You know that specific kind of tired? It’s not the physical exhaustion of running a marathon. It’s the deep-in-your-bones, screen-induced fatigue that hits around 6:30 PM on a Thursday. Your brain feels like it’s been deep-fried in blue light.
That was me last Tuesday.
I reached Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar at 6:40pm on a weekday, stepping out from Raffles Place MRT and walking the sheltered five minutes to the grandeur structure of OUE Tower. No queue yet — but by 7:20pm, there was a small wait forming at the host stand (about 15–20 minutes from what I observed).
The last thing you want on a day like that is a restaurant that demands performance from you. No dramatic tasting menus. No lecture about the chef’s philosophy while your stomach growls.
What Singapore needs after work isn’t more stimulation. It needs an exhale.
And Ushio, perched on Level 8, 60 Collyer Quay, understands that.
Arriving and Settling at Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar
Leaving the Marina Bay rush and stepping inside Ushio genuinely feels like hitting mute on the city. The space is polished but not cold, with sleek wood panels and a contemporary touch that breathe life into the dining area. Soft lighting and subtle Japanese-inspired accents create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Indoor seating is conversation-friendly: low enough noise to talk comfortably while the outdoor terrace offers a stunning view that brings the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyline right to your table, though it picks up more ambient chatter from neighbouring tables.
I took a two-seater indoors (thankfully; the AC is strong, so bring a light layer).
The counter seats face the sumiyaki grill. Cozy but not cramped. A mix of corporate diners, couples, and small groups easing into their evening.
It’s not loud. It’s not silent. It brims liveliness coupled with calm.
Restraint Is the Point (And You Feel It Early)
In a city obsessed with spectacle, Ushio’s restraint feels intentional — a sign of their relentless pursuit of balance and authenticity.
The menu leans heavily into Japanese-style charcoal grilled delicacies: no smoke theatrics, no flaming showmanship. Just steady heat and expertly crafted flavor.
We started with the Assorted Sashimi Platter ($58).
The salmon was thick-cut and almost glossy, with a buttery mouthfeel that dissolved cleanly. The hamachi carried a cool, mineral finish, not fishy, just clean and lightly sweet. The tuna was firm and chilled properly (you can tell when it’s handled right; it doesn’t sag on the plate).
Portions were generous enough for three to share comfortably, and the server actually recommended sharing. Good call.
Discipline Without Performance at This Sumiyaki Sake Bar
From the counter, you can see the chefs working the grill: controlled flames, precise movements.
We ordered the Sumiyaki Wagyu Skewer ($22 per stick).
The exterior had a light charcoal crust, just enough smoke, while the inside stayed tender, fatty, and slow-melting. Not greasy. Not overwhelmed by fire.
Then came the Grilled Mentaiko Chicken Thigh ($18).
The skin was lightly crisped, the interior juicy and elastic, with the mentaiko adding creamy saltiness rather than aggressive spice. It lingered gently instead of dominating.
Here’s the thing: none of it tries too hard. And that’s refreshing.
Let’s Talk About the Sake (Because It Matters Here)
Ushio’s drink menu includes an extensive range artisanal sakes meticulously selected from major prefectures in Japan, reflecting the best that Japan has to offer.
We began with a Junmai Ginjo Dassai 45 (from ~$24 per glass) and followed with a House Junmai Carafe (~$32) to share.
The Dassai was silky and light-bodied, faint melon notes, almost cloud-soft on the finish. Around 15% ABV, but you wouldn’t guess it from the smoothness.
The house junmai was weightier: slightly nutty, rounder mouthfeel, more rice-forward. It paired beautifully with the wagyu skewer.
The server suggested starting with a carafe instead of jumping into a full bottle (most range $90–$180). Smart advice: it keeps the pacing steady and prevents over-ordering.
Service was quiet, intuitive. Refills appeared without hovering.
Waiting That Feels Like Permission
This isn’t fast dining.
Dishes arrive in waves. You wait. You sip. You talk.
The charcoal grill dictates tempo in the same fashion as traditional Japanese izakayas.
And honestly? That waiting feels like permission to decompress.
Practical Notes (Because They Matter)
Average spend: ~$80–$120 per person with sake
Best time to avoid crowds: Before 7pm on weekdays
Reservations: Recommended for Fridays and outdoor terrace seating
Noise level: Comfortable indoors; livelier outdoors
Seating: Counter seats, standard two-seaters, some larger tables
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (5-minute walk)
Temperature: AC indoors runs cool
Who Ushio Is Perfect For
Perfect for:
After-work decompression
Business dinners
First dates (dim lighting, calm energy)
Sake-led evenings
Conversations that stretch
Avoid if:
You’re rushing between meetings
You want party vibes
You’re looking for budget yakitori pricing
Conversation Unfolding Between Rounds of Grilled Delicacies
Because the food is served gradually, the evening unfolds at a steady pace. Each new arrival of food—whether it’s skewers, grilled delicacies alongside creative sharing plates, or a signature sumiyaki dish—punctuates the conversation without interrupting it. The pacing allows for deeper connections and a sense of ease, making it perfect for long after-work hangouts or catch-ups with friends.
Why Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar Works for Long Evenings in the Heart of Singapore
Few places in Singapore allow you to linger without feeling rushed, but Ushio Sumiyaki is different. Its flexible menu and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for evenings that stretch into the night. If you prefer dining outdoors, the islanders lined seating area offers a stunning view that brings the cityscape to life and enhances the ambiance for a memorable experience.
For more details, visit the USHIO website to explore the full food and drinks menus and to make reservations, which are recommended for evening seating.
A Hidden Gem with a Familiar Comfort
Some diners mention that prices lean premium. That’s fair.
You’re paying for location, view, and atmosphere.
But here’s my honest take: Ushio works because it doesn’t push you. It doesn’t try to impress with noise.
It restores.
And sometimes, on a blue-light Thursday evening, that’s exactly what you need.
What Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar Says About Japanese Izakaya Culture in Singapore
The success of Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar lies in its ability to blend the Japanese izakaya tradition with Singaporeans’ need for relaxation. By offering a space that prioritizes connection over performance, it provides a refreshing counterpoint to the city’s fast-paced dining trends. Its emphasis on Japanese-style charcoal grilled delicacies, sharing plates inspired by Japanese tapas, and an extensive range artisanal sakes meticulously selected from major prefectures reflects an authentic yet adaptable approach.
An Evening Shaped by Pace, Not Hype at Ushio Sumiyaki
The best dining experiences aren’t about spectacle—they’re about how you feel. At Ushio Sumiyaki & Sake Bar, the focus on pacing, restraint, and quiet excellence creates an unforgettable izakaya experience. Whether you’re here for the food, the sake, or simply a place to catch your breath, you’ll leave feeling restored. Ready to experience it for yourself? This hidden gem at OUE Tower is waiting to welcome you. Don’t forget to check the website for reservations and last order timings to plan your perfect dinner.
If evenings shaped by pace and intention resonate with you, there’s a wider world of izakaya experiences across the city worth discovering.
