14 izakayas to visit in Singapore for the best Japanese comfort food

Nearing its 40th year at Cuppage Plaza is Izakaya Nijumaru, which has been around since 1987. Here, besides the usual bites such as yakitori, tsukune and agedashi tofu, you get to enjoy heartier meals as well, such as its bento sets, which include glistening slices of unagi and fresh bowls of sashimi. Don’t miss out on the udon and tendon bowls either for a filling lunch. 

Izakaya Nijumaru
Address: 5 Koek Road, 02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza, S(228796), +65 6235 6693

This izakaya tucked away on Beach Road offers a range of izakaya must-haves for a great night. Besides an extensive maki selection (where you can sample both unagi and anago on the same platter, as well as softshell crab), its selection of kushiyaki, including beef tongue with spring onion, scallop and foie gras, will surely fill your stomach. Looking for other seafood besides sashimi? Make sure to order its grilled cod, mackerel, and prawn slathered with mentaiko. 

Hachimaru Izakaya
Address: 349 Beach Road, S(199570), +65 6970 3536

You’d be lucky to snag a seat in this small izakaya in Midpoint Orchard. Opened by chef Masamitsu Kadomatsu, this hole-in-the-wall izakaya has all the things required for the quintessential izakaya experience, such as a warming oden, sashimi, and even seasonal specials such as hairy crab. Just make sure to keep the drinks flowing—you must order alcohol to dine here, and the owner might tell you off if you’re drinking too little. 

Toku Izakaya Bar
Address: 220 Orchard Road, B1-06 Midpoint Orchard, S(238852), +65 6734 2015

The first thing you’ll notice about Izakaya Hikari are the cherry blossoms hanging on the awning over its seating area. In fact, this izakaya is so popular that tables line the corridors of the third floor of Fortune Centre. For the quintessential izakaya experience, have a seat at the counter and indulge in the range of kushiyaki, sashimi, and hot dishes like natto udon, salmon mentaiko donburi, and a soul-warming oden soup. 

Izakaya Hikari
Address: 190 Middle Road, 03-01, S(188979), +65 8921 3779

Located on the first floor of Fortune Centre is Nobu-ya, which has all the hallmarks of an iconic Japanese izakaya—classic bites such as sashimi, tempura and unagi; an impressive sake collection; and an owner who won’t be happy if you don’t abide by the restaurant’s minimum drink order policy. This may turn some away, but keep the bottles flowing and the dishes coming and you’ll have a great night out. 

Nobu-ya
Address: 190 Middle Road, 01-05, S(188979), +65 6338 3450

Specifically branded as a Japanese sake bar, Shukuu Izakaya on Stanley Street offers an extensive selection of sake curated by its sommeliers, best enjoyed with house specials. The crab gratin, for one, is an indulgent treat with rich mentaiko, while the Ibérico pork chashu is sure to please with its slow-cooked tenderness.  

Shukuu Izakaya
Address: 8 Stanley Street, S(068727)

Fresh off its 20th anniversary in 2023, Shunjuu Izakaya at Robertson Quay offers a cosy izakaya experience and a scenic alfresco dining area. This place is best known for its yakitori and kushiyaki, which is charcoal-grilled over binchotan and brushed with a 20-year-old tare for maximum flavour. 

Shunjuu Izakaya
Address: 30 Robertson Quay, 01-15 Riverside View, S(238251), +65 8427 8155

This izakaya is definitely not traditional, but the casual spirit of it is. Catfish Izakaya is run by chef-owner Andrew Walsh and head chef Jared Ng, where they serve Japanese-inspired plates that are great for a night out. You can’t miss out on signatures here, which include the “Signature Highroller”, a handroll composed of Wagyu beef, Hokkaido uni and truffle mayo for the ultimate indulgence; rice lovers, the 20-minute wait for the crispy coral trout donabe is absolutely worth it.

Catfish Izakaya
Address: 5 Gemmill Lane, S(069261), +65 8809 0282

Read more: What you can expect from the new Catfish izakaya

Cuppage Plaza is best known as a hotspot for Japanese eateries, and Izakaya Shun is just one of the many examples of excellence here. The sister restaurant of omakase favourite Shunsui on Hongkong Street, Izakaya Shun offers an izakaya-inspired omakase menu curated by chef Takamasa Suzuki to enjoy in the evenings. After 9pm, however, is when the à la carte menu of small plates comes out. Don’t know what to get? Opt for the assorted otsumami of the day, offering a range of bites perfect to pair with sake, highballs, shochu, and more. 

Izakaya Shun
Address: 5 Koek Road, 04-04 Cuppage Plaza, S(228796), +65 8245 1798

Claiming 39 years of operation, Izakaya Shinjuku at Cuppage Plaza is a go-to for both Japanese expats and Singaporeans alike. There’s an extensive menu here, making sure that there’s something for everybody here. If you’re into grilled delights, cast a glance at the grilled cod roe, stingray fin, and salmon cheek; if not, satisfying hotpots like the Wagyu sukiyaki and sea bream nabe are ideal for sharing. 

Izakaya Shinjuku
Address: 5 Koek Road, 01-01/02 Cuppage Plaza, S(228796), +65 6734 8436

If you love sushi, Morinaga at Midpoint Orchard is the best spot for pristine nigiri sushi with fresh seafood. Want to leave it up to the chef to decide your meal? Go for the chef’s omakase nigiri set, which offers a platter of three or five pieces of sushi including premium ingredients like bluefin otoro. Otherwise, go for other highlights like vinegared scallops or marinated yellowtail, or even its signature omelette, which comes drizzled in mentai mayo or studded with spring onions.

Morinaga Sushi Izakaya
Address: 220 Orchard Road, B1-08 Midpoint, S(238852), +65 9101 3016

Yakitori Yatagarasu is an intimate izakaya that specialises in, you guessed it, yakitori. There’s everything from chicken fillet, heart, liver, tail, gizzard and more, best accompanied by its range of sake. Make sure to order its comforting chicken soup, just the right balm for a long night of serious drinking.

Yakitori Yatagarasu
Address: 72 Circular Road, 01-01, S(049426), +65 6221 7785

Favoured by many in the Tanjong Pagar area, The Public Izakaya offers glorious fried bites, quintessential kushiyaki, and the nourishing oden bowl. With both counter and floor seating areas all tastefully done in a lantern-lit, wooden setting, this izakaya transports you to Japan right in the heart of the central business district.

The Public Izakaya
Address: 100 Tras Street, 01-09, S(079027), +65 6604 9622

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