I have a deep appreciation for the art of Japanese cuisine. Finding a truly authentic sushi restaurant in the heart of the city is always an adventure. Last week, I visited on a Tuesday around 6pm to see if the highly praised Sushi Ichi Singapore could live up to its stellar reputation. I was looking for an experience comparable to my travels abroad, and I certainly found it. The moment I walked through the doors of this Michelin starred sushi restaurant, I felt completely transported.
Sitting right inside the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, this Ginza Sushi Ichi branch brings a slice of Tokyo to Orchard Road. If you appreciate traditional Edomae sushi, you will understand why this place is so heavily booked. I went in with high expectations, hoping to taste fresh seasonal seafood and observe the delicate craft of master chefs. What I got was a meal that challenged my palate in the best possible ways. Here is my completely honest review of my omakase dinner.
Ginza Sushi Ichi: A Michelin Starred Sushi Restaurant with Timeless Ambience
Stepping into Ginza Sushi Ichi at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, the first thing you notice is the striking interior. The restaurant was fashioned by a famous carpenter, and the dedication to traditional design is obvious. The walls feature beautiful wooden ornaments that give the room a very calm and grounded feel. The lighting is soft and focused entirely on the workspace of the chefs, highlighting their precision.
I highly recommend asking for a seat at the tactile counter. This silky smooth sushi counter is made from a single, stunning piece of cypress wood, aged over 300 years. Sitting there allows you to watch every single slice and press the chefs execute. You feel incredibly close to the action, witnessing the artistry behind each piece of sushi. The intimate setting with limited seats ensures that diners can fully immerse themselves in the fine dining experience without distractions.
The Sushi Ichi Singapore Meal: An Omakase Journey Through Traditional Edomae Sushi
When you dine at a place like this, you are not just ordering off a standard menu—to learn more about omakase in Singapore, be se sure tocheck out our article: “What Is Omakase SG? A First-Timer’s Guide to the Japanese Cuisine Dining Experience in Singapore” to discover more.The chefs prepare a curated sequence of dishes designed to showcase the purest flavours of seasonal seafood flown in fresh from Japan multiple times a week. The kitchen uses only the best rice, prepared with red or white vinegar to complement the unique taste profile of each fish. This attention to detail shows their dedication to maintaining consistency with their flagship store in Tokyo.
Even the sauces are carefully crafted and imported to highlight, rather than mask, the natural taste of the ingredients. The omakase nigiri served here is a testament to the philosophy of edomae sushi, where every element—from the rice to the fish to the wasabi—is prepared with utmost care.
Young Sea Bream Nigiri: A Delicate Start to the Omakase Dinner
The meal started with a sequence of lighter fish, and the young sea bream nigiri was an absolute highlight. The chef carefully shaped the rice, seasoned with mild white vinegar, and fashioned a beautiful, translucent slice of the bream on top. The taste was incredibly delicate and forward, with a slightly firm texture that yielded effortlessly as I chewed. A tiny dab of freshly grated wasabi sat underneath the fish, providing a gentle heat that did not overwhelm the mouth. This dish perfectly exemplifies traditional edomae sushi, where the balance of flavour and texture is paramount.
Omakase Nigiri Featuring Fatty Tuna (Otoro): A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Experience
As the meal progressed, we moved into richer, heavier cuts. The omakase nigiri platter featured several stunning pieces, but the fatty tuna, or otoro, was the star. The chefs keep their premium ingredients in beautiful handmade boxes, and watching them pull out this marinated, marbled piece of tuna was a treat.
The otoro was an absolute dream—so fatty and fresh that it literally melted in my mouth before I even had to chew. For this piece, the rice was seasoned with red vinegar, which perfectly cut through the rich fat of the tuna. A light brush of house soy sauce enhanced the flavour without overpowering it. I wished I could eat that piece again and again.
Sea Urchin and Caviar Bowl: A Luxurious Supplement to the Omakase Menu
I decided to treat myself to an extra dish and ordered the sea urchin (uni) bowl topped with caviar. It arrived in a tiny, gorgeous ceramic bowl, the bright orange uni piled high and looking incredibly fresh and vibrant. The texture was pure velvet—sweet, creamy, and carrying a distinct oceanic flavour. The salty pop of the caviar added a wonderful contrast, making every bite a luxurious indulgence. This dish is a must-try for fans of sea urchin and fine dining sushi experiences.
The Meal Ended with a Rich Miso Soup and Pickled Vegetables
The meal ended with a warm bowl of miso soup that was far from ordinary. This miso soup was deeply roasted with bonito flakes, offering a rich, comforting flavour that perfectly rounded off the omakase experience. Alongside the soup were a few pickled vegetables to cleanse the palate after the intense flavours of the sushi. The pacing of the dishes was flawless, moving seamlessly from raw items to light grilling and finally to this soothing soup.
Service at Sushi Ichi Singapore: Precision, Warmth, and Impeccable Hospitality
The service at Sushi Ichi is nothing short of exceptional. The chefs are incredibly skilled, yet they remain approachable and eager to share insights about the fish and preparation methods. They maintain consistency with their flagship store in Japan, ensuring every guest receives the same level of quality regardless of location.
The staff behind the counter anticipate guests’ needs, pouring sake gracefully and adjusting the pace of the meal based on diners’ eating speed. This level of fine dining hospitality makes you feel deeply valued as a guest. However, due to the chefs’ meticulous approach, some courses had longer wait times, so this is not a place for those in a rush.
Practical Information for Your Visit to Sushi Ichi Singapore at Marriott Tang Plaza
If you plan to visit, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Pricing: Sushi Ichi is a premium sushi restaurant. Dinner omakase sets start around $280 and can go higher depending on your choices and drinks. For a more affordable entry, the lunch omakase offers a similar level of quality at a more accessible price.
Reservations: Due to limited seats at the tactile counter, reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Operating Hours: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, with Sunday hours slightly shorter. It is closed on Mondays.
Dining with Children: The atmosphere is quiet and focused; while children are permitted, it is best suited for guests aged 7 and above who can appreciate the setting.
Location: Conveniently located inside the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on Orchard Road, the restaurant is accessible by MRT or car.
The Final Verdict: A Comparable Taste of Japan’s Finest Edomae Sushi in Singapore
My dinner at Sushi Ichi Singapore was a remarkable journey through the traditions of Japanese cuisine. From the carefully prepared rice to the fresh, marinated fish and the delicate sauces, every detail is executed with purpose and passion. The chefs truly understand how to bring out the very best from their ingredients.
This Michelin starred restaurant is best suited for serious food lovers, couples celebrating special occasions, or anyone seeking an authentic edomae sushi experience without leaving Singapore. It is not the right choice for quick meals or noisy groups, as it demands time and attention but rewards guests with incredible flavours and artistry. I left feeling completely satisfied and already wished I could rewind the clock to eat that fatty tuna one more time.
If you enjoyed this review and want to discover more hidden gems and top-tier dining experiences in Singapore, please check out Luxury Dining SG for more honest guides to the best tables in town.
