Since moving to Singapore, we’ve grown fond of evenings where the day eases away, the city’s humidity fades, and the room buzzes with conversation as skewers crackle over charcoal and frosty glasses of beer are passed around. That's the authentic izakaya experience — unhurried, warm, a little loud in the best way, serving traditional izakaya cuisine with all the izakaya favourites.
Over the past two years, we have worked our way through many izakayas in Singapore, sometimes alone with a book and a flask of sake, sometimes with a noisy table of fellow expats winding down after a long week. We’ve sat at counters, shared plates of grilled meat, fresh seafood flown in from Japan, and hot dishes, and occasionally regretted that last highball during dinner service.
These experiences embody the best izakaya Singapore offers, blending things Japanese with good food and lively atmosphere. And these are the izakaya restaurants we keep going back to, and the honest reasons why. Let us walk you through them.
1. Shinya Izakaya (Boat Quay) – Riverside Japanese Bar for Food and Drinks
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay, about 4 minutes on foot via Exit E
Address: 3A River Valley Road, #01-01, Singapore 179020
Walking into Shinya Izakaya feels like stepping into a familiar rhythm: the murmur of conversation mixing with the gentle flow of the Singapore River just outside the windows. For expats who miss being out with friends after work, this japanese bar captures that easy social vibe beautifully.
The menu reads like a well‑worn favourite — crispy gyoza (S$8–S$10) that arrive with lacey golden bottoms, fresh seafood sashimi (S$15–S$28) that surprises even regulars with its freshness, and grilled skewers (S$5–S$8) including yakitori and grilled chicken that anchor every meal. With drinks like sake, beer, and cocktails around S$10–S$20 each, it’s a spot where a casual dinner naturally turns into lingering conversations and late‑night laughter.
Insider Tip: Ask for a table facing the river — that view quietly becomes part of the memory.
2. Izakaya Hikari (Fortune Centre) – Friendly Traditional Izakaya Hidden Gem
Nearest MRT: Bugis, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre, #03-01, Singapore 188979
Tucked away on an upper floor of Fortune Centre, Izakaya Hikari is a hidden gem and one of the best izakayas in Singapore for those seeking a friendly traditional izakaya experience. The wooden interior and comforting clatter of dishes create a relaxed backdrop for hearty japanese food and traditional izakaya cuisine.
Standout plates like chicken karaage (S$10–S$14), unagi donburi (S$18–S$25), and miso soup (S$6–S$10) feel both familiar and satisfying, while a glass of sake or shochu ($10–S$18) settles us into the evening. The menu features many izakaya favourites including grilled meat and hot dishes, all served with attentive service that makes diners feel at home.
Insider Tip: Pair the mentaiko dishes with a sake flight for layers of flavour that feel perfectly balanced.
3. Shunjuu Izakaya (Robertson Quay) – For Grilled Meat and Wagyu Lovers
Nearest MRT: Robertson Quay, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View, Singapore 238251
At Shunjuu Izakaya, the aroma of charcoal and the sizzle of skewers define the night. For expats who came to Singapore with fond memories of yakitori and grilled chicken back home, this is the place those memories get a fresh chapter.
With over 60 types of kushiyaki and yakitori, choosing becomes part of the ritual. Must try dishes include wagyu steak (S$30–S$45) and bara chirashi (S$28–S$38) that make the meal feel complete. Drinks (S$10–S$20) arrive refreshed and ready to wash down each savoury bite.
Insider Tip: Skewers are best enjoyed straight from the grill — order them in waves and savour the warmth and texture while they’re at their peak.
4. Issho Izakaya (Marina One) – Sleek CBD Japanese Izakaya with Fresh Seafood
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: Marina One, The Heart, #01-14, Singapore 018983
Step out of the office and step into Issho Izakaya, a polished space that reimagines the traditional izakaya for the contemporary diner. In the CBD twilight, this place feels like a soft punctuation to a long workday, perfect for after work drinks or work drinks with colleagues.
Fresh seafood and shared plates (S$25–S$40) invite conversation, while wagyu steak (S$35–S$50) and cocktails or sake (S$12–S$22) elevate the evening. It’s an izakaya with intention — where shared plates and the authentic izakaya experience matter as much as what’s on the plate.
Insider Tip: The hotate carpaccio with ponzu sauce is a delicate opener that pairs beautifully with a shochu recommendation from the staff.
5. Neon Pigeon (Chinatown) – Modern Japanese Izakaya with Creative Dishes and Good Vibes
Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: 36/38 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219169
If we come for izakaya classics and stay for bold creativity, Neon Pigeon delivers. It’s where japanese food meets bold fusion, wrapped in an energetic vibe with mood lighting that makes it as much a night‑out destination as a dinner spot.
