We still remember our early days navigating Somerset. We would step out of Somerset MRT Station at 7:00 PM, look around at the overwhelming glow of 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway, and completely freeze. We used to think our only options were generic mall chains with 45-minute queues or overpriced cafes that rushed us out the door the second we finished our lattes.
It took us years of exploring the food scene, making bad dining decisions, and paying hefty bills to realize that Somerset actually has a split personality. By day, it is a bustling hub for quick cafe bites, fresh salads, and fast-casual lunches featuring only the freshest food. But by night, the area quietly transforms into one of Singapore’s most dense, authentic hubs for Japanese izakayas and late-night drinking, where juicy yakitori and rich ramen satisfy your taste buds.
If you are wondering what to eat in Somerset without wasting your time or money, you are in the right place. As the Best Izakaya Team, we spend our lives reviewing Japanese dining spots across Singapore. We wrote this guide to help you cut through the noise, avoid the tourist traps, and eat like someone who actually knows the neighborhood.
The Somerset Illusion: Common Anxieties About Food Near Somerset MRT Station
When friends ask us for Somerset recommendations, we usually hear the exact same concerns. Let us address these directly so you can dine with confidence.
“Everything looks like a generic mall chain.”
It is easy to feel this way when your entire view is dominated by multi-story malls like Orchard Central and 313 Somerset. Many first-timers panic and assume they are stuck eating at the same international franchises they have back home. The reality? The best food in Somerset is rarely on the ground floor. It is tucked away in basements, on upper levels, or in older, adjacent buildings like those located near Orchard Gateway.
“Where do locals actually eat?”
While Singaporeans absolutely eat in the malls, serious diners know that the “real” spots require a short walk. For authentic Japanese food, locals bypass the shiny new malls entirely and walk five minutes to the Cuppage Plaza and Orchard Plaza enclaves, where the seating capacity is limited but the service and food quality are exceptional.
“Will I be stuck with fast food after 10 PM?”
Most mall kitchens in Somerset have early closing or last orders by 9:00 PM, so their opening hours don’t stretch late into the night. If you want a proper meal late at night, the malls will leave you stranded. However, the hidden izakayas in the area are just hitting their stride at 10 PM, serving hot, charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers with a good mix of chicken, pork, and beef options, alongside cold drinks well past midnight.
Step-by-Step: How to Navigate What to Eat in Somerset’s Food Scene
Instead of wandering around aimlessly until you are too hungry to make a good choice, follow our simple framework.
Step 1: Decide Your Timing First for the Best Meal in Somerset
Somerset changes dramatically depending on the clock. You need to match your cravings to the time of day:
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Focus on cafes, brunch spots, and quick mall bites. Expect to indulge in fragrant coffee, soft pastries topped with whipped cream, and refreshing tea. Most outlets in Orchard Central and 313 Somerset offer rice bowls, noodle dishes like bihun bakso, and salads prepared with fresh ingredients such as mushrooms and a variety of spices. (Expect to spend $18–$30).
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Ideal for light snacks, dessert options, or grabbing a coffee to escape the afternoon heat.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: This is the dinner peak. Malls will be chaotic. This is when you pivot toward specialty restaurants and izakayas. Expect menus featuring juicy meat skewers — including lamb, beef, pork, and chicken — rich soup ramen, and spicy dishes that cater to a refined palate. (Expect to spend $30–$80).
9:00 PM onwards: The mall scene is dead. It is time to hunt down late-night yakitori and sake bars with a lively mood and authentic flavours. These places often serve dishes straight off the grill onto your tray, so you can enjoy a progressive meal without missing a beat.
Step 2: Choose Your Experience Type: From Hi Noodle to Izakaya
Do not just ask yourself what you want to eat; ask yourself how you want to feel.
For a quick, functional meal: Hit the basements of 313 Somerset or Orchard Gateway. You can easily find a satisfying bowl of noodles at Hi Noodle or other outlets, with dishes served fresh and priced between $10 to $15. Crowd favourites include spicy crayfish noodles with peppers and soft noodles, or rice bowls topped with minced meat and caramelised onions.
For a catch-up session: Look for the cafes scattered across Orchard Central, which tend to have a slightly more relaxed vibe than the transit-heavy 313 mall. Here, you can indulge in good coffee, pastries, and salads while chatting with friends.
