Finding the best izakaya Singapore has to offer can feel like navigating a 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 year, I made it my personal mission to filter out the noise. I squeezed into tiny bar seats, rode the MRT home smelling like charcoal smoke, and spent a small fortune on grilled skewers and fresh sashimi so you don’t have to. This list isn’t based on generic popularity rankings or aggregated internet reviews. It is built entirely on actual dining and drinking experiences at japanese restaurants serving classic izakaya fare with authentic flavours.
Whether you want a gritty, smoke-filled grill, a refined sake bar for date night, or a lively spot for after work drinks, here is your definitive guide to the absolute best izakayas in Singapore.
How We Chose the Best Izakayas in Singapore
We selected these izakayas based on food quality, atmosphere, drinks selection, authenticity, value for money, and what each restaurant is best suited for. This is not a list of restaurants that all offer the same experience. Some are friendly traditional izakayas focused on a robust yakitori menu, oden, and house sake, while others take a more modern approach with handrolls, japanese style cocktails, and contemporary Japanese dining. The best izakaya in Singapore ultimately depends on the kind of night you want to have.
The rankings are based on overall food quality, atmosphere, authenticity, value, drinks selection and how clearly each restaurant delivers its intended dining experience. The order reflects our overall assessment rather than price or popularity alone. Shunjuu ranks first for its established charcoal-grilling focus and riverside setting, followed by Shukuu for its sake programme and small plates, Uoharu for modern fire-led dining, The Public Izakaya for lively group occasions, Izakaya Hikari for affordability, and Toku Nori for its contemporary handroll format.
For a broader exploration of options and detailed reviews, you can visit our best izakaya Singapore comprehensive guide, which offers an in-depth look at the city’s top izakayas and helps you choose the perfect spot for your dining experience.
Choosing the Right Izakaya in Singapore
Izakaya | Best For | Typical Price Per Person | Location | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Affordable comfort food and solo dining | S$35–S$60 | Fortune Centre | Friendly Traditional Izakaya | |
Groups and after-work drinks | S$45–S$65 | Tanjong Pagar | Buzzing Atmosphere | |
Yakitori and riverside dining | S$50–S$80 | Robertson Quay | Classic Izakaya Fare | |
Modern Japanese dining and live-fire dishes | S$45–S$75 | Downtown CBD | Extensive Menu | |
Sake pairings and creative small plates | S$50–S$70 | Telok Ayer | Reasonably Priced Sake Focused | |
Date nights, handrolls and counter dining | S$38–S$60 | Telok Ayer | Chic Vibes |
What Makes a Good Izakaya in Singapore?
A good izakaya is more than a Japanese restaurant that serves grilled skewers and japanese beer. Traditionally, izakayas are casual drinking establishments where diners order several small or shareable dishes alongside sake, shochu, highballs or beer. The food should suit gradual ordering, with enough variety to support a longer meal without feeling like a standard set-course restaurant.
What matters most is a clear identity and the izakaya spirit. Some izakayas are built around charcoal grilling, featuring dishes like grilled yellow tail head, golden mushroom rolled skewers, grilled nasu with kumquat miso, and chicken nanban prepared kyushu style. Others focus on fresh seafood, sake pairings, comfort food or modern handrolls. Atmosphere also plays an important role. A lively venue with a buzzing atmosphere may suit groups and after-work drinks, while a quieter counter or sake bar may be better for dates, solo dining or slower meals.
We ranked these restaurants by how well their food, drinks, service and setting work together. Shunjuu stands out for yakitori and riverside dining, Shukuu for sake and small plates, Uoharu for modern Japanese dining, The Public Izakaya for groups, Izakaya Hikari for affordability and being a hidden gem in Fortune Centre, and Toku Nori for handrolls and intimate counter dining.
6 of the Best Izakayas in Singapore
1. Shunjuu Izakaya: Best for Yakitori and Riverside Dining
Address: 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View, Singapore 238251
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning MRT (12-minute walk)
Price: Kushiyaki skewers generally around S$5–S$10 per stick, premium skewers such as wagyu around S$25, sashimi moriawase around S$57, rice and noodle dishes around S$13–S$26.
