The rising popularity of izakayas in Singapore is no surprise, especially with Singapore’s growing bar scene that sees drinking holes in all forms and themes.
An Izakaya is essentially Japan’s equivalent to a Spanish tapas bar where you get to dine and drink under one roof. The answer to the woes of the Japanese working class, Izakayas are seen as a haven where people can go to after work to enjoy a tipple, snack on some food and unwind with their mates.
Whether it is an ice-cold beer you crave or something a little more punchy, here are 10 Izakaya bars in Singapore for you to unwind, get fed or simply to drown out your sorrows.
#1 EN BAR
Previously known as En Grill & Bar, En Bar—located along Mohamed Sultan Road—is a contemporary bar and lounge where you are greeted with a selection of Asian and Western tapas and a neat range of Japanese alcohol such as Sake Shochu, Awamori, wines and spirits.
If you are keen on trying something new, do approach their bartenders for a unique cocktail concoction!
Tel: +65 6732 6863
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 6pm – 3am
Sun: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
#2 FIVE IZAKAYA
Besides their enticing S$5 beer promotions, FIVE Izakaya is a pretty solid place to catch up with friends or colleagues over some yummy grub. Alcohol never runs dry here but perhaps one of the more underrated qualities of this long-time establishment is its food.
From bar bites to authentic Japanese fare, their food offerings are massive.
5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-66/67
Changi City Point
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6604 8255
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Expo
Photo credit: IZAKAYA 95
#3 IZAKAYA 95
Despite being tucked all the way at The Punggol Settlement, Izakaya 95 is worth a visit.
The izakaya dishes out a wide variety of tasty Japanese food which includes yakitori and did we mention the happy hour promotions that happen all night long? You get to enjoy drinks from S$9.50 onwards!
3 Punggol Point #02-05
The Punggol Settlement,
Singapore 828694
Tel: +65 6384 1132
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 1pm – 1am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Punggol
Nestled on the second level of Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Nijumaru is possibly one of the oldest Japanese eateries around—we’re talking about over 3 decades! From the old-school interior to the wall murals, Izakaya Nijumaru is bound to have you reminiscing your times in Japan.
This cosy eatery serves up an extensive range of Japanese food at really affordable prices. Drink choices are limited but rest assured that thirsty tipplers will still be able to get their fill of sake.
5 Koek Road, #02- 228796
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
#5 JINZAKAYA
A hidden gem with pretty affordable food, JINzakaya is known for its wide range of grilled delicacies, including everyone’s favourite yakitori. Crowd pleasers include their juicy grilled chicken thigh, tender pork belly slices, and fresh scallops wrapped in bacon—all of which go incredibly well with an ice-cold beer.
Drinks wise, one can choose from more than 10 different types of sake, shochu and beer.
Connexion at Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Owen Link, #01-08/10
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6443 1173
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park
#6 MO’MOR IZAKAYA
Nestled in the cosy enclave of Tanglin—right on the outskirts of the bustling Orchard district—this contemporary establishment fuses Japanese and European elements together to present a stunning menu featuring mainly tapas and grills.
Other than being aesthetically-pleasing, the quality of their food is also top-notch and go perfectly well with in-house tipples.
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56 Tanglin Road
#B1-01 Tanglin Post Office
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard
#7 NEON PIGEON
This quaint Japanese fusion restaurant located along the restaurant-laden Keong Saik Road brims with cool indie vibes that just scream out at you as you walk by—and we’re not just talking about the literal neon pink pigeon at its doorway.
The recipes here take on a modern twist and are sure to intrigue as well as delight. There is also a curated menu of artistic cocktails that pair beautifully with their outstanding nosh.
1 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 3623
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park
#8 SHIROKANE TORI-TAMA
If you’re a fan of grilled skewers—or more specifically, yakitori—then this outpost of the Tokyo-based Toritama group is one to visit. Choose from a selection of over 20 chicken parts—all grilled to tender, smoky perfection.
While you soak up the aromas, feel free to knock back a cold one or even a sake.
11 Unity Street,
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6836 5680
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
#9 SHUKUU IZAKAYA & SAKE BAR
Tanjong Pagar may be home to quite a number of izakayas but perhaps one of the standouts is Shukuu Izakaya & Sake Bar. This traditional Japanese restaurant exudes a laid-back vibe that nicely complements the Japanese fare served here.
Along with its remarkable service and accessible location, this spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups—time to round up the entire office!
8 Stanley Street
Singapore 068727
Tel: +65 6327 9240
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
#10 SHUNJUU IZAKAYA
Located along Robertson Quay, Shunjuu Izakaya is a riverfront izakaya that serves up mainly skewers and outrageously affordable sake.
With an incredible variety of 70 grilled skewers and just about 60 different kinds of Japanese sake to choose from, every visit remains a refreshing experience!
30 Robertson Quay
#01-15 Riverside View
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6887 3577
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay
I never been in Singapore, but i wish fly to 2-3 years.