Best Food in Singapore: A Japanese Chef’s Guide to the Lion City’s Culinary Paradise
Singapore has evolved from a humble street food destination into Asia’s undisputed fine dining capital, where the most expensive restaurants in Singapore command prices that rival the world’s culinary elite. With over 42 Michelin-starred establishments and three restaurants holding the prestigious three Michelin stars, Singapore’s luxury dining scene offers experiences that justify price points ranging from $300 to $800+ per person.
These establishments are renowned for their elegance, with sophisticated atmospheres and refined presentation that elevate every visit into a truly memorable occasion.
The city-state’s transformation into a global culinary powerhouse began accelerating with the introduction of the Michelin Guide in 2016. Today, discerning diners seeking the ultimate in fine dining can choose from an extraordinary collection of Michelin-starred restaurants that showcase innovative techniques, finest ingredients, and impeccable service standards that define true luxury dining. For those who wish to dine in style, these venues offer an unparalleled experience.
What makes these establishments worth their premium pricing extends far beyond just the food. Each restaurant offers a complete sensory experience combining exceptional cuisine, attentive service, stunning locations, and exclusive access to some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. From intimate settings with personalized service to panoramic views overlooking marina bay, these fine dining establishments represent the pinnacle of culinary artistry. If you are searching for a world-class restaurant in Singapore, these luxury venues promise an unforgettable dining journey.
Singapore’s Ultra-Luxury Dining Restaurants Overview
Singapore’s reputation as a fine dining destination stems from its unique position at the crossroads of Asian and Western culinary traditions. This blend of tradition shapes Singapore’s fine dining scene, infusing classic techniques with innovative approaches. The city attracts world-renowned chefs who establish flagship restaurants, creating a competitive landscape where only the most exceptional establishments survive. This competitive environment has elevated standards across the board, with many restaurants earning recognition in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants listings and maintaining consistent quality that justifies their premium pricing.
The price ranges for Singapore’s most expensive restaurants reflect the extraordinary investment in quality ingredients, often featuring daily imports of fresh seafood from Japan, seasonal produce from Europe, and rare delicacies like oscietra caviar and black truffle. These restaurants typically offer curated multi-course meals that showcase seasonal ingredients, with wine pairings that can add significantly to the final bill.
What distinguishes these establishments is their commitment to creating memorable experiences that extend beyond exceptional food. Guests can expect perfect execution of every detail, from the moment they enter until they leave, with service standards that anticipate needs before they’re expressed.
Although Sushi Masa by Ki-Setsu is not situated within the opulent confines of a luxury hotel, its true luxury is found in the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of its food. Located in Cuppage Plaza, Sushi Masa offers an intimate and authentic Japanese dining experience that rivals the city’s most prestigious establishments.
Our singular focus at Sushi Masa is the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection. We deliver impeccable sushi crafted only from the finest seasonal ingredients, which we meticulously source and fly in daily from Japan to ensure peak freshness and flavor. Every single piece is a testament to the skill, passion, and decades of expertise our chefs bring to the counter, emphasizing the precision and deep respect for traditional Edomae techniques.
Here, true luxury is not defined by extravagant surroundings, but by our unwavering dedication to quality, the artistry of presentation, and the personalized omotenashi that fosters a warm and engaging atmosphere. Guests are invited to entrust their experience to us through omakase, where we highlight the natural flavors and textures of premium seafood, offering a refined, authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.
This commitment to culinary excellence ensures that Sushi Masa remains a highly recommended sanctuary for discerning diners seeking the genuine essence of Japan’s finest sushi craftsmanship in Singapore.
The Three Michelin-Starred Elite: Singapore’s Most Prestigious Restaurants
Peranakan food represents one of Singapore’s most sophisticated fusion cuisines, emerging from the cultural marriage between Chinese immigrants and local Malay communities that created entirely new culinary traditions. This Straits Chinese or Nyonya cooking demonstrates how cultural exchange produces flavors and techniques that belong to neither parent tradition while incorporating elements from both.
The three Michelin stars rating represents the highest achievement in fine dining, indicating a restaurant worth a special journey. Singapore’s three establishments holding this prestigious recognition command the highest prices in the city’s dining scene, with experiences that can easily exceed $500 per person before beverages.
