There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when you push open a modest door in Singapore and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped into a back-alley drinking den in Tokyo. Over the past year, we’ve spent more evenings than we’d like to admit hunting down the best izakayas in Singapore, chasing that exact feeling. Some places nail the aesthetic but fall flat on the food. Others serve incredible grilled skewers but feel like a generic food court stall with sake on the menu.
This list is about the rare izakaya restaurants that get both right. These are the izakayas in Singapore where the lighting, the buzz, and the plates all work together to transport you somewhere else. We’ve eaten at all six of these, sometimes more than once, and we’re being honest about where each one shines and where it stumbles. If you want a bar experience in Singapore that actually feels like Japan (and gives you a great photo while you’re at it), keep reading.
Quick Summary of the Establishments: Instagrammable Izakaya Singapore Highlights
Name of Restaurant | Location | Trending Dish | SENDs Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fortune Centre | Grilled chicken yakitori | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$ – Moderate | |
Marina One The Heart | Sashimi Moriawase / Kushiyaki | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$$ – Premium | |
Boat Quay | Grilled Tsukune | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$ – Moderate | |
100AM Mall, Tanjong Pagar | Jaga mentaiko, Buta kakuni | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$ – Moderate | |
33 Kampong Bahru Rd | Grilled Yakitori | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | $$ – Moderate | |
Carpenter Street | KFC bao, Duck Gyoza with Foie Gras. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ – Premium |
1. Izakaya Hikari at Fortune Centre: The Friendly Traditional Izakaya Hidden Gem
Price: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Located in Fortune Centre, Izakaya Hikari is a true hidden gem among izakayas in Singapore. This friendly traditional izakaya serves traditional izakaya cuisine with an extensive menu that covers all the izakaya favourites. From grilled skewers like yakitori and golden mushroom to comforting miso soup and fresh sashimi, everything here is designed to create an authentic izakaya experience.
The intimate space and attentive service make it a perfect spot for after work drinks or casual dinners. The grilled items, including tender grilled chicken and other grilled meat, pair beautifully with their sake selection. Whether you’re craving small plates or a hearty bowl of noodles, Izakaya Hikari delivers good food in a cozy setting that feels like a true Japanese izakaya. We especially recommend trying their delicious yakitori, which is expertly grilled and full of bold flavors that perfectly complement the alcohol choices available. This dish truly captures the meaning of an authentic izakaya experience and is a must-try when you visit this organised and inviting spot in the city.
Good Vibes for: Fans of traditional izakaya cuisine and those looking for a genuine Japanese bar experience in a hidden gem.
Hard Pass if: You want a flashy, modern izakaya
2. Issho Izakaya: A Japanese Izakaya with Fresh Seafood and Wagyu Steak
Price: $$$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Issho Izakaya, located at Marina One The Heart, is a standout among many izakayas in Singapore for its fresh seafood and premium grilled meat offerings. This Japanese izakaya boasts an extensive menu that showcases seasonal produce and dishes like sashimi moriawase and bara chirashi, perfect for sharing.
The grilled chicken and wagyu steak here are cooked to perfection, highlighting the best of traditional izakaya cuisine with a modern touch. The atmosphere balances casual dining with attentive service, making it ideal for both work drinks and relaxed dinners. Pair your meal with sake or shochu for the full izakaya experience.
One dish we highly recommend trying is the grilled tsukune, a juicy chicken meatball that embodies the bold flavors inspired by authentic izakaya fare. We found it to be a perfect complement to the variety of drinks available, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to find the true spirit of an izakaya singapore meal. This dish truly captures the money’s worth in flavor and satisfaction, making it a must-order when you grab a seat here.
Good Vibes for: Seafood lovers and those seeking good food paired with quality drinks in a Japanese bar setting.
Hard Pass if: You prefer a more casual, lively atmosphere over polished dining.
3. Shinya Izakaya - Authentic Japanese Izakaya at Boat Quay
Price point: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Nestled in the vibrant Boat Quay area, Shinya Izakaya offers an authentic Japanese izakaya singapore experience with a focus on traditional grilled skewers, fresh sashimi, and a wide variety of sake and shochu. This cozy izakaya captures the lively and relaxed atmosphere typical of Japan’s casual gastropubs, making it a perfect spot for after-work drinks or casual dinners with friends. The menu highlights bold flavors with dishes like yakitori, grilled tsukune, and seasonal seafood, all designed to be enjoyed in rounds, encouraging social dining and sharing.
One dish we highly recommend is the grilled tsukune, a juicy chicken meatball glazed with tare sauce and served with a rich egg yolk dip. We found it to perfectly embody the bold flavors and casual dining atmosphere that define the izakaya experience, making it a must-try for anyone seeking authentic izakaya cuisine in Singapore.
