Let’s be honest: when most people think of Cuppage Plaza food, they immediately picture smoky, shoulder-to-shoulder izakayas packed with Japanese expats pouring Asahi. While we love a good charcoal grill as much as anyone, and have already covered the wider scene in our guide to the best izakayas in Singapore, Cuppage Plaza is actually hiding a much deeper, more diverse Japanese dining experience. Over the past few months, we have made it our mission to explore the other side of this legendary Orchard Road building. We have tried everything from hidden basement sushi bars to blazing wagyu BBQ joints, dropping in late at night and during the busy lunch service to see what really holds up.
We created this list because we were tired of seeing the same three izakayas recommended over and over again. Every spot on this guide is based on our actual dining and drinking experiences. We have squeezed into tiny kappo counters with counter seating, ruined our shirts in slightly smoky spaces filled with teriyaki sauce aromas, and slurped down late-night ramen and tempura soba, so you do not have to guess where to go. If you are looking for authentic Japanese cuisine that goes beyond the standard skewer-and-beer routine, here are our nine favorite hidden gems inside Cuppage Plaza.
1. Dosukoi x Donpachi Japanese Izakaya Dining & Sake Bar: A Hidden Gem for Late-Night Japanese Food
Address: 5 Koek Road, #B1-23/24/25, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Expect around S$40–S$80 per person, depending on how much sake, sashimi, and cooked food you order.
Signature order: Assorted Sashimi Moriawase ($38)
Best time to visit: Friday at 10:30 PM for late-night drinks
Dosukoi x Donpachi holds onto classic tavern vibes but elevates the drinking experience. Located deep in the basement, it operates as a sake bar with premium Japanese spirits. We love coming here when upstairs spots close, as it becomes a relaxed, late-night sanctuary. It’s more polished than casual izakayas on the ground floor, making it easier to chat with friends.
The food supports the extensive alcohol list. The Assorted Sashimi Moriawase features thick, butter-smooth cuts of fatty tuna and amberjack, tasting ocean-fresh. Paired with a dry junmai sake recommended by the bartender, it’s a flawless late-night bite. Seating is cozy, with low lighting that makes time slip away.
Come here for: Late-night sake sessions, polished bar bites, and a quieter basement drinking spot after the usual dinner rush.
Skip it if: You are looking for a cheap, filling meal rather than a sake-led night out.
Worth knowing: Skip the usual beer order and ask the staff about seasonal sake or lesser-known Japanese spirits.
2. Keria Japanese Restaurant: Intimate Japanese Dining with Great Value
Address: 5 Koek Road, #B1-28, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Most dishes range from around S$12–S$38, with small oden items starting lower and grilled seafood or mixed grill dishes sitting at the higher end.
Signature order: Spicy Tuna Roll ($18)
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner for a quieter sushi experience
Keria is a quieter spot past the louder basement bars, blending izakaya and sushi bar vibes. Its wood-paneled walls and intimate counter seating create an authentic Japanese cuisine atmosphere. The Spicy Tuna Roll stands out with finely chopped, fresh tuna and a real chili kick balanced by seasoned sushi rice. Unlike Dosukoi, Keria focuses more on dining than drinking, though it has a solid alcohol menu.
Come here for: A cozy sushi-focused dinner when you want something calmer than the louder basement izakayas.
Skip it if: You are dining with a big, noisy group that needs lots of space.
Worth knowing: Try to get counter seats if you want a closer look at the chefs preparing the fresh seafood.
3. Gyoza no Ohsho: Casual Japanese Food for Satisfying Comfort
Address: 5 Koek Road, #01-10, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Most dishes range from around S$6–S$18, with gyoza, fried rice, ramen, curry rice, and bento-style meals among the best-value orders.
Signature order: Signature Pan-Fried Gyoza ($8 for 6 pieces)
Best time to visit: 9:00 PM for the ultimate casual supper
Sometimes you do not want delicate sashimi or expensive wagyu. Sometimes, you just need a massive plate of carbs. Gyoza no Ohsho is an absolute lifesaver when those cravings hit. This Japanese-style Chinese eatery serves up hearty, unapologetic comfort food. The bright fluorescent lights and wipe-down tables give it a fast-paced, cafeteria-style energy that contrasts sharply with the moody bars upstairs.
We can never resist their Signature Pan-Fried Gyoza. They arrive piping hot with a lacy, shatteringly crisp bottom and a wildly juicy, savory pork-and-cabbage filling. We usually pair them with a steaming bowl of soy-sauce ramen, a popular noodle dish here. The katsu curry rice is another tasty food highlight, delivering familiar, comforting flavors that hit the spot. It is much cheaper and faster than anything else on this list, making it our go-to spot when we are genuinely starving and want to eat in under thirty minutes.
Come here for: Quick comfort food, casual lunches, and late-night cravings for gyoza, ramen, curry rice, and other dishes like tofu sides.
Skip it if: You want a romantic setting or a refined Japanese dining experience.
Worth knowing: The set meals are usually the best value if you are hungry, especially when they combine noodles, rice, and gyoza.
4. Yakiniku-Oh: Lively Japanese BBQ Dining Experience
Address: 5 Koek Road, #01-07, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: A la carte wagyu starts from around S$9.80++, while wagyu buffet options are typically from around S$67++ per person.
