The ‘Kanpai’ List: Best Izakaya Singapore for Expats (Order This, Skip That)
We’ve spent the last three years navigating Singapore’s incredibly dense dining scene, and if there is one question we get asked constantly by newly arrived expats, it’s this: “Where is a good, unintimidating izakaya?” We’ve tried over 30 izakayas across the island over this timeframe, from hidden, smoke-filled basements in Cuppage Plaza to polished, high-end spots in the Central Business District, to figure out which ones actually welcome newcomers without sacrificing authenticity.
For first-timers, stepping into an authentic Japanese izakaya can be surprisingly overwhelming. The menus are massive, the sake lists are often entirely in Japanese, and the unwritten rules of ordering (start with light bites, move to skewers, end with carbs) can feel opaque if you aren’t used to pub-style dining. You want a place with a lively, welcoming atmosphere where you can comfortably shout “Kanpai!” with your friends, without feeling like you are breaking a hidden dining rule.
If you’re also interested in exploring other authentic Asian dining experiences, check out our guide to Authentic Chinese Tea Houses in Singapore We’d Actually Bring Friends To for a cozy and cultural tea time outing.
That is exactly why we created this list. These four spots offer the perfect balance of incredible food, approachable menus, and that authentic, energetic atmosphere that makes you want to order just one more highball. Grab a cold, refreshing towel, loosen your tie, and let’s dive into the best beginner-friendly izakayas in Singapore.
1. Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Bar (CBD / Telok Ayer) — Best Izakaya Singapore Serving Traditional Izakaya Cuisine
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT18) ~5‑7 min walk
Price: $$ (approx. ~S$20–$40 per pax)
Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Bar is a friendly traditional izakaya in the heart of the CBD, offering an authentic izakaya experience with traditional izakaya cuisine. The cozy space filled with the smoky scent of binchotan grill and lively chatter sets the perfect tone for an enjoyable meal.
The menu offers an extensive selection of small plates, such as the must-try Kani Gratin with mentaiko and the Rosti Mentai, a crispy mushroom delight. Their kushiyaki skewers, especially the pork jowl, offer a smoky perfection that melts in your mouth, while the comforting miso soup ties the meal together.
The Expat’s Pick: Casual after-work drinks at a sake bar, intimate date nights, and sake pairings with knowledgeable chefs.
Skip This Spot If: You have a large appetite and are on a strict budget; the tapas-style portions add up quickly.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Ask for sake pairing recommendations to discover unique sake labels that elevate the flavors of sashimi and grilled skewers.
2. Hachimaru Izakaya (Kampong Glam / Beach Road) — A Hidden Gem for Japanese Izakaya Lovers
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC5) ~5 min walk
Price: $ (approx. ~S$20–$50 per pax)
Hachimaru Izakaya is a hidden gem in Singapore’s izakaya scene, offering a lively atmosphere and traditional izakaya cuisine. It’s perfect for groups who want to share fun, tasty dishes like yakitori skewers and fresh sashimi.
Their menu features hearty dishes like buta kakuni (slow-cooked pork belly) and jaga mentaiko (spicy, creamy potato). The rustic decor and dim lighting add to the authentic izakaya experience, evoking the feel of Tokyo’s bustling backstreets.
The Expat’s Pick: Group dinners, casual Friday gatherings, and first-time izakaya adventures.
Skip This Spot If: You prefer a quiet, formal dining setting.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Pair your skewers with an ice-cold beer or a classic highball for the quintessential izakaya vibe.
3. Izakaya Yoppi (Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park) — Modern Japanese Food with an Extensive Menu
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE18) ~5‑7 min walk
Price: $ (approx. ~S$15–$35 per pax)
Izakaya Yoppi stands out for its extensive menu, offering both traditional izakaya dishes and Japanese food staples like donburi, ramen, and sushi. It’s a great spot for first-timers who want to explore Japanese izakaya culture without sticking solely to small plates and skewers.
Must-try dishes include the Tosa Tofu, a silky, savory starter, and the wagyu steak donburi, with tender beef resting atop perfectly seasoned rice. The versatility of the menu makes it perfect for both lunch and dinner.
The Expat’s Pick: First-time izakaya diners looking for a variety of dishes beyond grilled meat.
Skip This Spot If: You want a purely traditional izakaya atmosphere focused on drinks and small plates.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Start with the Tosa Tofu and pair it with a warm cup of green tea or a light highball.
4. Tono Izakaya Singapore (Marina Bay) — A Sake Bar and Japanese Izakaya for Professionals
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place / Downtown (3‑5 min walk)
Price: $$ (approx. ~S$30–$50 per pax)
Located in the heart of Singapore’s financial district, Tono Izakaya offers a refined yet approachable sake bar and Japanese izakaya experience. The restaurant serves yakitori, kushiyaki, and fresh sashimi, making it an ideal spot for professionals seeking a relaxing post-work meal.
