Best Izakaya in Singapore
| # | Name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Issho Izakaya | Authentic Japanese Dining |
| 2 | Miyuki Izakaya | Modern Japanese Ambience |
| 3 | Shukuu Izakaya | Heart Of Singapore Location |
| 4 | Taki Izakaya | — |
What exactly is an izakaya?
The izakaya is a unique part of Japanese culture that has found its way into Singapore’s dining scene. Originating in Japan, these casual pubs combine hearty food, sharing plates, and flowing drinks for a relaxed dining experience. The essence of the izakaya experience lies in friendly gatherings, easy laughter, and the kind of ambience that makes every evening feel memorable.
Even if you are in a cosy venue tucked away in Cuppage Plaza, enjoying yakitori omakase at 100 Tras Street, sipping sake with a riverside view at 30 Robertson Quay, or tasting freshly imported seafood from Toyosu Market, each spot offers some of the best izakayas you can find in Singapore.
Here, you can enjoy bar bites, izakaya bites, and signature dishes such as chicken meatballs, sashimi moriawase, crab gratin, salmon mentaiko donburi, and buta kakuni.
Issho Izakaya
Best for
- Authentic Japanese Dining
- Riverside View Location
- Great Alcohol Selection
- Website
- isshoizakaya.com.sg
- Phone
- +65 6904 6621
- Menu
- Nama Kaki, Salmon Carpaccio, Hotate Carpaccio, Kawaebi, Tako Wasabi, and more
Issho Izakaya is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with several outlets in Singapore, bringing the warmth of traditional izakayas to the city’s food culture. Drawing inspiration from the lively izakaya experience in Japan, the venue features a modern interior with a relaxed ambience, making it an inviting spot for a casual night out or intimate gathering. Complemented by a thoughtful selection of premium sake and signature cocktails, the restaurant perfectly balances authenticity and innovation.
Issho Izakaya provides an experience that embodies the essence of communal dining. With its charming riverside view, vibes, and carefully curated plates, it is an ideal place for gatherings with friends or post-work socials. Whether you are in search of authentic izakaya cuisine, a memorable dining area, or simply a lively spot at the heart of Singapore, Issho stands out as one of the best izakaya Singapore has to offer.
Miyuki Izakaya
Best for
- Modern Japanese Ambience
- Inventive Izakaya Bites
- Cosy Dining Area
- Website
- miyukiizakaya.com
- Phone
- +65 8268 7569
- Menu
- Crab Cream Croquette, Spam Fries, Salmon Fin, Okonomiyaki Stick, and more
Miyuki Izakaya brings a stylish, contemporary twist to the traditional izakaya experience. With two outlets in Singapore, this venue is known for blending sleek interiors with a warm dining area, capturing the essence of modern Japanese dining. The restaurant offers both authentic classics, such as smoky chicken meatballs and flavorful yakitori omakase, alongside inventive plates that balance traditional flavours with a modern flair.
Miyuki Izakaya is the perfect place for a casual yet refined night out. Its stylish ambience, inventive izakaya cuisine, and inviting vibes make it ideal for gatherings with friends, post-work socials, or even romantic dinners. If you’re looking for a dining experience that balances creativity, authenticity, and comfort, Miyuki is among the best izakayas Singapore has to offer.
Shukuu Izakaya
Best for
- Heart Of Singapore Location
- Vibrant Social Gatherings
- Signature Izakaya Cuisine
- Website
- shukuu.sg
- Phone
- +65 6327 9240
- Menu
- Goma Tofu, Ika Shiokara, Tako Wasabi, Kinpira Gobo, Aburi Salmon Mentai, and more
Shukuu Izakaya, located at 8 Stanley Street, is one of the most celebrated izakayas in Singapore, known for recreating the lively ambience of authentic Japanese eateries. Founded by four passionate friends, Shukuu was created for the community, making it a true public izakaya. Their team of skilled chefs uses top-quality ingredients to prepare a wide range of appetisers, mains, and bar bites, complemented by a thoughtful selection of sake and creative cocktails.
