5 Japanese Izakayas in Singapore That “Takes“ You to Japan Instantly
Oh, our love for Izakayas - a cosy ambience, the aroma of the sizzling meat, tasty authentic Japanese side dishes, endless waves of laughter and of course, the alcohol. We compiled 5 underrated authentic Japanese Izakayas we love that instantly transports you to the land of the rising sun! We hope you’ll find a little slice of Japanese life and cuisine without actually needing to fly there. ;-)
Sumire Yakitori House
Sumire Yakitori House is an established izakaya that first set its footprint in Tokyo back in 2009. They have more than 100 outlets in Japan, and their first outlet on our Sunny Island is right in the heart of Singapore - at Bugis Junction.
Known for its quality-assured yakitori, be assured you’re only getting the best here! Experience a unique Yakitori experience with a twist in Sumire - like dipping your yakitori in their in-house grilled cheese!
Yakitori + Cheese Fondue!
Source: Sumire Yakitori House
Sumire Yakitori House hopes to promote that "smile is priceless" — which encompasses both food and services would bring smiles to everyone's faces. We sure did.
Address: 80 Middle Road #01-88/89 Bugis Junction, 188966
Contact Details: +65 6338 9963
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM, 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM, 6.00pm-1.00am(F-S), Sundays closed.
Nearest MRT station: Bugis Junction
Yorimichi Yakitori Bar
You might have to look hard to find this small haunt in Golden Mile Tower, but the effort pays off in amazing nosh. Expect an old-school Jap setting, which will do well for dialled-back dates.
Expect all-time popular Japanese dishes like mentaiko pasta, grilled squid, paired with affordable $10 highballs.
For a full experience, read our review here. Reservations are highly recommended — especially on weekends!
Address: 6001 Beach Rd, #01-02 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Contact Details: +65-6299-5812
Opening Hours: 6.00pm-12.00am(M-T) 6.00pm-1.00am(F-S), Sundays closed.
Nearest MRT station: Nicoll Highway
Dosukoi x Donpachi Sake Bar
If you’re looking for authenticity perhaps Dosukoi Izakaya/Sake Bar is the place to be. Greeted with an intimate ambience that throws you back to the traditional Izakayas in Japan with tacky interior and housing more than 100 different kinds of sakes!
True connoisseurs of all kinds of booze, especially the unique and strong Japanese sake, you’ll be happy to visit this place!
We recommend trying out their freshly-made tempura, sashimi and many other interesting side dishes, Know more about what they have to offer? Read our full review here!
*Note that there’s a mandatory charge of $3/person for otoshi.
Address: B1-23/24/25 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd, 228796
Contact Number: 6733 6847
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays 16: 00-23: 00
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, Website
Reservations: https://reserve.toreta.in/donpachi/#
八咫烏 Yakitori Yatagarasu
Source: Yatagarasu
Located at the circular road, Yatagarasu Yakitori is a quaint little eatery devoted to serving up authentic Japanese chargrilled meat skewers.
The interior of the joint reminds me of the ones we went to Japan.
Yatagarasu Yakitori is a yakitori restaurant that specialises in 15 types of pork belly wraps with a variety of ingredients, such as shiso leaf, asparagus, cheese to more unusual fillings!
Apart from its signature yakitori, they are known for their hearty Oyako Don at $12.80 — just pray that it hasn't sold out!
Address: #01-01 72 Circular Rd, Singapore 049426
Contact Number: +65 6221 7785
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am, Close on Sundays
(Reservations are highly recommended)
Izakaya Nijumaru
A family-run izakaya that is established for more than 30 years in Singapore, this comfort joint typifies your old school izakaya! We can’t help but to feel a sense of old-school nostalgia with its simple interior design.
Popular among the Japanese community in Singapore - you can spot a queue even before opening.
For first-time visitors, look forward to classics like their Unagi bento box and tendon bowls. They also offer affordable bento meals starting at $11 which rotates every week! Be sure to follow their facebook page for more information.
Be sure to indulge in their well-worth signature Nijumaru bento set ($21), which offers a whole host of ingredients from sashimi to tempura and pork belly! It came with buta kakuni, tender braised pork belly in a sweet sauce of mirin and soy; a fresh sashimi trio of salmon, seabass and tuna; grilled mackerel and tempura.
If you’re looking for homely style dishes, in a no-frill unpretentious setting at affordable prices — you know where to go!
Address: #02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd, Singapore 228796
Tel: 6235 6693
Opening Hours: Lunch - 12pm – 2.30pm, Dinner - 6pm – 10pm
