Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore. Tel: 6213 4571
Operating Hours: Lunch: Noon – 2.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

One of the premier fine dining Japanese restaurants in town, Nadaman lives up to its established reputation as the top choice for businessmen and ladies of leisure seeking an extravagant Japanese meal. Elegantly furnished, the interior of Nadaman oozes quiet luxury: a place where you can be assured of a private meal with excellent and discreet service. Food-wise the top pick is undoubtedly the kaiseki set menu. Comprising seven courses that change with the seasons – appetiser, soup, sashimi, simmered dish, grilled dish, noodles and dessert – all bite sized and beautifully presented, this is for those seeking serious luxury. This time, however, I thought I would try some dishes from the a la carte menu: a delicious halved sea bream head simmered in sweet soy sauce was outstanding – gelatinous, sticky and delicious; some tempura seafood and vegetables was also brilliant – incredibly spiky, fragile and light; and the chawan mushi was just perfect – silky smooth and packed with top ingredients. For something more substantial, I recommend the classic shabu shabu, which comprises finely-sliced beef and seasonal vegetables which you can cook yourself in a pork and kombu broth – the best way, I think, to really appreciate top-quality beef. Or the sukiyaki set of sliced beef and vegetables – similar to the shabu shabu, but sweeter, richer, and perhaps a touch less intimidating. Whatever it is that you order, take it from me – this is one of the best and most authentically Japanese meals you can get in Singapore.

WINE: An extensive selection of Old and New World favourites. However, for a more authentic experience, I recommend asking the sommelier to choose a good sakefor you.