Signature order: Assorted Kushiyaki, Chicken Meatballs, Sashimi Moriawase ($6–$8 per stick)
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner service for a calmer riverside meal and chill night
If you want the classic charcoal-grill experience but don’t want to sit in a cramped, windowless room, Shunjuu Izakaya is the answer. Established in 2003, it is one of Singapore’s longest-running yakitori-style japanese restaurants. The real draw here is the combination of authentic sumiyaki (charcoal grilling) over binchotan and the breezy, relaxed hangout riverside setting of Robertson Quay. Sitting outside with a cold japanese beer while the scent of roasting chicken fat, rich flavours, and sweet soy glaze drifts from the kitchen is incredibly atmospheric.
Why it made the list: Shunjuu is included because it combines an established charcoal-grilling programme with one of the more relaxed izakaya settings in Singapore. Operating at Robertson Quay since 2003, it specialises in a robust yakitori menu, yakiton and other kushiyaki rather than treating skewers as a minor part of a large general menu. The riverside tables give diners room to settle in over several rounds of grilled food and sake, making Shunjuu a strong choice when the setting matters almost as much as the cooking.
The kushiyaki here is stellar, with must try dishes like tsukune with pasteurised egg yolk (chicken meatballs), grilled chicken skewers, and fresh seasonal produce. I highly recommend ordering a massive spread of skewers and fresh sashimi to share rather than sticking to individual mains. Compared to the hyper-modern CBD izakayas, Shunjuu feels like a grounded, reliable classic serving traditional izakaya fare with skilled chefs behind the scenes.
Diners comparing Shunjuu with restaurants in other central dining districts can also explore our detailed guide on Orchard Plaza izakaya options for more choices.
However, be warned that the bill can climb aggressively fast. Because you are ordering stick by stick and adding rounds of drinks like house sake or japanese style cocktails, a “casual” dinner can easily turn into a premium spend. It is definitely more expensive than a neighborhood spot like Izakaya Hikari, but you are paying for the riverside real estate and decades of grilling expertise.
Go here for: Classic yakitori lovers and relaxed riverside group dinners.
Skip this if: You are looking for a cheap, fast meal right next to an MRT station.
Before you order: Request an outdoor riverside table when booking. Start with a chef’s assortment of skewers and a bottle of sake before adding heavier rice or sashimi items like bara chirashi or beef shortrib to gauge your appetite.
2. Shukuu Izakaya (Telok Ayer): Best for Sake Pairings and Japanese Small Plates
Address: 8 Stanley Street, Singapore 068727
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Starters from around S$6–S$10, Kani Gratin around S$10, Rosti Mentai around S$12, kushiyaki from around S$4–S$9.50 per stick, sake by glass from S$8–S$12.
Signature order: Kani Gratin / Crab Gratin ($12) and Mentaiko Rosti ($14)
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner service for sake pairings and shared plates in a buzzing atmosphere
Tucked along the heritage shophouses of Stanley Street, Shukuu Izakaya is undeniably the strongest sake bar on this list. While places like Kazu or Shunjuu focus heavily on charcoal grilling, Shukuu leans deeply into an extensive, expertly curated sake menu featuring reasonably priced sake alongside highly inventive small plates.
Why it made the list: Shukuu deserves inclusion because sake is central to the experience rather than an optional addition to the food menu. Run by sake enthusiasts, the restaurant offers different sake tiers and tasting portions alongside dishes designed for gradual sharing, including sashimi, grilled fish, fermented appetisers, crab gratin, foie gras chawanmushi, and small rice bowls. It is particularly useful for diners who want guidance choosing a sake and prefer building dinner from several contrasting plates instead of ordering one main course.
The vibe inside is cozy, dimly lit, and buzzing with a sophisticated after-work crowd. During my visit, I skipped the usual skewers and ordered their Kani Gratin—a rich, creamy, incredibly savory crab dish baked in its own shell. We followed that with a crispy, savory Mentaiko Rosti. The real magic happened when we asked the staff for a sake pairing. Instead of choosing randomly, the sommelier brought out a dry, crisp sake that perfectly cut through the heavy richness of the crab and potatoes.
The portions here are decidedly small. Shukuu is much better for drinks and grazing than for a heavy, massive dinner. If you come here starving and expect massive bento boxes or large mains, you will end up with a very high bill. Treat it as a tasting experience rather than a feed.
Go here for: Sake beginners and enthusiasts, intimate catch-ups, and late-night Japanese bites.
Skip this if: You want large portions or a full, heavy dinner without ordering multiple small dishes.
Before you order: Tell the staff what you are eating and what flavour profiles you usually enjoy, then let them guide you toward a sake pairing.