Signature order: A5 Wagyu Karubi / Short Rib ($28)
Best time to visit: Saturday dinner with a group of friends
When we want to turn dinner into a highly interactive, messy, and glorious event, we head straight to Yakiniku-Oh. This dedicated Japanese BBQ joint brings the heat—literally. Every table is equipped with a charcoal grill, and the smell of roasting beef teriyaki sticks hits you the moment you walk through the doors. The energy here is boisterous and fun, filled with the sound of sizzling fat and clinking beer mugs.
We ordered a plate of the A5 Wagyu Karubi, and the marbling was stunning. Dropping those thin slices onto the white-hot grill for just a few seconds on each side yielded beef teriyaki that completely melted in our mouths, dripping with rich, savory fat. It is definitely a louder, more chaotic experience than dining at Keria, but it is infinitely better for groups who want to share the cooking duties.
Come here for: Lively group dinners, wagyu BBQ, and a hands-on meal where everyone gathers around the grill.
Skip it if: You do not want your clothes smelling like charcoal and grilled meat after dinner.
Worth knowing: Fatty cuts can flare up quickly on the grill, so watch the heat and turn the meat before it chars too much.
5. Kemuri: Upscale Kappo Dining with Seasonal Japanese Cuisine
Address: 5 Koek Road, #04-02, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Seasonal kappo courses start from around S$188++ per person, with premium omakase options going significantly higher.
Signature order: Seasonal Kappo Omakase Menu (Starting at $120)
Best time to visit: Thursday evening for an upscale, celebratory dinner
Kemuri has evolved from a standard yakitori spot into a refined kappo-style restaurant, offering a premium, intimate dining experience with just 11 counter seats and a few private tables. The sleek, minimalist interior blocks out mall noise, focusing on the chef’s craft.
We tried the seasonal tasting menu, featuring a standout charcoal-grilled seasonal fish with crispy skin and tender flesh, paired perfectly with chilled sake. The slow, deliberate pacing reflects the chef’s rhythm, making it ideal for impressing someone with a refined kappo and charcoal-grill experience.
Come here for: A refined kappo-style meal, special occasions, and intimate counter dining built around seasonal ingredients.
Skip it if: You are after a casual drinking session or a budget-friendly Japanese dinner.
Worth knowing: Book early and request counter seats if you want the full experience of watching the chefs work over the charcoal grill.
6. Ebi Bar: Modern Japanese Noodle Dishes with a Local Twist
Address: 5 Koek Road, #B1-21, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Most noodle and rice mains range from around S$15.90–S$19.80, making it one of the more casual, affordable Japanese-inspired options in Cuppage Plaza.
Signature order: Signature Charred Ebi Noodle ($15)
Best time to visit: Weekday lunch for a fast, deeply flavorful bowl
Ebi Bar offers a modern twist on Japanese cuisine, blending local flavors with traditional techniques. Bright and casual, it serves the office crowd efficiently during the day.
Their Signature Charred Ebi Noodle features a rich broth boiled with prawn shells, topped with smoky charred prawns for a grilled sumiyaki touch. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal without lingering over drinks.
Come here for: A fast, casual bowl of prawn-rich noodles or rice when you want something satisfying without a long dinner.
Skip it if: You are looking for traditional sushi, sashimi, or classic yakitori.
Worth knowing: Add a crispy prawn side if you want something crunchy to go with the rich broth.
7. Hatsuhana: Authentic Japanese Sushi and Sashimi Dining Experience
Address: 5 Koek Road, #02-15, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Menu prices are not publicly listed online; expect mid-range sushi and sashimi pricing, and call ahead for the latest menu prices before visiting.
Signature order: Chirashi Don / Diced Seafood Rice Bowl ($24)
Best time to visit: Mid-week dinner for a peaceful, unhurried meal
Hatsuhana is a quiet, traditional Japanese restaurant relying on word of mouth. Located on the second floor, it focuses on classic sushi and sashimi with a calm ambiance, unlike the busy basement bars.
We loved their Chirashi Don, featuring generous chunks of fresh salmon, tuna, and yellowtail over perfectly vinegared rice. The seafood is pristine, showing the chef’s pride in traditional preparation. It’s a peaceful sanctuary for authentic sushi and sashimi.
Come here for: A quiet sushi and sashimi meal in a more traditional Japanese dining room.
Skip it if: You want a buzzy, modern restaurant with cocktails and a high-energy atmosphere.
Worth knowing: Ask what fresh seafood is available that day, as the best seasonal items may not always be listed on the menu.
Choosing the Right Spot for Japanese Food in Cuppage Plaza
Cuppage Plaza food proves that you do not need to stick to the standard izakaya playbook to have a brilliant Japanese meal in Singapore.
If you are looking to treat someone to a spectacular, refined evening, the kappo counter at Kemuri is unmatched. For lively groups who want to get messy and cook their own wagyu, Yakiniku-Oh is the clear winner. If you just need a massive, cheap plate of comfort food after a few drinks, Gyoza no Ohsho will always hit the spot. And for those hidden, late-night sushi and sake cravings, Keria and Dosukoi offer the perfect basement sanctuaries.
Step inside, past the smoky grills on the ground floor, pick a spot based on the vibe you are chasing, and go explore the rest of what Cuppage Plaza has to offer. Whether you seek counter seating or small tables, sushi or katsu curry rice, ramen or tempura soba, this building continues to be Singapore’s Little Tokyo and a main draw for authentic Japanese food lovers, open daily with varied opening hours to suit your plans. The delicious, tasty food here brings a true sense of Japan to the city, making each visit a rewarding experience that often requires a reservation to secure your place.
