We had a lovely time and especially enjoyed the fish mousse and wasabi onion ice cream. The flavours were strong, bold and balanced, and we had delicious curry rice. His years of experience really shines through his demeanour and his cooking, and it was fun watching a master of his craft. The whole experience felt thoughtful.
Chef was quiet and kind. He gifted us a loaf of bread upon hearing that it was a birthday celebration, and we had a short but genuine conversation about his background.
(Boyfriend's input: Food is nice and chef is cute for joking about his grumpy face. Chef is actually nice, just turn up punctually)
We will be back to take up his offer of sukiyaki in the future.🙏
Hart Lestari
5
We had such a wonderful night! Chef ended by asking what our favorite dish was and we were truly lost. Everything was so unique and satisfying. He also has a great wine and sake selection! Also — don’t know what the grumpy comments are about as he was so funny and warm. We can’t wait to be back!
Ahsengseng
4
The food was fantastic, honestly one of the best curry rice I’ve had so far. However, the service experience fell short. My friend arrived late, and while I understand Japanese punctuality standards, the chef’s attitude felt unnecessary and not very welcoming. It lacked the spirit of omotenashi that one would hope for in Japanese dining.
My friend ended up feeling quite stressed during the meal, which overshadowed how good the food was. I’d still come back to try again because the flavors were excellent, but perhaps the restaurant could benefit from more staff support to reduce the stress levels during service.
Sarah
5
Sage by Yasunori Doi is hands down my favourite restaurant in Singapore. Chef Doi pours so much of his heart and soul into perfecting everything that leaves his kitchen - from his homemade bread, moreish curry rice, to his amazing beverage pairings. I always look forward to Sage’s new menu every two months.
I’ve brought groups of friends here - for their birthdays, to celebrate their promotions, and even farewell meals - and all of them have left happy, satiated, and as fans of Sage.
Truth be told, I felt a little intimidated by Chef Doi the first time I went to Sage. But I quickly realised that it was because he is serious about his craft. He definitely warms up as the night goes on - he’ll crack jokes here and there, and will even pose for photos 😂
Can’t wait for my next meal at Sage!
Brendan Goh
5
Stumbled across this restaurant when I walked by and booked it for dinner with my partner.
The reviews are true the food is fantastic! It made me so happy it’s been so long since I’ve had such a tasty meal! I only wish I could earn more money so I could come back here more!!
He’s quite serious about his work but once service is over he’s all smiles and super friendly.
Absolutely amazing to run it all by himself!
I’ll be back in a month after payday. I need to ask for a raise soon.
Xing Jing Kom
5
I come here regularly for lunch and dinner.
The food here is very intentional. That is, the sauces, purees, creams, and all ingredients combinations are intended to invoke a harmony of flavours, so as to bring out something greater than their parts.
Service is very good for the respectful customer. For me, I find the chef very chatty and approachable, willing to share everything from why he chose this cooking technique to his upbringing with regards to food philosophy. Of course, if you're late, if you talk to your friend instead of taste the food, if you don't finish what the chef has prepared... I don't think you'll find the chef warming up towards you. And I think that's fair because who enjoys it when the person they prepare food for essentially dismisses it? This is a tiny 8 seater restaurant; the chef can see when the food is being ignored on your plate.
I've only deducted a star for atmosphere because of other customers.
seah sean
5
Food is absolutely amazing at Sage! Each dish was simply sublime and the flavours went really really well together. I believe Chef Yasunori really put a lot of thought into each dish to achieve such an amazing result.
Highlights for me were:
#1 - Sesame Focaccia, Kinako Sourdough, and Walnut Bread - bread is the star here (if you read the other reviews) and I couldn't agree more. Each had a lovely aroma of toast, crisp on the outside, and fluffy, chewy insides with a hint of sweetness. Went beautifully with the aromatic, savoury butter which has a hint of strawberry.
#2 - Japanese Taro Espuma w Wasabi Onion Ice Cream and mozuku seaweed - this is the most unique dish I've ever eaten. It would have ranked first if I didn't love bread so much. I am surprised at how well the flavours went together as I transitioned from the savory espuma foam from the start, to the sweet onion+wasabi ice cream, and then then that kick from the wasabi. And when you thought you're done, there's a chewy, savory piece of seaweed at the end of each bite. It's a dish that makes you chuckle at the layers and never thought how well these flavours came together. The man is a damn maestro.
#3 - A5 Zabuton w butter poached lobster and yuzu pepper sauce.
To borrow an observation from my fellow diner (and also Chef Yasunori): Giving a good sear on a beautifully marbled Zabuton is not difficult (or differentiated). But the aromatic, savory and spicy yuzu-pepper sauce on the wagyu is what made the difference for me. Sth that balances and complements that fatty, tender, juicy piece of steak more than salt and pepper ever could.
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I end this review feeling truly thankful for a truly yummy meal prepared by Chef Yasunori. I really look forward to our next meal there, eagerly anticipating what surprises Chef Yasunori has for us.
Hedy Man
5
Lovely food with unique flavours based on seasonal ingredients, fantastic homemade sourdough, focaccia and brioche, quiet atmosphere and specially imported drinks personally selected by the chef.
Favourites this time were the bread (as always), white peach espuma with onion ice cream, hamo and lobster mousse with white sausage and the matcha yokan w. ginger & cinnamon ice cream!
Always fun to visit :)
Georgia Siau
5
Chef made the foods nicely. First we had the handmade breads. That was so delicious, not to say the rest..
Recommend to give a try
Benjamin Sim
5
Japanese-European fusion in an intimate setting. Chef Yasunori Doi runs this place like clockwork. Respect the chef! Come on time for your reservation. Leave your bag(s) away from the counter! Once you’re comfortable with the ground rules, the experience is ineffable. The bread is warm, crusty and paired with stracciatella and fine accoutrements. The dishes are well thought out umami bombs. think Gazpacho with gelato and edamame, sous vide bonito with onion-mustard. Save space for the curry rice! Behind his austere face, Chef Yasunori warms up with the night. He is a wine/sake/ spirits nerd- serving every beverage in the CORRECT glass or cup. Bring your own bottle at a corkage of $60++ desserts are the bomb. $180+ per pax for the premium Omakase and drink(s).