Izakayas Singapore
Izakayas are just one of the pillars of Japanese culinary culture, and Singapore has many places that cater to this way of eating.
The best izakayas in Singapore for 2024 include Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, Boruto, Standing Sushi Bar, The Public Izakaya, Jibiru Craft Beer Bar.
Some of the factors for choosing an izakaya in Singapore are that the spot should be located at an accessible place, they should provide various menu, their price list should be economical, their ambiance should be good, and so on.
When visiting izakayas in Singapore, make sure to sample the must-try food items such as yakitori, takoyaki, kushiyaki, sashimi, and tempura.
So, where are the best Izakayas in Singapore where you can eat a selection of small plates and drink sake to your heart’s content?
Quick Summary
- Best izakayas in Singapore include Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, Boruto, Standing Sushi Bar, The Public Izakaya, Jibiru Craft Beer Bar.
- When selecting an izakaya in Singapore, you need to look at its location, diversity of menu, 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: Check if Japanese Izakaya serves varieties of Japanese food, but make sure that the ingredients are fresh and quality is the main criteria, as that means you are in one the best Izakayas in Singapore.
- Authenticity: If you go to modern Izakaya restaurants, you can find some great ones run by Japanese chefs, or highly authentic Japanese experiences. Izakaya offers You can also find authentic Japanese experiences in Izakaya restaurants that have recent Japanese influences in their menu and surroundings. Izakaya offers Japanese fusion food, like Japanese bites, fried rice, sake bars, izakaya hikari, grilled octopus, Japanese whisky, yakitori skewers, chicken liver, sashimi platters, and warm sake. Having an extensive menu and small plates, among other things.
- Atmosphere: This will vary hugely according to the type of izakaya you choose, so consider whether you want to be in a fairly chilled-out place, or something more formal. Plenty of cosy izakayas exist in Singapore.
- Price: Prices range significantly between izakaya dishes here in Singapore, so depending on your budget, you can be spoilt for choice. Budget izakayas have two-course lunches on offer, or there might be happy hour deals.
- Sake Selection: Sake is a big part of the izakaya experience, so look at the sake selection if you’re interested in trying different varieties.
- Location: Singapore boasts so many izakayas that it would easy to choose one but if you’re not familiar with the area it’s a good idea to pick izakayas that are accessible. Also, you should consider whether you want an izakaya that is close to other activities you plan to do during your day.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check online reviews and recommendations from friends or locals who’ve dined at izakayas in Singapore before, which is a great way to learn what to expect in terms of food and service quality, as well as how to reserve a seat in time for the night of your visit.
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 |
Meanwhile, in the heart of the city – on South Bridge Road, just outside the CBD – Bruto, a Japanese tapas and sake bar, has opened for business.
Chef Patrick Tan – he’s also the man behind Tamashii Robataya, a premium Japanese robatayaki restaurant across the road, and the main reason why gleaming Japanese behemoths, like those used for the theatrical preparation of robatayaki meats, have gone walkabout – opened the double-storey venue, which is styled as kitschy izakaya.
The lower-storey tapas bar makes for a first-rate drinking and eating locale; one feels less formal than at a regular restaurant while upstairs, giving off an impression of elegance. Their chill vibe and good tapas makes them one of the top izakayas in 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 |
Quality, healthy and wallet-friendly dining in the Singapore’s corporate hub (Raffles Place) and the arts district (Bras Basah).
Standing Sush Ibar opened its doors for business in August 2009 with the first outlet at One Raffles Place, midwived by the popularity of the standing sushi bars in Tokyo.
Literally, it is a standing concept and was well accepted with an emphasis on quality.
The restaurant is a favourite of the thriving businessmen in Raffles Place and Singapore’s financial centre, the Marina Bay Financial Centre, doing equally good lunch and supper set meals, together with the conventional must-haves of a sushi bar of reasonable priced sushi and sashimi, among the best izakayas in Singapore for its seafood.
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 |
It was something that did not exist in Singapore, when they decided to open a public izakaya. 100 Tras Street in 2013.
A public traditional izakaya: a restaurant that makes izakaya cuisine accessible to the working class. The idea was simple, the implementation was and still is difficult.
They wanted menus that would take guests to the heart of Tokyo’s izakaya districts – Shimbashi and Yurakucho.
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 imports fresh Japanese yakitori from Saitama region, which is north of Tokyo where pork (yakiton) is used along with the commonly known chicken.
JiBiru grills only the best fresh meats, fresh Sakura chicken and top quality Japanese pork along with other great meat dishes such as tempura, gyoza, and Japanese style curry, all using award winning sauces 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 originated in sake-yado (sake houses) where they offered clientele a place to sit down and drink their sake. Izakaya is a general term for drinking establishments that serve those who wish to engage in some drinking with cuisines.
Izakaya are casual drinking establishments, similar to tapas bars, where customers order a little bit of everything and put them on the table.
Tomo is a place where you see your friends’ best sides when they’re drunk. Understanding why this venue is a perfect place for bonding and catch-up with friends is easy.