French Excellence at National Gallery
Chef Julien Royer’s acclaimed restaurant Odette represents the pinnacle of French fine dining in Singapore. Chef Julien Royer, the renowned chef and founder of Odette, previously led the kitchen at Jaan and brings a wealth of experience and a personal culinary philosophy that has greatly influenced Odette’s distinguished reputation. Located within the national gallery, this elegant establishment offers sophisticated tasting menus priced between $380-$480 per person, showcasing Royer’s mastery of French techniques combined with subtle southeast Asian influences.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include the renowned rosemary smoked organic egg with caviar and the kampot pepper crusted pigeon, each demonstrating perfect execution and innovative presentation. Chef Royer’s philosophy centers on celebrating seasonal ingredients through refined techniques that enhance natural flavors while creating visual masterpieces on each plate.
Haute French Cuisine Mastery
As one of Singapore’s longest-standing three Michelin starred establishments, Les Amis has maintained its position as a temple of French haute cuisine under chef Sébastien Lepinoy. The restaurant offers premium pricing ranging from $400-$500+ per person for their sophisticated tasting menus that showcase classical French techniques with contemporary innovation.
Signature offerings include the exquisite kegani crab with oscietra caviar and the legendary black truffle angel hair pasta that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to using finest ingredients. The extensive wine collection, particularly strong in burgundy and Bordeaux selections, represents one of Asia’s most impressive cellars with bottles that can significantly enhance the overall dining cost.
The restaurant’s elegant décor creates an intimate setting perfect for special occasions, while the impeccable service maintains the formal standards expected at this level of fine dining. Les Amis continues to attract both local connoisseurs and international visitors seeking authentic French haute cuisine excellence.
Nordic Innovation at Its Peak
Chef Bjorn Frantzen brings Nordic cuisine innovation to Singapore through Zén, a unique three-level dining concept that offers multi-course tasting menus priced between $450-$600 per person. This restaurant showcases Frantzen’s mastery of seasonal Nordic ingredients combined with innovative techniques that create unexpected flavor combinations.
The dining experience at Zén unfolds across multiple levels, with each floor offering different aspects of the culinary journey. Interactive preparations take place tableside, allowing guests to witness the creativity and precision involved in Nordic fine dining. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal produce and traditional flavors reinterpreted through modern techniques.
Zén’s fine dining approach emphasizes storytelling with dishes that engage multiple senses, offering a unique multi-level concept that creates varied atmospheres—from intimate preparations to communal experiences—highlighting the Nordic philosophy of hospitality and connection to ingredients.
Two Michelin Guide Luxury: Premium Fine Dining Restaurants
The two Michelin starred restaurants in Singapore represent the next tier of luxury dining, offering exceptional experiences that often rival their three-starred counterparts while maintaining slightly more accessible pricing. As a Michelin starred restaurant, each establishment enjoys global prestige and recognition for its culinary excellence and award-winning standards. These establishments demonstrate that excellence in fine dining can take many forms, from Japanese precision to modern European innovation.
These restaurants typically offer experiences ranging from $250-$450 per person, providing access to world-class cuisine and service standards that have earned international recognition. Each establishment brings unique perspectives to fine dining, whether through cultural authenticity or innovative interpretations of traditional cuisines.
Japanese-European Fusion at Marina Bay Sands
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s exclusive restaurant at Marina Bay Sands offers an intimate 10-course degustation experience priced between $350-$450 per person. The counter seating allows direct interaction with the chef, showcasing Japanese techniques blended with European influences. Signature dishes include Ohmi wagyu steak, botan shrimp, and fresh sea urchin, highlighting premium ingredients. The limited seating ensures a personalized and exclusive dining atmosphere, with Chef Wakuda often explaining each course. Reservations require advance planning due to high demand, and the Marina Bay Sands location enhances the luxury experience.
Wakuda Restaurant & Bar, Chef Wakuda’s second Singapore venue at Marina Bay Sands, features modern Japanese cuisine priced between $250-$350 per person. It combines art, culture, and global ingredients to reinterpret traditional Japanese dishes. The elegant setting complements the creative menu, which includes à la carte and tasting options. This Michelin starred spot exemplifies how traditional Japanese cuisine can evolve with international influences, making it a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts in Singapore.
Sky-High British Cuisine
Located on the 70th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, JAAN offers modern European-British cuisine with panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. Chef Kirk Westaway’s “Reinventing British” philosophy creates tasting menus priced between $300-$400 per person that showcase seasonal ingredients through innovative preparations. The restaurant’s elevation provides stunning views that enhance the dining experience, particularly during sunset hours when the city transforms before guests’ eyes. Westaway’s approach emphasizes seasonal ingredients and innovative vegetarian options that demonstrate how traditional British cuisine can evolve through modern techniques.
