The Finest Izakaya in Singapore

The rapid industrialization of the Meiji Restoration led to the popularity of izakaya. A traditional Japanese tavern is called an izakaya. This indicates that you’ll have alcohol in addition to food, but the typical approach is for everyone to order a range of small, frequently inexpensive meals that are shared by everyone at the table, followed by further rounds of drinks. In order to get the most genuine experience possible, you need be informed of the top izakaya in Singapore.

Best Izakaya in Singapore

1

The Public Izakaya

When they made the decision to build the public izakaya at 100 Tras Street in 2013, there was nothing like in Singapore. a warm, inviting traditional izakaya that serves working-class patrons typical izakaya fare. The idea was simple, but the execution was and is still challenging. They set out to create menus that would transport customers right to the Shimbashi and Yurakucho izakaya areas of Tokyo. They are among the top izakaya in Singapore because of this.

Highlights:

• Welcoming
• Traditional
• Izakaya cuisine

Service was great until Audrey came along with her curt service. The rest of the staff were great with their recommendations and attentiveness. The interesting thing to note, they do not serve salmon here. The skewers were delicious! The sakes are well priced, overall a good experience. – Adeline Miao

2

Mikoto

Mikoto is a good option if you like robust tastes. Think about eating chicken nanban and yellow tail head on a grill. Since they are prepared in the Kyushu style, they have a much richer flavor than those from other Japanese prefectures. Choose your poison from a selection of alcoholic beverages, including as whiskey, house sake, and Japanese-inspired cocktails, after choosing your food. They are among the best izakaya in Singapore because to their wide assortment of alcoholic beverages.

Highlights:

• Rich flavors
• Grilled yellow tail head
• Made in Kyushu manner
• Variety of alcoholic beverages

Food and ambience was great, loved the unique items on the menu i.e. eel karaage, smelt tempura, pork and cabbage with ponzu, and chicken nanban. Will definitely return for a second visit. Thank you. – Annie Lem

3

Ishinomaki Grill & Sake

Real robatayaki/izakaya dinners, along with authentic Japanese fare, are served at Ishinomaki, a grill and sake dining concept. These dishes are accompanied with fine sake and shochu. By working with local Japanese product vendors to provide premium and fresh seafood and ingredients from Ishinomaki and other parts of Japan, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake aims to support the restoration and preservation of Ishinomaki. Come and indulge in a feast prepared with an abundance of premium seasonal ingredients. One of the top izakayas in Singapore is known for its authentic robatayaki/izakaya cuisine.

Highlights:

• Offers real robatayaki/izakaya meals
• Collaborates with local Japanese product merchants
• Imported fish and ingredients from Ishinomaki and other regions of Japan

One of the nicest Japanese restaurants I’ve been to in Singapore. The menu selection is huge and the quality of the food is excellent. They have seasonal dishes too if you’re looking for something off the menu. Will definitely return again. – Jasper Tan

4

Neon Pigeon

This modern izakaya has a unique beverage menu and inventive, edgy decor (that come served in bird-shaped glassware). You should start the evening with a few bite-sized meals from the raw bar, which features seasonal fish. The popular favorite Tokyo hummus, a creamy concoction of edamame and curry fries, is also offered. They are among the best izakaya in Singapore because of their distinctive atmosphere and décor.

Highlights:

• Creative
• Edgy
• Cocktail menu

The service staff was extremely friendly and the owner was very accommodating and obliged when we asked to take a picture together. They even came over and gave us some free shots! Decor is sleek and hip, clientele is a mix of local and expats. Great place!! I love it! – Melon Damien Foo

5

Jibiru Craft Beer Bar

JiBiru offers authentic Japanese yakitori from the Saitama area, which is located north of Tokyo. In addition to the usual chicken, pig (or “yakiton”) is used. JiBiru uses award-winning sauces that are directly imported from the Hibiki yakitori restaurants in Higashi-Matsuyama to grill only the best fresh meats, such as fresh Sakura chicken and premium Japanese pork, along with a variety of izakaya specialties like tempura, gyoza, and Japanese-style curries.

Highlights:

• Uses only the finest fresh meats
• Offers Sakura chicken
• High-quality Japanese pork
• Award-winning sauces

Awesome place to hang out 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

Standing Sushi Bar

Affordable, high-quality dining options are available in Singapore’s Bras Basah arts area and Raffles Place business sector. Inspired by the standing sushi bars in Tokyo, Singapore’s first Japanese restaurant debuted in August 2009 at One Raffles Place.

