We have spent the better part of a few years working our way through Singapore’s izakaya scene, from quiet sake bars tucked into shophouses to loud, late-night spots that feel like a slice of Tokyo. The goal was never to chase the most photogenic plate. We wanted places serving traditional izakaya cuisine that get the basics right: good food, well-poured sake, and that easy, convivial energy that makes a proper Japanese izakaya feel like a second home after a long day.
This is not an exhaustive ranking of every izakaya in town. We left out plenty of names, including Izakaya Hikari at Fortune Centre, Issho Izakaya, and the cluster of spots around Tanjong Pagar, to focus on five that we keep coming back to. Each one earns its place for a different reason, whether that is sake pairing, charcoal-grilled skewers, after-work drinks convenience, old-school charm, or a modern twist on traditional izakaya cuisine. We have tried all of them, more than once, and this guide reflects honest experiences rather than marketing copy.
Quick Summary of Best Izakaya Singapore
ShuKuu Izakaya & Sake Bar: Best sake-led izakaya with a cosy Stanley Street setting and shareable Japanese bar bites.
Shunjuu Izakaya: A Robertson Quay classic for charcoal-grilled skewers and a relaxed riverside feel, serving fresh seasonal produce and all the izakaya favourites.
The Public Izakaya by Hachi: The go-to Tanjong Pagar tapas bar spot for after-work drinks and casual sharing of grilled items and hot dishes.
Izakaya Nijumaru: An old-school hidden gem in Cuppage Plaza with a loyal Japanese-expat following, offering an authentic izakaya experience.
Neon Pigeon: A modern Japanese izakaya with bold small plates, cocktails, and serious nightlife energy, featuring must try dishes like Tokyo Hummus and KFC Bao.
1. ShuKuu Izakaya & Sake Bar (Telok Ayer): Best Izakaya Singapore for Authentic Izakaya Experience and Sake Bar Vibes
ShuKuu sits at 8 Stanley Street, about 4 to 6 minutes from Telok Ayer MRT, and it remains one of the strongest sake bars in Singapore’s izakaya scene. It made this list because it gets the pairing side of izakaya dining right in a way few others manage. The extensive menu includes izakaya favourites like Gyu Ponzu, Mentaiko Rosti, and foie gras chawanmushi, all crafted to match the wide sake and shochu selection. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience.
Expect to spend roughly S$30 to S$60 per person depending on how much sake you work through, which is fair for the quality. The honest downside is the crowd—ShuKuu gets busy and noisy during peak dinner hours, and service can slow when the room is full. If you want a quiet, unhurried meal, this might feel too lively. But for after work drinks and small groups, it is hard to beat.
Ideal for: After work drinks, sake lovers, small groups, and CBD dinners.
Steer Clear if: You want a calm, quiet meal or dislike a packed, noisy room.
Dining tip: Ask the staff for a sake recommendation rather than ordering blindly. The pairing experience is where ShuKuu genuinely shines.
2. Shunjuu Izakaya: Best Japanese Food for Grilled Skewers and Fresh Seasonal Produce
Shunjuu Izakaya is at 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View, roughly 10 to 12 minutes from Fort Canning MRT. Established back in 2003, it is one of the longer-running Japanese restaurants serving traditional izakaya cuisine, with a focus on charcoal-grilled skewers like yakitori, yakiton, and kushiyaki, paired with a solid sake range. The riverside location gives it a relaxed, old-school feel, perfect for diners seeking fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
The grilled items are the reason to come. Must try dishes include Ton Toro Skewer, Golden Mushroom rolled with pork, and scallops wrapped in pork. The kitchen excels at balancing grilled chicken, pork, and seafood, showcasing the best of izakayas in Singapore. Spend sits around S$28 to S$48 per person, making it a reasonable choice for a relaxed group dinner without breaking the bank.
The honest note is that service can be less proactive when the place is busy, so you may need to flag someone down during a rush. It is also worth ordering with focus—Shunjuu does best when you build the meal around the grilled skewers rather than spreading too thinly across the extensive menu.
Ideal for: Skewer lovers, grilled chicken fans, riverside dinners, sake nights, and relaxed group meals.
Steer Clear if: You want quick, attentive service during peak hours.
Dining tip: Focus on the charcoal grilled skewers and fresh seafood rather than ordering too broadly.
3. Issho Izakaya: A Friendly Traditional Izakaya for Japanese Food in the CBD
Issho Izakaya is located in Marina One The Heart and is a perfect spot for diners craving a friendly traditional izakaya experience in the CBD. The menu features all the izakaya favourites, including sashimi moriawase, buta kakuni, jaga mentaiko, and grilled items like wagyu steak and yakitori. The chefs focus on balancing hot dishes and fresh seafood, serving seasonal produce that complements the drinks menu, which boasts a wide sake and shochu selection.
