Domo is a new Japanese-fusion dining concept at Fairmont Singapore

Authentic Japanese flavours meet European flair at Domo restaurant in Singapore, a swanky new spot nestled on the third floor of Fairmont Singapore. 

Though it began operations on February 27, the restaurant is still in its soft launch phase — the team is in the midst of sorting out some teething issues — and will open officially in April. 

Domo sets itself apart from other Japanese establishments with its specialisation in robatayaki — dishes grilled over hot charcoal — interspersed with European twists. 

Chef-founder Rose Ang, 51, wanted to celebrate the unique cuisines from the east and the west, and has built a unique fusion menu at Domo, that draws from her experiences all over the world.

Rose boasts over three decades of cooking experience, with an impressive portfolio that also includes a six-year stint at Nobu Group — a global F&B brand with a chain of luxury Japanese restaurants, hotels and properties — where she was instrumental in establishing several of its restaurant outlets across Europe. 

Her culinary journey began in 1991 when she enrolled in culinary and hospitality institution Shatec in Singapore, at the young age of 17. After honing her chops in French fine-dining there, she later headed off to Switzerland to attain a diploma in hotel operational management. 

Ever the curious and adventurous chef, she then flew to different parts of Europe to train at various establishments in a bid to gain more experiences and pick up more techniques.

However, it wasn’t until her stint at Zuma Hong Kong, a contemporary Japanese fusion restaurant in Central, Hong Kong, where she was part of the opening team there back in 2007, that she fell in love with modern Japanese cuisine.  

Her year-long stint as executive chef there later led her to decide to specialise in the cuisine, and subsequently served as inspiration for Domo restaurant in Singapore. 

Taking over the space where Japanese restaurant Mikuni once stood at Fairmont, Domo isn’t quite like your usual Japanese restaurant in Singapore. It’s clad in dark tones of blacks and greys, exuding an air of sophistication. 

The space is illuminated by an eye-catching, pastel-hued light panel — the crown jewel of the space — that mimics the ebb and flow of a waterfall, infusing warmth and homeliness into the space. 

Despite its upscale setting, Rose wants the restaurant to be a casual space where friends and family can gather over delicious food and drinks. 

No need for fancy suits and dresses, she says. Diners are more than welcome to pull up in shorts and slippers (her words, not ours!) — anything goes, so long as they’re comfortable. 

Domo Restaurant Singapore’s menu

Japanese robatayaki is at the forefront of Domo Restaurant Singapore’s menu. If you haven’t had this type of dish before, robatayaki refers to dishes which are carefully grilled over hot binchotan (charcoal) for a flavourful, smoky edge. 

One particular standout item from Domo’s robatayaki lineup is its hearty rack of lamb with gochujang miso (S$30).

The tender and juicy cut of lamb is complemented by a slightly spicy gochujang miso sauce, which is tinged with an earthy sweetness thanks to the miso. 

Taken together, it makes for a flavourful combination, where the rich gochujang miso sauce enhances the savouriness of the meat. The well-cooked protein also pulls from the bone easily, making every bite a breeze.

Another dish that Rose recommends is the asparagus with fried capers and sesame teriyaki (S$16).

As expected of a robatayaki dish, the asparagus is earthy and smoky, with the sprinkling of the crunchy capers serving as a nice contrast to the soft, fork-tender stalks. The sesame teriyaki sauce, generously drizzled over the asparagus, also imbues a subtle sweetness and nuttiness to the entire dish.

It’s a light and palatable dish that works whether you choose to have it as is or as a side to the heavier mains. 

Aside from the grilled dishes, Domo also churns out a good variety of modern, non-grilled Japanese dishes, such as the tuna, avocado and feta sashimi taco (S$18 for two pieces), a familiar combination that’s chock-full of fresh ingredients. 

It’s a tried-and-true pairing that sashimi lovers may find themselves naturally gravitating towards — it’s hard to go wrong with this dish, from the plump richness of the tuna to the creaminess of feta cheese and avocado, and the perfectly crisp taco shell.

Another light bite that stood out to us was the beef tataki with onion salsa and garlic chip (S$24), a cold appetiser. 

Expect a decadent rack of beef tataki finely chopped into thin slices, elevated with a smattering of crunchy garlic chips and fragrant onion salsa for a tantalising aftertaste.

The protein here is done really well, and it brims with an umami-rich oomph that is so delightfully juicy. 

Dessert for us was a sticky date ginger pudding with soy toffee sauce (S$16), with a dollop of silky vanilla ice cream — a dish I found myself liking more than I had expected. 

I’m not the biggest fan of sticky date pudding, as it tends to be too cloying for my liking. However, Rose’s iteration of the dish comes with ginger in the pudding, giving it a herbaceous, piquant kick that balances out any semblance of sweetness. 

Taken together with the creamy ice cream, it’s a dessert that’s pure lusciousness. 

Sakes and cocktails are staples at Japanese restaurants, and you’ll definitely find them on Domo restaurant’s menu in Singapore, but there’s also a decent selection of mocktails on its menu. 

We got to savour the yuzu Delight (from S$10), which is currently an off-the-menu mocktail. It’s prepared margarita-style and topped with shio pepper for an aromatic hit of spice. You can also taste tangy yuzu in each sip — all yuzu lovers shouldn’t miss out on this. 

If you’re looking for somewhere new to savour authentic Japanese cuisine spruced up with European influences, there isn’t a better time to visit this new spot — as part of its opening promotion, it’s offering a complimentary surprise appetiser worth S$18 for every table.

This was an invited tasting.

For the latest eats, read our guide on top picks for Japanese food in Singapore, and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list 2025. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

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You can also book a ride to Domo Restaurant Singapore for its Japanese fusion fare.