Esora

The last hurrah. This was on my list and decided to have it prior to its closing. I’d expected more in between courses but it was really just 7 courses. My favourite has to be the foie gras monaka which had chestnut cream and pear shreddings within, both presentation and taste. It’s really like a cream wafer and no strong taste that it has foie gras. While the lobster tasted good, the presentation of it being a fried lobster ball coated in flour diminishes its value. The next prettiest dish is the hassun, comprising of 5 delicacies like shell fish variety, seasoned sashimi, chawanmushi, but I like the palate cleanser of persimmon with tofu cream best. The 2 mains of Kinmedai and pork loin were decent though I find most of the food on the salty side. Oh but I enjoyed the fresh fat peanut which came with the fish. The mushroom donabe was ok too. I’d thought it would be real baked sweet potato for the ending but it was made into soufflé, which was not to my liking. I think for its price, I’d prefer to try something else. #esora #japanese #traveliscallin

Visited in Oct 2025 Read about the impending closure of Esora by end Dec 2025 and hence decided to pay a visit to this 1 Michelin Star establishment for lunch. The lunch tasting menu comprised 7 courses and was priced at S$198++. Food wise, it was a decent experience with each course adding a unique flavour profile and perspective to the overall menu. I liked the Hassun platter course which comprised 4 mini dishes. The dessert course was also quite nice. For drinks, I went with the tea pairing for S$48++. There were 3 teas as part of the pairing as all of them were quite good. There was also a complimentary tea at the end of the meal for all diners. Service was absolutely fantastic. Exactly what you would expect of a Michelin star place. Overall, it was a good meal and it’s unfortunate that they are closing their doors soon. However, I am not sure if this is a must-go Michelin star restaurant in SG as there are better alternatives in my view. Nonetheless, given they are closing soon, you might as well give Esora a try.

Heard Esora was closing and finally made a booking to try. Outstanding meal from start to finish. Loved the Amadai, Pigeon, Crab Some , Crab Donabe and the Soufflé dish. Tea pairing was wonderful and elevated the meal as well. Food here is on par with fine dining kappo style restaurants in Japan, albeit at a higher price point. It’s a shame they are closing.

Esora was possibly the first omakase I ever tried, and it left a lasting impression that nudged me toward exploring omakase and fine dining more broadly. Hearing that it would close at the end of 2025 prompted me to make a final pilgrimage before its doors close. We sampled the lunch menu, touted as a showcase of the restaurant’s signature offerings. In my view, omakase is a chef’s invitation to present new flavors and harmonious pairings that excite the palate. This visit, however, felt less about innovative synergy and more about familiar textures and flavors. There weren’t those surprising, transcendent moments—the kind of 1+1=3 magic that makes a dining experience unforgettable. The kinmedai, in particular, was disappointing. Although it can be enjoyed year-round, it is best in winter and early summer when it turns fattier and more flavorful. At Esora, the fish was somewhat tough and lacked the gentle sweetness typical of kinmedai at its seasonal peak, making the experience underwhelming. Perhaps Esora is choosing a quieter exit due to rental and staffing realities. Yet this closure might also offer the chef a welcome interlude to rekindle boldness and creativity—so that diners seeking something beyond the ordinary may one day rediscover the spark that once made Esora so exhilarating.

I heard of this restaurant when it’s approaching to shut down … what a pity. Running under same company with Odette, this restaurant is specialised in Kaisen Japanese cuisine (I feel it’s fusion Japanese) running by a professional team. The whole dining experience is perfect and flawless. Certainly courses reminds me of the food in Kyoto. Not sure why they close down … Favourite: - ice cream taste foie gras with 🌰 chestnut, more like a desert rather than an appetiser. - fried lobster ball (not typical kaisen food, but very tasty) - hamo soup with abalone. The first sip was salty, but latterly returns delicious. - sweet potato soufflés with sugar made cream, so tasty. Quite spacey inside, besides chef counter there are two tables aside, with the view of open kitchen. One of the best thing is they don’t charge me corkage fee for my bring bottles when order special menu set. Very kind