3. Uoharu Kaizen Izakaya (Downtown CBD): Best for Modern Japanese Izakaya Dining
Address: 2 Central Boulevard, #01-16, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916
Nearest MRT: Downtown MRT (2-minute walk)
Price: Small plates from around S$14.30++, sushi and rice dishes around S$28.80++–S$29.80++, grilled mains around S$32.80++, draft sake from S$19++ per 100ml.
Signature order: Katsuo Warayaki / Straw-Roasted Bonito ($24)
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner service to catch the live-fire roasting experience
Uoharu brings a highly theatrical, modern Tokyo experience straight to the Singapore CBD. The moment you arrive, you have to bow slightly to pass through their intentionally lowered wooden entrance—a symbolic gesture of respect that immediately sets the tone. Inside, the space is polished, sleek, and filled with a mix of corporate professionals and food enthusiasts enjoying fresh seafood and an extensive menu.
Why it made the list: Uoharu represents the more polished, contemporary side of Singapore’s izakaya scene. The Tokyo-founded concept combines seafood-led dishes, sashimi, grilled food and straw-roasting techniques in a modern restaurant near Downtown MRT. Its live-fire preparation gives the meal a stronger visual element than a conventional neighbourhood izakaya, while the CBD location and refined dining room make it suitable for business dinners, dates and groups looking for a more composed experience.
The absolute standout here is the Katsuo Warayaki. They roast the bonito fish over a massive, roaring straw fire right in the open kitchen. The intense burst of heat gives the fish a profound, smoky flavor while leaving the center raw and buttery. I also highly recommend the Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare. The flavors here are noticeably more elevated and adventurous than your standard pub grub.
Uoharu is more polished than casual izakayas, but that means it is slightly less spontaneous. The crowd leans corporate, and the ambiance feels closer to a modern restaurant than a gritty back-alley bar. It is a fantastic place to bring a client or a date you want to impress without going full fine-dining.
Go here for: CBD professionals, impressive business dinners, and diners who love a bit of culinary theater.
Skip this if: You want an old-school, smoky, hole-in-the-wall neighborhood izakaya.
Before you order: Try to snag a seat with a clear view of the open kitchen so you don’t miss the massive flames during the straw-roasting process.
4. The Public Izakaya: Best for Lively Groups and After-Work Drinks
Address: 100AM Mall, 100 Tras Street, #01-09, Singapore 079027
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (3-minute walk)
Price: Small plates generally around S$8.64–S$21.60, Buta Kakuni around S$19.44, Tori Kara-age around S$18.36, sake bottles from about S$42.80.
Signature order: Assorted Oden, Yakitori Grilled Skewers, Buta Kakuni ($18–$25 for platters)
Best time to visit: Thursday or Friday evening for the full, chaotic after-work drinks buzzing atmosphere
If you want to experience the loud, unpretentious energy of Tokyo’s salaryman districts like Shimbashi, The Public Izakaya at 100AM Mall is exactly where you need to go. Designed as a friendly traditional izakaya for the masses, this sprawling venue is packed with antique Japanese memorabilia, glowing lanterns, and a lively atmosphere that buzzes with good vibes.
Why it made the list: The Public Izakaya stands out for scale, atmosphere and its ability to handle larger gatherings without losing the casual character of an izakaya. The 100AM outlet serves a broad menu covering sashimi, cold dishes, fried food, skewers, oden and traditional drinking snacks, making it easy for groups to order across several categories. Its late weekday hours, large capacity and location beside the Tanjong Pagar business district make it one of the most practical choices for company dinners and after-work drinking sessions.
This is not a place for a quiet, intimate meal. I visited on a Friday night with a group of diners, and the atmosphere was electric. We ordered massive platters of oden, crispy karaage, grilled items including wagyu beef shortrib and golden mushroom rolled skewers, washing everything down with japanese beer, house sake and shochu. The food is decidedly casual and designed specifically for sharing small plates, making it perfect for groups who want an authentic izakaya experience and a relaxed hangout.
Because it is a high-traffic CBD venue, the service can get a bit stretched during peak hours. You might have to flag down a server to get your next round of cocktails or kfc bao, but the staff are generally fast and efficient once they take your order.
Go here for: After-work drinks, loud group dinners, and casual beers with grilled skewers.
Skip this if: You want a quiet, romantic ambiance or highly personalized, slow-paced service.
Before you order: Reserve well in advance for Thursday and Friday evenings. Ask for a table slightly away from the main walkway if you want to hear your friends without shouting.
