Tono Izakaya Singapore is built around the rhythm of the working week. It opens for weekday lunch, gets busier after office hours, and closes on weekends. This review covers what the restaurant offers, which dishes to prioritize, and who it suits best.
Restaurant Overview: Tono Izakaya at Marina Bay Financial
Tono Izakaya is located at 8A Marina Boulevard, #01-02, inside Marina Bay Link Mall at Marina Bay Financial Centre. It is a casual Japanese izakaya, a drinks-led tavern where small plates are shared across the table. The menu covers sashimi, sushi and maki, yakitori, donburi (rice bowls), udon, grilled and fried dishes, plus sake, beer and cocktails.
The Singapore outlet belongs to a wider regional brand. Other Tono Izakaya locations operate in Malaysia, including KL outlets at TTDI and Changkat Bukit Bintang, and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Its reputation among diners is strong. Tono holds a Google rating of about 4.8/5 from nearly 300 reviews.
Dining Atmosphere and Live Music
The setting is modern rather than traditional. Red neon and contemporary Japanese styling define the indoor space, and there is also outdoor seating. We found it more casual and social than its business-district address might suggest.
Music is a real part of the experience. Diners report a “Thursday Acoustic by the Bay” session and live singers on Friday evenings. On those nights, the space becomes lively and energetic, which suits groups looking to unwind after work but not diners who want a quiet meal.
The Tono Izakaya Singapore Menu
The food menu, lunch set menu, special menu and beverage menu are published through Tono’s official Singapore Linktree. Prices vary widely, from affordable lunch sets and promotional sashimi to much higher bills once wagyu, skewers and alcohol are added.
Lunch Sets
Recent dining coverage lists these lunch sets. They come from a secondary source, so treat them as indicative rather than guaranteed:
Saba Set: about S$14
Chicken Teriyaki Set: about S$15
Salmon Sashimi Set: about S$16
Sashimi Moriawase Set (assorted sashimi): about S$20
Recommended Dishes
Salmon Sashimi
This is the most consistently praised item on the menu. Diners describe the slices as thick, fresh and buttery in texture, and many say it is especially good value during promotions.
Unagi Don
The Unagi Don is a grilled eel rice bowl. Reviewers highlight the thick pieces of eel, the tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) and well-cooked rice. One recent diner reported paying S$15, but that is a review-reported price, not a confirmed menu price.
Australian Wagyu Beef Don and Engawa Don
The Australian Wagyu Beef Don receives regular positive mentions, particularly from Friday-night diners. The Engawa Don also draws strong praise. Engawa is the rich fin muscle of flatfish, and one reviewer named this bowl the best dish of their meal. Availability may vary.
Yakitori and Kushiyaki
Yakitori (chicken skewers) and kushiyaki (assorted grilled skewers) are central to the menu. Recommended cuts include:
Chicken gizzard
Chicken heart
Wagyu beef skewers
Diners praise the smoky, charred flavor. One independent reviewer noted that individual skewers can occasionally cook unevenly.
Modern Additions
The Deep Fried Spicy Mala Chicken shows Tono’s regional, contemporary edge. Mala is a numbing, spicy Sichuan seasoning, and even diners who usually avoid it have named this dish a favorite. Mentaiko Udon, made with noodles in a cod roe sauce, is another recently documented highlight.
Drinks
The drinks list includes sake, beer, cocktails and whisky. Current promotions on the Marina Bay dining platform include a Glenfiddich offer, a Happy Hour Bundle and a Tono Izakaya loyalty programme. Some of these run through the end of 2026. Check the terms and conditions of any rebates or offers directly with the restaurant, since they change.
Service Experience
Attentive service is one of the strongest themes in customer feedback. Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful and warm, including when looking after groups on live-music evenings. A minority of diners report longer waits during busy periods.
Key Details
Address: 8A Marina Boulevard, #01-02, Singapore 018984
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 2pm and 4pm to 10:30pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Nearest MRT: Downtown or Raffles Place
Phone: +65 6634 8879
Reservations: Through Chope via the official Linktree, or by WhatsApp. Booking ahead is sensible for Friday evenings and groups.
Final Assessment of This Izakaya Option in Singapore
Tono Izakaya Singapore is a reliable choice for an after-work meal in the CBD. Its main strengths are fresh salmon sashimi, the Unagi Don, yakitori and friendly service.
For readers comparing the best izakayas in Singapore by neighbourhood and dining style, our broader city guide gives Tono a clearer place within the wider scene.
There are trade-offs to weigh:
It is closed on weekends.
Friday nights can be packed.
Some portions are small, and quality varies slightly between dishes.
Drinks raise the bill quickly.
Best for: CBD workers, friends meeting after work, small groups, and diners who enjoy live music.
Less suited to: Weekend plans, quiet dinners, formal omakase (chef’s choice) dining, or diners looking for a traditional izakaya interior.
Tono Izakaya Singapore: Common Questions
Where is Tono Izakaya Singapore located?
It is at 8A Marina Boulevard, #01-02, in Marina Bay Link Mall at Marina Bay Financial Centre, close to Downtown and Raffles Place MRT stations.Is Tono Izakaya open on weekends?
No. It opens Monday to Friday only.What are the signature dishes at Tono Izakaya?
The restaurant does not publish an official signature list. Salmon Sashimi, Unagi Don, yakitori, the Australian Wagyu Beef Don and the Engawa Don are the dishes diners recommend most.Does Tono Izakaya have live music?
Yes. Diners report an acoustic session on Thursdays and live singers on Fridays.Is Tono Izakaya part of a chain?
Yes. It is part of a regional brand with outlets in Malaysia and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
