Someone told me Sen of Japan was the best Japanese restaurant in Singapore so I've ate at it, a Japanese restaurant in Marina Bay Sands Singapore, several times to verify the claim- scroll down to see if it's worth it! (All paid for by myself so non sponsored. Last visit was post their re-opening in July 2026.)
Sen of Japan has a great location- it's one of the few MBS restaurants with a view of the Marina Bay waterfront. The seats by the window are the perfect spot to look out on the Bay whilst staying in AC.
Unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't take advantage of its location, in my opinion. For example, there is no outdoor dining. Moreover, in the afternoon, they draw the shades (to reduce the glare and, according to 1 waitress, because it gets hot in the afternoons- she says around half past noon- so you can't see anything then.) Though the glare isn't an issue over at Yardbird, which has a similar view.
The restaurant was generally good before, but even better after the reopening, in my opinion. More details on why below!
Location: Level 1, #01 - 86, The Shoppes
Nearest carpark: Central Orange Zone
Food
If you're looking for variety (especially during lunch), Sen of Japan is the place for you as it has the most extensive menu out of all the Japanese restaurants at MBS.
The first time I went to Sen of Japan, I wasn't particularly impressed but it's since changed my mind.. (Back then, itt wasn't bad but not as good as Wakuda (in 2023) but now I actually prefer it!)
In 2023, the portions of the set lunch were small, and the desert disappointing (see pictures below) but happily that is no longer the case in 2026 post re-opening after the renovations.
I never thought I'd encourage people to visit a mall, but you can also visit the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. It is 1 of the most decorated malls for the holidays- just look at the Chinese New Year decor above!
Here's the new set meal in 2026, post re-opening:
As you can see, you get more dishes- appetisers thrown in- and the main is also bigger in size. It also comes with dessert, shown below, which I LOVED.
The only thing I wasn't happy with was the salad. It was SO dry I felt like I was a rabbit eating grass. I asked the waitress and she said they put an olive oil dressing but I couldn't taste it, at all. The old salad was MUCH better.
Ambience
The restaurant is nicely flooded with natural light, and feels clean and minimalistic. The new decor feels much nicer- less plain and more memorable than the old decorations. (I have a picture of the old interiors below for you to compare.)
The space is tighter than Wakuda- it's a small restaurant- so it could be a bit noisy and overpowering when full. There is both counter and table seating so you might want to specify if making a reservation.
You have a choice between table seats, a sort-of wooden banquette seats, and counter seats.
The only thing I'm not fond of is the table seats feel a bit tighter than the old ones... or did I just get bigger?!
Service
Something very important to note is to be careful if you have allergies. Unlike Wakuda, the servers don't ask if you have any allergies.
Overall, service at Sen of Japan is variable- usually good, but sometimes not.
The last time I was there, I ordered the green tea which is meant to be free fill but the waiter never came to top it up and it was hard to get his attention (despite there being only 1 other table in the restaurant.)
Prices
Japanese food is never cheap but I thought the prices at Sen of Japan were decent, given the location (especially compared to Wakuda and Waku Ghin!) The set lunches are particularly good value, especially after the reopening- they're a more complete set now. (Previously it was just a main, salad, and soup- now they've added in appetisers and desert.
For example, whilst the sashimi isn't cheap, you could order Inaniwa Udon for $24.
Note that the set lunch price differs depending on whether it's the weekday or weekend.
Expected Damage: about $80 for the weekday (regular) Bara Chirashi lunch set- including dessert, I paid $91.48.
Any questions about dining at Sen of Japan in MBS Shoppes Singapore? Let me know int he comments!
Vert says
Ive been to Sen more than 15 times.
The only reason to go is if you have Amex card that gives you 50% off for 2 pax (on almost everythint on menu except chef omakase sashimi and wagyu) as it then becomes the best value Japanese restaurant perhaps in Singapore…
At full price there are many many better restaurants out there (i rather do actual omakases)
ALL2A says
Hi Vert, thanks for sharing about the Amex card promo. Yes the menu (as is (i.e. not the lunch set)) is not the cheapest, but the set lunch is decent value for Japanese food in MBS (in my opinion :)) Would love to hear more about your fave Japanese restaurants in SG.