As you step behind the humble noren curtain, you’re greeted by glowing lanterns, sizzling charcoal-grilled skewers, and warm welcomes. This is izakaya, Japan’s casual pub, a vibrant part of Singapore’s dining scene. More than just yakitori and sake, izakayas offer a lively setting for social drinking and dining, perfect for fans of Japanese culture.
Dating back to Japan’s Edo era, izakayas are places where daily routines fade away, replaced by laughter, shared small plates, and deep connections. They embody Japanese gastropub culture, blending tradition with the vibrant spirit of Singapore’s best izakayas. To expand your Singapore bars experience beyond izakayas, here’s a list of non-izakaya drinking places in Singapore, click here to explore more vibrant nightlife options.
Here’s a quick guide to the izakayas in this list, depending on whether you want sake, skewers, seafood, or a louder after-work table.
Restaurant | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soup Curry by Ki-setsu | Casual dinners | $ |
Modern cocktails | $$$ | |
Yakitori | $$$ | |
Sake lovers | $$ | |
Casual dinners | $$ | |
Traditional izakaya | $$ | |
Business dinners | $$$ | |
Charcoal yakitori | $$ |
1. Soup Curry by Ki-setsu: The Izakaya That Starts With a Proper Meal
Price: Soup Curry from S$14.80; evening small plates mostly from S$5.80–S$9.80
Location: Fortune Centre, Middle Road
Most izakayas are understood through their small plates first. Soup Curry by Ki-setsu reverses that pattern. Its starting point is Hokkaido soup curry, a regional Japanese curry dish built around aromatic spiced broth, rice served separately and seasonal vegetables. That gives diners a proper meal before the evening expands into the more communal rhythm associated with izakaya dining.
This distinction matters. The upcoming Fortune Centre restaurant does not operate as a casual Japanese bar throughout the day. Its dedicated izakaya menu only begins from 6pm, when Japanese small plates and shareable plates join the soup curry selection. It creates an unusual overlap: one diner can settle into a full bowl while the rest of the table adds dishes gradually, rather than everyone having to follow the same meal structure.
Dining Experience
The evening menu is compact rather than sprawling, moving through curry-spiced edamame, yuzu daikon carpaccio, cold tofu with homemade miso, kani cream croquettes, chicken karaage and Masa chicken wings. These small sharing plates extend the meal without turning the restaurant into a generic pub or tapas bar. Soup curry remains the anchor, while the supporting dishes create room for different appetites and richer flavours around the same table.
Drinking Experience
Drinks form part of the evening format, but the concept remains food-led. The appeal is less about building the night around beverages and more about having something to sip alongside a gradual sequence of warm dishes, snacks and soup curry. That balance should make it a relaxed hangout for groups who want conversation and variety without giving up dinner.
Perfect For: After-work meals, casual dinners, small groups, and diners who want both Hokkaido soup curry and Japanese small plates in one evening.
Keep up with Soup Curry by Ki-setsu on Instagram for the latest updates.
2. Shunjuu Izakaya: Charcoal Grilled Japanese Dining by Robertson Quay
Price: S$30–S$70+ per person
Location: Robertson Quay
Since opening in 2003, Shunjuu Izakaya has become one of Singapore’s most respected destinations for charcoal grilling. The restaurant specialises in traditional sumiyaki using premium binchotan charcoal, while its signature tare sauce has reportedly been maintained and refined for nearly two decades. Watching skilled chefs work over the open grill is part of the experience itself.
The restaurant overlooks Robertson Quay, giving it a more relaxed atmosphere than many CBD izakayas. Whether seated indoors beside the grill or outside by the river, diners are treated to a slower pace that encourages lingering over food and drinks.
Dining Experience
The yakitori menu showcases everything from grilled chicken and pork to wagyu steak, grilled yellow tail head, sashimi moriawase, and bara chirashi. More than sixty kushiyaki selections demonstrate the restaurant’s commitment to charcoal grilling, while fresh seafood and seasonal produce keep the menu balanced beyond skewers alone.
