If you haven’t heard of izakayas before, well, you’re in for a treat! Izakayas are casual hangout spots that serve Japanese drinks and side dishes that are best enjoyed with your mates. They offer an intimate sneak peek into authentic Japanese flavours and conviviality, and they make for great fun. Basically, they’re what pubs are to England, but with better food. Izakayas typically offer a huge array of alcoholic drinks to sip and savour, as well as all kinds of dishes, ranging from ramen to sushi. So, if any of this sounds like a good time to you, carry on reading to find out the best izakaya in Singapore.
Singapore’s Top Izakaya Spots
Contents
1. The Public Izakaya
The Public Izakaya, located in Tras Street, is pretty much what our izakaya dreams are made of. The ambience is chill and casual, and they serve nothing but the best food and drinks to enjoy with your buddies. The interior is very much reminiscent of a traditional Japanese izakaya, so you’ll feel like you’ve been transported right into the heart of Tokyo. Complete with affordable bites of delicious dishes to share like omakase skewers and seared wagyu to accompany an enormous array of Japanese beers and sake, this is hands down one of the best izakaya spots in Singapore.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | 100 Tras St, #01 – 09, Singapore 079027 |
| Operating hours: | Mon – Thur : 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am Sat: 5pm – 12am Sun: 5pm – 10pm |
| Contact details: | 65 6604 9622 |
2. Shunjuu Izakaya
This place is known for two things: a good selection of alcohol, and amazing, mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth charcoal-grilled meat skewers, or also known as sumiyaki, if you want to be fancy about it. This signature dish from Shunjuu Izakaya is grilled on binchotan, which is a kind of Japanese charcoal, which gives it that deep, smoky taste that’s ever so flavourful. One of the best izakaya spots in Singapore, this is a great place for after work hangouts.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View, Singapore 238251 |
| Operating hours | Mon – Thur : 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm Fri – Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm |
| Contact details | 65 8427 8155 |
3. Izakaya Nijumaru
Izakaya Nijumaru may look unassuming from the outside, but trust us, this place is packed with fun and flavour. Best known for their bento (all-in-one meals) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), this family-friendly restaurant is actually one of the best izakaya spots in Singapore. It’s been around for over 30 years, so they must be doing something right. You’ll even spot Japanese residents lining up in the queue, which is how you know this place is the real deal.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 5 Koek Rd, #02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796 |
| Operating hours | Mon – Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm- 9.30pm |
| Contact details | 65 6235 6693 |
4. The Horse’s Mouth
For a more upscale affair, head over to The Horse’s Mouth. It’s a little hard to find, as it’s located at the end of a dimly lit stairwell in Forum Shopping Mall, but the journey will be well worth it. It may be hidden, but it’s truly one of the best izakaya spots in Singapore. It’s a wonderful place for intimate date nights as the ambience is classy and romantic, and the ambience is reminiscent of speakeasy. You can also get classic Japanese servings like sushi, sashimi, and ramen, and definitely pair your meal with one (or two!) of their handcrafted cocktails, but if that’s not your speed, try their Japanese whiskies and beers.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 583 Orchard Rd, #B1 – 39, Singapore 238884 |
| Operating hours | Wed – Thur: 5pm – 12am Fri – Sat: 5.30 – 1am |
| Contact details | 65 8188 0900 |
5. Izakaya Hikari
Who says you have to break the bank for an authentic izakaya experience? Head down over to Izakaya Hikari, your wallet will thank you for it. This is a super cosy Japanese restaurant that serves delicious and affordable kushiyaki (skewered and grilled meat, veggies, seafood, and tofu), sashimi, and fried dishes that are just best enjoyed and shared with your friends and family. They’re definitely a value for money, and there’s something for everyone. One of the best izakaya spots in Singapore, for sure!
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre #03-01, Singapore, Singapore |
| Operating hours | Weekdays: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm Sat: 5pm – 10.30pm |
| Contact details | 65 8921 3779 |
6. ShuKuu Japanese Izakaya & Sake Bar
For a good time with your friends and colleagues, drop by ShuKuu Japanese Izakaya & Sake Bar for incredible Japanese drinks and food. Famous among those who work around the CBD area, this spot is particularly known for their seafood dishes, like Maguro Yukke, Spicy Salmon Don, and of course, fresh sushi and sashimi. Their ingredients are air-flown straight from Japan, and the quality really shows in the dishes that they serve. We definitely recommend pairing your meals with some sake.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 8 Stanley St, Singapore 068727 |
| Operating hours | 5.30pm – 10.30pm daily |
| Contact details | 65 6327 9240 |
7. Izakaya 95
Looking for a fun, casual place to have a night out with your friends and family? We highly recommend Izakaya 95. Not only do they serve good food and good drinks, but you can also enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean while you dine. Located on the second storey of Punggol Settlement, Izakaya 95 is best known for their grilled dishes, like the Japanese Seasonal Squid with Teriyaki Sauce, Kagoshima Black Pork Belly With Teriyaki, and Yellow Tail Cheek With Salt. Wash it all down with some Japanese whiskies, a highball or two, or one of their house specials! And don’t worry, they also have a kid’s menu for the little ones.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 500 New Punggol Rd, #02-05 The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828617 |
| Operating hours | Mon – Thur: 5pm – 11.30pm Fri: 5pm – 12.30am Sat: 2pm – 12.30am Sun: 2pm – 11.30pm |
| Contact details | 65 6384 1132 |
8. Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar
A relatively new eatery in Chinatown, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar, was quick to establish itself in the hearts of Singaporeans. As they serve contemporary Japanese fusion cuisine and modern izakaya delights, don’t visit Nomiya expecting authentic Japanese food. Instead, be prepared to be dazzled by their inventive house favourite dishes such as Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken, and Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl. Nomiya’s walls are also beautifully painted with murals done by local artists, but if that’s not enough to motivate you into leaving the house, Nomiya delivers island-wide through Oddle.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Adress | 11 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058465 |
| Operating Hours | Mon: 5.30pm – 10.30pm Tues: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm |
| Contact Details | 65 6232 7827 |
9. Neon Pigeon
One of the OG modern izakaya spots in Singapore, Neon Pigeon, first opened in 2015 and is going stronger than ever after almost a decade in business. We’re in love with the bird-themed decor and glassware used in this totally happening izakaya that gets super rowdy after dark. If you’re looking for variety in your liquor, Neon Pigeon’s extensive drinks menu contains everything from sake to cognac and even epic sized cocktails. Check out their robata grill skewers as well, like the sweet and sour Bone in Iberico Pork Chop, scrummy!
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 36 Carpenter Street, #01-01, Singapore 059915 |
| Operating Hours | 5.30pm – 12am daily |
| Contact Details | 65 3129 7551 |
10. Boruto
Any anime fans out there? We hate to burst your bubble, but you won’t find any anime references at Boruto apart from its name. Founded by Patrick Tan AKA the Singapore robatayaki restaurant king, Boruto is now sharing one roof with Japanese restaurant Tamashii. Dine on delicious Asian-inspired tapas like the Teba Gyoza, Nasi Lemak, and Samba Chilli at Boruto alongside their barrels of Japanese Sakes, Signature Highball and drinks on draught. In the mood for something heavier to fill your belly? Meander to Tamashii for seasonal Omakase and Sukiyaki. A deliciously convenient izakaya for all!
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address | 12 North Canal Road #02-01 Singapore 048825 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Sat: 6.30pm – 10pm |
| Contact Details | 65 8757 2969 |
For more lifestyle content, be sure to follow Glitz on Facebook and Instagram!