Don’t miss their unagi don, featuring caramelized eel glazed with sweet soy sauce, and the seared engawa don, which is prized for its delicate texture and rich flavor.
The Expat’s Pick: Professionals looking for a convenient spot for after-work yakitori and drinks.
Skip This Spot If: You’re looking for a late-night izakaya or a bustling pub scene.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Start with the unagi don before sampling lighter skewers and sake selections.
5. Neon Pigeon (Keong Saik Road) — Modern, Creative Twist to Japanese Izakaya Dining
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE4) ~7 min walk
Price: $$–$$$ (approx. ~S$30–$60 per pax)
Neon Pigeon offers a modern, creative twist to Japanese izakaya dining. Known for inventive dishes like foie gras-topped duck gyoza and wagyu tsukune skewers, it blends bold flavors with an industrial-chic decor and a lively bar atmosphere.
Their expertly crafted cocktails and curated sake list are perfect companions for their creative Japanese food offerings. The vibrant ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a fun night out with friends.
The Expat’s Pick: A fun night out with friends, trying creative izakaya dishes and drinks.
Skip This Spot If: You prefer a quiet, traditional izakaya.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Don’t miss the foie gras duck gyoza and make sure to pair it with a signature cocktail or sake for a complete experience.
6. Shunjuu Izakaya (Robertson Quay) — A Public Izakaya for Seafood Lovers
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5) ~5 min walk
Price: $$–$$$ (approx. ~S$30–$50 per pax)
For seafood lovers, Shunjuu Izakaya at Robertson Quay offers seasonal produce and fresh sashimi flown in directly from Japan. The public izakaya offers a waterfront dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet lively dining atmosphere.
Grilled skewers like golden mushroom rolls and tsukune meatballs are complemented by a selection of over 60 sake labels.
The Expat’s Pick: Enjoying fresh sashimi and skewers by the river, perfect for seafood lovers.
Skip This Spot If: You’re looking for a quieter, more intimate setting.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Ask for the seasonal sashimi platter to sample the best fresh produce available.
7. Zenryoku Izakaya (Upper Thomson Road) — A Lively Izakaya for Sharing and Traditional Japanese Fare
Nearest MRT: Marymount (CC16) ~15 min walk
Price: $$ (approx. ~S$25–$40 per pax)
Zenryoku Izakaya on Upper Thomson Road offers a lively atmosphere with smoky grilled kushiyaki, hearty donburi bowls, and an extensive sake selection. Built for sharing, it’s the perfect spot for groups of friends to indulge in a feast of traditional izakaya cuisine.
The welcoming space invites diners to relax and savor fresh, traditional Japanese food while sipping on their favorite sake or beer.
The Expat’s Pick: Sharing hearty izakaya dishes with friends in a lively setting.
Skip This Spot If: You prefer a more intimate, quiet dining experience.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Order the tsukune skewers and pair them with sake for the best traditional izakaya experience.
8. Izakaya Hikari (Fortune Centre) — A Hidden Gem Serving Traditional Izakaya Cuisine
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW12/DT14) ~5‑7 min walk
Price: $ (approx. ~S$15–$30 per pax)
Izakaya Hikari is a hidden gem among Japanese restaurants in Singapore, offering an authentic izakaya experience with a cozy and inviting ambiance. The menu features traditional izakaya cuisine, including yakitori, fresh sashimi, and comforting dishes like aburi mentaiko gyoza and miso soup.
With its relaxed atmosphere and well-curated sake selection, Izakaya Hikari offers an affordable yet high-quality option for first-timers seeking to experience Japanese food in a friendly setting.
The Expat’s Pick: Casual dining for first-time izakaya diners, solo meals, and group gatherings.
Skip This Spot If: You prefer a more upscale or trendy setting.
Pro Tip From The Pros: Try the Aburi Mentaiko Gyoza for a smoky, savory appetizer that pairs beautifully with chilled sake.
Choosing Your Ideal Izakaya Japanese Restaurant
An izakaya is so much more than just a Japanese restaurant; it is a cultural experience centered around unwinding, sharing, and savoring the moment. It is about the clinking of glasses, the smell of charcoal smoke, and the joy of ordering just one more plate of something delicious.
Whether you are seeking the artisanal sake pairings at Shukuu, the boisterous beer-and-skewer energy at Hachimaru, the comforting rice bowls at Yoppi, or the convenient post-work escape at Tono, Singapore has an izakaya tailored for you. Don’t be intimidated by the menus or the language barriers. Grab a few friends, order a plate of edamame, raise your glasses, and enjoy your first taste of izakaya culture as you navigate the Expat Life. Kanpai!