5. Izakaya Hikari: Best for Affordable Traditional Izakaya Food in Fortune Centre
Address: 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre #03-01, Level 3, Singapore 188979
Nearest MRT: Bencoolen MRT (5-minute walk)
Price: Sashimi donburi from S$16.90–S$25.90, grilled meats from S$3.90, gyoza around S$6.90, sake bottles from S$35.
Signature order: Salmon Mentaiko Donburi ($16), Miso Soup
Best time to visit: Weekday lunch or dinner service for value, or early dinner before popular items sell out
Not every izakaya night needs to drain your wallet. Hidden away on the third floor of the slightly dated Fortune Centre, Izakaya Hikari is a friendly traditional izakaya that feels like a neighborhood tavern. It’s a small, unpretentious haven for budget-conscious lovers of japanese food, serving traditional izakaya cuisine with all the izakaya favourites done well.
Why it made the list: Izakaya Hikari earns its place by offering a casual izakaya experience at more approachable prices than many central Singapore restaurants. Its menu is built around familiar comfort dishes, grilled items such as chicken nanban and grilled yellow tail head, donburi and drinking plates rather than premium ingredients or elaborate presentation. The compact Fortune Centre setting also makes it particularly suitable for solo diners, informal meals and uncomplicated weeknight dinners. The restaurant itself describes its concept as an authentic, casual Japanese izakaya with a relaxed hangout vibe.
The menu focuses heavily on straightforward comfort food, featuring grilled chicken skewers, buta kakuni, gyoza, and fresh seasonal produce. On my last visit, I ordered their signature Salmon Mentaiko Donburi paired with a warming bowl of miso soup, which delivered an incredibly satisfying, rich, and creamy punch without feeling overly heavy. The space is tight and functional, so you will likely be bumping elbows with regulars who come here for dependable good food and a genuine izakaya spirit.
Unlike the flashy CBD spots, Hikari doesn’t have an extensive menu or mood lighting. It is quieter, humbler, and significantly gentler on your bank account. It’s the kind of place you drop into solo after a long day when you want good food without having to shout over loud music.
Go here for: Budget-conscious solo counter dining or casual weeknight comfort food lovers looking for a hidden gem in Singapore’s izakaya scene.
Skip this if: You are planning a romantic date night or expect a highly stylized, modern interior.
Before you order: Arrive early for dinner if you want comfort items like oden or fresh sashimi, as they often sell out. Keep in mind they are closed on Sundays.
6. Toku Nori: Best for Modern Handrolls, Seafood and Sake
Address: 200A Telok Ayer Street (Level 2), Singapore 068638
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT (3-minute walk)
Price: Toku Nori 5-handroll set around S$38, sake pairing flight around S$18, individual handrolls around S$8–S$16, premium uni handroll around S$32, izakaya sides around S$12–S$16.
Signature order: Toku Nori Set of 5 Handrolls, Sake Flight
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner service for an intimate sushi and sake experience with chic vibes
If you want a modern, trendier take on the izakaya format, Toku Nori is an absolute must-visit. Hidden behind a bright red door on the second floor of a pre-war heritage shophouse, this intimate 40-seat venue is fundamentally a tapas bar-style japanese izakaya serving excellent handrolls made with premium fresh seafood like scallops and wagyu, alongside an extensive sake menu.
Why it made the list: Toku Nori broadens the guide beyond traditional grill-led izakayas by showing how the format can work as a modern handroll bar. Its menu centres on individually prepared handrolls, seafood, izakaya dishes and sake, served in an intimate Telok Ayer shophouse setting. This makes it a better fit for dates, counter dining and diners who value fresh seafood and paced service over large shared platters, smoky skewers or a loud drinking-hall atmosphere.
The setup here revolves around a beautiful sushi counter where skilled chefs hand you each roll individually. Combined with their sake flights, it’s one of the most polished, enjoyable dining experiences in Singapore’s izakaya scene. The space has mood lighting and good vibes, perfect for a date night or solo counter dining.
Because the space is so small and popular, it can feel a bit crowded, and seating is strictly timed. It’s not the place for sprawling grilled items or loud after work drinks, but it’s ideal for savoring all the izakaya favourites in a refined setting.
Go here for: Modern date nights, sushi and sake lovers, and intimate counter dining.
Skip this if: You want a traditional yakitori pub with smoky grills and loud drinking energy.
Before you order: Request counter seating when you book so you can watch the chefs craft each handroll.
Which Izakaya Should You Choose?
