Izakayas Singapore
Izakayas represent an essential part of Japanese culinary culture, and Singapore is home to many venues that capture this unique dining experience.
The best izakayas in Singapore for 2024 include Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, Boruto, Standing Sushi Bar, The Public Izakaya, Jibiru Craft Beer Bar.
When selecting an izakaya in Singapore, take into account factors like the location, range of menu options, pricing, and ambiance.
When visiting izakayas in Singapore, make sure to sample the must-try food items such as yakitori, takoyaki, kushiyaki, sashimi, and tempura.
So, let’s explore the best Izakayas in Singapore where you can unwind with a selection of delicious small plates and an array of sake.
Quick Summary
- Best izakayas in Singapore include Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, Boruto, Standing Sushi Bar, The Public Izakaya, Jibiru Craft Beer Bar.
- When choosing an izakaya in Singapore, consider factors such as location, menu variety, price range, and atmosphere.
- Must-try food items at izakayas in Singapore include yakitori, takoyaki, kushiyaki, sashimi and tempura.
Key Consideration Factors
- Quality of Food: Japanese Izakaya offer a wide range of Japanese cuisine, so it’s important to consider the quality and freshness of the ingredients used in each dish, that’s when you know you are in one of the best Izakayas in Singapore.
- Authenticity: If you’re looking for an authentic experience, consider searching for izakayas that are run by Japanese chefs or have a strong Japanese influence in their menu and atmosphere. Some offer Izakaya restaurants offers Japanese fusion food, with Japanese bites, fried rice, sake bars, izakaya hikari, grilled octopus, Japanese whisky, yakitori skewers, chicken liver, sashimi platters, and warm sake. This is on top of the extensive menu and small plates they have.
- Atmosphere: The atmosphere of an izakaya can vary greatly depending on the establishment, ranging from casual and relaxed to more upscale and formal. Consider your desired dining experience before making a choice. Ther are many hidden gem of Japanese restaurants, there are cosy izakaya, where you can take casual bites of Japanese small plates.
- Price: Prices can vary greatly between izakayas in Singapore, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a decision. Some places may offer affordable lunch specials or happy hour deals.
- Sake Selection: Sake is an integral part of the izakaya experience, so consider checking out the sake selection at each establishment if you’re interested in trying different varieties.
- Location: Izakayas can be found throughout Singapore, but some areas such as Robertson Quay and Cuppage Terrace are known for having a high concentration of them. Consider whether you want an izakaya that is easily accessible or located near other activities you plan on doing. Some of the most famous Izakaya in Singapore are located in Singapore river, Fortune centre, Cuppage Plaza Singapore 228796, 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Stanley Street Singapore 068727, Orchard Plaza, Boat Quay, Palais Renaissance, 8 Stanley Street Singapore, 30 Robertson Quay, and 30 Robertson Quay 01.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Take advantage of online review platforms and recommendations from friends or locals who have dined at izakayas in Singapore before. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of food, service, and overall dining experience at each establishment. Some of the most famous dishes include smoked baby, ponzu sauce, horse’s mouth, back ribs, and other izakayas.
Best Izakayas Singapore
1. Sandaime Bunji
| Key Services | Beef, Beef tongue, Oden, Izakaya |
| Website | https://sandaimebunji.oddle.me/en_SG/ |
| Address | 9 Raffles Blvd, #01-14/15 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596 |
| Phone | 6333-1516 |
| Operating Hours | 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-10:30pm Monday to Saturday, 11:30am-3pm and 5pm-9pm Sunday |
Sandaime Bunji, a beef tongue specialty store from SG, is renowned as one of the finest Izakayas in Singapore. Step inside and be transported to Japan with its authentic interior and ambiance. Indulge in the delectable flavors of beef tongue and experience the true essence of Japanese cuisine. Join them for an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Beef lovers, brace yourselves as Sandaime Bunji serves up the best beef in town. From their signature beef tongue dish to Wagyu roast beef, every meat is cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth. Pair it with a cold glass of beer during their happy hour promotion for only $8.90.
Key Differentiators
- Beer happy hour $8.90 Enhancement of promotion
- Quality of specialty stores such as beef tongue, Wagyu roast beef
- Private rooms, semi-private rooms, sunken kotatsu, and plenty of seats
Client Testimonial
Love the authentic Izakaya feels! We have eating here for years, and the quality has maintained impressive and quantity of the food has always been generous! Must try their homemade tofu, beef and the kushi yaki!