The dining experience at JAAN combines exceptional cuisine with one of Singapore’s most spectacular settings. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and seasonal produce creates menus that change regularly, ensuring each visit offers new discoveries. The extensive wine selection complements Westaway’s cuisine, with pairings that enhance the British-inspired flavors while taking advantage of the restaurant’s impressive cellar. The combination of exceptional food, stunning views, and refined service creates experiences that justify the premium pricing.
Authentic Edomae Sushi Excellence
This traditional edomae-style sushi restaurant offers omakase experiences priced between $350-$500 per person, featuring daily-flown premium seafood from Japan. Guests enjoy an intimate sushi counter setting where master chefs showcase refined knife skills and traditional preparation techniques, emphasizing the natural flavors of the finest seasonal ingredients with minimal intervention. The authentic experience includes detailed explanations of seasonal selections and sushi rice preparation, creating an educational and engaging atmosphere that justifies the premium pricing for those seeking genuine edomae sushi excellence.
Menus change regularly to reflect the best available seafood, honoring the Japanese philosophy of respecting natural seasons. This commitment to seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques ensures each visit provides a unique dining experience, making the restaurant a must-visit spot for lovers of premium Japanese cuisine and fine dining establishments in Singapore.
Celebrity Chef Establishments: International Culinary Stars
Singapore’s dining scene attracts world-renowned celebrity chefs who establish outposts bringing their signature styles to Asian audiences. These restaurants command premium pricing not only for exceptional cuisine but also for the prestige associated with internationally recognized culinary artists. The celebrity status of these chefs adds significant value to the dining experience, offering guests unique interpretations of their signature styles adapted for Singapore’s sophisticated market, making these establishments highly sought-after destinations in the city’s fine dining landscape.
Premium American Steakhouse
Marina Bay Sands’ Wolfgang Puck’s signature steakhouse offers premium American cuisine with pricing ranging from $200-$400 per person depending on selections. The restaurant specializes in the finest wagyu and angus beef, prepared using charcoal and applewood grilling techniques that enhance natural flavors.
CUT elevates traditional American steakhouse dining through premium ingredients and refined techniques. The commitment to quality extends from appetizers featuring fresh seafood to desserts that perfectly conclude substantial meals.
Grilling methods at CUT demonstrate how traditional cooking can achieve extraordinary results when combined with exceptional ingredients and skilled execution.
Modern Japanese Artistry
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s second Singapore establishment offers modern Japanese cuisine priced between $250-$350 per person. The restaurant showcases Wakuda’s philosophy of combining art, culture, and global ingredients to create innovative interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine.
The sophisticated setting at Marina Bay Sands provides an elegant backdrop for Wakuda’s creative approach to Japanese dining. The restaurant emphasizes the visual presentation of dishes alongside exceptional flavors, creating experiences that engage multiple senses.
The carefully designed interior reflects Wakuda’s attention to detail, with every element contributing to an atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of the exceptional cuisine being served.
Unique Ultra-Premium Dining Concepts
These restaurants combine exclusive ingredients, distinctive cooking methods, and exceptional service to create memorable experiences that differ from conventional fine dining. By utilizing innovative techniques, they deliver bold flavors that highlight the intensity and depth of taste in each dish. Examples include Michelin-starred barbecue innovation and refined regional cuisine interpretations, showcasing how luxury dining can embrace diverse formats while maintaining impeccable standards.
Michelin-Starred BBQ Innovation
This modern Australian barbecue restaurant has earned Michelin-starred recognition while offering a more relaxed approach to fine dining. With pricing ranging from $150-$250 per person, Burnt Ends demonstrates how casual dining concepts can achieve fine dining standards through exceptional execution and innovative approaches. The restaurant provides a relaxed setting, allowing guests to enjoy high-quality, skillfully prepared dishes without the pressure of a formal fine dining experience.
The restaurant’s wood-fired specialties include their famous pulled pork burger and expertly prepared flat iron steak, showcasing how barbecue techniques can be elevated to Michelin-starred levels. The open kitchen allows guests to witness the precision involved in managing multiple wood-fired cooking stations.
Located in a colonial building in Dempsey Hill, Burnt Ends offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience that blends innovative barbecue techniques with fine dining standards. The restaurant’s carefully curated wine list complements its wood-fired flavors and robust dishes, reflecting a commitment to delivering a complete and memorable dining experience that has earned it Michelin recognition despite its casual atmosphere.
