7 Best Izakaya Bars in Singapore for After-work Chill-outs

7 Best Izakaya Bars in Singapore for After-work Chill-outs
7 Best Izakaya Bars in Singapore for After-work Chill-outs
Image: Shunjuu Izakaya

Izakayas are informal drinking establishments that are similar to tapas bars, where patrons can order a range of small dishes to share amongst their group. They are one of the most widespread types of restaurants in Japan and a popular destination for colleagues or friends to gather for post-work drinks or a casual get-together.

If you are looking for the best izakaya in Singapore, look no further because we have prepared this list of izakayas where you can indulge in the finest selection of delectable savory bar bites, smooth sakes, and ice-cold craft beers. This list also includes the only halal Japanese izakaya in Singapore.

Read on for more information about the 7 best izakaya bars in Singapore for after-work chill-outs.

1. Shunjuu Izakaya

Shunjuu Izakaya
Shunjuu Izakaya
Image: Shunjuu Izakaya
  • Best for
    Charcoal-grilled skewers
  • Address
    30 Robertson Quay #01-15 Riverside View

    S238251 Singapore
  • Phone
    +65 8427 8155
  • Opening hours
    Lunch: Daily 12:00 – 14:30

    Dinner:

    Mon to Thu 18:00 – 23:00

    Fri & Sat 18:00 – 23:30

    Sun 17:00 – 22:30
  • Website
  • Email
    shunjuu@shunjuu.com
  • Highlights:

    • 60 types of sake: You can choose from the 60 types of nihonshu or Japanese sake on the menu to pair with your choices of skewers, sashimi, and fried items.
    • Open kitchen concept: You can take in the vibrance of the restaurant and watch the chef in action in the open kitchen amidst the shouts of Japanese greetings from the staff.
    • Multi-awarded izakaya: Shunjuu Izakaya is a proud recipient of multiple industry awards including the Singapore Top Restaurant Award, the Singapore Best Restaurant Award, the Singapore Signature Dish Award, and the Excellence Service Award.

    2. Ikigai Izakaya @ The Riverwalk

    Ikigai Izakaya @ The Riverwalk
    Ikigai Izakaya @ The Riverwalk
    Image: Ikigai Izakaya
  • Best for
    Izakaya with live music on weekends
  • Address
    20 Upper Circular Road, #B1, #01/06 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
  • Phone
    +6567866228
  • Opening hours
    Mon to Fri 16:00 – 00:00

    Sat 16:00 – 4:00

    (Closed on Sun & PH)
  • Website
  • Email
    info@ikigai.sg
  • Highlights:

    • Live music on weekends: If you are a music lover, head on to Ikigai Izakaya on weekends. More than just a dining venue, Ikigai Izakaya is a haven for foodies and music enthusiasts alike.
    • Friendly and attentive staff: Regular customers at Ikigai Izakaya swear by the quality of service that you get. The servers are friendly and very attentive. Some of them have even become friends with the regulars!
    • Wide range of food and drink choices: Ikigai Izakaya offers a wide range of Japanese izakaya treats, from grilled meats and vegetables to hearty appetizers and savory fried bites. They also have a long list of drinks that cater to a variety of preferences.
    • Dine with your fur friends: Ikigai Izakaya is a pet-friendly restaurant. You can drop by the next time you take an afternoon stroll with your furry friends along the river. They even hosted an event for dog owners and their pets last Christmas!

    3. TOMO Izakaya

    TOMO Izakaya
    TOMO Izakaya
    Image: TOMO Izakaya
  • Best for
    Freshly flown ingredients from Japan
  • Address
    3A River Valley Rd #01-04

    Singapore 179020
  • Phone
    +65 6333 0100
  • Opening hours
    Tue to Thu, Sun 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 23:00

    Fri, Sat, PH eve 17:00 – 00:30

    (Closed on Mondays)
  • Website
  • Email
    info@tomoizakaya.com
  • Highlights:

    • Ingredients are fresh from Japan: TOMO Izakaya prides itself in using only the freshest ingredients, air-flown twice weekly from Japan, ensuring that each dish captures the essence of the season.
    • Watch for regular promotions: Both branches regularly offer food and drink deals such as Shuck & Slurp (discounted oysters), 1 for 1 drinks, and special holiday promotions.
    • Happy hours for beers: You can enjoy discounted prices on beers every day from 5 to 7 PM. After 7 PM, all sakes go up to 8 SGD per glass which is still not bad, given the prices of drinks in most Singapore bars.
    • Nightly jazz music: Spice up your izakaya experience with classy live jazz music every night at TOMO Izakaya. Different groups play on separate days daily.

