The vibrant culinary scene in Singapore makes it simpler than ever to indulge in the alluring allure of Japanese cuisine and culture. A variety of charming Japanese izakayas and bars that are tucked away in the midst of a busy urban environment invite both locals and tourists to go on a tantalising drinking adventure. With mouthwatering small meals and expertly made drinks, these places provide customers with an immersive experience that whisks them right into the heart of Japan.
In this look into of Singapore's mixological tapestry, we dig into the thriving world of Japanese izakayas and bars, stumbling across the top-tier establishments that have successfully captured the essence of Japan's culinary & liquor legacy. Get ready to be fascinated by the exquisite artistry of sushi, the sizzle of yakitori, and the intricate balance of flavours that define these eating locations. Our carefully curated list of the 8 Best Japanese Izakaya & Bars in Singapore guarantees a memorable encounter with authentic flavours and welcoming ambiances, whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese liquor or an inquisitive adventurer ready to sample new tastes. Main Image Credit: Bam! Restaurant Facebook Page
Kabuke
Kabuke is a welcoming sake bar on Telok Ayer Street where you can have a taste of Japan. Prepare yourself for an alluring tour through sake, where flights of the drink can be had for a discount. The Aragato flight is a star because it offers you three distinct experiences. Each pour takes you on a different flavour journey, from the strong Ichino Kura to the sweet and gentle Tatenokawa and the perfect balance of Nabeshima. However, let's focus on the bites. A rice bowl mix-and-match experience including delicacies like onsen tamago, iberico jamon, and hotate, the Mini Umami Bomb concept sounds interesting.
With more alternatives, it might shine even more brilliantly with opportunities to add flair like salted egg fish skin and sauces. Kabuki has you covered if you're a vegetable fan. The Nasu Dengaku, a baby aubergine dish baked in the oven with sake-infused miso and yuzu, is a warm and gooey treat. Oh, and the irresistible star of the show is the seasonally available baby corn wrapped in sriracha sauce, furikake and pig floss. At Kabuke, savour Japanese cuisine and learn about sake. It's an experience waiting to be savoured, with tantalising nibbles and a variety of sake experiences. Image Credit: Kabuke Facebook Page
Shukuu Izakaya
Two things bind the owners of Shukuu Izakaya together: a longstanding friendship and a genuine passion for everything Japanese, including food, sake, and culture! As soon as you walk in, you'll notice the relaxed feelings that connect everyone—customers, employees, and owners—throughout the space. But don't let the laid-back atmosphere deceive you; Luis, Mario, and their team are real serious about providing Singapore with the best izakaya experience. They only use premium ingredients that have been flown directly from Japan, and, drum roll please, their pride and joy is an incredible selection of artisanal sake!
They have the ideal sake to pair with each meal, speaking of which. Sakemire Jumai Ginjyo is appropriate for sushi, while Noguchi Honjozo Nama pairs well with chargrilled deliciousness. fried foods? The key to winning is Tenzan Jizake Jumai. Oh, and this is the cool part: people regard these guys to be one of the best sake bars in the area. They have it listed under their name on the website because they are thrilled about it! These proprietors are the real deal—certified sake sommeliers on a mission to enlighten this region of the world about the joys of sake. So, if you're up for the whole izakaya experience, heed their advice about sake pairings. Kanpai! Image Credit: Shukuu Izakaya Facebook Page
a. 8 Stanley St, Singapore 068727
w. shukuu.sg
The Bar Kakure
Visit The Bar Kakure to enter the world of Japanese cocktail magic! This little pub, run by the talented Kazuhiro Chii, is located on Scotts Road and is housed inside a charming black-and-white colonial cottage. With more than 20 years of experience, Chii is the brains behind beautiful cocktails made with the finest ingredients, refined methods, and creative flair. Every sip is an experience, whether it be traditional mixtures or cutting-edge inventions. Put a modern spin on tradition to liven up your evening! The classic scotch and soda combination gets a scorching update with a sprinkle of black pepper in their famous Highball, which you shouldn't miss.
Discover a chosen collection of whiskies from Scotland and Japan. Additionally, treat your taste buds with a delicious cuisine menu that features one of the most popular sando in the area. Through a covert entrance that requires a secret key code, enter a secret haven. Inside, The Bar Kakure's cosy atmosphere is decorated with tasteful wood tones and brass accents and looks out into beautiful greenery. It's the ideal backdrop for your fantastic night out because it's both classic and modern. At The Bar Kakure, experience the enduring mix of tradition and contemporary. Discover the secrets to delicious drinks and cosy elegance. Image Credit: The Bar Kakure Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
Wakuda Restaurant & Bar
Tetsuya Wakuda, a skilled chef, and the 50 Eggs Hospitality Group present Wakuda Restaurant & Bar! This chic new restaurant, located in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel Lobby, specialises on modernising Japanese cuisine. Hold on to your taste buds because both the food and the design are amazing. Wakuda offers a genuine dining experience. Just picture a treasure trove full of excellent treats from everywhere – Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, you name it! These stunning seasonal dishes are given a contemporary touch by Chef Tetsuya in the distinctive "Wakuda-style."