Elevated Cantonese at The Ritz-Carlton
This Michelin starred Cantonese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton offers high-end Chinese dining priced between $180-$300 per person. Chef Cheung Siu-Kong’s refined approach to Cantonese cuisine has earned the restaurant recognition in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, demonstrating excellence in traditional Chinese culinary arts.
The restaurant’s signature double-boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw exemplifies the sophisticated techniques employed in Cantonese haute cuisine. The preparation preserves traditional flavors while presenting them in refined formats that appeal to international fine dining standards.
Summer Pavilion’s elegant setting provides the perfect backdrop for elevated Cantonese cuisine, with service standards matching The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury hospitality reputation. The restaurant shows how regional Asian cuisines can achieve international fine dining recognition through exceptional execution.
An extensive tea selection complements the Cantonese cuisine, with traditional pairings that enhance appreciation of subtle flavors and cooking techniques characteristic of this regional Chinese cuisine.
What Makes These Restaurants Worth Their Premium Prices
The justification for the extreme pricing at Singapore’s most expensive restaurants extends far beyond the cost of ingredients, encompassing multiple factors that create value for discerning diners seeking extraordinary experiences.
- Michelin star recognition represents years of consistent excellence in every aspect of operation, from sourcing finest ingredients to maintaining perfect execution across hundreds of dishes served nightly. This recognition provides assurance that the dining experience will meet international standards of excellence.
- The celebrity chef expertise available at these establishments brings years of training and innovation that cannot be replicated. These chefs often represent the pinnacle of their respective culinary traditions, with techniques and creativity that justify premium pricing through their rarity and excellence.
- Premium imported ingredients including daily-flown fresh seafood, seasonal produce from specific regions, and rare delicacies like black truffle and oscietra caviar significantly impact costs. Many of these restaurants offer a tasting menu, allowing guests to experience a curated selection of gourmet dishes that showcase the artistry and creativity of the kitchen. These ingredients often represent the finest available globally, with restaurants competing for the best selections.
- Exceptional service standards require extensive training and staffing ratios that ensure every guest receives personalized attention. The attentive service includes detailed knowledge of ingredients, preparation methods, and wine pairings that enhance the overall experience.
- Exclusive locations and stunning ambiance, whether featuring panoramic views or historic settings, add significant value to the dining experience. These locations often require substantial investment in rent and maintenance that contributes to operational costs.
- The limited seating and exclusivity factor creates scarcity that adds perceived value while ensuring intimate settings where service quality can be maintained. This exclusivity often means that reservations become achievements in themselves.
Booking Singapore’s Most Expensive Restaurants
Securing reservations at Singapore’s most expensive restaurants requires strategic planning and understanding of each establishment’s booking policies. Most fine dining establishments require advance reservations of 2-3 months, with some Michelin starred restaurants maintaining waiting lists for popular dates. Peak dining times, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, present the greatest challenges for availability. Many restaurants offer lunch services at reduced pricing, providing access to the same quality with more reasonable costs and better availability. Dress codes typically require smart casual to formal attire, with some restaurants enforcing specific requirements for jackets or formal wear to ensure a positive dining experience.
Cancellation policies often require 24-48 hours’ notice, with some restaurants charging deposits or full prepayment to protect revenue. Alternative booking strategies include joining restaurant membership programs, using concierge services, or monitoring cancellation lists for last-minute availability. Some restaurants also offer bar seating with shorter notice. Popular establishments, especially those in Marina Bay Sands, may require patience and persistence, but building good relationships with reservation staff can improve booking success for these most expensive restaurants in Singapore.
Experience Premium Japanese Dining at Sushi Masa
While Singapore’s dining scene offers extraordinary luxury across multiple cuisines, Sushi Masa provides an exceptional Japanese omakase Singapore experience that rivals the city’s most expensive establishments. Our omakase showcases the precision and artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine with carefully curated seasonal ingredients and masterful techniques.
At Sushi Masa, guests enjoy an intimate setting and attentive service that define premium Japanese dining. Using the finest daily fresh seafood, our tasting menus offer accessible luxury compared to Singapore’s most expensive restaurants, delivering quality and a memorable experience.
The open sushi counter lets guests witness the precision and artistry behind each piece. For an exceptional Japanese dining experience without the high prices of three Michelin starred establishments, Sushi Masa balances quality, value, and authentic hospitality.
Discover why we are among Singapore’s must-visit Japanese restaurants and reserve your table for an unforgettable omakase experience.