Shukuu Izakaya embodies the heart of casual Japanese dining in Singapore. It is more than just a restaurant. It is a lively spot where you can unwind with friends, share plates, and soak up the warm vibes. If you are after traditional izakaya cuisine, a memorable dining area, or simply the spirit of the public izakaya, Shukuu is undoubtedly one of the best izakayas that Singapore food lovers should not miss.
Taki Izakaya
- Website
- takibarsg.com
- Phone
- +65 9830 8284
- info@takibarsg.com
- Menu
- Hotate Mentai Aburi, Mentai Tamago, Yasai Itame, Buta Shogayaki, Garlic Butter Prawn, Vegetable Sukiyaki, and more
Taki Izakaya, located at 16 Collyer Quay, is a chic restaurant that reimagines the traditional izakaya experience with a contemporary touch. Known for its stylish venue and laid-back ambience, it has become a popular spot for after-work gatherings or lively nights out with friends. With passionate chefs preparing dishes from seasonal ingredients, and an extensive selection of premium sake and inventive cocktails, Taki delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
Taki Izakaya offers more than just food. It creates an experience where tradition meets playfulness. The combination of its prime location in the Central Business District, its fun vibes, and a wide range of plates and drinks makes it an ideal place for a night of laughter, flavour, and connection. If you are looking for one of the best izakayas in Singapore’s vibrant dining scene, Taki is a must-visit.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR:
- Robertson Quay Ambience
- Extensive Sake Selection
- Fun Dining Vibes
FAQs
1. What makes izakayas different from regular Japanese restaurants?
Izakayas focus on creating a relaxed social setting rather than a purely formal dining one. They emphasise small sharing plates, drinks, and lively conversations, which is part of their cultural appeal. This means you get both variety and dish diversity, ideal for group gatherings.
2. Are izakayas too expensive for casual nights out?
Many people assume izakayas are costly, but prices vary widely across outlets. While premium spots may serve imported seafood and curated menus, there are affordable ones that cater to everyday dining. It is possible to enjoy a satisfying evening without breaking the budget if you choose carefully.
3. Can you find vegetarian or non-seafood options at izakayas?
Yes, most izakayas in Singapore have menus with a good balance of grilled vegetables, tofu, and non-seafood options. Items like skewered mushrooms, tamago, and stir-fried noodles are often available. Asking the servers for recommendations usually leads to pleasant surprises.
4. How do I know which izakaya fits my group’s mood?
The best choice depends on whether you want a lively evening or a more intimate setting. Some places emphasise drinks and energy, while others focus more on refined dining. Venues like Neon Pigeon attract younger crowds with modern twists, while traditional ones lean on authenticity.
5. Are izakayas family-friendly or just for drinking?
While drinking is a strong element of izakaya culture, many in Singapore are welcoming to families. They often provide early dining hours and menus suited for children. It’s worth checking the atmosphere before booking if you are bringing little ones along.
6. Do izakayas only serve alcohol-heavy menus?
No, although alcohol, like sake, beer, and cocktails, plays a big role, there is always plenty of food to balance it out. Izakayas are meant to be about eating and drinking together, not just drinking. Non-alcoholic drinks are also widely available.
7. Are reservations really necessary?
In busy districts such as Tanjong Pagar or Clarke Quay, reservations are strongly advised, especially for weekends. Walk-ins may be possible, but you risk long waits or missing out entirely. Booking ahead ensures you don’t have to compromise on your preferred dining area in the evening.
8. Why do some izakayas have unusual names like “the public izakaya 2”?
Names often reflect branding choices, locations, or extensions of popular outlets. For example, when a restaurant expands, it may keep a similar identity to maintain loyalty. This helps customers easily recognise the concept across different branches.
9. Which areas are best for late-night izakaya dining?
Districts like Robertson Quay, Orchard, and Tanjong Pagar are known for late-night izakaya options. Certain outlets stay open well past midnight, making them perfect for post-work socials. A few places around Enggor Street also stay lively until late.
10. Do izakayas cater to outdoor dining?
Yes, several izakayas in Singapore offer outdoor seating, giving guests a chance to enjoy food and drinks under the evening sun. These areas tend to be popular in cooler weather or during special events. It creates a casual, street-style vibe that pairs well with the social nature of izakayas.