Sushi Ryujiro, the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant helmed by Chef Ryujiro Nakamura, is making a grand return in Singapore. After a successful two-year run at Shaw Centre, the restaurant is now located at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, offering a unique dining experience that showcases the same philosophy and ingredients that earned its Tokyo outpost a Michelin star in 2021. The restaurant's new location allows for a more intimate and immersive experience, with a 10-seat sushiya and an additional private room opening in September. The space is designed to reflect the restaurant's philosophy, with traditional Japanese elements such as Tsuchikabe walls made from a blend of clay and rice straw, a hinoki wood counter, and antique tableware. The restaurant's entrance features a bespoke, handmade paper installation by Barcelona-based art studio Wanda Barcelona, inspired by the movements of dragons, fish, and Japanese pine trees. The restaurant's executive chef, Naruki Ikeda, is fluent in English and can engagely explain the provenance of the ingredients and the cooking techniques, sharing interesting stories about fish species and the restaurant's unique approach to sushi. The restaurant's focus on top-quality and rare ingredients sourced directly from fishermen is a key part of the dining experience. Chef Nakamura has built relationships with independent fishermen, specialist producers, and seafood craftsmen across Japan, allowing him to source ingredients that are not easily found through conventional channels. For example, the restaurant offers seasonal red uni from Fukui Prefecture, a clean-tasting and long-finishing ingredient that is seldom available outside Japan. The restaurant's omakase experience reflects the same sourcing philosophy, craftsmanship, and spirit of hospitality that define Sushi Ryujiro in Tokyo, making it a must-visit destination for discerning diners in Singapore.