Additionally, they have great promos for their happy hours every day for your drinks. Their happy hour promos make them among one of the best izakayas in 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 |
Not heavy but if you want more flavours then go for Mikoto.
Grilled yellow tail head with chicken nanban.
These are much more flavours than from other state Japanese Prefectures since they are made in Kyushu style.
After you finalise what you order then comes the choice of alcoholic drinks.
Whether it’s Whiskey, House sake or Japanese cocktails they are well-stocked with choices of alcohol and this is what makes them one of the finest Izakayas in 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 has edgy decor alongside an entirely distinct cocktail menu (garnished with drinks served in glassware shaped as birds) — you are encouraged to begin the evening with the raw bar specials of seasonal fish, as well as Tokyo hummus, a creamy blend of edamame and curry chips that are perfect as an appetiser.
With such unique designs and style, it is no doubt that the izakaya is one of the best izakayas in 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 your sensorial izakaya adventure at the door step, founded by 4th grade friends, each with different strength and a shared passion for Japanese lifestyle.
The founders carefully put all their efforts into details as is Japanese tradition.
The attention to details is beautifully manifested in the décor, which emulates the brightness of an izakaya, and ensures that everything on your plate is the best by carefully curating gourmet products 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 sake, good food, and live music. A different pace of Chinatown. Good food. Good sake. Good people.
ISo far, Nomiya has won our hearts with its laidback ambience, great sake selection, genuine service, and delectable twists on Japanese food.
It’s now one of the best izakayas Singapore has to offer, and its live music combined with authentic Japanese food makes it one of the best Japanese gastro bars.
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, a place where great food is inexpensive, delicious and served with a big heart, and just a little quirk. Since their launch in Singapore in 2015, they have remained true to their promise of no-frills, accessible Japanese food, drinks and service, paired with the warm communal spirit of traditional Japanese tachi-nomi (standing, drinking) culture. Sure, they’ve added some chairs for your comfort, but the feel is just as cosy.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake
Ishinomaki is a grill and sake dining concept that serves real robatayaki/Izakaya meals and Japanese food, combined with premium quality sake and shōchū, aiming to become a place for experiencing Japanese culture. Ishinomaki collaborates with local Japanese product merchants who import their fish and ingredients from Ishinomaki and other regions in Japan. Come and feast on fresh fish and premium quality seasonal Japanese ingredients at one of the best izakayas in town.
Izakayas Singapore
To sum up, Izakaya food can largely be described as a variety of simple meals that pair well with beer and sake. Food and drink are both important aspects of the izakaya experience.
With that in mind, the diversity of items offered, the fact that menus virtually always differ from one izakaya to another, is still very surprising.
Often the menu is mostly Japanese foods, with the occasional Western item (say, French fries) thrown in.
We hope this helps you find the best izakaya Singapore around to experience the awesome food and booze 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 plenty of places to eat authentic Japanese food in Singapore. Bincho, Shukuu Izakaya and Izy Fook are some of the best.
They serve a variety of Japanese dishes from traditional to mod, and have options for every palat.
What is an Izakaya?
Izakaya is a kind of traditional Japanese tavern. In another words, it is the place where peole go to enjoy food and drinks after work.
It is a big part of Japan culture. Because it is a relaxed and informal atmosphere, people can go there with friends or colleagues.
Do Izakayas in Singapore serve Japanese curry?
Not only many Izakayas in Singapore serve Japanese curry, the dish is very popular and deliciously rich in flavours, usually served with rice.
If you like Japanese curry, you should definitely drop by an Izakaya.
What kind of seafood dishes can I expect at an Izakaya?
Seafood dishes are another mainstay of the Izakaya menu, and options found here can cover the gamut from sashimi and sushi, to grilled fish to seafood yakitori skewers.
The selection of seafood dishes are amongst the many things making a visit to an Izakaya worth it.
Can I find assorted Yakitori skewers at an Izakaya?
Definitely!
Plenty of assorted yakitori skewers are served in Izakaya.
Skewers are available under chicken, beef, pork, seafood and other variety.
They are grilled and suitable to be taken as an appetizer or main course.
Are there any Izakayas in Singapore that serve Japanese beer?
Yes,Japanese beer goes very well with most Izakayas in Singapore, drinking beer is part of it.
Some have craft beers from Japan.
What is Japanese sake and can I find it at an Izakaya?
Called sake, it is essentially a rice wine that is fermented using brewing techniques similar to beer, and it has a wonderfully unique flavour that goes well with a lot of the dishes served at an Izakaya.
All the Izakayas in Singapore have one or a few types of sake to offer when you visit with friends.
Do Izakayas in Singapore serve chicken wings?
Yes. Many izakayas in Singapore serve chicken wings.
When they are grilled, fried or served on a skewer (called yakitori) they are popular choices.
Are Izakayas a good place to experience Japanese culture?
Sure! That’s exactly what Izakayas are for!
From the food, drinks, ambiance and service, it’s like a mini experience of dining and running around in Japan!
