter was airy and not overly greasy. The restaurant’s interior is a bit dated and strictly functional (do not expect to find a traditional footbridge or reflecting pool here), but the food quality more than makes up for the simple decor.
Ideal for: Office lunches, casual catch-ups, and diners who want a massive variety of dishes in one sitting.
Steer Clear if: You are looking for a highly modern, incredibly aesthetic dining room for your social media feed.
Dining tip: Stick primarily to the lunch set options, as they bundle your main course with multiple high-quality sides at a very affordable price point.
6. Kushi Japanese Dining (MacPherson): Authentic Charcoal Grilled Yakitori and Donburi
Price: $ to $$
Tucked away in the Grantral Mall at MacPherson, Kushi Japanese Dining is a brilliant hidden gem. We visited this spot on a Wednesday evening and were blown away by the authentic, smoky aromas wafting from the kitchen. We included Kushi because it captures the exact feeling of eating in a tiny alleyway near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, serving perfectly charcoal grilled skewers at neighborhood prices.
You must try their Yakitori and Donburi Combo ($16.80). The chicken skewers were cooked to absolute perfection, with a slight charred bitterness on the outside and incredibly juicy meat on the inside. They were brushed with a sweet soy glaze that dripped beautifully into the steaming bowl of rice below. The chef clearly respects traditional cooking methods, ensuring every skewer is watched carefully. The dining area is quite small and unassuming, making it feel like a wonderful secret spot just for locals.
Ideal for: Friends’ dinners, casual hangouts, and anyone craving authentic, smoky yakitori without the city-center markups.
Steer Clear if: You want an extensive menu of raw fish or complex, high-end sushi rolls.
Dining tip: Order the yakitori and donburi combo to easily sample their famous grilled meats alongside a filling rice bowl without overspending.
Experience Authentic Japanese Flavors on a Budget From The Best Japanese Restaurants
It is truly amazing how much incredible Japanese cuisine you can find in Singapore without emptying your bank account. From vibrant, noisy izakayas serving up fresh ingredients to quiet little neighborhood spots mastering the art of the perfect curry or wagyu don, there is always a great meal waiting for you. Whether you are craving Edomae sushi, fatty tuna nigiri, or springy noodles in a rich broth, these Japanese restaurants in Singapore prove affordability does not mean sacrificing quality.
We highly encourage you to step outside your usual dining routine and try a few of these fantastic venues for your next lunch or dinner. If you liked this review and found these tips helpful, be sure to check out SG Dining Guide for more posts on the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore and honest restaurant recommendations across the island. We are always exploring to bring you the best food our city has to offer!
