Let’s be brutally honest for a second. Finding genuinely good Somerset food, especially authentic izakaya near Somerset MRT station, can feel like navigating a total minefield. You are constantly dodging overpriced tourist traps, generic mall chains with zero soul, and places that slap the word “izakaya” on their sign just because they serve edamame and warm beer.
Over the past two years, my friends and I have made it our personal mission to filter out the noise. We have squeezed into tiny bar seats, smelling like charcoal smoke on the MRT ride home. We have dropped ridiculous amounts of money on mediocre skewers so you don’t have to. We’ve probably visited over thirty different Japanese watering holes within a ten-minute radius of Somerset MRT.
So, where do you go when you want that electric, authentic Tokyo night out? Where do you go when you need icy highballs, and an atmosphere that actually buzzes with energy? Here in the heart of Orchard Road’s vibrant dining spots and bustling town, you can find these gems.
I have narrowed down the absolute best spots into this ultimate hit list. Whether you want a gritty, smoke-filled grill or a refined, sake-soaked date night, here are the four standouts in Somerset that actually deliver the goods and satisfy your taste buds.
1. Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant (Cuppage Plaza) – Only the Freshest Food and Juicy Yakitori
Price: $$
Seating Capacity: Limited, expect a cozy, bustling mood
Let’s kick things off with an absolute legend in the local Japanese food scene. If you want the most authentic, unapologetic charcoal-grill experience in Singapore, you need to head to Kazu Sumiyaki. Cuppage Plaza is basically Somerset’s “Little Japan,” and Kazu is its beating heart. I’ve been coming here for a year, and every single time I open their heavy wooden door, I am hit by a wall of glorious, savory smoke. It is chaotic, it is loud, and the energy is completely infectious for a good reason.
The undisputed stars of the show here are the kushiyaki (grilled skewers), cooked masterfully over binchotan charcoal. My absolute must-order is their signature Chicken Thigh and Leek Skewer ($4.50). The binchotan gives the meat this deep, complex smokiness that a regular gas grill simply cannot replicate. The chicken skin is blistered and shatteringly crisp, while the inside remains incredibly juicy. You take one bite of that, wash it down with a freezing cold draft beer or fragrant tea, and suddenly your terrible workday just melts away.
Besides the skewers, Kazu offers a good mix of dishes including rice bowls and noodle soups that feature rich broths and fresh ingredients like mushrooms and peppers. Their ramen is a standout, with a broth that perfectly balances savoury and umami notes. The house-prepared minced meat skewers are also packed with flavour, and their caramelised onions add a sweet depth to several dishes. And if you’re in the mood for something deep fried, their crispy pork belly is a must-try.
Best for: The hardcore yakitori purist and rowdy, after-work dinners with your loudest friends.
Avoid if: You want a quiet, intimate conversation or you are wearing expensive clothes that you don’t want smelling like roasted meat.
Insider tip: Beg, borrow, or steal to get a seat right at the grill counter. You get to watch the chefs work their magic, and the skewer turnover feels much faster.
2. Shitamachi Sakaba Sumida (Cuppage Plaza) – A Cozy Orchard Gateway Food Spot for Sake and Small Plates
Price: $$
Opening Hours: Check before visiting; limited seating capacity
Are you looking for something a little more intimate? Take the elevator up to the third floor of Cuppage Plaza and hunt down Shitamachi Sakaba Sumida. “Sakaba” basically translates to a drinking tavern, and this Japanese-owned gem feels exactly like a neighborhood bar hidden in the backstreets of Shinjuku. It is cozy, dimly lit, and completely unpretentious.
What makes Sumida stand out from the heavy hitters downstairs is its laser focus on sake and delicate small plates. On my last visit, I tried their Grilled Hokkaido Squid ($18). It was a masterclass in texture: tender and bouncy, with a beautiful light char on the tentacles that paired flawlessly with a dry, crisp sake. The food here isn’t meant to stuff you; it is designed to complement whatever you are drinking. The flavours are clean, balanced, and deeply comforting.
The vibe here is incredibly special. It’s the kind of place where the owner might come over to pour your drink and chat about the weather. It has this warm, inviting community feel that is almost impossible to find in a busy shopping district like Orchard Road. Just be warned—the space is tiny. We tried walking in with a group of five once and were immediately turned away.
