Omakase is usually a pretty fancy affair, but not everyone enjoys that kind of dining. Rakuya gets that boujee omakase isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and dials down on the posh factor to bring you a one-of-a-kind omakase experience that’s both unforgettable and easy on the pocket.
Rakuya is unlike your average omakase restaurants with their minimalist and clean decor, instead choosing a bolder concept as you can see from the loud graffiti art decorating the walls and even the countless sake bottle labels plastered on the ceiling—the space is reminiscent of a raucous izakaya rather than an elegant omakase restaurant.
Rakuya’s casual setting makes the omakase dining experience much more approachable, and this is clear in the way they serve their omakase: Japanese but with a fusion twist, all with a side of theatrics. For the best experience at Rakuya, go for their 8-course Hoshi ($158) omakase that includes seasonal appetisers, premium sashimi, chawanmushi, a hot dish, 5 pieces of sushi, uni rice, soup and dessert.
Assorted Premium Sashimi
Seasonal Appetisers
Visually, standout items from the omakase course have got to be the premium sashimi: not only are the sashimi super fresh, they’re even presented beautifully and intricately in a dry ice dish. You’ll definitely want the camera to feast first with this course as the smoke cascading down and around the dish is really quite beautiful.
If you’re having sake with your meal, you also get to pick your own sake glass from their selection of gorgeous glasses. For our meal we picked a special colour-changing sake glass with an exquisite sakura tree design. Depending on the temperature of the sake poured in, the flower petals will change colour to a bright pink (hot) or vibrant blue (cold)! As for sakes, Rakuya is offering a special range of autumn sakes ($88-$158 per bottle) from now till the end of December 2022.
Pan-Fried Octopus Served in Squid Ink
Uni Rice
Chawanmushi Served in Abalone Sauce
During our visit we were served a seasonal hot dish, the Pan-Fried Octopus Served in Squid Ink Sauce, which we enjoyed for the light and crispy texture of the fried octopus. The chawanmushi served is also of premium quality, not your average plain chawanmushi, but served in abalone sauce and topped with abalone slices. The omakase even comes with Uni Rice, giving you even more bang for your buck with this omakase course.
Assorted Sushi
As for the fusion aspect of the omakase, you’ll notice that their sushi pieces are not like your regular Japanese sushi, but each has a unique quirk or addition that you don’t often see in other restaurants. Think fusion sushi like Yellowtail Served in Olive, Scallop Served in Truffles, Giant Red Shrimp Served in Brazil Miso, Fatty Tuna Served in Coriander Sauce and more—these fusion sushi items make the omakase experience that much more approachable for those who don’t particularly the overtly raw taste of sushi.
Rakuya Shokado Bento, $68
Just for lunch, Rakuya also has a special Rakuya Shokado Bento ($68) that’s chock full of 8 types of items, namely an appetiser, assorted sashimi, chawanmushi, hot dish, main, mini rice bowl, soup and dessert. At that price point and for such a large quantity of food, we think this bento is an absolute steal if you’re a big eater at lunch.
Aside from omakase, Rakuya also offers pocket-friendly 6-course set lunches from just $16, a la carte bar bites, sushi and more. If you’re looking for a relaxed and unpretentious omakase restaurant where you can just enjoy quality food at great prices, Rakuya is your best bet. A good balance between theatrics, premium ingredients, chill vibes and friendly service, Rakuya is the perfect place to experience Japanese omakase without having to worry if you’re committing some omakase faux pas.
Rakuya
Ambience: 3/5
Food/Drinks: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Price: $$
Worth a visit: Casual yet unique theatrical omakase experience that won’t break the bank!
Address: 89 East Coast Road, Singapore 428790
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9.30pm
