I wasn’t expecting much when I wandered into Fortune Centre on a weekday evening. The place has that faded, forgotten vibe: dim halls, creaky escalators, the kind of building you don’t pay attention to as you pass by.
Then I reached the third floor. The sound hit first, a clink of glasses, soft chatter, laughter cutting through the sizzle of a grill. It was subtle, but it had a heartbeat.
Sakedokoro Eizaburo, the new izakaya from the Shunsui Group—also known for the well-regarded Sushi Kyuu restaurant in Orchard—doesn’t shout for attention, but by the time I slid into my seat, I knew what kind of night this would be.
Vibes at Sakedokoro Eizaburo: Laidback and Loud in Fortune Centre
This is an unapologetic taishu izakaya—the classic neighbourhood joint where cheap drinks and shareable plates win over fancy decor or polished service. It’s not built to impress; it’s built to feel easy, offering warm hospitality that brings guests together.
The lighting’s plain, the tables are cramped close together, and the noise level climbs fast once people settle in. On my visit, it was lively, but not overwhelming. More buzz than chaos.
It’s cozy, but not for everyone. This isn’t where you bring a big group or have a quiet heart-to-heart. But it’s perfect if you’re looking for good food, good drinks, and the kind of casual shoulder-to-shoulder energy that defines a proper izakaya.
If Eizaburo makes you curious about what else is hiding upstairs, the full list of izakaya in Fortune Centre is worth a look. The building has a few quiet Japanese dining gems, each with its own take on sake, grilled bites, and easy-going izakaya nights.
The Food and Drinks at Sakedokoro Eizaburo: Stick to the Grill and Mega Chicken Karaage Don
Lunch here at Fortune Centre serves up some of the most affordable and generously portioned dishes in town, with the Mega Chicken Karaage Don as the standout item. Think towering piles of crispy fried chicken over a bed of warm rice, crisp on the outside, tender inside. If you’re starving, this is your golden ticket.
Other popular rice bowls include the Mega Chicken Nanban Don, featuring fried chicken topped with a tangy mayo-onion sauce perfect for dipping, and the Mega Katsu Curry Rice—two thick, meaty cuts of katsu served with rich Japanese curry that carries a gentle kick of spice, and a halved hard-boiled egg, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce for that perfect sweet-savory balance.
But dinner is where Sakedokoro Eizaburo truly shines as a lively izakaya.
The hatsu yakitori—grilled chicken hearts—was a solid opener. Light char, smoky edges, and that addictive, bouncy texture that goes down easy with a refreshing highball.
The surprise? The crab cream croquette. Hot and golden, its crispy shell gave way to a creamy centre rich with crab meat that somehow held together just long enough before melting. Simple, satisfying, and gone in seconds.
For something heavier, the wagyu hanger steak was tender, savory, and made to share. And don’t skip the potato salad—a creamy, tangy classic topped with ikura for a little salty pop.
The premium Fujiyama Kaisen Don is also worth mentioning. This mountain of fresh seafood features diced salmon, seabass sashimi, uni, and a dollop of wasabi, all on a bed of rice with a generous helping of crab meat and ikura. It’s a feast of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
The Mega Unagi Don deserves a special comment here, featuring two large, luscious pieces of unagi glazed with sweet-savory eel sauce. The regular Unagi Don, with one generous piece, offers great affordability for unagi lovers who want to grab a quality dish without breaking the bank.
Not everything hit the mark, though. The sashimi platter was fresh but unremarkable, and the negitoro sushi felt a little light on flavour. Lesson learned: stick to the grilled and fried plates. That’s where this kitchen shines.
Quick note: there’s a two drink minimum during dinner, so be sure to factor that into your account, especially if you’re not drinking.
For drinkers, the free-flow dinner packages are a steal: S$69++ (Mon–Thu), S$79++ (Fri, Sat, holiday eves), and S$59++ for late slots (9:30pm onwards). Each comes with a customizable five-course dinner and 90 minutes of unlimited drinks. If you’re settling in with friends, it’s a no-brainer.
Service and Atmosphere: No Frills, All Function at This New Izakaya
Don’t expect warm, doting service here—it’s not that kind of place. The staff are efficient, quick, and keep things moving, especially when the room fills up. The energy is lively, with waiters shouting “irasshaimase” as new diners arrive, adding to the izakaya’s charm.
Crowds peak on weekends, so expect queues during Saturday lunch and dinner. Book ahead or come early if you hate waiting for a seat at the counter or table.
The Details: Sakedokoro Eizaburo Opening Hours and Address
Address: 190 Middle Road, #03-16, Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm–2pm, Dinner 6pm–11pm. Closed Sundays.
Spend: Lunch runs S$15–25 per person, dinner averages S$35–60+ depending on drinks. Free-flow packages are S$69–79++ for dinner, S$59++ for late-night slots.
Pro Tips: Weekday lunches and early dinners are quieter. Skip Saturday lunch unless you’re okay with long queues.
The Verdict on Sakedokoro Eizaburo: Affordable Izakaya Charm in Fortune Centre
Come here if you want:
Casual izakaya nights, budget-friendly drinks, small group hangs, or those craving honest Japanese pub food with a focus on grilled and fried dishes.Probably not your scene if:
You’re after a quiet, romantic dinner, premium-grade sashimi, or a guaranteed table without a booking.My repeat order:
Hatsu yakitori, crab cream croquette, potato salad, and the Mega Chicken Karaage Don if I’m starving.
What Stayed With Me:
Sakedokoro Eizaburo doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s exactly why it works.
It’s loud, a little scruffy, and full of charm. The grilled and fried plates are winners, the drinks keep flowing, and the energy feels real.
By the time I left, I was full, a little buzzed, and quietly impressed I hadn’t just kept walking past the third floor. That’s the kind of place I’ll come back to.