Ranked Izakaya | Best Choice For | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
Yakitori, charcoal-grilled food and riverside dining | Shunjuu is the strongest all-round choice for diners who want an established izakaya centred on kushiyaki, sake and a relaxed Robertson Quay setting. | |
Sake pairings and Japanese small plates | Shukuu is the clearest option for a sake-led evening, with staff guidance and a menu designed for ordering several dishes across multiple rounds. | |
Modern Japanese dining and date nights | Uoharu suits diners who prefer a polished CBD setting, seafood-focused dishes and the visual appeal of live-fire and straw-roasting techniques. | |
After-work drinks and lively group dinners | Its broad sharing menu, energetic atmosphere and Tanjong Pagar location make it particularly practical for larger groups and weekday gatherings. | |
Affordable traditional-style dining and solo meals | Hikari offers familiar izakaya comfort food in a compact, informal setting, making it the most approachable choice for budget-conscious diners. | |
Handrolls, fresh seafood and intimate counter dining | Toku Nori is the most modern interpretation on the list, better suited to handroll-focused dates and quieter meals than conventional yakitori dining. |
If you want a hidden gem with authentic izakaya vibes and good food, Izakaya Hikari is a solid pick. For classic grilled chicken and yakitori by the water, Shunjuu Izakaya delivers. For modern sushi and sake pairings, Toku Nori stands out.
Best Izakayas in Singapore by Occasion
Occasion | Recommended Izakaya |
|---|---|
Date night | Uoharu Kaizen Izakaya; Toku Nori |
After-work drinks | Shukuu Izakaya; The Public Izakaya |
Casual dinner | The Public Izakaya; Izakaya Hikari |
Yakitori and grilled-food night | Shunjuu Izakaya |
Sake-focused evening | Shukuu Izakaya |
Group dinner | Shunjuu Izakaya; The Public Izakaya |
Riverside meal | Shunjuu Izakaya |
Affordable solo dinner | Izakaya Hikari |
Modern Japanese dining | Uoharu Kaizen Izakaya; Toku Nori |
Handroll counter experience | Toku Nori |
Frequently Asked Questions About Izakayas in Singapore
What is the best izakaya in Singapore?
Based on this ranking, Shunjuu Izakaya is our strongest overall choice for its established focus on charcoal-grilled kushiyaki and relaxed Robertson Quay setting. Shukuu Izakaya ranks next for sake and small plates, followed by Uoharu Kaizen Izakaya for a more polished modern experience.
What is the difference between an izakaya and a Japanese restaurant?
An izakaya is a casual Japanese drinking establishment where diners order several small or shared dishes alongside beer, sake, shochu or highballs. A general Japanese restaurant may focus more heavily on individual meals such as sushi sets, ramen, donburi or set lunches, with alcohol playing a less central role.
What food should you order at an izakaya?
Common choices include yakitori, kushiyaki, sashimi, karaage, gyoza, oden, grilled seafood and rice dishes. It is usually better to begin with several smaller plates and add more food gradually as the meal develops.
How much does an izakaya meal cost in Singapore?
A casual dinner generally costs around S$35 to S$60 per person, while restaurants specialising in premium seafood, individually priced skewers or sake can reach S$60 to S$80 or more per person. The total depends heavily on alcohol, sashimi and the number of shared dishes ordered.
Which izakaya is best for a date night?
Uoharu Kaizen Izakaya is the higher-ranked date-night option, with a polished dining room and modern seafood-led menu. Toku Nori is better for couples who prefer intimate counter seating, handrolls and a quieter meal.
Which izakaya is best for after-work drinks?
Shukuu Izakaya is the strongest choice for a sake-focused evening with shared plates. For a larger and livelier gathering, The Public Izakaya is more suitable for group dining and casual rounds of drinks.
Which izakaya is best for affordable dining?
Izakaya Hikari is the most budget-conscious option in this guide. Its Fortune Centre location, casual setting and comfort-focused menu make it suitable for solo meals and uncomplicated weekday dinners.
Pick your venue based on the kind of night you want to have, gather some friends, and enjoy the vibrant variety of Japanese izakayas Singapore has to offer.
Author’s Note:
*After revisiting this article with fresh eyes, I made a few edits to keep the guide lighter, sharper, and easier to enjoy. I’ve also ranked the izakayas using the same criteria outlined above, while recognising that the best choice still depends on the type of dining experience you want. I hope this updated version helps you find the right izakaya for your next Japanese dining night in.
