No soy sauce to lean on, no wok hei to cover a mistake, no crust to distract you. Just fresh fish, a knife, and skilled sushi chefs who know exactly when to slice and when to wait. When it’s right, you notice the fish’s natural texture and subtle flavors. When it’s tired or careless, you notice that too.
We’ve eaten our way through enough plates of raw fish and assorted sashimi to know the difference between fish meat that’s simply cold and fish that’s been treated with respect using proper freezing techniques and traditional condiments like grated ginger and pickled ginger. Some of these places are supermarket-casual, the kind where you pick your own from a chiller. Others are hotel-quiet, the sort you save for a birthday or an unforgettable dining experience featuring premium sashimi and prized fish like bluefin tuna and fatty tuna.
All six earn their place for one reason: the fresh fish comes first.
Quick Guide to Top Sashimi Spots in Singapore
Restaurant | Best For | Price Range | Location | SENDs Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seasonal fresh sashimi, rare Japanese fish | $$$ | Tanglin Mall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Value, choosing your own fish meat | $ | West Coast, Anchorpoint | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Celebrations, seasonal fresh fish | $$ | Scotts Road | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Premium seasonal sashimi, intimate | $$$ | Dempsey Road | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Casual dinners, value quality | $ | Promenade | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
CBD lunches, quick sashimi fixes | $ | City Hall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
À la carte sashimi, premium cuts without full omakase | $$$ | Penang Road / Dhoby Ghaut | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Generous sashimi portions, chirashi bowls | $$ | Bukit Timah Plaza | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Araya Shouten: The Best Fresh Sashimi Spot for People Ready to Stop Ordering Salmon by Default
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard MRT, about 4–6 minutes on foot
Price: $$$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Araya Shouten is not a conventional Japanese restaurant, and that is exactly why it belongs on this list. It is a Japanese fishmonger at Tanglin Mall with only a few standing tables, so the experience is less “book a sushi counter” and more “see what came in, choose your fish, and eat it while it is good.”
The fun starts when you stop defaulting to salmon and tuna. We have eaten platters here with sawara, kanpachi, katsuo, botan ebi, nishin, menuke and abalone, and the differences are much more obvious when they sit beside one another. Sawara can be softer and slightly richer, kanpachi has a firmer bite, katsuo carries a stronger flavour, while botan ebi brings the natural sweetness expected from good sweet shrimp.
That is also what makes the sashimi experience feel more useful than simply ordering another plate of familiar favourites. Fresh sashimi should not all taste or feel the same. The particular fish matters, as do its fat content, season and how it was handled before reaching the counter.
Araya-san sources directly through Japanese fishing ports including Choshi, Hakodate, Nemuro and Shimonoseki, with the selection changing according to season and the catch. Depending on the fish, handling can begin at the port with gutting, careful blood removal or techniques such as Shinkei Jime. Those details sound technical, but the goal is straightforward: preserve texture, keep flavours clean, and let the fish quality show when it is eaten raw.
There is no guarantee that the fish you saw online last week will still be there. That is the trade-off. It is also the point. A counter that follows seasonal ingredients should change and sometimes the less familiar piece ends up being the one everyone talks about afterwards.
Good Vibes For: Sashimi lovers who want quality sashimi beyond salmon and tuna, diners curious about seasonal fish, and anyone happy to let a fishmonger guide the order.
Hard Pass If: You want a full-service Japanese restaurant, a large group dining setup, or exactly the same assorted sashimi every visit.
SENDs Hack: Ask what came in well that week before naming a particular fish. Araya Shouten makes more sense when the catch decides part of the meal.
2. Fish Mart Sakuraya (West Coast / Anchorpoint): Fresh Fish Market Experience for Sashimi Lovers
Nearest MRT: Varies by outlet; Anchorpoint reachable from Queenstown MRT by bus
Price: $
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This one doesn’t pretend to be a restaurant, and that honesty is the whole appeal.
Sakuraya feels more like eating inside a very good Japanese seafood market than a typical sushi bar. You walk to the chiller, choose your raw fish or sashimi meat, tell the staff your table number, and skilled sushi chefs slice it on the spot with precise sashimi preparation techniques.
We’ve personally experienced the vibrant atmosphere at Fish Mart Sakuraya, where salmon sashimi runs around $15.40 per 100g, salmon belly $17, hamachi $28, kanpachi $31.10, and shima aji $34.30. Our typical spend falls between $20 and $50, depending on just how indulgent we’re feeling. The atmosphere is straightforward—there’s no soft lighting or ceremony, and depending on the outlet and time, the dining area can feel busy and functional. But that’s exactly why we love it. We’re here for the fish, not the mood.
Good Vibes For: Sashimi lovers who appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine, sashimi purists, families, and value-conscious diners who like choosing their own seafood.
Hard Pass If: You want an elegant date-night room or a chef-led omakase menu.
SENDs Hack: Build a mixed platter instead of defaulting to salmon. Adding shima aji, tai (white fish), or kanpachi makes the meal far more interesting without pushing it into omakase territory.