It was enthusiastically embraced and placed a strong focus on quality. The eatery, which serves those working at Raffles Place and the Marina Bay Financial Centre, offers excellent lunch and dinner set meals in addition to the standard sushi bar fare. They are among the best izakaya in Singapore because to their exquisite sushi and sashimi made from seafood.

Highlights:

• High-quality
• Healthful
• Affordable
• Set meals available

The queue was pretty long for walk-in but really worth the money you pay for. My first time eating here after hearing many good reviews on it and I must say I’m truly impressed. The seafood is fresh and the tofu cheesecake was good too. I’m excited to come back again, definitely recommend it. – Rachel Alison

7

Nomiya

A mix of sake, fine cuisine, and live music can be found at 11 Trengganu Street. Travel around Chinatown at a different speed. bringing delicious food and sake to like-minded individuals. If 2020 has produced any good, it is the desire to travel to the land of the cherry blossoms.

They decided to build one here, albeit a little one, because they had missed her so much. With its relaxed atmosphere, excellent sake, friendly service, and delicious spin on Japanese cuisine, Nomiya has already won the hearts of many. One of the top izakaya in Singapore thanks to its appealing live music and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Highlights:

• Sake
• Exquisite food
• Live music

Excellent dinner in cozy, fun and relaxed atmosphere. The interior design is beautiful. You can feel the staff and owners are delighted to share and explain to you recommended dishes. On the menu you’ll find non meat and vegetarian dishes. We loved everything about the food and the place. At the end we were surprised with some delicious mini dessert. – FR

8

Shukuu Izakaya

A sensory Izakaya experience is right outside your door at Shukuu Izakaya, which was established by four lifelong friends who share a passion of all things Japanese and have different talents. True to Japanese culture, the owners pay close attention to every little detail. It is pleasantly displayed in the interior design, which envelops you in the radiance of an Izakaya. They carefully choose gourmet items that are painstakingly air flown from Japan, ensuring that only the best food hits your plate.

Highlights:

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Great cuisine
• Gourmet products

Ordered a selection of charcoal skewers, which were the first dishes to arrive! The skewers were cooked really well and had a distinct smokey aroma. I also ordered the Spicy Salmon and Negitoro don with a carafe of their sake of the week, and it was definitely an amazing pairing! All in all, the warm atmosphere created a very relaxing environment, great for a night to unwind after a long day. – Steve Borhan

9

Tomo Izakaya

Izakaya are establishments that allow customers to consume sake while seated within the establishment. Izakayas are informal drinking establishments similar to tapas bars where customers order a variety of tiny meal servings to share at the table. When your buddies are drunk, Tomo is a terrific location to show their finest sides. With attractive happy hours for beverages, it’s clear why this location is ideal for bonding and catch-up sessions. They are among the best izakaya in Singapore because to their alluring happy hour specials.

Highlights:

• Relaxed
• Great for bonding
• Appealing happy hours

Tomo never lets us down. It has a varied menu of dishes, which are all consistently excellent. The sashimi is fresh and delicious and cuts in very generous chunks. – Glen Wray

10

Boruto

A brand-new Japanese tapas and sake bar called Boruto has opened close to the CBD on South Bridge Road. The double-story establishment, which is decorated in a contemporary izakaya style, was founded by chef Patrick Tan, who also owns the neighboring premium Japanese robatayaki restaurant Tamashii Robataya. While the upper level welcomes patrons with an air of sophistication, the bottom floor tapas bar offers a more laid-back dining experience. One of the best izakaya in Singapore thanks to their laid-back atmosphere and excellent tapas.

Highlights:

• The more relaxed eating experience
• Elegant atmosphere
• Japanese tapas and sake bar

The food was surprisingly very good and I was impressed!! I loved both the pasta dishes my friends ordered and they were done perfectly. The right amount of sauce and seasoning is flavorful yet not overwhelming. – James Tan

In the spirit of embracing the vibrant culinary scene of Singapore, we’ve unveiled a collection of the best izakaya restaurants that promise a delightful journey into Japanese gastronomy. From savory skewers to flavorful small plates, these izakayas have mastered the art of blending tradition with modern flair, offering a taste of Japan right here in the Lion City.

As we conclude this culinary exploration, we invite you to continue your gastronomic adventures with our guide to the best pizza places in Singapore. Explore a different facet of the city’s diverse food landscape and indulge in the cheesy goodness that awaits. Whether you’re craving the robust flavors of Japanese cuisine or the classic comfort of a pizza slice, our articles serve as your passport to an array of delicious experiences in the vibrant dining scene of Singapore. So, here’s to savoring every bite and discovering the culinary gems that make this city a true haven for food enthusiasts!