The Place This casual Japanese chain restaurant, which has a strong following in Hong Kong, opened at Ion Orchard recently. Sen-Ryo may offer affordable Japanese fare, but its interior decor is anything but casual. The inviting finishing of the restaurant, with guests walking through the sake bar when entering the restaurant.

In addition to the common dining areas, Sen-Ryo offers diners a close-up dining experience with the chefs at the sushi and grill counter seats. Of course, the restaurant offers private rooms as well, if you are looking for some quiet moments or for a business lunch.

The Food We were told Sen-Ryo brings in fresh seafood from the famous Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market twice weekly, ensuring they serve up the freshest seafood to its diners. The menu here in Singapore fairly similar to the ones you find in Japan and Hong Kong, though there are some exclusive items here to cater to the local taste buds too.

For starters, the Sen-Ryo Tamagoyaki with Mentaiko Sauce (S$2.80) is a must-order for me. If you love your tamagoyaki, the torched mentaiko sauce is the perfect touch to the egg dish.

Sen-ryo offers a wide range of sashimi selections, including sashimi platters. I had the Otoro (S$24) which is very fresh.

For sushi selections, the signature Sen-Ryo Sushi (S$8.80) offers chopped uni, negitoro and ikura, whilst the Maguro with Shio Koji Negitoro (S$6.80) offers a combination of both maguro and minced chutoro.

You can order the Soft Shell Crab and Mango Nama Haru Maki (S$16.80) if you are looking for something more layered.

The highlight of the meal for me is definitely the DIY Hokkaido Uni (S$58). Served with a half-board of uni, you can decide how you will like to enjoy these with sushi rice, ikura, Japanese cucumber strips and sheets of roasted seaweed. Of course, you can savour the uni by itself, or have them wrapped up with whatever you fancy!

Sen-ryo also offers cooked Japanese food as well, including the Grilled Chicken Thigh in Charcoal Style Sauce (S$7.80) and Grilled US Beef Tenderloin and Foie Gras (S$28).

If you are looking for a soup dish, you can order a portion of the Japanese clear seafood broth, Kaisen Dobin Mushi (S$6.80). That said, I will recommend the Kaisen Soy Nabe (S$32) if you are coming in pairs. The soy nabe comes with our favourite King Snow Crab and Scallops!

For desserts, the once-raved Mizu Warabi Mochi (S$5.80) is available at Sen-ryo. This raindrop cake created a global crave in the mid-2010s, and if you are a fan of warabi mochi, you know where to get your fix now.

Rants As with most Japanese restaurants, I will strongly recommend a seat at the counter table, which elevates the dining experience. Just note that the counter seats are rather limited.

Will I Return Again? Keen to head back again to try more of its sashimi and sushi selections. Sen-ryo is a reminder that casual Japanese restaurants can serve up good Japanese food too, contrary to some other local chains.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

Make your reservations instantly at Sen-Ryo here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 3/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Sen-Ryo
2 Orchard Turn
Ion Orchard , #03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6974 6782

Opening Hours
Daily: 11:30am to 10:30pm

Ranted by The Rantee