If local diners were asked to pick a "le grand dame" of Japanese cuisine, then Nadaman would definitely be in the running. A landmark in the Singapore dining scene, the restaurant has been hailed as one of Singapore’s best Japanese restaurants for more years than many restaurants have even been open.

It is precisely this timeless reputation that makes your first step into Nadaman such an enchanting surprise. As opposed to the cosy shoji-screen interior that many Japanese restaurants opt for, Nadaman offers a refreshing, energizing open space that is really quite invigorating.

The food of course, is no less uplifting. A restaurant famous for their kaiseki, each course was elegantly presented, light on the palate, and absolutely delicious. They also serve excellent teppanyaki and teriyaki, with a proper teppanyaki counter if you prefer to watch the art form that preparing it is.

Quite simply, there’s a reason why Nadaman has maintained such an impeccable reputation over the years. It’s an establishment that is clearly committed to quality, and manages to do justice to the many facets of Japanese cuisine. That’s not an easy feat. (May 2012)

"Hands down one of the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore, the food at Nadaman is exquisite (and) elegant." -I-S Asia-City

"There’s an understated classiness about this traditional Japanese restaurant that offers everything from kaiseki to sukiyaki. The fact that it was one of the original Japanese restaurants in town, and its hotel location makes it a regular haunt for those who want familiarity and quality." -The Business Times

"From the a la carte, foie gras chawanmushi is a unique east meets west appetiser, while sliced Australian Wagyu beef, with its excellent marbling, served rolled with cooked vegetables, surrounded by crisp salad leaves, is tender and juicy." -Asia Tatler Dining

We love the fact that the cuisine changes seasonally to reflect the freshest produce from Japan despite the warm tropical weather outside. Even if you can’t travel to Japan, you can still enjoy the unique flavours of each season through the carefully curated Kaiseki menus which Nadaman is famous for. If we had to choose one dish that stood out amongst all the rest, it would probably have to be the appetizers.

We had a three items (okay, technically we "cheated" when we said "one dish" but can you blame us?), a sesame mousse with green bean, and bonito broth jelly, boiled yellow leek with deep fried sardine, and simmered cabbage with broccoli, prawn, and mayonnaise. Each of the dishes were plated beautifully, and each item was well thought out in terms of complementary flavours. The sashimi course was also of excellent quality. Overall, everything was quite simply, delightful.

We also got to try their teppanyaki lunch special, and it was equally sublime. The meats were succulent and flavourful, and there was a certain amount of disagreement (civil of course) at the table regarding who would get the last piece. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific dish when you have a kaiseki meal, but one thing that we definitely liked was the price. At around $50++ for what is effectively a seven course lunch, that’s near unbeatable value considering the impeccable quality.

We describe some restaurants as the place to go if you want to impress your boss. Or your significant other. Or prospective in-laws. Well, Nadaman is one place you’ll want to go, if you want to be impressed. (May 2012)

"Ever since opening in 1984, this highly acclaimed restaurant known for quality sashimi and innovative yet traditionally rooted cuisine has regularly hosted VIPs, all the while keeping true to seasonal tastes. Its lattice-ceiling space with tasteful lighting illuminates the stacked stone-and-wood water feature separating an elevated dining platform, where simple textile accents and ikebana floral arrangements set the mood for similarly presented master-chef creations. Opt for lunch sets or dinner; mini kaiseiki meals ($35-$80) are also on offer, containing appetisers, soup, sashimi, a simmered dish, main course and dessert. It’s equally suitable for business meetings, families or date nights." -Time Out Singapore

DBS (Indulge): 15% off total bill