I was desperately craving some good Japanese food last Friday. I wanted a place that felt authentic but did not come with the suffocating pressure of a highly formal dining room. A friend of mine suggested we visit a spot tucked away in an industrial building in the east. I was honestly a bit skeptical at first. You do not usually expect to find a premium selection of seafood hiding in the middle of factories and corporate offices.
I decided to take a chance and made a reservation for a table today. I arrived at 62 Ubi Road around 7:30 pm, completely unsure of what to expect. Finding the actual place was a mini adventure. After navigating through the quiet corridors of Oxley Bizhub 2, I took the lift all the way to the top floor.
When the doors opened, I was absolutely surprised. Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore is a brilliant hidden gem sitting right on a rooftop. The moment I walked in, the smell of charcoal grilled meat and warm sake completely enveloped me. It felt like I had been instantly transported to a lively street in Japan.
Atmosphere and First Impressions
The environment here is incredibly fun and vibrant. It operates as a modern japanese restaurant in Singapore but clearly draws heavy inspiration from classic izakaya culture. The dining room features a beautiful open kitchen where you can watch the chefs expertly handle the charcoal grills. The whole place radiates a warm, welcoming energy that makes you want to sit down and order a drink immediately.
They have a dedicated sake bar showcasing a wide collection of imported bottles. It is a fantastic spot to grab a drink while waiting for your friends to arrive. I also noticed that they have private rooms equipped with karaoke systems. You can hear a bit of muffled singing if you sit near the back (which honestly just adds to the fun, casual vibe of the restaurant).
The ambience strikes a great balance between a lively pub and a comfortable family dining spot. The AC was quite strong inside the main dining area, so I definitely needed my jacket. If you prefer a more natural breeze, they also have outdoor seating on the rooftop. I highly recommend asking for a table near the glass windows so you can enjoy the city lights while you dine.
Diving Into the Menu: Food Descriptions
The menu at Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore is packed with izakaya classics and charcoal grilled signatures. I wanted to try a good mix of hot dishes and fresh fish to see how the kitchen handles different techniques. I ordered a few plates to share, and the food arrived surprisingly fast.
Fresh Sashimi Platter ($38)
You cannot visit a japanese restaurant without testing their raw fish. I ordered a medium sashimi platter, and it was an absolute delight. The plate featured thick slices of salmon, tuna, and a very generous portion of yellowtail. The salmon was super fresh, with a beautiful glossy texture that practically melted in my mouth.
It was served on a bed of crushed ice to keep the temperature perfectly cold. The fish tasted clean and sweet, carrying that distinct quality you only get from truly fresh ingredients. Every single bite was smooth and rich. It genuinely rivals the quality of sashimi you would find in much more expensive restaurants in the city center.
Wagyu Fried Rice ($24)
If you only order one hot dish here, make sure it is the wagyu fried rice. This bowl is highly recommended by almost everyone who visits, and I completely understand why. The fried rice is cooked in a screaming hot wok, giving it that beautiful smoky flavor.
The rice grains were perfectly separated and coated in a deeply savory sauce. The kitchen is very generous with the wagyu beef chunks, which were incredibly soft and tender. The fat from the wagyu melted into the rice, creating a luxurious, tasty bite every single time. It is a very heavy, comforting dish that is absolutely worth the money.
Charcoal Grilled Signatures: Hamachi Kama ($28) and Hokkaido White Corn ($8)
I am a massive fan of grilled seafood, so I ordered the Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar). It arrived with a perfectly charred, crispy skin that smelled like sweet smoke. The meat underneath was incredibly juicy and flaked apart beautifully with my chopsticks. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the hot fish was all it needed.
We also ordered a side of Hokkaido white corn to share. The white corn was grilled simply with a touch of soy sauce and butter. It was incredibly sweet and had a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasted nicely with the soft fish. It is a very simple plate, but the natural sweetness of the corn makes it a fantastic side dish.
Tori Karaage ($10) and Seafood Fried Rice ($18)
Because we were feeling greedy, we also added a plate of tori karaage. The fried chicken was piping hot, featuring a very thin, crispy batter that shattered loudly when I bit into it. The meat inside was juicy and well-seasoned. It paired perfectly with a cold glass of plum wine.
My friend ordered the seafood fried rice, which came packed with fresh prawns, squid, and little bits of abalone. While the wagyu fried rice was deeply rich and meaty, the seafood version was much lighter and fragrant. Both dishes were delicious, but the wagyu version definitely stole the show for me.
The Service Experience
The service at Tora Tora Tora is generally very smooth and efficient. The staff greeted us with loud, cheerful voices the moment we walked in. Our server was very helpful and patiently answered my questions about the different sake options available at the bar.
Water glasses were refilled without us having to ask, and empty plates were cleared away very quickly. However, I want to be honest about one minor downside. Because the restaurant was completely packed by 8:00 pm, it took a bit longer to get the staff’s attention towards the end of our meal.
The kitchen also got quite busy, so there was a slight delay before our dessert arrived. It was not a huge problem since we were busy chatting and enjoying the drinks. The staff remained polite and apologetic about the wait, which I really appreciated. They work hard to create a very positive dining environment for all their guests.
Practical Information: Booking, Pricing, and Timing
If you are planning to visit, be sure to consider the following tips tyo ensure a smooth and enjoyable time in Tora Tora Tora:
You absolutely need to reserve a table in advance. The restaurant is located at 62 Ubi Rd 1, right at the top of Oxley Bizhub. While it seems out of the way, it gets incredibly busy on Thursday and Friday nights. Walk-ins are usually turned away because the tables fill up so fast.
Dining at this hidden gem is surprisingly reasonable. For a table of two ordering a mix of premium sashimi, grilled items, and drinks, our bill came up to around $55 per person. Given the sheer quality of the seafood and the generous portions of the dishes, it provides fantastic value.
Getting there is quite easy if you take a taxi or drive, as there is plenty of parking in the industrial building. If you are taking the MRT, it is about a ten-minute walk from the Tai Seng station. Just remember to look out for the specific lift lobby that takes you straight to the rooftop.
I recommend visiting around 6:00 pm if you want a quieter, more relaxed meal. If you prefer a loud, energetic atmosphere, aim for a booking closer to 8:00 pm. For larger groups, definitely call ahead and try to book one of the private karaoke rooms for an unforgettable night out.
Final Verdict and Who It Is Best For
Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore is a fantastic discovery. It successfully blends the high-energy fun of an izakaya with the culinary standards of a premium dining spot. The flavours are bold, the ingredients are super fresh, and the rooftop location makes it feel like a fun little secret.
This restaurant is best suited for groups of friends, casual date nights, and anyone who loves a lively atmosphere. It is the perfect place to share a mountain of tasty food, drink some good sake, and enjoy a long conversation. It is a wonderful spot for a weekend celebration with family.
However, I would not recommend it if you are looking for a completely silent, highly formal dining room. The energy here is loud and proud. If you love discovering unique places and do not mind venturing into an industrial estate, you will absolutely fall in love with this place.
If you enjoyed reading this review and want to find more incredible dining spots, please check out SG Dining Guide for more similar articles to read. We are always exploring the city to bring you honest, helpful food reviews!
