There's a sense of hushed reverence that befalls anyone stepping into Shinji – you're about to worship at the altar of one of Singapore's best sushi bars, after all. Slide open the shoji door and be greeted by three chefs standing behind the counter. With one chef preparing a meal for only three to five people at a time, you're guaranteed an intimate dining experience.
Even if you're intimidated at first, give it a few minutes and you'll start to feel at home when the friendly itamae enquires if you have any preferences. The trio is all smiles throughout, explaining each dish as they lay piece after piece of sushi on the plate in front of you. Lunch starts from $100 for nine pieces and includes stellar slices of chutoro, otoro and anago over lightly vinegared rice with a firm bite. And dinner begins at $250 for 15 nigiri pieces, a maki roll and soup.
If you want the ever-coveted morsel of uni, you'll need to order the 12-piece set ($150) and 15-piece set ($200). If you are in the mood to indulge, go for the chef’s omakase special ($350 for lunch; $550 for dinner), offering an array of seasonal dishes and a serving of Shinji's signature rice bowl, made by mixing uni and rice and topped with ikura, negitoro and a dollop of fresh wasabi. Even though it costs more than half the price of the nine-piece set, the creamy uni rice, sweet and salty pops of ikura and the velvety soft tuna are well worth the price tag – if only to say that you've at least tried it once.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
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