3. Tatsuya (Scotts Road): Celebrating Japanese Cuisine with Premium Sashimi and Raw Fish
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT, around 8 to 10 minutes
Price: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some meals you plan around, and Tatsuya is one of them.
Open since 1998 under chef-owner Chia Pee Tat, who trained in Japan before opening it, this is where sashimi becomes an occasion rather than a quick fix. The long wooden counter inside Goodwood Park Hotel sets the tone: composed, quiet, considered. The presentation is more careful than any seafood mart, and the menu leans into seasonal Japanese fish alongside luxury touches like sea urchin and ikura. This is a place that treats seafood as something to be arranged, not just plated. The sashimi meat is thinly sliced to highlight delicate textures and natural flavors, served raw without vinegared rice, distinguishing sashimi and sushi clearly.
We’ve personally experienced the assorted sashimi for one at $100, the assorted sashimi and torched sushi platter at $168, and the oshizushi sashimi set at $120. Our visits have shown that the portions focus more on quality and presentation than sheer volume, making it clear this isn’t the place to go when craving just a lot of salmon sashimi.
But when we want the fish to be the highlight of the evening, Tatsuya consistently delivers with a steadiness that reflects decades of expertise.
Good Vibes For: Birthdays, intimate celebrations, and diners who appreciate seasonal selections and skilled chefs’ sashimi preparation.
Hard Pass If: You’re on a budget, or you measure value by the number of slices on the plate.
SENDs Hack: Ask about the day’s sashimi selection rather than sticking to familiar names. Tatsuya is at its most memorable when the kitchen points you toward prized fish and different fish that arrived in especially good shape.
4. Sushi Sato (Dempsey Road): Meticulously Prepared Seasonal Sashimi in a Serene Setting
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens MRT, approximately 10 minutes by taxi
Price: $$$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sushi Sato offers an intimate and tranquil dining experience perfect for those who appreciate the artistry behind premium sashimi. Sushi Sato flies in fresh Japanese produce, including ingredients from Chef Yuji Sato’s native Hokkaido, with its omakase menus changing according to seasonal availability. Chef Yuji Sato brings over 20 years of experience, meticulously preparing seasonal sashimi that highlights the natural beauty and distinctive flavor of each fish.
Having personally savored the sashimi at Sushi Sato, we can attest to the serene ambiance perfectly complementing the refined dishes. Each slice of sashimi is expertly cut, enhancing the texture and bringing out the optimal taste of the fish. We’ve enjoyed a variety of sashimi options here, including prized cuts like bluefin tuna, white tuna, and Hokkaido scallops, all served with traditional garnishes such as daikon and shiso leaves. The freshness and skill evident in every bite make Sushi Sato a standout choice for special occasions or for discerning sashimi enthusiasts seeking an authentic and memorable experience.
Good Vibes For: Celebrations, intimate dinners, and sashimi lovers seeking premium ingredients and a quiet atmosphere.
Hard Pass If: You want a casual or budget-friendly dining experience.
SENDs Hack: Reserve the omakase menu to enjoy a curated selection of seasonal sashimi featuring produce flown in fresh from Hokkaido.
5. Tomi Sushi (Promenade): Salmon Sashimi and Traditional Japanese Cuisine at Accessible Prices
Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT, around 3 minutes
Price: $
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tomi Sushi has something most places here don’t: a regional identity worth talking about.
It started in Niigata back in 1954, and it brings that heritage to Singapore through sashimi, sushi, sake, Koshihikari rice, and Niigata specialties like hegi soba and tochioage. What we like is where it sits on the spectrum. It’s comfortably between casual chain dining and expensive omakase, which means you can order a proper sashimi meal without turning the evening into a financial milestone. The interiors feel traditional rather than trendy, and honestly, that suits it.
We’ve personally enjoyed meals here, typically spending between $30 and $70 per person. The fresh sashimi consistently impresses, especially the salmon sashimi, which we find particularly mouthwatering, which we find particularly mouthwatering. While service can slow down when the restaurant gets busy, we appreciate the reliable quality of the fish over flashy decor or fast-paced dining. It’s a place where the focus truly remains on the freshness and taste of the sashimi.
Good Vibes For: Families, casual Japanese dinners, and traditional-food lovers who want quality without omakase pricing.
Hard Pass If: You’re after an experimental menu or a highly aesthetic, modern interior.
SENDs Hack: Add a Niigata specialty like hegi soba or rice bowls to your sashimi order. It gives the meal a regional character instead of another standard Japanese dinner.
6. Koji Sushi Bar (City Hall): A Sushi Bar for CBD Lunches and Quick Sashimi Fixes
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT, direct mall access
Price: $
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Koji is the sensible city-centre pick, the one that respects both your time and your fish.
It runs on a clever split personality. During the day, it’s a casual sushi-and-sashimi bar built around fresh seafood, speed, and affordability. At night, it eases into a more relaxed omakase format with sake and chef interaction. For CBD diners who want sashimi that feels more considered than a takeaway bowl but don’t have two hours for a tasting menu, that flexibility is quietly brilliant. It’s the kind of place you can slip into on a lunch break and still feel like you ate properly.
