As Japanese food can be rather pricey for the average Singaporean, discerning ones will only pay for quality.
Thus, for a Japanese restaurant to survive 17 years in our competitive F&B scene, it must be quite beloved indeed.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’ll last forever, as proven by Koh Grill & Sushi Bar in Wisma Atria which has closed permanently.
Source: Google Maps
Its last day was 31 Dec 2023.
The closure was announced by Food Republic, on whose premises the restaurant was located.
In a Facebook post on Friday (12 Jan), the food court operator said Koh Grill & Sushi Bar had ceased operations at their location in Wisma Atria.
Source: Food Republic Singapore on Facebook
It had been running for 17 years there, they added.
They acknowledged that many customers had “shared golden memories” with the eatery, and thanked fans for their support over the years.
Looking forward, the unit will house an “exciting new Japanese dining concept”, Food Republic teased.
Photos posted of the former restaurant on Google Maps revealed a surreal sight.
Usually bustling with customers, the premises were now empty, with no more tables and chairs. Everything that wasn’t nailed down behind the counter had seemingly also been cleared.
Source: Google Maps
While the Koh Grill & Sushi Bar signage had not been taken down yet, the vacant unit was cordoned off from the public.
Source: Google Maps
A sign displayed on the counter simply said, “Sorry. We are closed.”
Source: Google Maps
Although no reason was given for the restaurant’s closure, we do know that its last day was 31 Dec, thanks to a netizen who ate there that day.
In a Facebook post, he said he visited Koh Grill & Sushi Bar because his sister treated him to dinner, then found out it was their last day of operations.
From a photo he shared, a decent crowd could be seen queuing up to eat there even though no warning of the closure was publicly given.
Source: Brent Tay on Facebook
Another customer who posted on 30 Dec said he was sad that it would be the last time he ate there before their closure.
Source: 美得人 on Facebook
He added that he loved the restaurant as it served the “best Japanese food in Singapore” at “very reasonable prices”.
Indeed, Koh Grill & Sushi Bar was foremost for Japanese cuisine in many diners’ hearts, still drawing long queues last year despite having been around for such a long time.
Most of them were there for its signature Shiok Maki, a fusion maki roll that contained aburi salmon and ebiko roe.
Creamy, cheesy sauce was then tantalisingly slathered on top, resulting in a deliciously rich dish.
Other delights included their Japanese skewers and garlic egg fried rice.
Source: Google Maps
The closure of Koh Grill & Sushi Bar certainly leaves a hole in our Japanese food scene.
Judging from their longevity, Singaporeans were obviously not done yet with the restaurant.
Let’s hope they reopen in some form or other soon.
Also read: Mei Yuen Restaurant At Katong Closes Down, Chicken Rice Stall Moving To Coffeeshop Opposite
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps and Google Maps.
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