ShiJie Ong
2. Boruto
| Key Services: | tapas bar, premium bottles of sake |
| Website: | https://boruto.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 01 80 South Bridge Rd, #01 Golden Castle Building, Singapore 058710 |
| Phone: | +65 6532 0418 |
| Operating Hours: | 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 10:30PM Mondays – Saturdays |
Bruto, a new Japanese tapas and sake bar, has opened on South Bridge Road, just a short distance from the CBD. Chef Patrick Tan, who also runs Tamashii Robataya, a premium Japanese robatayaki restaurant nearby, opened the double-story venue, which is styled as a modern izakaya. The tapas bar on the lower floor provides a more relaxed eating experience, whilst above, customers are greeted with an impression of elegance. Their chill ambiance and great tapas makes them one of the top izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- More relaxed eating experience
- Elegant atmosphere
- Japanese tapas and sake bar
Customer Testimonial:
“Really good fir chill n love the food over there . Staff so friendly”
-Kevin Ang
3. Standing Sushi Bar
| Key Services: | Pocket-friendly sashimi, cheap drinks |
| Website: | https://standingsushibar.com/ |
| Address: | 331 North Bridge Road Unit 01-04 Odeon Towers, Singapore 188720 |
| Phone: | +65 6333 1335 |
| E-mail: | eat@standingsushibar.com |
| Operating Hours: | 12PM – 2PM, 5:30PM – 9:15PM Daily |
High-quality, healthful, and reasonably priced eating in Singapore’s Raffles Place corporate hub and Bras Basah arts district. The inaugural version of Singapore’s Japanese restaurant opened in August 2009 at One Raffles Place, inspired by the standing sushi bars in Tokyo. A truly standing concept, it was warmly accepted and with an emphasis on quality. The restaurant, which caters to individuals working at Raffles Place and the Marina Bay Financial Centre, offers outstanding lunch and supper set meals as well as the essentials one would expect from a sushi bar. Their high-quality seafood sashimi and sushi makes them one of the finest izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- High-quality
- Healthful
- Affordable
- Set meals available
Customer Testimonial:
“Love the fresh ingredients used for the Chirashi Don! Been a while since I had such good, thick and fresh slices of sashimi. No corkage fees on weekend so you can enjoy the food with your own favourite drinks.”
-Michael Liauw
4. The Public Izakaya
| Key Services: | alfresco dining |
| Website: | https://www.godigitallock.com/ |
| Address: | 100 Tras St, #01 – 09, Singapore 079027 |
| Phone: | +65 6604 9622 |
| E-mail: | godigitallock@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours: | 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 1AM Mondays – Fridays; 5PM – 1AM Saturdays – Sundays |
There was nothing like it in Singapore when they chose to create the public izakaya at 100 Tras Street in 2013. A welcoming traditional izakaya for the public, offering classic izakaya cuisine to the working class. The concept was easy, but the implementation was and continues to be difficult. They set out to build menus that would take guests straight to the heart of Tokyo’s izakaya districts, Shimbashi and Yurakucho. This is the reason that makes them one of the best izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Welcoming
- Traditional
- Izakaya cuisine
Customer Testimonial:
“Enjoyed the food and ambient. Outdoor seating is comfortable & cooling in the evening. Servers are friendly and prompt!”
–Cedric Choo
5. Jibiru Craft Beer Bar
| Key Services: | rare brews, grilled kushiyaki, tempura, gyoza, Japanese curry |
| Website: | http://www.jibiru.com/ |
| Address: | 313 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238895 |
| Phone: | +65 6732 6884 |
| E-mail: | info@jibiru.com |
| Operating Hours: | 12:00PM – 11:30PM Daily |
JiBiru provides real Japanese yakitori from the Saitama region north of Tokyo, where pork (“yakiton”) is utilized in addition to the customary chicken. JiBiru grills only the finest fresh meats including fresh Sakura chicken and high quality Japanese pork, accompanied by a selection of tasty meat dishes such as tempura, gyoza, and Japanese style curries, using award winning sauces directly imported from the Hibiki yakitori restaurants of Higashi-Matsuyama.
