When it comes to Telok Ayer food, this vibrant area along Telok Ayer Street in Singapore’s CBD is a treasure trove for lovers of Japanese cuisine. But with so many options, choosing the right spot can be overwhelming. Every other restaurant claims to serve the best skewers or the most authentic sake experience. After exploring the area extensively, we’ve curated a list based on our own meals and experiences, cutting through the noise to highlight places that truly stand out.
Over the past months, we’ve dined at numerous restaurants along Telok Ayer Street, Coastal Road, and nearby alleyways. From squeezing into intimate sushi counters to booking private rooms for team dinners, we’ve savoured everything from fresh scallops and salmon to grilled unagi glazed with garlic soy glaze. This guide is built on firsthand experiences, focusing on the flavour, quality, and atmosphere that make dining here special.
Whether you want to enjoy a casual lunch with colleagues, a complete dinner featuring foie gras and wagyu, or a relaxed evening with sake and handrolls, here is our definitive selection of the best izakaya and Japanese restaurants in the Telok Ayer area.
And when the craving shifts from CBD shophouses to Orchard’s old-school Japanese corners, the best Japanese restaurants in Cuppage Plaza make a natural next stop.
1. Yakitori Gosso (Telok Ayer Street)
Address: 147 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068606
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (2–3 minute walk)
Price: Skewers from about S$2.00–S$3.90 each; expect around S$25–S$45 per person for yakitori, sides, and drinks.
Signature order: Negima / Chicken Thigh with Leek ($5)
Best time to visit: Weekday dinner for a proper skewer-and-sake pairing
Yakitori Gosso is a Japanese restaurant that honours the art of charcoal grilling, specialising exclusively in yakitori skewers. Walking into this cosy spot, you’re greeted by the smoky aroma of binchotan charcoal and roasting chicken fat, a true hallmark of authentic Japanese cuisine. The menu features a focused range of skewers priced fairly, including juicy chicken thigh and perfectly blistered leeks that deliver a savoury, umami-packed flavour.
The pacing here is deliberate — skewers arrive one or two at a time, allowing diners to savour each piece fresh off the grill while sipping sake or beer. It’s a great place to build a meal around skewers like grilled unagi or chicken, creating a complete dining experience that’s both satisfying and flavourful.
Come here when: Yakitori purists, casual dates, and after-work drinks where the grill is the star.
Skip this if: You want a broad menu with rice-heavy dishes or large sashimi platters.
How to order smarter: Order skewers progressively to enjoy each piece at its best without letting them cool.
2. Izakaya Matsumoto (Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer Fringe)
Address: 1 Tras Link, #01-16, Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (3-minute walk) / Telok Ayer (10–12 minute walk)
Price: Around S$50–S$80+ per person for dinner; higher if ordering sashimi platters, seafood, oysters, sake, or private-room dining.
Signature order: Oyster Kankan Yaki ($28)
Best time to visit: Thursday night for a private team dinner
Located just a short walk from Telok Ayer Bay, Izakaya Matsumoto offers a refined Japanese dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood imported weekly from Japan. Their menu includes a range of special items such as plump oysters steamed in the traditional Kankan Yaki style, and dishes featuring scallops and caviar that highlight the exquisite umami of the sea.
The restaurant’s private and semi-private rooms create an intimate atmosphere away from the bustling street, perfect for business dinners or small gatherings. Diners here enjoy a well-curated sake selection that complements the delicate flavours of each plate, from avocado-topped appetisers to truffle-infused dishes.
Most suited for: Seafood lovers, business dinners, and those seeking a quiet, exclusive meal.
Not the right fit if: You prefer a lively, counter-style izakaya setting.
Booking move: When booking, request a private room and confirm your party size to ensure a smooth visit.
3. Katanashi An (Boon Tat Street)
Address: 1 Boon Tat Street, #01-01, Singapore 069611
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (2–4 minute walk)
Price: Around S$20–S$30 per person for lunch or dinner; more with alcohol.
Signature order: Chicken Karaage ($12)
Best time to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
Katanashi An is a favourite among CBD workers for affordable, comforting Japanese tapas. This casual spot serves up crispy chicken karaage alongside reliable staples like rice chazuke, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with colleagues. The lively atmosphere and attentive service make it a welcoming choice for those looking to savour good food without fuss.
The menu covers a range of popular items, including skewers and appetisers that showcase familiar flavours with a satisfying umami depth. It’s a great place to enjoy simple Japanese dishes at a reasonable price, right in the heart of the Telok Ayer area.