For a proper dinner and drinks: Exit the malls entirely. You want an izakaya or a traditional house-style dining spot where you can sit down, order progressively, and actually enjoy the atmosphere. These restaurants cater to those who appreciate the rich, fragrant flavours of Japan, with menus curated to satisfy every bite and drink.
Step 3: Know Exactly Where to Look on Orchard Road and Beyond
If you want quick and accessible, stick to the main triad: 313@Somerset, Orchard Gateway, and Orchard Central. But if you want a memorable night out, walk five to seven minutes down the road to Cuppage Plaza. This older, slightly gritty building is an old-school Japanese enclave packed with authentic drinking taverns.
Insider Knowledge: Spotting Izakaya Green Flags
How do we know an izakaya is worth our money? We look for three things: a highly focused menu (not 200 random items), the distinct smell of charcoal smoke, and skewers that are served progressively as they finish cooking, rather than all dumped on your tray at once.
Real Scenarios: How to Plan Your Night Around Somerset MRT Station
Let us walk you through how we handle typical Somerset dining scenarios.
Scenario 1: The First-Time Visitor at 7:00 PM
The Mistake: You exit Somerset MRT Station, walk straight into the nearest mall, see a massive crowd, and queue 45 minutes for a mediocre burger.
The Solution: Walk out of the station and head straight to Cuppage Plaza. Enter a smaller, cozy spot like Shitamachi Sakaba Sumida. You get a much more intimate, authentic experience, and the food quality will be vastly superior with juicy meat and fresh ingredients.
Scenario 2: The Late-Night Crisis at 10:00 PM
The Mistake: You finish a late movie, see the mall shutters coming down, and settle for convenience store snacks.
The Solution: This is exactly when Somerset shifts from a shopping district into a drinking district. Walk over to Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant. They cater specifically to the late-night crowd, serving hot, charcoal-grilled yakitori that hits the spot perfectly.
Scenario 3: The Budget-Conscious Group
The Mistake: Sitting down at a premium Japanese restaurant and ordering multiple heavy main courses right away, resulting in massive bill shock.
The Solution: Go to an izakaya, but control your pacing. Start with a few small plates like edamame and a simple salad. Then, share a few skewers. Finally, order a heavy carbohydrate dish—like garlic fried rice or ramen soup—at the end of the meal to fill everyone up cheaply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Japanese food near Somerset actually authentic?
Yes, but you have to know where to look. The casual chains inside the main malls are often adapted for local tastes (sweeter sauces, larger portions). However, the hidden spots in Cuppage Plaza are heavily frequented by Japanese expats. The standards there are incredibly high, relying on direct imports and experienced chefs.
How much should I realistically budget for an izakaya night?
If you are sticking to basic skewers and a single beer, you can manage a bill around $40 per person. If you plan to order premium seafood, high-end sake, and multiple rounds of drinks, expect to spend closer to $80 or $100+ per person.
Can I just eat food without ordering alcohol at an izakaya?
It depends on the venue. At more casual spots, they won’t mind if you just drink green tea. However, at true honkaku (authentic) izakayas or specialized sake bars, there is a strong cultural expectation that you will order alcohol. If you do not drink, we highly suggest sticking to dedicated ramen shops or casual mall restaurants to avoid any awkwardness.
Is there a strict dress code?
Somerset is a retail district, so casual wear is perfectly normal during the day. For evening izakaya visits, smart casual is the safest bet. We usually go with dark jeans and a collared shirt or a simple dress. We strongly advise against wearing shorts and flip-flops if you are heading to the more premium Japanese spots.
Conclusion: Master the Day-to-Night Shift in Somerset’s Food Scene
Navigating the food scene in Somerset does not have to be a stressful, overwhelming experience. The secret lies in understanding how the neighborhood transforms. Rely on the bright, convenient malls for your daytime coffee runs, pastries, and quick lunches. But when the sun goes down, leave the generic chains behind.
Embrace the late-night izakaya culture. Seek out the older buildings, follow the scent of charcoal smoke, and settle in for a slow, progressive meal with cold drinks and great company. The next time you step out of Somerset MRT Station, you will know exactly where to go.
For more tips on the best izakayas in the Somerset area, check out our guide to the top izakayas in Somerset for even more options.
