Chef Kang's Private Kitchen - Super Hard to Book Michelin-Starred Chinese Restaurant

Chef Kang's Private Kitchen is one of the hardest-to-book Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore. The small one-Michelin-starred outfit along Mackenzie Road has just 5 tables, and they have a whole line of loyal fans who return regularly, so it's not easy to get a seat here. I made a reservation about 6 weeks in advance, and my foodie friends were surprised that I managed to score a table! Truth be told, so was I. I was coming here with my dad and brother and was told over the phone that a minimum of 5 pax is needed for them to give us one of the dining rooms, so we were allocated a table next to the counter. That was a little disappointing but I guess, we were coming for the food more than anything else, so I agreed to it.

Cheek Bistro - One-Michelin-Starred Modern Australian Restaurant With Great Food at Affordable Prices

 

Formerly known as Cheek by Jowl, Cheek Bistro is still run by the same husband-and-wife duo. They have changed their name, and switched up their prix fixe menus for a la carte menus. I've never been to Cheek by Jowl but I remember looking at their menu multiple times. I was glad that they've introduced a la carte menus which allow diners to pick their desired dishes, of course, and the a la carte options make dining here more affordable. I would say that you will definitely be getting your money's worth at this One-Michelin-starred restaurant that's belting out great contemporary Australian cuisine. 

terra Tokyo Italian - Witness the Marriage of Italian & Japanese Cuisine at this One-Michelin-Starred Restaurant

As its name indicates, terra promises a unique style of Italian cuisine, inspired by shokubunka (the honor of Japanese food culture) and Italian culinary traditions. Helmed by Chef Japanese Chef-Owner Seita Nakahara, terra Tokyo Italian does not offer an a la carte menu for either lunch or dinner. Instead, available are 2 set lunch menus($58/$128) and 3 dinner omakase menus($208/308/408) featuring fresh creations built on hand-picked seasonal ingredients imported directly from Japan’s farms and producers. terra prides itself on its selection of fresh produce and the staff will proudly introduce the freshest picks of the day to diners before the meal commences.

8 Best Sushi Omakase Restaurants in Singapore (From $68 - $250/pax)

Japanese omakase has exploded in popularity over the years. Whether its for Kaiseki, Kappo, or sushi omakase, Singaporeans are flocking to Japanese omakase restaurants more than ever before. One of the earliest omakase restaurants to have made its mark must have been Teppei. They still offer their very affordable and popular omakase which will fill you up to the brim. I remember the days where online booking wasn't such a big thing and people had to call for hours once phone reservations were opened to only be disappointed as they were already fully booked for months. 

 

Singaporeans love cheap and good stuff, but a good omakase more often than not comes with a hefty price tag. Big names such as Shinji, Shoukouwa, Oshino, and Sushi Kou offer $350 - $500 omakase and they're often fully booked and the wait for a spot to dine there might take months. If you're looking for great omakase options that are more wallet-friendly or a mid-range omakase treat for a special occasion, here are 8 restaurants you should consider!

 

Table65 - Spectacular Autumn Menu With Earthy Notes, Dutch Influences & Japanese Twists

Named after our city's area code, Table65 is a one-Michelin-starred outfit helmed by Michelin-starred Dutch chef Richard van Oostenbrugg at Hotel Michael in Sentosa. A young restaurant with a Michelin star? Table65 is definitely doing something right.

Burnt Ends - More Than Deserving of Their One Michelin Star

 

It's been a dream of mine to dine at Burnt Ends, but I could never get a table. So when Miss Tam Chiak wanted to have lunch, I thought I would just try my luck again. And guess what! We scored a table for 2, just 2 days before our lunch date. I know, I know, it's crazy luck! I couldn't believe it myself. I had to double check my booking multiple times. I arrived a couple of minutes before our reservation, and was asked politely to wait outside as they got our counter seats ready. I WAS BEYOND EXCITED. There must have been a cancellation because we were moved from the bar seats to the counter! What a treat!

Pictured here is the magnificent Burnt Ends Sanger. Think extremely flavourful pulled pork packed between two pillowy-soft fluffy buns. Just look at the ratio of meat to bun! Every bite was an explosion of flavours and a party in my mouth! Too good, just too good. I have been dreaming about this, and I will definitely be back soon for this gorgeous creation, and also those Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ginza Sushi Ichi - Best Michelin-Starred Sushi Omakase in Singapore

One-Michelin-Starred Ginza Sushi Ichi at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel might possibly offer the best sushi omakase in Singapore. The esteemed restaurant offers two types of omakase for dinner (starting from $220++). I usually go for sushi omakase as I'm a crazy huge fan of sushi, and I absolutely love Japanese rice! Walking into a Michelin-starred establishment, I had my expectations and I was really hoping that Ginza Sushi Ichi, an offshoot of the award-winning restaurant in Tokyo, will exceed my expectations. "Did they?" You might ask. Well, they certainly did.

Sushi Kimura - One-Michelin-Starred Sushi Omakase Restaurant in Singapore

One-Michelin-Starred Sushi Kimura is tucked away in a quiet corner of Palais Renaissance. The fine dining sushi restaurant focuses on Edomae-style sushi that's made with fish air-flown from Tsukiji Fish Market, sushi rice from a specific farm in Yamagata prefecture, and only premium ingredients imported from Japan.

Master Chef Tomoo Kimura, who has had stints at numerous fine-dining and Michelin-starred establishments, must be a perfectionist because he ensures that every item is made with only the finest ingredients and presented beautifully. He cooks his specially-sourced sushi rice in Hokkaido spring water, and not just any water. A master in the ageing of fish, Chef Kimura chooses to introduce fish that is rarely found on the menus of Japanese restaurants in Singapore. The amiable chef attends to his guests with a big bright smile and explains every dish succinctly.

Odette - Is an 8-Course Dinner for 2 at This 3 Michelin-Starred Restaurant Worth $931.01?

Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, Odette is a 3-year-old fine-dining restaurant that has been awarded 2 Michelin stars in just its first year of operations. Inspired by Chef Julien's grandmother, Odette, Odette has debuted on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants at 9th place — the highest new entry of all time. And the Best Restaurant in Singapore has also made Singapore proud by ranking 28th in The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2018. If you've been to Jaan, you'll know that Chef Julien is brilliant, and exceptional in his craft. Sending out contemporary French cuisine in a tastefully decorated space in National Gallery, Chef Julien works under the watchful eye of the world, and aims to deliver what one would expect from an esteemed dining destination that has 2 of the most precious and prestigious stars to its name.

I celebrated my birthday at Odette, and did I feel that the $931.01 bill for 2 people was worth it? Well, read on to find out.