Beyond the delicious food and drinks, Shinya Izakaya’s location by the riverside adds to the charm, providing a scenic backdrop that enhances the overall dining experience. The izakaya’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods ensures a genuine taste of Japan right in the heart of Singapore. Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for an authentic izakaya singapore spot, Shinya Izakaya offers a welcoming vibe and a comprehensive menu that satisfies both food and drink lovers.
Good Vibes for: Fans of traditional Japanese izakaya cuisine and those seeking a lively, social dining experience in a scenic Boat Quay setting.
Hard Pass if: You prefer a quiet, formal dining atmosphere or are looking for modern fusion izakaya concepts.
4. The Public Izakaya by Hachi: Lively Atmosphere and All the Izakaya Favourites
Price: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Public Izakaya, located in 100AM Mall near Tanjong Pagar, is one of Singapore’s best izakayas for a lively, casual night out. This large Japanese bar serves traditional izakaya cuisine with a tapas bar twist, offering free flow drinks and an extensive menu featuring grilled skewers, deep fried delights, and seafood dishes.
Standout food items include the jaga mentaiko, buta kakuni, and fresh sashimi, all served with attentive service in a buzzing environment. The Public Izakaya embraces the spirit of sharing small plates and enjoying good food with friends, making it a top choice for after work drinks or group dinners. We especially recommend trying their crispy agedashi tofu, which perfectly balances a light, crispy exterior with a silky, flavorful center. This dish embodies the bold flavors and casual dining atmosphere that define the izakaya experience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy authentic izakaya cuisine in Singapore.
Good Vibes for: Large groups craving a lively atmosphere with many izakayas-style food items and drinks.
Hard Pass if: You want a quiet, traditional izakaya experience.
5. Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar - (Authentic Yakitori and Lively Izakaya Vibes)
Price point: $$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Located at 33 Kampong Bahru Rd, Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar offers an authentic izakaya singapore experience focused on expertly grilled yakitori skewers and a vibrant, casual atmosphere. This cozy spot is beloved for its perfectly charred chicken skewers, tsukune (chicken meatballs), and an array of small plates designed to be shared over rounds of drinks. Hiyaki prides itself on balancing traditional Japanese flavors with a welcoming environment that captures the essence of a true Japanese gastropub.
The bar complements its food with a solid selection of sake, shochu, and draft beer, emphasizing the drinks-led culture central to the izakaya experience. Whether you’re winding down after work or catching up with friends, Hiyaki’s lively ambiance and flavorful dishes make it a standout izakaya in Singapore’s bustling food scene. We especially recommend trying their perfectly grilled yakitori, which showcases tender, smoky chicken skewers bursting with bold flavors—a true highlight that captures the essence of authentic izakaya cuisine in Singapore.
Good Vibes for: Fans of grilled yakitori and casual, social Japanese dining.
Hard Pass if: You prefer formal dining or non-grilled Japanese cuisine.
6. Neon Pigeon: Modern Japanese Restaurant with Creative Izakaya Flare
Price: $$$
SENDs Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neon Pigeon is a modern Japanese restaurant and izakaya singapore that brings a fresh, creative edge to traditional izakaya cuisine. Located on Carpenter Street (No, not our favorite popstar singer Sabrina Carpenter), this vibrant spot combines mood lighting, a lively atmosphere, and an extensive menu that includes unique dishes.
This tapas bar-style izakaya serves grilled skewers, fresh sashimi, and grilled items alongside inventive cocktails and sake. The blend of traditional izakaya favourites with innovative dishes and drinks makes Neon Pigeon a popular choice for those seeking good food and a trendy setting. We especially recommend trying their signature KFC bao, a crispy chicken bao that perfectly balances bold flavors with a soft, fluffy bun. This dish exemplifies the creative spirit of modern izakaya cuisine in Singapore, combining classic Japanese techniques with contemporary twists that excite the palate. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic izakaya singapore experience with a modern flair.
Good Vibes for: Trendy diners and fans of fusion Japanese food with a lively bar vibe.
Hard Pass if: You want strictly traditional izakaya cuisine without modern twists.
SENDs Take: Discover the Best Izakayas in Singapore for Instagrammable Japanese Food
Singapore’s izakaya scene offers a diverse range of experiences that capture the essence of Japan’s rising sun culture. Whether you’re after a friendly traditional izakaya like Izakaya Hikari at Fortune Centre, fresh seafood and wagyu steak at Issho Izakaya, or the grilled skewers and lively atmosphere of Shunjuu Izakaya, there’s an izakaya singapore spot for every mood and occasion.
Don’t miss The Public Izakaya for a bustling Japanese bar vibe with all the izakaya favourites or Neon Pigeon for a modern take on classic dishes with creative flair. Each place offers something unique, from extensive menus featuring hot dishes and sushi to thoughtfully curated sake and shochu selections.
Plan your visit around their opening hours, come hungry, and prepare for an authentic izakaya experience filled with good food, drinks, and memorable moments. These are the best izakayas singapore has to offer for anyone craving an Instagrammable night out that feels like a trip to Japan without leaving the island.