We’ve personally experienced the omakase priced at $178++, enjoying the carefully curated selection that showcases the chef’s skill and the freshness of the fish. Lunch options can start much lower, offering a more casual but still satisfying experience, while casual dining typically ranges from $20 to $60 per person. During our visits, we appreciated Koji’s generous thin slices and solid fish-to-rice ratio, which highlight the quality of the raw fish and make each bite memorable.
The intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere, though we noticed that space gets tight during peak hours, making it better suited for couples and small groups rather than large gatherings. Despite the limited space, the quality and attention to detail make Koji Sushi Bar a reliable choice for sashimi lovers seeking fresh fish and traditional Japanese flavors in the heart of the CBD.
Good Vibes For: CBD lunches, small dates, solo diners, and sashimi lovers who want quality without hotel formality.
Hard Pass If: You’re bringing a large group or need a spacious, private room.
SENDs Hack: Lunch is the value play. Save dinner for when you actually want sake and chef interaction; the daytime menu captures Koji’s original promise of fresh seafood without the long ceremony.
7. Ganko Sushi: A Hidden Gem for Quality Japanese Food Without the Full Omakase Commitment
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT, about 2–4 minutes on foot
Price: $$$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ganko Sushi works when you want exceptional sashimi but do not necessarily want to hand the entire meal over to an omakase chef. The menu keeps plenty of sashimi and nigiri sushi available in an à la carte format, which makes it easier to build the meal around the fish you actually feel like eating.
The current sashimi selection is broad. There are platters of five or eight types, alongside bluefin tuna from lean akami to fatty toro, buri, red sea bream, striped jack, salmon, octopus, shellfish, uni and botan shrimp. The contrast is the fun part: richer tuna against white fish with a mild flavor, then sweet shrimp or salmon roe for something softer and more savoury. The fish is carefully sliced, usually served with shredded daikon radish, wasabi and soy sauce, keeping the presentation traditional rather than overworked.
This is also a useful place to eat sashimi when different appetites are sharing the table. Someone can order a small dish of raw fish, someone else can move into nigiri, and the wider menu covers cooked Japanese food as well. The restaurant has been around in Japan since 1963, but the Singapore outlet does not feel like it is asking diners to treat every meal as a history lesson.
Good Vibes For: Sashimi lovers who want generous slices, fresh ingredients and the freedom to order individual premium cuts instead of committing to omakase.
Hard Pass If: You are looking for bargain sushi or a super-casual standing counter.
SENDs Hack: Start with an assorted sashimi platter, then add the particular fish that stood out. That is usually more useful than ordering the most expensive tuna first.
8. Chirashizushi Shou: Generous Sashimi Portions and Fresh Chirashi Bowls
Nearest MRT: Beauty World MRT
Price: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chirashizushi Shou is a popular spot for those who love generous sashimi portions served over fresh sushi rice in vibrant chirashi bowls. Known for its generous sashimi and chirashi bowls, this restaurant offers a satisfying balance between quality and value.
The menu features a variety of sashimi options including tuna sashimi, salmon, and seasonal selections, all sliced expertly to highlight their natural flavors. Having personally tried the sashimi here, we were impressed by the freshness and quality of each piece. The tuna sashimi was buttery and rich, melting smoothly on the palate, while the salmon offered a perfect balance of fattiness and clean taste. Seasonal selections, such as scallops and white fish, showcased delicate textures and subtle sweetness, reflecting the chef’s careful attention to sourcing and preparation. The atmosphere is casual yet welcoming, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Good Vibes For: Fans of chirashi bowls, sashimi lovers seeking hearty portions, and casual diners who appreciate fresh seafood.
Hard Pass If: You want a formal omakase experience or a quiet, intimate setting.
SENDs Hack: Try the chirashi bowl with assorted sashimi for a fulfilling meal that showcases a variety of fresh fish and raw seafood.
If you’re interested in exploring more Chirashi Don options in Singapore, click here and we’ll SENDs you to the best spots!
Where to Experience the Best Sashimi in Singapore
Choosing the right spot for sashimi in Singapore depends on your preferences for ambiance, variety, and quality. For seasonal seafood and a fishmonger-led approach, Araya Shouten makes the strongest case for asking what arrived well rather than automatically ordering salmon. If choosing your own cuts sounds more appealing, Fish Mart Sakuraya keeps the experience casual and straightforward.
For a more traditional restaurant meal, Tomi Sushi works well when the table wants sashimi alongside sushi and cooked dishes. Ganko Sushi sits somewhere between casual à la carte dining and full omakase, making it useful when you want carefully sliced premium fish, nigiri sushi and attentive service without handing over the entire meal to the chef.
No matter your choice, sashimi in Singapore is celebrated for its fresh food traditions, emphasizing raw food served eaten fresh to preserve natural flavors and fat content. From standing sushi bars to intimate omakase counters, the city offers a diverse sashimi scene where raw meat and seafood are treated with respect and skill, ensuring every bite delivers the delicate balance of texture and taste that sashimi lovers crave.
Discover more about the vibrant sashimi scene in Singapore and indulge in the freshest cuts of raw food, prepared with expertise and passion by Japanese chefs dedicated to preserving this beloved Japanese word’s culinary heritage.