Drinking Experience
The sake programme is just as impressive, featuring dozens of Japanese labels alongside whisky, shochu, and Japanese beer. The smoky richness of the grilled meats pairs beautifully with crisp sake, making Shunjuu one of the strongest all-round izakaya experiences in Singapore.
Perfect For: Yakitori enthusiasts, riverside dinners, and anyone seeking authentic charcoal-grilled Japanese cuisine.
3. Neon Pigeon: Modern Izakaya Singapore with Japanese Style Cocktails
Price: S$30–S$60+ per person
Location: Carpenter Street, Clarke Quay
Neon Pigeon has never tried to be a traditional Japanese izakaya. Instead, it embraces the energy of a modern tapas bar, blending Japanese food with global influences, creative plating, and a cocktail-first philosophy. The industrial-inspired interior, neon lighting, and open kitchen create a buzzing atmosphere that feels equally suited for after work drinks or a lively weekend dinner.
Despite its contemporary approach, the restaurant never loses the communal izakaya spirit. The menu is built around sharing, encouraging diners to order several small plates while exploring Japanese-inspired flavours through a more playful lens. It’s a refreshing alternative for anyone who enjoys Japanese dining without the usual expectations of classic izakaya fare.
Dining Experience
The famous KFC Bao remains the restaurant’s signature, pairing crispy fried chicken with spicy gochujang aioli inside a pillowy steamed bun. Foie gras gyoza delivers rich, buttery flavours balanced by bright citrus notes, while the Tokyo Hummus has become another standout thanks to its unexpected blend of Japanese ingredients and Middle Eastern inspiration. Seasonal produce and grilled items round out the menu, ensuring every visit offers something different.
Drinking Experience
Cocktails are every bit as important as the food. The bar serves Japanese-style cocktails, premium sake, whisky, and highballs, with bartenders happy to recommend pairings based on your order. If your evening revolves around drinks just as much as dinner, Neon Pigeon easily ranks among the best izakaya destinations in Singapore.
Perfect For: Cocktail enthusiasts, group dinners, after work drinks, and anyone looking for chic vibes instead of a traditional Japanese restaurant.
4. Shukuu Izakaya: Friendly Traditional Izakaya with House Sake
Price: S$30–S$50+ per person
Location: Stanley Street, Telok Ayer
Shukuu Izakaya has quietly built one of the strongest reputations in Singapore by staying true to what matters most: warm hospitality, authentic flavours, and serving traditional izakaya cuisine without unnecessary theatrics. The cosy dining room feels inviting rather than intimidating, making it equally suitable for first-time visitors and regulars who simply want dependable Japanese food.
Unlike trend-driven Japanese restaurants, Shukuu succeeds through consistency. The atmosphere encourages diners to slow down, share small plates, and enjoy conversation over several rounds of sake, much like neighbourhood izakayas throughout Japan.
Dining Experience
The extensive menu features many classic izakaya favourites, including kani gratin, grilled nasu, chicken nanban, fresh sashimi, grilled skewers, and comforting hot dishes. Portions are designed for sharing, making it easy to sample several authentic Japanese dishes in one sitting. Every plate feels familiar, satisfying, and thoughtfully executed rather than overly complicated.
Drinking Experience
Sake is naturally the highlight. From approachable house sake to premium labels, the selection complements the menu without becoming intimidating. Japanese beer and shochu provide equally enjoyable alternatives, especially alongside grilled skewers and richer dishes.
Perfect For: Date nights, sake lovers, relaxed evenings, and diners looking for an authentic izakaya experience.