Prepare to delve into traditional Japanese favourites with a modern twist. We're discussing Hokkaido's Tokujyo AA uni, Kagoshima's best black pork, melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu, and Kyoto's handcrafted yuba (beancurd skin). However, there's still more! If you're a sushi expert or a tempura novice, this place has you covered because they're all about being open and inviting. At Wakuda, it's time to enhance your Japanese dining game! Image Credit: Wakuda Restaurant & Bar Facebook Page
a. Lobby, Hotel, Bayfront Ave, Tower 2, Singapore 018972
e. wakuda.reservations@marinabaysands.com
Akanoya Robatayaki
A new phase of the Akanoya Robatayaki journey is about to begin. They've undergone a contemporary makeover after eight fantastic years, taking the robatayaki experience to a whole new level. Akanoya Robatayaki continues to uphold the famed robatayaki heritage, staying loyal to its origins. The robatayaki counter, located in the middle of the restaurant, stands out as a visual marketplace for the best seasonal products. There's also a fresh twist to enjoy, though! Introducing the Akanoya Bar, which is nestled away towards the restaurant's conclusion. The bar menu features cocktails with a whimsical Japanese twist under William Liou's direction.
Drinks like "Long Vacation," a concoction of Umeboshi, lime, Shiso leaves, Black Tears Rum, and bubbles, or "First Love," a wonderful variation on the Gimlet made with Hendrick's Gin, Yuzu, and Kyoho grape, come to mind. Additionally, there is the "For Goodness Sake," a tart beverage created with house-made White Peach Kombucha and Sake. Akanoya Robatayaki has reinvented its history to offer you a sublime fusion of tradition and modernity. Your taste is in for a memorable treat whether you're indulging in the best robatayaki delicacies or discovering the fascinating world of Japanese-inspired cocktails. Image Credit: Akanoya Robatayaki Facebook Page
a. 01-01 Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, 1 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247905
Neon Pigeon
On Carpenter Street, Neon Pigeon found its lively home, bringing new life to its surroundings. Under the skillful direction of Sean Mell, a former executive chef at Nobu, and accomplished mixologist Mario la Pietra from London's Luggage Room Bar, this contemporary izakaya has consistently changed and improved. Neon Pigeon's innovative fusion of many influences, which infuses creative twists into traditional Japanese cuisine, is what makes it unique. Their most recent version, Neon Pigeon 2.0, is evidence of their risk-taking nature.
The cocktail menu is a symphony of creativity, with drinks like the Kambei's Anger and the Japanese Drifter standing out for their daring combinations of smoky mezcal, whisky, vermouth, and fragrant umeshu. Neon Pigeon 2.0 is proud to commemorate seasonal Japanese cuisine by introducing the Raw Bar in the spirit of Japanese heritage. The extended drink selection, which features flavours inspired by Tokyo, accommodates all tastes. Sake is still unmatched in this range. The Neon Pigeon on Carpenter Street is the stop for a culinary and alcoholic exploration. Your palette will set out on a lovely voyage that will entice you to come back repeatedly. Neon Pigeon Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 36 Carpenter St, 01-01, Singapore 059915
En Dining
Join En Dining, a renowned Japanese eatery and bar that has charmed Singapore for more than 20 years, on a culinary adventure. This business, which was once known as En Japanese Dining Bar and was founded in 2001 on Mohamed Sultan Road, has developed to enchant fans of Japanese cuisine. En Dining is a paradise for individuals who treasure the essence of Japanese flavours, offering everything from fine seafood to savoury meats and a variety of drinks. They are dedicated to finding the best ingredients, which are regularly and freshly imported from Japan and carefully prepared by their talented chefs to attain culinary perfection.
Their goal is to provide high-quality Japanese and Okinawan cuisine at a reasonable price. Enjoy the special weekday lunch menu before exploring the supper a la carte menu or indulging in the lovely eat-all-you-can a la carte buffet as the sun sets. The room is filled with natural light from floor to ceiling windows, creating a warm atmosphere. With its soft light wood tones artfully matched with black and white mosaic tiles, the décor oozes serenity. Full-height wooden lattice dividers give the space a more upscale feel. Come and experience the history of En Dining, where you'll find a symphony of flavours, beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. Image Credit: En Dining Facebook Page
a. 168 Robinson Rd, 01-10, Singapore 068912
Bam! Restaurant
A unique restaurant called Bam! can be found on Tras Street. This place is the first in Singapore to pay tribute to Modern Shudo, a contemporary approach to enjoying sake, is revolutionising how people eat and drink in different parts of the world's cuisine. Spread across two quaint shop house units at 38-40 Tras Street, Bam! creates a homely atmosphere with warmly lit dining areas, a stunning floor-to-ceiling sake cellar boasting a substantial collection of sake and wine, a private dining area for small gatherings and a bustling open kitchen that transforms your dining experience into an enthralling show.
Omakase dining at Bam! is a journey that is always evolving. Through a culinary journey where each plate is a work of art and every pour of sake is a meticulously selected experience, certified sake sommeliers lead you. Every time you visit, the omakase menu will be a pleasant surprise because it is updated every day. Bam! opens your eyes to a whole new world of tastes and experiences, whether you choose to explore the art of omakase or indulge in a selection of delicious small dishes. Prepare to enjoy a modern blend of culinary prowess and sake appreciation as you drink, savour, and celebrate. Image Credit: Bam! Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 38 Tras St, Singapore 078977
w. www.bam.sg
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