Dishes like KFC bao (S$18–S$22), foie gras chawanmushi (S$18–S$28), and duck gyoza with orange ponzu (S$18–S$22) challenge expectations while still feeling rooted in comfort food logic. Cocktails and free flow drinks (S$20–S$30) help keep the evening lively with good vibes.
Insider Tip: Pair a creative small plate with one of their signature cocktails to turn dinner into a playful culinary adventure.
6. Toku Nori Handroll Bar (Telok Ayer) – Fresh Seafood and Handrolls
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT, about 4 minutes on foot
Address: 200A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068638
At Toku Nori, the simple act of watching sushi handrolls being prepared turns into part of the experience. For expats who appreciate craft and precision, this izakaya feels like a quiet celebration of technique and fresh seasonal produce.
Each handroll (S$10–S$18), sashimi selection (S$18–S$32), and seasonal plate is delivered with care. With drinks in the S$10–S$20 range, the meal unfolds like a thoughtful conversation.
Insider Tip: Sit at the counter — the chefs’ rhythm becomes part of the evening’s memory.
7. The Public Izakaya (Tanjong Pagar) – Lively Japanese Bar with Extensive Menu and Shared Plates
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: 19 Craig Road, Singapore 089692
The Public Izakaya captures the social energy many expats seek when dining out. It’s the kind of place where laughter echoes, plates are shared, and drinks flow easily.
From grilled skewers (S$6–S$18) to Negitoro garlic toast (S$12–S$16) and aburi wagyu (S$28–S$45), the extensive menu feels expansive without overwhelming. Free flow drinks (S$15–S$30) add to the sense of occasion.
Insider Tip: Ordering the Negitoro garlic toast early gives the group something rich and shareable to dive into right away.
8. MOMOYA Japanese Obanzai Izakaya (Orchard Plaza) – Homestyle Kyoto Flavours and Traditional Izakaya Cuisine
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT, about 5 minutes on foot
Address: 150 Orchard Road #02‑24, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
There’s a calm confidence to MOMOYA that feels like coming home. Seasonal vegetable plates (S$12–S$20), noodle dishes (S$14–S$26), and miso soup (S$6–S$10) speak to a quieter, more considered approach to izakaya dining.
For expats craving a thoughtful, balanced meal after a day navigating Orchard Plaza’s bustle, this place offers space to slow down and taste gently.
Insider Tip: Ask about the daily seasonal specials — they often reflect what’s freshest that week.
9. Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Sake Bar (Telok Ayer) – Sake Bar with Extensive Menu
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT, about 3 minutes on foot
Address: 44 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048482
Shukuu blends classic izakaya comfort with a carefully curated sake list. It’s an inviting choice for expats who enjoy pairing food with thoughtful drink choices.
From grilled skewers and small plates (S$6–S$18) to sashimi (S$15–S$28) and sake flights (S$20–S$35), the experience feels both grounded and explorative.
Insider Tip: Start with a sake flight to explore different styles before moving to your favourite pairing.
10. Hachimaru Izakaya (Beach Road) – Yakitori and Grilled Chicken Favorites
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway MRT, about 7 minutes on foot
Address: 349 Beach Road, Singapore 199570
Walking into Hachimaru is like entering a convivial neighbourhood izakaya — smoky, social, and full of flavour. Charcoal‑grilled yakitori (S$5–S$9) and grilled chicken plates (S$15–S$28) capture the essence of traditional japanese izakaya bar food.
With beer and sake (S$8–S$18), it’s a place where long conversations and joyful clinks of glasses feel natural.
Insider Tip: Order skewers in rounds so each plate arrives hot — a small detail that elevates the experience.
Ten izakayas, two years, and more skewers than we’d care to admit. What strikes us most, looking back, is how different they all are — from the friendly traditional izakaya feel of Izakaya Hikari in Fortune Centre to the bold, modern vibes of Neon Pigeon. There's no single best izakaya Singapore can claim; instead, there are many izakayas, each perfect for different moods and moments.
Expat Eat has explored similar journeys through Japanese food in Singapore, capturing how comfort and memory shape our dining experiences abroad.
If you’re new here and exploring Singapore's izakaya scene, start with whichever is closest to home and work outward from there. Bring a friend, order one dish more than you think you need, and let the night unfold at its own pace.
That's the whole point of an izakaya, really. Not just the food alone, but the slowing down around it. We hope one of these becomes your usual, the way a few of them have become ours.