5. Izakaya Hikari: Fortune Centre’s Hidden Gem for Authentic Izakaya
Price: S$30–S$60 per person
Location: Fortune Centre
Fortune Centre has quietly become one of Singapore’s best food buildings, and Izakaya Hikari adds another reason to visit. This friendly neighbourhood Japanese restaurant focuses on honest comfort food rather than elaborate presentation, earning a loyal following among office workers and regular diners.
The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious. Instead of chasing trends, Hikari concentrates on serving traditional izakaya cuisine with generous portions, approachable prices, and consistently good food that suits both quick weekday dinners and longer gatherings.
Dining Experience
The menu covers all the izakaya favourites, from fresh sashimi and grilled skewers to salmon mentaiko don, chicken nanban, miso soup, and comforting rice bowls. Sharing several small plates offers the best introduction to the kitchen, especially when balanced between grilled dishes and lighter seafood options.
Drinking Experience
House sake, Japanese beer, and whisky provide classic accompaniments without overwhelming the food. The relaxed pace makes Hikari an easy place to unwind after work before exploring the rest of Fortune Centre.
Perfect For: Casual dinners, Fortune Centre food hunts, and anyone looking for authentic Japanese dining at approachable prices.
6. Izakaya Bar Nijumaru: Classic Izakaya Singapore with Old-School Charm
Price: S$30–S$60+ per person
Location: Cuppage Plaza, Orchard
Nestled inside Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Bar Nijumaru captures the nostalgic side of Japanese dining that has gradually disappeared from much of Orchard Road. The restaurant has long attracted Japanese expats, office workers, and loyal regulars who appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, handwritten daily specials, and extensive menu of traditional izakaya cuisine. Rather than chasing modern dining trends, Nijumaru embraces the familiar comfort of a neighbourhood Japanese bar where good food and conversation take centre stage.
The lively dining room reflects the enduring izakaya spirit, with small tables, warm lighting, and shelves lined with sake bottles creating an atmosphere that feels authentic without trying too hard. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick dinner or settling in with friends, it’s easy to understand why this remains one of Cuppage Plaza’s most dependable Japanese restaurants.
Dining Experience
The extensive menu ranges from fresh sashimi and tempura to buta kakuni, grilled items, bento sets, and seasonal specials written on handwritten boards. While the regular menu rarely disappoints, the chef’s recommendations often showcase the freshest seasonal produce and are worth checking before ordering. It’s the kind of place where sharing several small plates gives you a much better experience than sticking to a single main dish.
Drinking Experience
Japanese beer, sake, whisky, and highballs complement the hearty flavours of the food, making Nijumaru an excellent venue for group dinners or after work drinks. The casual pace encourages diners to order another round, linger a little longer, and enjoy the easygoing atmosphere that defines a classic Japanese izakaya.
Perfect For: Casual gatherings, office celebrations, nostalgic Japanese dining, and diners craving classic izakaya fare.
7. Issho Izakaya: Fresh Seafood and After Work Drinks in the CBD
Price: S$30–S$60+ per person
Location: Marina One The Heart
Located within Marina One, Issho Izakaya offers a more polished interpretation of the traditional Japanese izakaya while maintaining the relaxed spirit that makes this style of dining so enjoyable. Popular with the CBD crowd, the restaurant balances refined presentation with approachable hospitality, making it equally suitable for business dinners, client meetings, or unwinding after work with colleagues.
The contemporary interior feels brighter and more sophisticated than many neighbourhood izakayas, yet the experience remains centred on sharing good food and drinks around the table. An extensive menu featuring premium ingredients ensures there’s something for both seafood lovers and meat enthusiasts.
Dining Experience
Fresh seafood is the undisputed highlight. The sashimi moriawase and bara chirashi showcase carefully selected seafood, while grilled scallops, wagyu steak, beef shortrib, and other grilled items provide richer alternatives. Seasonal produce and well-executed hot dishes round out the menu, making Issho one of the strongest all-round Japanese dining destinations in the CBD.
