SINGAPORE - Two Japanese restaurants shared the Michelin-starred spotlight at the ninth edition of the Michelin Guide Singapore on July 24.

They are Omakase@Stevens at Novotel Singapore On Stevens, which received one Michelin star while Sushi Sakuta at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore has been promoted from one to two star status. 

This marks a double-win for Omakase@Stevens’ executive chef Kazuki Arimoto, 31, who also received the Young Chef Award. 

Omakase@Stevens' executive chef Kazuki Arimoto receiving the Young Chef Award.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

He joined the restaurant three years ago as its sous chef, and took over as executive chef in April 2024.

He says: “I’m so happy to have got one star and the Young Chef Award.”

Sushi Sakuta’s chef-owner Yoshio Sakuta, 47, was still in disbelief. He says: “I’m so, so happy. I’m so appreciative of everyone who’s supported us. We will continue to do our best every day and believe that we might add another star in the future.” 

“This was a great showing for Japan,” adds Sushi Sakuta’s head sommelier Iwabuchi Makoto, 41. 

Head sommelier Iwabuchi Makoto (left) and chef-owner Yoshio Sakuta of Sushi Sakuta receiving their two-Michelin-starred award.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Singapore’s trio of three-Michelin-starred establishments - Les Amis at Shaw Centre, Odette at the National Gallery Singapore and Zen in Bukit Pasoh Road - have maintained their stars. 

One-Michelin-starred establishment Seroja at Duo Galleria in Bugis as well as Fiz in Tanjong Pagar have also retained their Michelin Green Star, awarded to establishments for their sustainable practices and dining experiences. 

Other awards given out included the Service Award for Ms Ines Carriere Bega from Odette, as well as the Sommelier Award for Ms Bella Jankaew from the two-Michelin-starred Jaan by Kirk Westaway. 

Ms Ines Carriere Bega of Odette, winner of the Service Award.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Ms Bella Jankaew of Jaan by Kirk Westaway receiving the Sommelier Award.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Amid the glitz and glamour of the award ceremony - attended by over 400 chefs, trade professionals, media and invited guests - there was the stark reality that 10 one-Michelin-starred restaurants have dropped off the list. 

Nine of them have closed. They are Art di Daniele Sperindio, Chef Kang’s, Matera, Oshino, Poise, Rhubarb, Shinji, Sommer and Sushi Kimura. 

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Rhubarb, which underwent a concept revamp in June, is now known as Encore by Rhubarb. It remains in its location in Duxton Hill. 

Terra Tokyo Italian in Tras Street has lost its star, and is now on the Michelin Select list. Such eateries are recognised by the Michelin Guide for their quality, but do not qualify for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand title.  

There are 26 new establishments - a mix of restaurants and hawker stalls - on the Michelin Select list. They include Na Oh in Jurong West, Somma at New Bahru and Latido in Tras Street. 

The cocktail reception that followed the ceremony featured seven chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants across Asia, including Mingoo Kang from three-star Mingles in South Korea and Eric Raty of the two-star Arbor in Hong Kong. 

The Michelin Guide Singapore announcement comes a week after

the Bib Gourmand results, released on July 17.

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