This izakaya is ideal for after work drinks and casual dinners, with an atmosphere that blends traditional izakaya charm and modern convenience. The kitchen’s expertise shines in dishes like the bara chirashi and miso soup, which provide comforting staples alongside more adventurous plates.
Ideal for: CBD workers, after work drinks, lovers of traditional izakaya cuisine, and small groups.
Steer Clear if: You want a trendy nightlife spot or a casual tapas bar vibe.
Dining tip: Pair your meal with sake or shochu for a full izakaya experience.
4. Izakaya Hikari: The Hidden Gem Serving Traditional Izakaya Cuisine at Fortune Centre
Izakaya Hikari, nestled in Fortune Centre, is a hidden gem beloved for its wallet-friendly prices and friendly traditional izakaya atmosphere. This compact spot is perfect for diners seeking a no-frills, authentic izakaya experience with a menu covering all the izakaya favourites: gyoza, miso soup, donburi, grilled chicken, and fresh seafood dishes like sashimi and seafood hot pots.
The chefs here emphasize comfort food made with fresh seasonal produce, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Diners appreciate the casual vibe, friendly service, and affordable pricing, which make it one of the best izakayas in Singapore for those wanting a genuine taste of Japan without the fuss.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious diners, fans of traditional izakaya, lunch and dinner crowds, and those craving authentic Japanese food.
Steer Clear if: You want a modern cocktail bar or elaborate mood lighting.
Dining tip: Try the aburi mentaiko gyoza and unagi donburi with a glass of house sake.
5. Neon Pigeon: The Best Izakaya for Modern Japanese Food and Good Vibes
Neon Pigeon is located at 36 Carpenter Street, near Clarke Quay MRT, and offers an elevated, modern twist on Japanese izakaya dining. This spot blends mood lighting, bold small plates, and creative cocktails, making it a perfect place for groups looking for good vibes and a lively atmosphere. The menu features must try dishes like Tokyo Hummus, foie gras-infused duck gyoza, and the famous KFC Bao, alongside grilled skewers and sashimi moriawase.
The drinks menu is extensive, with free flow drinks options and inventive cocktails that complement the food perfectly. While it strays from traditional izakaya, Neon Pigeon remains one of Singapore’s best izakayas for those seeking a vibrant night out with friends.
Ideal for: Date nights, groups, cocktail lovers, and fans of modern Japanese food.
Steer Clear if: You want a quiet, traditional izakaya or budget-friendly meal.
Dining tip: Order a mix of small plates, grilled items, and cocktails to share.
Understanding the Izakaya Dining Experience: Shared Plates, Sushi, and More
One of the defining features of the best izakaya Singapore offers is the emphasis on shared plates. Izakayas serve a variety of small dishes designed for communal enjoyment, encouraging diners to sample multiple flavors and textures throughout the meal. These shared plates often include grilled skewers like yakitori and kushiyaki, fresh sashimi platters, and comforting rice bowls such as donburi. The inclusion of sushi and handrolls, especially at seafood-focused izakayas like Toku Nori, adds another layer of freshness and refinement to the dining experience.
The atmosphere in an izakaya is lively and casual, often buzzing with energy from the clinking of glasses and the sizzle of food on the grill. Many izakayas operate with extended opening hours, especially on fri sat evenings, catering to after-work crowds and night owls alike. This vibrant environment complements the extensive drink selections, which typically feature sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey, and craft beers, allowing guests to find the perfect pairing for their meal.
Understanding these elements helps diners appreciate why izakayas are more than just places to eat—they are social hubs where food, drink, and camaraderie come together over shared plates and memorable experiences.
Final Thoughts on Izakayas in Singapore
Singapore’s izakaya scene offers a rich variety of experiences, from friendly traditional izakaya spots like Izakaya Hikari to sake bars such as ShuKuu, and modern Japanese restaurants like Neon Pigeon. Whether you crave grilled chicken and fresh seafood, donburi and noodles, or want to enjoy free flow drinks with friends, there is a perfect spot for every mood and occasion.
The best izakaya Singapore has to offer is not just about food but the atmosphere, drinks, and the joy of sharing small plates with good company. From the hidden gems tucked away in Fortune Centre to the bustling tapas bar vibes in Tanjong Pagar, these five spots showcase the diversity and depth of Japanese izakaya culture right here in Singapore.
Whichever you choose, come hungry and ready to enjoy an authentic izakaya experience filled with grilled skewers, fresh seasonal produce, sake, shochu, omakase selections, and plenty of good vibes.
