Omakase in Singapore: Gary’s Omakase at Hong Lim Complex

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Omakase in Singapore: Gary’s Omakase at Hong Lim Complex


Introduction

When it comes to omakase in Singapore, diners are spoiled for choice. From upscale sushi restaurants tucked in Orchard Road to intimate sushi bars in the heartlands, each omakase spot offers a unique culinary journey. Among these hidden gems is Gary’s Omakase, located at Hong Lim Complex. Helmed by Chef Gary — formerly of Hakumai Sushi & Omakase — this restaurant blends fine Japanese craftsmanship with an unexpectedly modest setting.

But how does it compare to other sushi restaurants in Singapore, and is it worth a visit? Here’s a closer look at the experience, dishes, menu, and atmosphere at Gary’s Omakase.

Location & Ambience

Gary's Entrance

Tucked away on the second floor of Hong Lim Complex, Gary’s Omakase stands apart from many of the city’s glitzy sushi restaurants. The entrance is understated, marked by a Japanese-style curtain that leads into a warmly lit space.

Inside, the focal point is a bar counter where diners can observe the chefs at work — an integral part of the omakase ritual. Wooden accents and minimalist black décor add sophistication, while the overall feel remains approachable. For those seeking privacy, there’s also a private room (by reservation) ideal for business dinners or intimate gatherings.

The Chef Behind the Counter

Chef Gary brings years of expertise to the restaurant. Known for his time at Hakumai Sushi & Omakase (which garnered attention for signature items like foie gras-topped sushi and uni pasta), he has carried over a strong reputation for excellent seafood, refined plating, and thoughtful flavour combinations.

At Gary’s Omakase, every piece of sashimi and sushi is prepared to highlight freshness — whether it’s seasonal fish, sweet shrimp, or tuna belly — with minimal distraction, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

The Menu: What's New & Exciting

Thanks to a recent menu posted on Gary’s Omakase’s Facebook page, we now have more clarity on what you can expect. The menu includes several Gozen and Bento sets, sashimi & special sashimi options, and a variety of rice, noodle, and side dishes.

Here are some standout items from the menu:

  • Special Sashimi — premium cuts that may include higher-grade tuna, seasonal fish, and specialty items (depending on availability).

  • Truffle Uni Don — uni over rice with truffle notes; a luxurious choice for uni lovers.

  • Unagi Don — grilled eel over rice; a comforting and rich option.

  • Kaisen Don — a sashimi medley over rice, showcasing a variety of fresh fish.

  • Tempura Gozen — already known, but appears with refined presentation, possibly paired with side dishes like miso soup, pickles, or small sashimi.

  • Chawanmushi — including truffle chawanmushi, which elevates this classic to a more indulgent level.

  • Sides / small plates — might include items like tempura vegetables, miso soup, small sashimi or special seasonal side dishesGary Sushi

These additions fill in many of the gaps: you can now more precisely describe what diners are ordering and what they might expect in terms of options and price tiers (from Gozen/Bento / Don / special sashimi / full omakase).

Food Highlights & Menu Walk-Through

Using the menu info, here’s more detail on what to try, and what stood out in reviews:

  • Tempura Gozen remains a strong option. Reviewers liked the freshness of their prawns and the crisp-ness, though some felt the batter could be lighter. Vegetables like bell pepper and shiso leaf are included, along with sides such as dipping sauce and grated radish.

  • Truffle Chawanmushi is a standout. With creamy egg custard, mushrooms, and a hint of truffle aroma, it brings comfort and elegance, especially as a starter or mid-course

Gary Chawamushi

  • Special Sashimi & Don options such as Truffle Uni Don, Kaisen Don, and Unagi Don give diners alternatives to the full omakase — for example, if one isn't up for 10-12 courses, these don-based or sashimi-based options allow a lighter, more flexible meal.

  • Value-tier sets (Gozen / Bento / Don sets) look well-thought-out: they give a sampler of textures (rice, sashimi, hot/cold, sides), which helps balance price vs satisfaction.

Service & Dining Experience

With more transparency about what’s on the menu, a few more service observations emerge:

  • Pace remains deliberate. Reviews suggest that each course is given its due time. The inclusion of more “Don” options means some orders are served faster (ideal for lunch), while omakase or full Gozen sets may require more patience.

  • Staff explanations: Dish names like “Special Sashimi,” “Truffle Uni Don,” etc., might require some background via staff (e.g. what fish cuts are included, how fresh they are, origin). People new to omakase or don-style bowls will appreciate good descriptions.

  • Atmosphere: Now knowing what people are ordering in terms of variety, the restaurant caters both to those wanting full theatrical omakase and those wanting a simpler but still premium Japanese meal. Good for mixed groups with different appetite levels.

Value for Money Revisited

The addition of these don (rice bowl) options, special sashimi, and refined side dishes shifts the value-proposition positively. You don’t always need to commit to the full omakase route to taste premium ingredients (e.g. uni, special sashimi, truffle-accented items).

For sushi lovers or those exploring Japanese cuisine in Singapore, Gary’s Omakase offers multiple entry points:

  • Dinner/lunch Gozen or Bento set for those wanting the essence of omakase without the full course.

  • Don and sashimi special items for those wanting a shorter bite or something lighter.

  • Full omakase for special-occasion diners.

When comparing to other sushi restaurants of similar quality, Gary’s seems to offer more menu flexibility, which helps with both cost and appeal.

Areas for Improvement & Suggestions

With the new menu, some additional suggestions emerge:

  • Tempura batter refinement: Several reviews mention the batter could be lighter. Given it appears in their Gozen set, fine-tuning here would enhance contrast with the other delicate sashimi and don items.

  • Clarity in menu descriptions: Items like “Special Sashimi,” “Truffle Uni Don,” etc., are enticing, but seasonal changes should be clearly communicated (which fish, how fresh) so customers feel confident ordering.

  • Balance of pace: For “Don” orders, faster service is expected. For omakase or Gozen, slower pacing is acceptable, but staff should manage expectations (especially during dinner hours).

Final Verdict

With the recent menu details, Gary’s Omakase now appears even more compelling. For those searching for omakase in Singapore or looking among sushi restaurants for quality, flexibility, and genuine craftsmanship, Gary’s makes a strong case.

Whether you want a full course, sashimi extravaganza, or simply a truffle-uni don bowl, there are options to match your appetite and budget. The modest location, combined with high-quality ingredients, makes Gary’s Omakase a standout among sushi restaurants that charge luxury mall prices but don’t always deliver the same intimacy or authenticity.

If you’re in the mood for something special — or even just a delicious Japanese meal that doesn’t break the bank — this is one to try.

Practical Information

  • 📍Address: 531 Upper Cross Street #02-55 Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050531

  • 🔖Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner or the full omakase experience; call +65 8822 6601

  • ⏰Opening Hours (approximate):

    • Lunch: 11:45 AM – 2:45 PM (last order about an hour before close)

    • Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (last order about an hour before close)

  • 🥢Popular menu items to try: Truffle Uni Don, Kaisen Don, Special Sashimi, Tempura Gozen, Truffle Chawanmushi


Location: Singapore

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