Decided to make one last visit to Esora after hearing that it was closing. All I’ll say is this: If you never made it, you didn’t miss much; your money is probably better spent elsewhere. Had the 9 course dinner menu at $398 and it came exactly as is. No snacks no bread no amuse bouche no palate cleanser no petit fours. Dishes were ok, nothing really memorable. Out of everything, I enjoyed the pigeon and the banana soufflé but neither were 10/10 kinda dishes. Hassun was also dull and disappointing, definitely not what you would expect for their final menu. Service was equally underwhelming. We understood that there was a limited selection of wine due to the closure, and ordered from the list of wines that were available. The first bottle was mislabeled and the second bottle was out of stock. On the third attempt, they simply brought two bottles to the table for us to choose from. This was a more efficient way of choosing rather than making repeated trips I guess. Lastly they served the dessert when not all diners were at the table (????). I was absolutely shocked when this happened as I was away for 2 mins tops. In fine dining, service is choreographed and timed perfectly, and it is poor etiquette to serve a course when a diner is absent. Especially when said dish is icecream, something that would inevitably melt. Not surprised they’re closing.

One last dinner at Esora after we learned that they are going to shut their doors by the end of 2025. However, the experience left much to be desired. We first dined here in 2020 and it left a lasting impression, so had expected a similar experience. Expected some fanfare as it’s the final menu but what you see is what you get - no snacks, no amuse bouche, no surprises. The plating and presentation also paled in comparison. The whole thing felt like that one colleague who is serving out their notice period and giving bare minimum in their last few weeks. Nothing terrible but nothing outstanding or memorable either, so if you are considering one last meal here, i will suggest saving your 398++ for somewhere else.

Dining at Esora feels like stepping into a quiet sanctuary, where beauty unfolds through a seamless blend of artistry, intimacy, and culinary precision. Our recent visit was nothing short of extraordinary... a rare experience that now holds a treasured place in our hearts as one of Singapore’s most refined and memorable dining moments. It’s no surprise that Esora has earned its Michelin star; every element reflects a mastery worthy of such recognition, yet it is delivered with a warmth and soul that makes it feel deeply personal. From the moment we entered, a deep sense of calm embraced us. A stillness woven into the fabric of the space, into every movement, every detail. Sho’s presence mirrored this quality: warm, intimate, and refined, holding space with grace and lightness. The menu was a living expression of the season, each course a poetic harmony of flavour, texture, and creativity, honouring tradition while embracing harmonies and new expression. The tea pairing, alongside sake and wine, was exceptional... meditative and grounding, yet bright and uplifting, unfolding the meal like a story. Each moment was an invitation to slow down, to listen, to truly feel. Esora is not simply a place we visited; it is a place we remembered.

Esora is an oasis of elegance and refind cuisine. Experienced their seven course autumn menu and every dish was wonderful. Went with the wine and saki pairings and each was the perfect accompaniment to the courses. The team is attentive and friendly and the three hour seating is just right. Highly recommend.

the best new japanese restaurant in my books! outdoing yet another japanese restaurant in the robertson quay area that i have been wanting to but have yet to review. this restaurant will get a star, there, i hope i don't jinx them! but in all seriousness, looking at the way michelin dishes them out, esora ticks all the boxes. it's one of those places that you just can't wait to write a yelp review for!:) a holistic approach that delivers an experience, being same but different. attention to details, no sauce, garnish too insignificant. where the inclusion or exclusion of which changes, enhances or detracts. the perfect balance that doesn't overwhelm nor leave your keen senses feeling deprive. service, ah yes, a crucial component of that experience. a friendly, well informed and cross trained team that works in sync, flowing as one, the strength of each making the sum of parts stronger. exquisite but not just a pretty face. from the pieces of cutlery and dining ware, to the presentation and plating. you think you have seen it all but then they deliver more. yes, the food will speak for itself. flavours exploding via umami bombs! techniques, if you ask, will be gladly shared verbally. showcasing the best produce they can procure in the regions where they thrive. no dish will taste the same, as each has a complex twist. the "what is that, in a good way" smells fill the room and lifts the anticipation to the next level, whilst your palate waits. pacing is even as the machinery grinds into full gear when all lucky reserved guests showed up. wow, i expected nothing less and they delivered plenty more, a wonderful and complete experience that made for a perfect anniversary celebration! thank you, next........am so glad summer is coming when menu will be changing and esora will be blowing me away, again!