If you have room for dessert options, try their house-made pastries served with a dollop of whipped cream, perfect to end your evening on a sweet note under the soft glow of the spring sun.
Best for: Cozy date nights, sake enthusiasts, and deep conversations over tiny plates and salads.
Avoid if: You have a massive appetite for a heavy dinner, or you are rolling with a large group.
Insider tip: Do not just order off the printed menu! Always ask the staff for the daily off-menu specials. The regulars know that the seasonal fish and unique sake pairings are kept totally off the books.
3. Toku Izakaya Bar (Midpoint Orchard) – A Crowd Favourite for Drink-First Izakaya Near Orchard Road
Price: $$
Opening Hours: Late night, perfect for night owls
Sometimes, you don’t want a food menu that distracts from the main event. Sometimes, you just want a proper, authentic drinking session. Enter Toku Izakaya Bar, hiding quietly in the basement of Midpoint Orchard. This is what the Japanese call a honkaku izakaya—a true, drink-first establishment. If your main goal for the evening is to explore an extensive, beautifully curated list of shochu and sake, this is your new headquarters.
While the alcohol is the main character, the bar snacks are surprisingly generous and punchy. You have to try their Grilled Eihire or Stingray Fin ($15). It arrives hot, slightly sweet, and perfectly chewy, served with a side of spicy mayo. It is dangerously addictive. You will tell yourself you are only having one piece, and suddenly the plate is empty and you are ordering a second round of drinks.
The atmosphere in Toku is lively but distinctly adult. You won’t find teenagers taking selfies here; you will find tired professionals aggressively unwinding. It is dimly lit, the music sits at the perfect background level, and the bartenders know exactly what they are doing. It is a brilliant escape from the glaring fluorescent lights of the mall upstairs.
If you miss the comfort of Chinese dishes, they occasionally prepare a bihun bakso soup that blends Indonesian and Japanese flavours in a savoury, light broth, perfect for those late-night cravings.
Best for: Serious sake drinkers, post-dinner nightcaps, and colleagues looking to decompress.
Avoid if: You don’t drink alcohol. This is a bar first and foremost, and there is a very real expectation that you are there to partake in the booze.
Insider tip: Ditch your decision fatigue and let the staff recommend your sake pairings. Tell them what you are eating, and they will bring out a bottle that perfectly elevates the dish.
4. Ishinomaki Grill & Sake (Palais Renaissance) – Modern Izakaya with Refined Grilled Dishes and Sake Pairings
Price: $$–$$$
Seating Capacity: Moderate, reservation recommended
If you’re looking for an izakaya that feels a little more polished without losing its core identity, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake strikes that balance well. Located at Palais Renaissance along Orchard Road, it leans towards a modern izakaya experience, where grilled dishes and sake take center stage in a more comfortable, upscale setting.
The menu focuses on robata-style grilling and small plates, with highlights like premium skewers, grilled seafood, and well-executed Japanese bar bites. The quality is noticeably consistent, with ingredients handled carefully rather than overworked. It’s the kind of place where dishes arrive clean, well-paced, and designed to pair naturally with drinks.
While it doesn’t have the cramped, smoky feel of traditional izakayas in Cuppage Plaza, the atmosphere is still relaxed and social, just more spacious and easier to settle into. Service is attentive without being overbearing, making it a reliable option when you want something slightly elevated but still casual enough for a weekday night.
Best for: Casual dates, small group dinners, and diners who want izakaya flavours in a more comfortable setting.
Avoid if: You’re specifically looking for a loud, old-school izakaya with heavy charcoal smoke and tight seating.
Insider tip: Focus on grilled dishes and ask for sake pairing recommendations—that’s where the experience comes together best.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Move in Somerset Food Scene
Somerset is hiding some of the best Japanese dining in Singapore, but you have to know which doors to open. Whether you are chasing the intoxicating charcoal smoke of Kazu, the hidden-gem intimacy of Sumida, the drink-heavy swagger of Toku, or the refined luxury of Ishinomaki, this neighbourhood has you covered.
Stop wasting your weekends at those generic, brightly lit mall chains. Grab your friends, reserve a table, and go indulge in what a real izakaya night actually feels like in this bustling food hub near Orchard Central, Orchard Gateway, and 313 Somerset. I promise you won’t regret it. Every meal here lets you truly savour the authentic flavours that will excite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
