Best Japanese izakayas in Singapore for stellar vibes, tipples and bites

An izakaya, in spirit, is Japan’s answer to the neighbourhood watering hole. Translated to mean “stay, drink, place,” Japanese izakayas are casual and noisy in the best way possible, and complete with hearty dishes and tantalising drinks. The best izakayas in Singapore promise just that.

In Singapore, you’ll find no shortage of izakayas that suit every mood. Some, like Izakaya Nijumaru, stay true to tradition, serving up classic izakaya fare. Others, such as Neon Pigeon, take a modern approach, blending bold Japanese flavours and even bolder concoctions. If drinks are your priority, izakaya bars like Toku Izakaya Bar is the place to be at. Here, drinks are first, with food being accompaniments.

Whether you’re heading out for a slightly chaotic after-work gathering or a quiet solo dinner, these izakayas deliver the right vibe for any occasion. The menu is comfortingly familiar too, with yakitori skewers, edamame, chicken karaage, and endless rounds of drinks to match.

If you’re looking for a new spot to visit, we share some of the best Japanese izakayas in Singapore worth checking out.

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The best Japanese izakayas in Singapore today

1 /6

This new restaurant puts a twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya. On the menu, find quintessential izakaya plates alongside hearty dishes with a Hibiki twist. Here, dishes are grilled over wood from repurposed Suntory barrels. Go for the Suckling Pig thats marinated in Chinese spices before being grilled until crispy. If chicken is your preferred protein of choice, the Barrel Chicken Rice is the spot’s interpretation of the Singaporean classic, elevated with Hibiki oyster sauce.

You can’t forget drinks while you’re here. Find an extensive collection of Suntory whiskies, a selection of whisky flights and a cocktail program. Balance rich and smoky dishes with refreshing concoctions like the Japanese Crane Sour, which puts the spotlight on Hibiki’s orange notes.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sundays 

2 /6

Inspired by Tokyo’s izakayas, Neon Pigeon serves up bold Japanese flavours and inventive cocktails. The menu is made for sharing and feature small and big plates. Start with small bites and go for the gorgeously marbled A5 Wagyu charcoal skewers and the Spicy Tuna Roll filled with tuna, green onion, cucumber and creamy spicy mayo. For mains, the Carbonara Cup Noodle sees chewy udon paired with bacon, parmesan cheese and black pepper garlic crunch.

Drinks put the spotlight on Japanese ingredients and flavours. The Kuria Gibson, for example, is a savoury and spirit-driven concoction comprising Nikka Coffey Gin and Vodka, Tio Pepe, amazu shiso and Fernet Hunter.

Opening hours: Daily, 5:30pm – 12am

3 /6

While Cuppage Plaza might have a sleazy reputation, there are a few gems hidden inside, one of them being Izakaya Nijumaru. The menu is extensive, and maybe even slightly intimidating, but you’ll want to start with its selection of grilled dishes. Take your pick from pork belly to chicken balls, all of which come beautifully grilled, smoky and slightly charred. Pair the dishes with a drink or two, take your pick from its selection of sake, sochu and beer. Can’t decide what to get? Ask the friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 2:30pm; 6pm – 9:30pm 
Sunday, 6pm – 9:30pm

4 /6

Tucked in the corner of International Plaza, this hole-in-the-wall serves up comforting izakaya dishes — think Chicken Nanban, Curry Potato Salad and Tonkotsu Ramen. The spot also serves up monthly specials, with options like Fried Ginko, Jumbo Prawn Cutlet and Fried White Corn. Its bites pair perfectly with its selection of drinks which range from highballs to sours.

As the space is small, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Minimum of one drink per guest.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am – 2:30pm; 5pm – 11pm
Saturday to Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm

5 /6

This izakaya in the heart of Tanjong Pagar is inspired by lively and unpretentious izakayas found tucked in Tokyo’s Shimbashi and Yurakucho districts. Izakayas found around these districts were known for being favourite spots for the “everyday salaryman”. The joint recreates this authentic Japanese izakaya experience with an extensive menu that features classic and traditional dishes from golden brown agemone (deep fried dishes) and hearty oden to popular yakimono skewers and fresh seafood. Come thirsty and take your pick from its selection of sparkling Junmai, bright Tokubetsu Junmai and elegant Junmai Daiginjo.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30am – 2pm; 5:30pm – 12am
Saturday, 5pm – 12am 
Sunday, 5pm – 10pm

6 /6

Head to Midpoint Orchard and find a no-frills izakaya bar helmed by chef Masamitsu Kadomatsu, formerly of now shuttered Japanese restaurant Nadaman at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. Here, drinks are a must, with dishes meant to be enjoyed with alcohol. On the drink menu, find over 100 different sake and sochu to choose from the traditional Tekkan Sochu to the seasonal Hiyaoroshi sake.

Pair your drinks with a dish or two. Savour dishes like the rich and silky ankimo, highly prized Asahi crab, and slow-braised pork belly. Simmered in a salt-based dashi broth, this dish is recommended to be paired with a refreshing glass of sake.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm – 11pm 
Closed on Mondays and Sundays

(Image credit: @makotoyasg / Instagram)