As Singaporeans, we’re such devout foodies that we’re willing to stand in long lines for good food. But besides standing in line, what is another measure of excellence?
Absurdly long waiting lists.
As a foodie nation, Singapore also has its fair share of gourmet restaurants that offer a taste of the finer things in life. If it seems a tad overzealous to have to make a reservation up to 4 months in advance, consider it as part of the epicurean journey!
Below are some of the restaurants in Singapore with the longest waiting list.
Teppei Japanese Restaurant
For a restaurant, staying afloat is a tough enough task in the competitive F&B scene. But to fill every seat over the years and have a waiting list of up to four months? Virtually unheard of… unless you’re Teppei.
After almost a decade, the 17-course omakase that made the small eatery famous continues to satisfy with its quality ingredients and $80 price tag.
Reservations open at the start of each month, stay tuned on Teppei’s Facebook page for more information and updates.
Waku Ghin
Waku Ghin is similar to Teppei in that it only seats a small number, but that’s about where the similarities end.
Serving up a fusion cuisine of Japanese-European in an intimate setting where you can make small talk with the chef who’s preparing your food right in front of your eyes, a fine dining experience at Waku Ghin is something you won’t forget.
Its epic 10-course menu comes at an astounding $400++ per pax, but still requires a waiting list of at least 3 weeks on the average before you can take your seat.
Waku Ghin has been closed for renovations, but it is slated to reopen soon and the refreshed Waku Ghin will reintroduce itself with new ways to enjoy its signature dining experience.
Buko Nero
Almost 20 years on, the lovely couple behind Italian-Asian fusion restaurant Buko Nero still refuses any form of expansion and insists on running the restaurant singlehandedly.
The wife, Tracy, who is Singaporean, handles the front of the restaurant, while the husband, Oscar, an Italian, is the chef. Together they have created something that is semi-legendary in the Singapore dining scene because of the quality of food and the waiting list for this restaurant.
However, since Covid hit, the waiting list has been drastically reduced so it’s the best time to book a table and get a taste of mind-blowingly amazing Italian food.
Shinji by Kanesaka
Shinji by Kanesaka is an extension of Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka's Edo-style sushi restaurant first set up in Tokyo.
It is commonly known to be the one of the best Japanese sushi restaurants in Singapore, and also considered by many as one of the finest outside of Japan.
Shinji charges from $250 for an omakase lunch set all the way to $500 for the ultimate omakase dinner special. Just a few years back, the waiting list spanned weeks, but the opening of a second outlet at St. Regis has helped to alleviate long reservations.
FOC
FOC started off in 2014 as a collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany and a group of Spanish food aficionados, with a shared goal of acquainting the city’s culinary landscape with authentic Barcelonian flavours.
Today, they prepare exquisite tapas dishes and a plethora of personalized cocktails that takes Spanish appreciation to the next level.
Since its opening they have seen a spate of bookings, making the waiting list up to a month long. They’ve been so popular that another two outlets were opened – FOC Sentosa and FOC Pim Pam.
Ginza Sushi Ichi
The intimate restaurant in Singapore is a branch of the award-winning Tokyo based Ginza Sushi Ichi, helmed by 34-year-old executive Head Chef Masakazu Ishibashi, more affectionately known as Masa.
Here, traditional Edomae sushi is made with seasonal seafood and vegetables from Japan. Only the best rice, marinated with red or white vinegar, makes it to the counter. Even the sauces are shipped from their flagship store in Japan to maintain consistency.
You know they’re good when the waiting list can go up to three weeks!
Lunch omakase at Ginza Sushi Ichi starts from $100, while the dinner menu ranges from $220 to $430. Hefty, but sushi connoisseurs will tell you it’s very much worth the money.