Key Differentiators:
- Uses only the finest fresh meats
- Offers Sakura chicken
- High quality Japanese pork
- Award winning sauces
Customer Testimonial:
“Awesome place to hangout with a good outdoor experience. Excellent selection of craft beers and Japanese food also delicious. Also, the staff here are very attentive! Truly my go to place…”
–Wong Raphael
6. Tomo Izakaya
| Key Services: | happy hours for beers, zensai, sashimi, sushi |
| Website: | https://www.tomoizakaya.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 3A River Valley Rd, #01 – 04, Singapore 179020 |
| Phone: | +65 6333 0100 |
| E-mail: | enquiry@andigitallock.com |
| Operating Hours: | 12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Sundays |
Izakaya arose from sake businesses that enabled clients to drink while sitting on the premises. Izakaya are relaxed drinking places, comparable to tapas bars, where patrons order a variety of small portions of food to share at the table. Tomo is a great place to see your friends’ best sides while they’re intoxicated. It’s easy to understand why this venue is perfect for bonding and catch-up sessions, with appealing happy hours for drinks. Their enticing happy hour promos make them one of the top izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Relaxed
- Great for bonding
- Appealing happy hours
Customer Testimonial:
“Great ambience, good food. Good place to chill and relax with friends. Their sashimi is very fresh and the cuts are juicy.”
-Seng Gor
7. Mikoto
| Key Services: | Salad, Boiled fish, Steamed Seiro, variety of drinks |
| Website: | https://mikoto.sg/ |
| Address: | 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252 |
| Phone: | +65 6235 5277 |
| Operating Hours: | 5PM – 11PM Daily |
If you want rich flavors, you should try Mikoto. Consider grilled yellow tail head with chicken nanban. These are far more flavorful than things from other Japanese prefectures since they are made in Kyushu manner. After you’ve decided on your meal, pick your poison from a variety of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, house sake, and Japanese-style cocktails. Their great selection of alcohol makes them one of the finest izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Rich flavors
- Grilled yellow tail head
- Made in Kyushu manner
- Variety of alcoholic beverages
Customer Testimonial:
“Bloody good food and hot or cold sake and superbly run by a 1/2 man show!”
–Annie lem
8. Neon Pigeon
| Key Services: | unique tipples, seasonal catches, mod-Japanese dishes |
| Website: | https://neonpigeon.oddle.me/en_SG |
| Address: | 36 Carpenter St, #01-01, Singapore 059915 |
| Phone: | +65 6222 3623 |
| E-mail: | info@neonpigeonsg.com |
| Operating Hours: | 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM Daily |
This contemporary izakaya features creative, edgy décor and a distinct cocktail menu (that come served in bird-shaped glassware). It’s suggested that you start the evening with small meals from the raw bar, which includes seasonal fish. Tokyo hummus, a creamy combination of edamame and curry chips that is a popular favorite, is also on the menu. Their unique ambiance and decor makes them one of the finest izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Creative
- Edgy
- Cocktail menu
Customer Testimonial:
“Escape the heat for this funky incandescent bar with delicious cocktails and tasty eats! Treat yourself!”
-Rabien Saul
9. Shukuu Izakaya
| Key Services: | authentic izakaya experience, uni somen, rosti mentai, crispy chicken skin served with ponzu sauce |
| Website: | https://shukuu.sg/ |
| Address: | 8 Stanley St, Singapore 068727 |
| Phone: | +65 6327 9240 |
| E-mail: | info@shukuu.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Daily |
Shukuu Izakaya is a sensory Izakaya trip right on your doorstep, founded by four longtime friends, each with distinct abilities and a mutual love for all things Japanese. The proprietors pay meticulous attention to detail in true Japanese tradition. It is pleasingly manifested in the décor, which immerses you in the brightness of an Izakaya. They ensure that only the greatest cuisine graces your plate by meticulously curating gourmet products that are painstakingly air flown from Japan.
Key Differentiators:
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Great cuisine
- Gourmet products
Customer Testimonial:
“Delicious, flavourful food with great textures. They pair well with the sweet sake I ordered. Place has great ambience as well and a wide variety of food. Will recommend for a cozy night out with friends!”
