There is something quietly captivating about sitting at a sushi counter and watching a chef create a meal one piece at a time. The experience is not rushed. Every movement, from preparing the fish to shaping the sushi rice, becomes part of the evening.
During my visit to Sushi Masaaki, that was the feeling I carried throughout the meal. Located at South Beach, the restaurant offers a more personal interpretation of omakase, where traditional Japanese foundations meet Chef Masaaki Sakashita’s own creative expression.
Compared with more formal sushi counters that focus strictly on Edomae tradition, Sushi Masaaki feels more expressive. The experience still respects Japanese craftsmanship, but there is a sense that the chef is telling his own story through each dish.
Sushi Masaaki: A Creative Sushi Counter at South Beach
Walking into Sushi Masaaki feels different from entering a typical sushi restaurant. The space combines contemporary design with traditional Japanese touches, creating an atmosphere that feels modern yet grounded.
The highlight is the impressive 250-year-old hinoki wood counter, which immediately draws attention. Sitting across from the chef allows diners to observe the preparation closely, from the handling of ingredients to the final placement of each sushi piece.
The restaurant’s interior also includes distinctive design elements, including the playful pink dancing Gucci cranes that add a unique character to the space. These details create a contrast between the refined sushi counter and a more contemporary dining environment.
Chef Masaaki’s Approach to Fine Japanese Cooking
At the centre of the experience is Chef Masaaki, whose approach reflects years of experience with Japanese sushi and fine Japanese cooking. Rather than following only one strict formula, Chef Masaaki combines traditional cooking techniques with his own interpretation of flavour and presentation. The result is an omakase experience that feels personal, with each course showing attention to balance, texture, and timing.
His cooking style highlights the natural qualities of ingredients while allowing room for creativity. A dish may begin with a traditional Japanese idea but receive a slightly different presentation or combination of flavours.
That balance is what gives Sushi Masaaki its identity. It respects the foundation of Japanese sushi while allowing the chef’s personality to come through.
The Omakase Menu: Sushi Pieces, Seasonal Fish and Careful Details
The omakase menu at Sushi Masaaki moves through a thoughtful progression of appetisers, seafood preparations, sushi pieces, and dessert.
The sushi itself places strong emphasis on the relationship between the fish and the rice. The restaurant uses carefully prepared sushi rice with akazu red vinegar, creating a deeper flavour profile that complements richer seafood.
Each piece is carefully balanced. The texture of the fish, the temperature of the rice, and the amount of seasoning all contribute to how the sushi feels in the mouth. The experience is not only about serving expensive ingredients. It is about how each dish is constructed and how the flavours develop throughout the course.
Hokkaido Hairy Crab: A Seasonal Highlight
One of the memorable elements of Sushi Masaaki’s menu is its use of seasonal ingredients, including Hokkaido hairy crab when available.
The hairy crab brings a different texture and sweetness compared with other seafood commonly found in sushi omakase. Its delicate flavour allows the chef to highlight the natural sweetness of the ingredient without overwhelming it.
Seasonal ingredients like hairy crab represent the restaurant’s approach to omakase: allowing the availability of quality seafood to influence the menu rather than following a fixed selection throughout the year. For diners who enjoy discovering different types of seafood, these seasonal additions can make each visit feel slightly different.
From Uni to Hand Roll: The Small Moments That Stand Out
Beyond the sushi progression, Sushi Masaaki includes dishes that show the chef’s creativity.
The menu may feature ingredients such as uni, where the creamy texture and natural sweetness create a richer moment during the meal. Other seafood preparations allow guests to experience different textures, from soft and delicate fish to more substantial dishes.
The final part of the meal may include a hand roll and dessert, offering a comforting finish after the sushi courses. Desserts are treated with the same attention as the savoury dishes. Rather than being an afterthought, the final course completes the pacing of the experience.
What Makes Sushi Masaaki Different From Other Omakase Counters?
The biggest difference between Sushi Masaaki and many traditional sushi counters is the sense of individuality.
Restaurants focused strictly on Edomae sushi often emphasise restraint and repetition of established techniques. Sushi Masaaki takes those foundations but allows more room for personal interpretation. The experience feels less like watching a fixed performance and more like being invited into the chef’s own way of understanding Japanese food.
That makes it an interesting contrast within the Marina Bay area. While some counters focus on precision and tradition, Sushi Masaaki highlights creativity and connection.
South Beach: Location and Dining Details
Sushi Masaaki is located at:
- 26 Beach Road, #B1-17, South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189768
The restaurant is located within the South Beach development, making it accessible from the Marina Bay and City Hall areas. For drivers, the South Beach Avenue carpark provides convenient parking access.
Nearest MRT:
- Esplanade MRT Station
- City Hall MRT Station
The location makes Sushi Masaaki a convenient choice for diners exploring the Marina Bay and downtown area.
Operating Hours and Reservations
Sushi Masaaki offers both lunch and dinner omakase experiences.
Typical service hours:
Lunch
- 12pm–3pm
Dinner
- 6pm–11pm
Reservations are recommended because the sushi counter has limited seating. For the best experience, guests should reserve ahead and confirm the latest menu, as omakase offerings change according to ingredient availability.
Why Sushi Masaaki Should Be Your Next Omakase Adventure
Sushi Masaaki is best suited for diners who enjoy a more personal style of omakase.
It may not be the first choice for someone looking for the strictest traditional Edomae experience. Instead, it appeals to those who appreciate seeing how a chef combines technique, creativity, and seasonal ingredients into one complete meal.
Among the omakase counters around Marina Bay, Sushi Masaaki represents the more expressive side of Japanese dining. The hinoki counter, Chef Masaaki’s personal approach, and carefully considered dishes create an experience that feels intimate without being overly formal.
For diners who want more than just sushi, who want to understand the chef’s perspective behind every course, Sushi Masaaki offers a memorable way to experience Japanese omakase in Singapore.