Perfect for: Affordable meals, casual dining, and quick lunches.
Look elsewhere if: You want a specialized, sake-focused izakaya experience.
Small move that helps: Arrive early to secure an indoor table, as the space fills up quickly.
4. Raku Raku Japanese Dining Stanley (Stanley Street)
Address: 4 Stanley Street, Singapore 068723
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (3–5 minute walk)
Price: Around S$20–S$35 per person; lunch sets and casual meals can sit near S$20, while dinner with sashimi, yakitori, and drinks costs more.
Signature order: Beef Cube Steak ($18)
Best time to visit: Friday evening for group dinners
Raku Raku offers a broad range of Japanese dishes, from yakitori and oden to sushi rolls and hearty meat plates. Located near the conserved heritage buildings along Telok Ayer Street, which refers to the area’s rich history and conservation efforts, it provides a cozy setting that balances traditional flavours with a welcoming vibe. Highlights include the tender beef cube steak and aburi salmon rolls glazed with garlic soy glaze, both delivering rich flavour profiles that diners love.
This restaurant is ideal for groups who want to share a variety of items, from appetisers to mains, creating a complete meal that suits diverse tastes. The menu’s range ensures there’s something for everyone, including truffle-infused sides and fresh seafood options.
Works well for: Groups, casual dinners, and those who want menu variety.
May not suit you if: You prefer a strict yakitori counter or a lively bar atmosphere.
Ordering strategy: Start with fried karaage and gyoza before moving on to sushi and meat dishes.
5. Yoasobi by Kanpai (Far East Square)
Address: 33 Pekin Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 048763
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (3–5 minute walk)
Price: Set lunches from S$9.90; drinks from S$4 during happy hour. Expect around S$20–S$45 per person for food and drinks.
Signature order: 16-Hour Slow-Smoked Brisket ($22)
Best time to visit: Friday night for late drinks and entertainment
Yoasobi by Kanpai breaks away from traditional Japanese dining with a lively, fusion-style izakaya that’s perfect for groups. This large venue features pool tables and KTV, creating a fun atmosphere where the food matches the energy. The menu includes fusion dishes alongside classic skewers, such as slow-smoked brisket and sushi rolls topped with tobiko and avocado.
Diners come here to enjoy a vibrant night out with friends or colleagues, savouring bold flavours and a wide sake selection. It’s a popular spot to celebrate and unwind after work in the Telok Ayer area.
Go with: Group celebrations, casual nights out, and fans of fusion food.
Not your scene if: You seek a quiet, traditional Japanese meal.
Make the night better: Book a private room for your group to enjoy the full KTV experience.
6. Tori San 雞湯桑 (Telok Ayer)
Address: 116 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (1-minute walk from Exit A)
Price: Ramen from S$12.90++; rice/soup meals from about S$11.90, yakitori platters from S$7.90. Expect around S$15–S$25 per person.
Signature order: Toripaitan Chicken Broth Ramen ($12.90)
Best time to visit: Quick CBD lunch or early solo dinner
Tori San offers a unique blend of rich chicken broth ramen paired with classic yakitori skewers, making it a favourite for a satisfying meal on the go. Located right on Telok Ayer Street, this bright and casual spot is perfect for lunch or an early dinner. The toripaitan broth is rich and umami-packed, creating a comforting base for noodles and toppings like grilled unagi.
Pair your ramen with skewers glazed in garlic soy glaze or enjoy a handroll featuring fresh nori, tobiko, and uni for a complete Japanese dining experience. The fast service and affordable pricing make Tori San a convenient choice for diners seeking quality food in the bustling CBD.
Ideal for: Quick lunches, solo diners, and those wanting ramen with grilled bites.
Choose another spot if: You want a dark, moody izakaya with an extensive sake list.
Best way to eat here: Build your meal by ordering ramen alongside multiple skewers or handrolls.
Choosing Your Telok Ayer Food Experience
The Telok Ayer area offers a diverse range of Japanese restaurants and izakayas, each creating unique dining experiences along this historic street near Telok Ayer Bay. The area’s conservation status has brought a blend of modern dining concepts within heritage shophouses and temples, adding to the charm of your meal.
Check the menus, consider the vibe you want, be it lively, intimate, or casual- and make your reservation ahead of time, especially on busy nights like Friday. With so many excellent choices nearby, your next great meal in Telok Ayer is just a page forward on your culinary journey.