-Joy Lim
10. Nomiya
| Key Services: | Signature Izakaya Sets, Sashimi, Oysters, Skewers |
| Website: | https://nomiya.sg/ |
| Address: | 11 Trengganu St, Singapore 058465 |
| Phone: | +65 6232 7827 |
| E-mail: | hello@nomiya.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10:30PM Tuesdays – Sundays |
11 Trengganu Street is a combination of sake, exquisite food, and live music. Experience Chinatown at a different pace. Bringing wonderful cuisine and sake to like-minded people. If 2020 has one positive result, it is the desire to visit the country of the sakura. They’ve missed her so much that they’ve decided to create one here, albeit a modest one. Nomiya has already won hearts with its chill ambience, great sake, kind service, and fantastic twist on Japanese food. Their combination of catchy live music and authentic Japanese food make them one of the best izakaya Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Sake
- Exquisite food
- Live music
Customer Testimonial:
“First time visit this place, lovely izakaya & nice ambiance located in a busy street. Food was decent and price is affordable. Lots of selections on sake! It just few mins walking distance from China town mrt station.”
-Irene Chung
Other Considered Options
Tachinomiya
Welcome to Singapore’s first heartland izakaya, Tachinomiya, known for its delicious delights with a big heart and a little quirk. Since its humble beginnings in 2015, Tachinomiya has upheld its promise of approachable great food, drinks, and service while embracing the cozy essence of traditional Japanese “tachi-nomi” culture. Though chairs have been added for comfort, the communal spirit of enjoyment remains unchanged.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake
Ishinomaki is a grill and sake dining concept offering real robatayaki/Izakaya meals and Japanese cuisine paired with quality sake and shochu. They collaborate with local Japanese product merchants to provide fresh fish and ingredients from Ishinomaki and other regions. Enjoy a feast with quality seasonal ingredients at one of the best izakayas in Singapore.
Izakayas Singapore
All in all, Izakaya food is often simple meals that go well with beer or sake, as food and drink are both vital components of the experience. Given that criteria, the variety of items provided and how the menu virtually always varies from one location to the next is extremely unexpected. Typically, the menu will have largely Japanese foods, with the occasional western dish such as French fries. We hope this helps you discover the finest izakaya Singapore to enjoy the great food and booze that they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about Izakayas in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Izakayas in Singapore below:
What are the best izakayas in Singapore?
The best izakayas in Singapore include Boruto, Standing Sushi Bar, Shunjuu Izakaya, Jibiru Craft Beer Bar.
What are some of the best Izakayas in Singapore for authentic Japanese cuisine?
There are many Izakayas in Singapore that serve authentic Japanese cuisine. Some of the best ones include Bincho, Shukuu Izakaya, and Izy Fook. These places offer a range of traditional and mod Japanese dishes that cater to all tastes.
What is an Izakaya?
An Izakaya is a traditional Japanese tavern where people go to enjoy delicious food and drinks after work. It’s a big part of Japanese culture, offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere where you can unwind with friends or colleagues.
Do Izakayas in Singapore serve Japanese curry?
Yes, many Izakayas in Singapore serve Japanese curry. It’s a popular dish that’s rich in flavor and often served with rice. If you’re a fan of Japanese curry, visiting an Izakaya is a must.
What kind of seafood dishes can I expect at an Izakaya?
Izakayas often have a variety of seafood dishes on their menu. This can include everything from sashimi and sushi to grilled fish and seafood yakitori skewers. The assortment of seafood dishes is one of the highlights of visiting an Izakaya.
Can I find assorted Yakitori skewers at an Izakaya?
Absolutely! Assorted Yakitori skewers are a staple at any Izakaya. You can find a variety of skewers including chicken, beef, pork, and seafood. They’re grilled to perfection and make for a great appetizer or main dish.
Are there any Izakayas in Singapore that serve Japanese beer?
Yes, most Izakayas in Singapore serve Japanese beer. In fact, enjoying a cold beer is a big part of the Izakaya experience. Some places even offer a selection of craft beers from Japan.
What is Japanese sake and can I find it at an Izakaya?
Japanese sake is a type of rice wine that’s often served at Izakayas. It’s made through a brewing process similar to beer, resulting in a unique flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Most Izakayas in Singapore have a selection of sake for you to enjoy.
Do Izakayas in Singapore serve chicken wings?
Yes, many Izakayas in Singapore serve chicken wings. Whether they’re grilled, fried, or served as part of a yakitori skewer are a popular choice at Izakayas.
Are Izakayas a good place to experience Japanese culture?
Absolutely! Izakayas are a great place to experience Japanese culture. From the food and drinks to the ambiance and service, visiting an Izakaya gives you a taste of what it’s like to dine and socialize in Japan.
