IKOI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

★ 4.1(1,175)on Google$$singapore river

401 Havelock Rd, #01-01 LOBBY LEVEL 1, Singapore 169631

Dine-in

6887 3788

STAMPEDE Score

Moderate confidence

CRoom to grow

Score: 35 / 100

Atmosphere40

Food quality30

Value for money40

Based on 5 data points · Updated 9 days ago

Editor’s Note

Last updated 30 May 2026

Our take: Ikoi Japanese Restaurant has a long-standing reputation, with many customers recalling it as an institution for affordable Japanese food, particularly for its fresh sashimi and salmon skin temaki.

The buffet, priced at $70++ per person, offers a wide selection, with some patrons enjoying a significant portion of the menu.

However, recent experiences suggest a decline in quality.

Some reviews highlight issues with food freshness, describing sashimi as warm and other dishes like shishamo and yakitori as cold and bland.

There are also concerns about understaffing, leading to difficulties in placing orders, and an outdated atmosphere with poor ventilation that leaves clothes smelling of oil and fish.

One particularly concerning report mentioned a party member experiencing food poisoning symptoms after their meal.

We think: While Ikoi holds nostalgic value for some, the recent inconsistencies in food quality and service are significant drawbacks.

The high price point for a buffet with reported quality issues makes it a less appealing option.

Best to manage expectations if you're visiting for nostalgia; otherwise, there are likely better value buffets available.

Signature

salmon skin temaki

Price

$$ ($70++/person for buffet)

Score: 35 · 5 sources

What customers say

IKOI JAPANESE RESTAURANT evokes strong, divided opinions, particularly amidst news of Hotel Miramar's closure.

Many customers praise the fresh sashimi and salmon skin temaki, considering it an affordable institution for Japanese food with a cozy atmosphere.

However, a significant number of recent diners report a severe decline in food quality, citing warm and unfresh sashimi, poorly prepared shishamo and yakitori, bland udon, and limited buffet selections.

Understaffing and lingering food smells are also noted issues.

Freshness of sashimiSalmon skin temaki qualityBuffet selection and valueFood preparation and taste consistencyStaffing and service efficiency

40% positive0% neutral60% negative

Google Reviews

★★★★★everlydaydream· 7 months ago

Panicked about Ikoi’s future when news came about Hotel Miramar’s closure so we quickly made a reservation. The last time we checked it seems like the restaurant will remain open, not closing or reloc…

★★★★★Vincent Ong· 8 months ago

Heard about this Japanese buffet for many years but didn't try until I heard the news that Miramar hotel is closing. Quickly made a booking and went to try their buffet. Very cosy atmosphere. The sele…

★★★★★Ming Shen Tham· 8 months ago

Decided to visit Ikoi Japanese Restaurant since it was closing down (or possibly moving soon). After trying the food, I can honestly say, good riddance. The sashimi wasn’t even fresh. It was served wa…

★★★★★Rebecca Wang· 3 months ago

wrost buffet in Singapore. Nothing to choose. $70++ per pax. Some of dishes only service single time. $210++ for nothing. They only serve heavy food make you quick full. This price actually can have m…

★★★★★MH Tham· 8 months ago

If you have fond childhood memories of Ikoi, I would recommend keeping them as memories rather than revisiting for a final hurrah, given the impending closure of Hotel Miramar. The restaurant was sev…

Reviews from Google

More content coming as we discover reviews and videos about this restaurant across the web.

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