    4. Taki Izakaya Bar @ Collyer Quay

    Taki Izakaya Bar @ Collyer Quay
    Taki Izakaya Bar @ Collyer Quay
    Image: Taki Izakaya Bar @ Collyer Quay
  • Best for
    Izakaya with amazing interiors
  • Address
    16 Collyer Quay #01-05A B, Singapore 049318
  • Phone
    +65 6223 0797
  • Opening hours
    Mon to Fri 11:30 – 23:00

    Sat 17:00 – 23:00
  • Website
  • Email
    info@takibarsg.com
  • Highlights:

    • Jaw-dropping interior: Upon entering the main entrance, visitors are welcomed by 10 grand torii gates that ascend a whimsical “hill”, reminiscent of Japan’s renowned Fushimi Inari shrine. The interior design features a high-definition waterfall that flows between the gates and is illuminated by seven projectors. The waterfall’s appearance will vary with the changing seasons in the future, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the space.
    • Over 100 varieties of alcohol: Aside from the delectable izakaya dishes, Taki Izakaya also offers a vast selection of alcohol, boasting over 100 different varieties. Their impressive collection includes more than 10 types of sake and nearly 20 types of whiskey.
    • Regular special events to watch for: Taki Izakaya Bar loves hosting events, including sake pairings, masterclasses, and beer seminars. Keep your eye out for any of these events for a unique izakaya experience.

    5. Izakaya Hikari

    Izakaya Hikari
    Izakaya Hikari
    Image: Izakaya Hikari
  • Best for
    Value for money
  • Address
    190 Middle Road Fortune Centre #03-01, Singapore 188979
  • Phone
    +65 8921 3779
  • Opening hours
    Mon TO Fri 12:00 – 14:30, 17:30 – 22:30

    Sat 17:00 – 22:30
  • Website
  • Email
    izakayahikari.sg@gmail.com
  • Highlights:

    • A hidden gem at Fortune Centre: Izakaya Hikari often catches diners at Fortune Centre by surprise. The building is known for its vegetarian food restaurants and Izakaya Hikari is a standout tucked away at the 3rd
    • Chat with the chef at the open kitchen: Just like most Japanese izakayas, Izakaya Hikari has an open-concept kitchen where you can get a front-row seat and watch all the action.
    • Friendly and attentive service staff: Izakaya Hikari is usually filled with regular customers who cannot stop raving about the excellent service that you get from the staff.

    6. Nonbei Izakaya

    Nonbei Izakaya
    Nonbei Izakaya
    Image: Nonbei Izakaya
  • Best for
    Authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable rates
  • Address
    282 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058831
  • Phone
    +65 8112 8028
  • Opening hours
    Daily 11:30 - 14:30, 17:00 – 00:00
  • Website
  • Highlights:

    • Authentic Japanese cuisine at affordable rates: The food and sake at Nonbei Izakaya are all reasonably priced without compromising the taste. It is best recommended for the budget-conscious.
    • Air-flown fresh fish from Japan: Nonbei Izakaya takes pride in serving the freshest catch from the seas of Japan. The wide array of fresh sashimi options will surely stimulate your taste buds.
    • Daily happy hour specials: Nonbei Izakaya offers 1-for-1 specials on Japanese beer every day. They also offer other promotions from time to time. Do watch out for their regular promos so you can get a better bang for your buck when dining in.

    7. Daya Izakaya Halal Japanese

    Daya Izakaya Halal Japanese
    Daya Izakaya Halal Japanese
    Image: Daya Izakaya
  • Best for
    Affordable halal Japanese cuisine
  • Address
    254 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799481
  • Phone
    +65 8321 5242
  • Opening hours
    Daily 11:30 – 22:30
  • Website
  • Email
    admin@dayaizakaya.com
  • Highlights:

    • Muslim-owned restaurant: Daya Izakaya was founded by four friends in December 2020. It is a duly certified Muslim-owned establishment by the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
    • Automated ordering system: Ordering your food is fast and easy with Daya Izakaya’s fully automated ordering system. The staff will readily assist you if you need help.
    • Generous food servings: Daya Izakaya is popular for its generous servings at affordable prices. You can share with your companions and maybe even have enough leftovers to take home.

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