Drinking Experience
Issho’s drinks programme includes premium sake, Japanese whisky, Japanese beer, and signature cocktails designed to complement both fresh seafood and grilled meats. The refined yet approachable atmosphere makes it especially well suited for after work drinks that naturally extend into dinner.
Perfect For: Business dinners, seafood lovers, after work drinks, and sophisticated Japanese dining in the CBD.
8. Yakitori Yatagarasu: Best Izakaya for Charcoal Grilled Chicken
Price: S$30–S$60+ per person
Location: Boat Quay
Yakitori Yatagarasu proves that an exceptional izakaya doesn’t need an enormous menu. Instead of trying to serve every Japanese classic, the restaurant focuses almost entirely on expertly charcoal grilled chicken, allowing its chefs to refine every skewer with remarkable consistency. The intimate dining room and open grill create a focused atmosphere where the aroma of binchotan charcoal becomes part of the experience from the moment you walk in.
Its dedication to yakitori has earned a loyal following among diners who appreciate craftsmanship over variety. Every skewer is grilled with precision, allowing the natural flavours of the chicken to shine rather than relying on heavy sauces or excessive seasoning.
Dining Experience
The yakitori menu features chicken thigh, skin, tail, wings, meatballs, and other specialty cuts alongside carefully prepared vegetables and seasonal sides. Each skewer develops beautifully crisp edges while remaining tender and juicy inside, showcasing the authentic flavours that define great charcoal grilling. Although the menu is more focused than most izakaya in Singapore, the quality more than compensates for the smaller selection.
Drinking Experience
Japanese beer, sake, shochu, and refreshing highballs provide the ideal counterpoint to the smoky richness of the grilled chicken. The straightforward drinks menu complements the food rather than competing with it, reinforcing the restaurant’s philosophy of keeping things simple and exceptionally well executed.
Perfect For: Yakitori enthusiasts, casual dinners, small groups, and anyone looking for one of the best charcoal-grilled izakaya experiences in Singapore.
Izakaya Logistics: What to Know Before Visiting an Izakaya in Singapore
A great izakaya experience is about more than simply ordering Japanese food—it’s about embracing a style of dining built around conversation, shared plates, and unhurried evenings. While every restaurant has its own personality, most izakaya in Singapore follow the same relaxed rhythm, with the liveliest atmosphere beginning once dinner service starts.
Before you visit, keep these tips in mind:
- Reserve ahead whenever possible. Popular izakaya can fill quickly on Friday evenings and weekends, especially smaller restaurants with limited seating.
- Order for the table. Instead of choosing individual mains, build your meal around grilled skewers, fresh sashimi, hot dishes, and seasonal specials so everyone can sample a wider variety of flavours.
- Don’t overlook the drinks menu. Whether you prefer house sake, Japanese beer, highballs, whisky, or Japanese-style cocktails, drinks are an essential part of the izakaya culture and are designed to complement the food.
- Ask about daily specials. Many Japanese restaurants feature handwritten menus highlighting seasonal produce, imported seafood, or limited grilled items that may not appear on the regular menu.
- Take your time. Unlike quick casual dining, izakaya meals are meant to unfold gradually. Enjoy a few small plates, order another round of drinks, and let the evening develop naturally.
After a tiring izakaya session, find comforting foods or more izakaya food spots in Fortune Centre by exploring this curated list from Eat Drink Asia.
The Final Source Code: Discovering Your Perfect Izakaya in Singapore
The essence of izakaya is togetherness, built through shared dishes, laughter, and warm hospitality—a place to relax and enjoy Japanese and Singaporean flavors. Traditional izakaya cuisine features classic Japanese pub dishes often paired with sake or shochu, reflecting Japan’s rich dining heritage. Discover Singapore’s izakaya scene through handwritten menus, seasonal specials, and warm service. Whether traditional or modern fusion, these authentic spots across Fortune Centre, Cuppage Plaza, and beyond invite you into a vibrant culinary community.
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