IKOI Japanese Restaurant
What Makes IKOI Special
About IKOI
IKOI — the Japanese word for 'rest' or 'comfort' (憩) — opened at Hotel Miramar on 1 November 2000, and has earned its place as one of Singapore's most enduring Japanese restaurants. The restaurant proudly calls itself the pioneer of eat-all-you-can à la carte Japanese buffet in Singapore, and for over two decades, it has maintained a loyal following that books tables days — sometimes weeks — in advance. This is not a flashy new opening or a chain with investor backing. It is a restaurant that has quietly survived for more than 20 years on the strength of its food alone.
The concept is straightforward: for S$50++ per person, you receive an extensive menu of over 80 à la carte Japanese dishes — sashimi, sushi, handrolls, tempura, grilled fish, yakitori, rice bowls, noodles, and more — all prepared fresh to order. Unlike typical buffet lines where food sits under heat lamps, every dish at IKOI is cooked or sliced when you order it. This means the sashimi is genuinely fresh and the tempura arrives hot and crispy, but it also means you need patience: service can be slow during peak hours.
The sashimi is IKOI's crown jewel. Regulars come specifically for the thick, generous cuts of salmon, hamachi (yellowtail), mekajiki (swordfish), and tako (octopus) — sliced fresh on demand with a quality that consistently surprises first-time visitors. The grilled saba and salmon are well-executed with a smoky char. The salmon skin temaki is a cult favourite. Each table also receives a complimentary seafood soup served in a teapot — a small touch that regulars know to ask for if the servers forget.
Recommended For
Menu & Pricing
All prices before 10% service charge and 9% GST.
À La Carte Buffet
| Adult — all-you-can-eat, 80+ dishes | S$50++ |
| Child pricing | Contact restaurant |
What's Included — Highlights
| Sashimi (thick-cut, prepared to order) | Unlimited |
| Sushi & Handrolls (incl. salmon skin temaki) | Unlimited |
| Grilled dishes (saba, yakitori, chicken wings) | Unlimited |
| Tempura (prawn, vegetables, apple) | Unlimited |
| Chawanmushi | Unlimited |
| Udon, soba, rice bowls, katsudon | Unlimited |
| Complimentary seafood soup (per table) | Free |
💡 Order strategy: begin with sashimi, then grilled items while you wait. The salmon skin temaki is a must. Order in batches — everything is fresh, so ordering too much at once leads to long waits.
Practical Information
Dietary Information
Location
401 Havelock Road, #01-01, Hotel Miramar, Singapore 169631
Inside the lobby of Hotel Miramar. Nearest MRT: Robertson Quay (NE3/EW16), 8 min walk.
📍 Open in Google MapsYour Dining Journey
Book Ahead — This Is Not Optional
IKOI has been fully booked most evenings for over two decades. WhatsApp or call at least a few days ahead. Dinner has two seatings. Groups of 8+ can request the private room.
Start With Sashimi — Always
The sashimi is the reason most people come. Order the mixed platter immediately. The salmon is rich and buttery, the hamachi clean and sweet, the swordfish an unexpected highlight. Order generously — this is where IKOI outperforms restaurants charging double.
The Grills and Temaki While You Wait
While waiting for sashimi refills, order grilled saba, chicken wings, and shishamo. The salmon skin temaki is IKOI's cult item — order multiple. Tempura prawns in small batches to ensure they arrive hot.
Pace Yourself — The Kitchen Is Small
The most common complaint is slow service during peak hours — a fair criticism. The kitchen is small and everything is made to order. Solution: order in waves, not all at once. Be patient and flag servers proactively.
The Teapot Soup — Don't Forget to Ask
Every table gets a complimentary seafood soup in a ceramic teapot — a warm broth that regulars swear by. Servers sometimes forget during busy periods, so ask. A small detail that captures what makes IKOI special.
Editor's Note
IKOI is not perfect — the service is genuinely slow during peak hours, and non-sashimi dishes range from good to average. But for S$50++ all-you-can-eat with sashimi of this quality, it remains one of the best values in Singapore. Lunch is generally better than dinner. Note: Hotel Miramar has faced closure rumours — confirm via WhatsApp before visiting.
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