Shoukouwa

Eight seats, two stars and a chef who can see exactly what you do with each piece.

Shoukouwa is the sushi counter to book when the occasion deserves the bill: eight seats at a hinoki counter at One Fullerton, two Michelin stars held since 2016, and every piece of nigiri made in front of you and handed over at the moment it is meant to be eaten. It suits a celebration for two who want to watch the work closely. The compromise is cost and access – this is the top end of the city's omakase, with very few seats – so book well ahead.

It opened in 2016 next door to its French sister restaurant, Saint Pierre, won its two stars within months and has kept them since, including in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. Kazumine Nishida, a former sous chef, took over the counter in 2019 from the founding head chef, Masahiro Suzuki. Ten years in, it is a study in continuity rather than reinvention, which is what you want from a counter like this.

The style is classic Edomae rather than showy. Produce is flown in daily from Toyosu Market, and the restaurant closes on the days the market does, which may be the most committed scheduling decision in Singapore dining. The rice comes from Yamagata and Ishikawa, and each piece is finished with one of two sauces to lift the fish. Look out for the toro maki of chutoro and otoro, and for the flashcards that explain where each fish comes from.

It is tiny: no more than eight seats, plus a private room for six. That shapes the meal. You are close enough for the chef to see exactly what you do with each piece, so eat each one when it is handed over rather than photographing it first. Service has its own award: general manager Desmond Wong won the MICHELIN Guide's service award in 2023.

How to do it well: book early, flag allergies when you do, and check the calendar, because a Toyosu Market holiday means the counter is shut. Raffles Place MRT is the closest station. The prices in the facts box come from reviews rather than the restaurant, so confirm the current menu prices when you book. Either way it is a bill that invites comparison with a return flight to Tokyo. Save it for the occasion that earns it, and leave the phone in your bag.

Good to know One Fullerton, #02-02A, 1 Fullerton Road; Raffles Place MRT is closest. It serves lunch and two dinner seatings and closes on Toyosu Market holidays; seats are few, so book early and flag allergies when you do.

Shoukouwa | One Fullerton, #02-02A, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213 | Nearest MRT: Raffles Place