CBD life got you hunting for a proper after-work spot that doesn’t feel like a rushed dinner between emails?
We finally stepped into Uoharu Singapore at IOI Central Boulevard Towers on a rainy weekday evening and honestly, this is not your usual loud, smoky izakaya situation.
If you’re expecting chaos, this one’s going to surprise you.
First Impressions at Uoharu Singapore: A More Polished Izakaya with Japanese Elements
It’s just a short walk from Downtown MRT Station, and once you step through the lowered door entrance designed to encourage a respectful bow, the vibe immediately shifts.
You still get those authentic Japanese elements: wooden flooring, low tables, and an open seating plan with a slightly buzzing energy but everything feels cleaner, brighter, and more put-together than your typical izakaya.
Lighting is bright enough to actually see your food (small win, but it matters), and the space feels designed for conversations, not shouting over drinks.
We came around 7pm, and it was relatively calm at first. But once the office crowd rolls in, the place fills up quickly, so expect a livelier atmosphere later in the evening.
What We Ate: Seafood and Beef Highlights at Central Boulevard Towers
Uoharu leans heavily into Japanese seafood and izakaya-style sharing plates, sourced directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, with a strong commitment to reducing food waste by using cosmetic imperfections like undersized fish, scratched scallops, and crabs with miscounted legs. That ethos shines through in the quality and flavour of their dishes.
Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare with Runny Egg Yolk and Cream Cheese
One of the standout dishes was the seared miso sashimi tartare, featuring hand-cut sashimi tossed in a miso-based sauce and lightly grilled aburi style. It came with a side of raw egg yolk and crispy nori to wrap the tartare in, adding layers of umami and creaminess. The richness of the egg yolk perfectly balanced the savoury miso.
We also enjoyed a unique twist with the radish with cream cheese—a nod to the popular Akita smoked radish paired with smooth cream cheese, creating an intriguing blend of smoky, salty, and creamy textures.
Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll & Homemade Snow Crab Croquette Rice
Seafood lovers will appreciate the sea urchin sushi roll, also known as the manzoku tuna and sea urchin, which layers crab meat, tuna, uni (sea urchin), and ikura over Japanese rice and wraps it in nori. Each bite was indulgent and fresh, a real highlight.
The homemade snow crab croquette rice dish was a comforting yet refined option, served in a hot stone bowl with crispy croquettes and topped with ikura. The creamy interior of the snow crab croquette contrasted beautifully with the fluffy rice, making it a must-try.
Beef Short Rib and Squid with Squid Liver Sauce
For those craving something heartier, the beef short rib grilled robatayaki style over charcoal offered a tender, juicy bite with just the right amount of smokiness. The short rib with bone was expertly prepared and paired well with the lighter seafood dishes.
The squid with squid liver sauce was a bold choice, featuring a briny, creamy sauce that complemented the tender squid, perfect for fans of rich, intense flavours.
Sweet Finishes: Baguette Toast with Maple Syrup and Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich
Desserts at Uoharu keep things playful and simple.
The crispy baguette toast topped with cream cheese and drizzled with maple syrup was a sweet and salty crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful crunch and creamy sweetness.
For a cool contrast, the baguette ice cream sandwich with roasted matcha ice cream inside a warm, crusty French baguette was surprisingly addictive—a unique take on an ice cream sandwich that blends textures and temperatures beautifully.
Drinks to Match: Draft Sake, Lemon Sour, and More
The drink menu complements the food perfectly, featuring a wide selection of Japanese sake, including a special draft sake that’s unpasteurised and preservative-free, offering a fresh and robust flavour.
Other beverages include highballs, lemon sour, beer, and cocktails, all directly imported from Japan to enhance the authentic izakaya experience.
Nightly Katsuo Warayaki: A Fiery Showcase of Traditional Straw Roasting
A highlight of dining at Uoharu Singapore is the nightly katsuo warayaki show, a fiery showcase of traditional straw roasting and grilling of bonito fish. After the performance, diners receive complimentary sampling portions of the grilled bonito fish, a smoky, tender treat that perfectly captures the essence of the izakaya.
Practical Info for Visiting Uoharu at IOI Central Boulevard Towers
Location: 2 Central Boulevard, #01-16, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916
Nearest MRT: Downtown MRT Station (2-minute walk)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekdays after work hours due to high demand
Average spend: Approximately $40–$80 per person
Halal status: Not halal-certified
The Final Take: Uoharu Singapore Balances Izakaya Tradition with Modern Comfort
Uoharu Singapore, the second international outpost and second overseas outpost of the Tokyo-based kaizen izakaya, strikes a perfect balance between casual izakaya dining and a polished, comfortable restaurant experience.
If you want a reliable after-work spot in the CBD with a focus on fresh seafood, Japanese elements, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that highlight sustainable sourcing and flavour, this is the place.
Come here if:
You want a relaxed, seafood-focused izakaya experience
You want to enjoy a lively yet comfortable atmosphere with good drinks and attentive service
Maybe skip if:
You’re after a loud, late-night drinking scene
You’re on a tight budget or expect large portions
We’ll definitely be back to try the weekday lunch sets and explore more of the menu.
If you’re still comparing options, you can also check out our full guide to the best izakaya in Singapore to see how Uoharu stacks up against other spots across Orchard, CBD, and beyond. It’s a good reference if you’re deciding between a more polished dining experience like this and the livelier, late-night izakaya scene.
