It’s hard enough to find quality sushi and izakaya that are fresh to the bite, even if you are forced to break the bank. Well, Hinoki might just be your answer. Not only will you be impressed by the freshness, quality and the range of dishes here, but the biggest surprise comes when you receive the bill! Hinoki not only caters to a diverse palate but to a diverse budget as well, without compromising on quality.

With chef Lawrence Chia at the helm of this culinary gem, not only are you guaranteed the freshest produce flown in from Hokkaido and Kyoto, but armed with a gregarious personality, you are bound to hear a tale or two from his varied forays into the food and beverage industry. A graduate from the famed Nogawa School, Lawrence was one of the privileged few to be trained under the famous Japanese chef back in the nineties. Before deciding to embark on opening his own restaurant, Lawrence previously put his skills to the test at Keppel Club's Kome along with partner, Gary Ng.

A large variety of ten different bento boxes are available during lunch, ranging from $18 to $32, and dinner sets go for under $60 a person, making dining affordable again. Dishes here range from traditional to contemporary, with Lawrence and Gary putting their creative stamp on what is truly Japanese at its core. Be tantalized by subtle twists on beloved classics like a dash of truffle oil or even a scrumptious piece of foie gras. At Hinoki, you can order old favourites, and discover new ones. (Jan 2012)

"But if you can spend a longer time over a meal, such as over dinner, it's worth asking the chef to tailor a menu for you. The creations are still Japanese at their core, but with very subtle twists here and there which are instillations of the chefs' creativity." -So Shiok



"Nestled in the crowds of China Square, a new Japanese addition has joined the gastronomic block - Hinoki Japanese Dining is about quality sushi and izakaya without the steep price tags." -Asia Tatler Dining

Like finding a perfectly versatile outfit to go from day to night, Hinoki is a great place to go whether day or night. Given its prime location, just off the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District, Hinoki is the ideal location for a business lunch or even a cozy dinner with friends. As mentioned, chef Lawrence Chia prides himself in coming up with personalized menus for his regular customers and even those looking for something a little more customised to impress that special someone or to suit any budget.

We highly recommend you save room before heading down to Hinoki, because as we soon found out, there is just so much to choose from! We began with their signature Sashimi Platter, which included thick cuts of salmon with a dash of green yuzu, yellowtail, tuna with fine bonito gratings, sweet shrimp, and the highlight, seared swordfish. Searing the swordfish gives it a soft and juicy texture that literally melts in your mouth. Our favourite part? The freshly grated wasabi that comes alongside this delicious platter. Bring plenty of tissue though! You are going to need it to dab the tears that roll down your cheeks from the sheer hotness of this condiment.

From one platter to the next, we next feasted on a variety of sushi, which featured the indulgent amberjack, a premium white fish with a touch of truffle oil, salmon belly, scallops with spicy cod-roe mayonnaise and flounder fin. Other treats on the Sushi Platter are the seared bluefin tuna, freshwater eel and surf clam sushi, and finally their beloved ebi sushi topped with foie gras – a wonderful pairing that created the perfect balance of heartiness and lightness. The blend of textures was magnificent to the taste, especially since the liver was still warm. (Jan 2012)