Teiyoshiya Review: The CBD Izakaya Basically Attached to Telok Ayer MRT

Illuminated TEIYOSHIYA restaurant sign above a floral Japanese-style entrance.

Ever walked out of an MRT station and been seated with a cold beer in front of you within minutes? That’s the Teiyoshiya experience.

This little izakaya restaurant sits at 110 Telok Ayer Street, right next to Telok Ayer MRT Exit A. We’re talking a one-minute walk. No hunting, no detours, no “where is this place?” energy. You step out, you’re basically there. For an after-work spot in the CBD, that convenience alone is a huge win.

So, is it worth your Friday night? Let’s get into it.

So, What Kind of Izakaya Restaurant Is Teiyoshiya?

Teiyoshiya is a compact Telok Ayer izakaya serving sashimi, charcoal-grilled yakitori, tempura, donburi and Japanese home-style comfort food. Think casual, drinks-friendly, and made for sharing plates with friends rather than a stiff fine-dining affair.

It’s the kind of place you roll into after work, order a spread, and settle in. Not a destination omakase temple, just genuinely good, easy Japanese food a stone’s throw from the train.

When Teiyoshiya opened in 2022, it was introduced as a new izakaya restaurant focused on seafood, grilled dishes and Japanese drinking food.

The Vibe

Small. Cozy. Intimate. That’s the mood.

The room is warm and minimalist, with a compact layout that fills up fast. Some people love how snug it feels; others might find it a touch tight, so heads-up if you’re claustrophobic about elbow room. It works beautifully for couples, small groups, and after-work crews.

Early on, it’s relaxed. Come Friday evening, it leans social and lively. Exactly what you want when the week’s finally done.

If your after-work plans drift toward the river instead, our Clarke Quay food guide for izakaya, ramen and sushi nights gives you a very different kind of Japanese evening to compare.

The Teiyoshiya Menu: What to Order

Here’s where it gets fun. The menu roams from fresh sashimi to grilled dishes to donburi, so order in rounds and share everything.

Start With Sashimi and Rice Bowls

The sashimi is a standout. Diners rave about the freshness, and I get why. If you want the full spread, the Kaisen Don (S$37) stacks chef-selected mixed sashimi over rice and is worth the splurge.

Craving something bolder? The Salmon Mentai Don (S$25) is one of the most talked-about dishes here, with deep-fried salmon over rice and that rich, savory mentai sauce. Comfort food that hits every time.

The Lobster Salad Is a Must

Don’t skip the Lobster Salad. It shows up again and again as a crowd favorite, and it’s the kind of dish you order “just to try” then fight over. Fresh, creamy, satisfying.

Rolls Worth Grabbing

Two rolls to know: the Spicy Tuna Roll (S$25), a punchy spicy maguro number, and the Sake Mentai Roll (S$25), a salmon-mentaiko combo that plays right into Teiyoshiya’s signature flavor lane. Both are easy wins for the table.

Small Plates That Deliver

The Asari Butter (S$22), Japanese clams in buttery sauce, is a longtime menu staple and perfect for mopping up with rice. The Tori Karaage (S$15) earns consistent love from diners, crispy and reliable. And the Dashi Tamago (S$12)? One review flat-out called it a standout, and I’d happily order it again.

Don't Forget the Drinks

This is an izakaya, so drinks matter. There’s Sapporo beer, sake, including some proper Junmai bottles when available, and highballs. Grab a cold one, pace your plates, and let the night stretch.

The Service Is Part of the Charm

The service here gets a lot of love, and honestly it’s a big part of the charm. Staff are friendly and thoughtful, with small gestures, birthday accommodations, and the occasional complimentary treat. That kind of hospitality keeps people coming back.

One honest caveat: dish timing can be uneven. There’ve been reports of plates for the same table arriving apart, so if that happens, don’t panic. Just order in rounds and keep the drinks flowing.

Before You Go: At 110 Telok Ayer Street, Booking and Budget

  • Location: 110 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068579, next to Telok Ayer MRT Exit A, a one-minute walk.

  • Hours: Mon to Fri 11:30am to 11:30pm, Sat 5pm to 11:30pm, closed Sunday.

  • Booking: Reserve via Chope, Grab, or phone. Not mandatory, but smart for Friday dinners and groups since the room is small.

  • Getting there: Take the MRT. Parking nearby is unpredictable, so skip the car.

  • Pricing: Many rice and seafood dishes land in the S$20 to S$30+ range, and it climbs once drinks and shared plates pile up.

One value note: a few diners find the portions modest for the price. Teiyoshiya works better as a multi-dish, share-the-table meal than a one-plate dinner, so plan to order a spread.

So, Is Teiyoshiya Worth It?

Yes, especially if you’re in the CBD and want fuss-free Japanese food without traveling far.

Best for: After-work crews, couples, small groups, sashimi lovers, and anyone who prioritizes that MRT convenience.

Maybe skip if: You need a big spacious room, want giant single-plate mains, or you’re after formal omakase.

Teiyoshiya nails the everyday izakaya brief: fresh food, warm service, a cozy room, and a location that’s almost too easy. Grab friends, order in rounds, and settle in.

Teiyoshiya FAQs

Where is Teiyoshiya?
This little izakaya restaurant sits at 110 Telok Ayer Street, right next to Telok Ayer MRT Exit A. It’s just a minute away on foot, so there is virtually no detour between leaving the MRT and sitting down.

What are the opening hours?
Mon to Fri 11:30am to 11:30pm, Sat 5pm to 11:30pm, closed Sunday.

What should I order?
Start with the Salmon Mentai Don (S$25), Lobster Salad, and Kaisen Don (S$37). Add the Spicy Tuna Roll (S$25), Sake Mentai Roll (S$25), Asari Butter (S$22), Tori Karaage (S$15), and Dashi Tamago (S$12).

Do I need a reservation?
Not required, but recommended for Friday dinners and groups because the space is compact and fills up.

Does Teiyoshiya serve drinks?
Yes. Sake, Sapporo beer, highballs, and more make it a solid after-work spot.

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