The rising popularity of izakayas in Singapore is no surprise, especially with Singapore’s growing bar scene that sees drinking holes in all forms and themes.

An Izakaya is essentially Japan’s equivalent to a Spanish tapas bar where you get to dine and drink under one roof. The answer to the woes of the Japanese working class, Izakayas are seen as a haven where people can go to after work to enjoy a tipple, snack on some food and unwind with their mates.

Whether it is an ice-cold beer you crave or something a little more punchy, here are 10 Izakaya bars in Singapore for you to unwind, get fed or simply to drown out your sorrows.

#1 EN BAR

Previously known as En Grill & Bar, En Bar—located along Mohamed Sultan Road—is a contemporary bar and lounge where you are greeted with a selection of Asian and Western tapas and a neat range of Japanese alcohol such as Sake Shochu, Awamori, wines and spirits.

If you are keen on trying something new, do approach their bartenders for a unique cocktail concoction!

#2 FIVE IZAKAYA

Besides their enticing S$5 beer promotions, FIVE Izakaya is a pretty solid place to catch up with friends or colleagues over some yummy grub. Alcohol never runs dry here but perhaps one of the more underrated qualities of this long-time establishment is its food.

From bar bites to authentic Japanese fare, their food offerings are massive.

5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-66/67
Changi City Point
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6604 8255
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Expo

Photo credit: IZAKAYA 95

#3 IZAKAYA 95

Despite being tucked all the way at The Punggol Settlement, Izakaya 95 is worth a visit.

The izakaya dishes out a wide variety of tasty Japanese food which includes yakitori and did we mention the happy hour promotions that happen all night long? You get to enjoy drinks from S$9.50 onwards!

3 Punggol Point #02-05
The Punggol Settlement,
Singapore 828694
Tel: +65 6384 1132
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 1pm – 1am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#4 IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Nestled on the second level of Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Nijumaru is possibly one of the oldest Japanese eateries around—we’re talking about over 3 decades! From the old-school interior to the wall murals, Izakaya Nijumaru is bound to have you reminiscing your times in Japan.

This cosy eatery serves up an extensive range of Japanese food at really affordable prices. Drink choices are limited but rest assured that thirsty tipplers will still be able to get their fill of sake.

5 Koek Road, #02- 228796
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 JINZAKAYA

A hidden gem with pretty affordable food, JINzakaya is known for its wide range of grilled delicacies, including everyone’s favourite yakitori. Crowd pleasers include their juicy grilled chicken thigh, tender pork belly slices, and fresh scallops wrapped in bacon—all of which go incredibly well with an ice-cold beer.

Drinks wise, one can choose from more than 10 different types of sake, shochu and beer.

Connexion at Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Owen Link, #01-08/10
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6443 1173
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#6 MO’MOR IZAKAYA

Nestled in the cosy enclave of Tanglin—right on the outskirts of the bustling Orchard district—this contemporary establishment fuses Japanese and European elements together to present a stunning menu featuring mainly tapas and grills.

Other than being aesthetically-pleasing, the quality of their food is also top-notch and go perfectly well with in-house tipples.

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56 Tanglin Road
#B1-01 Tanglin Post Office
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 NEON PIGEON

This quaint Japanese fusion restaurant located along the restaurant-laden Keong Saik Road brims with cool indie vibes that just scream out at you as you walk by—and we’re not just talking about the literal neon pink pigeon at its doorway.

The recipes here take on a modern twist and are sure to intrigue as well as delight. There is also a curated menu of artistic cocktails that pair beautifully with their outstanding nosh.

1 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 3623
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#8 SHIROKANE TORI-TAMA

If you’re a fan of grilled skewers—or more specifically, yakitori—then this outpost of the Tokyo-based Toritama group is one to visit. Choose from a selection of over 20 chicken parts—all grilled to tender, smoky perfection.

While you soak up the aromas, feel free to knock back a cold one or even a sake.

11 Unity Street,
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6836 5680
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

#9 SHUKUU IZAKAYA & SAKE BAR

Tanjong Pagar may be home to quite a number of izakayas but perhaps one of the standouts is Shukuu Izakaya & Sake Bar. This traditional Japanese restaurant exudes a laid-back vibe that nicely complements the Japanese fare served here.

Along with its remarkable service and accessible location, this spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups—time to round up the entire office!

8 Stanley Street
Singapore 068727
Tel: +65 6327 9240
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#10 SHUNJUU IZAKAYA

Located along Robertson Quay, Shunjuu Izakaya is a riverfront izakaya that serves up mainly skewers and outrageously affordable sake.

With an incredible variety of 70 grilled skewers and just about 60 different kinds of Japanese sake to choose from, every visit remains a refreshing experience!

30 Robertson Quay
#01-15 Riverside View
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6887 3577
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

It is tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza and you wouldn’t otherwise walk past it unless you were particularly looking out for it. The nondescript outlet has been around for three decades. We actually only discovered it about seven years ago but it has since remained as a favourite of ours whenever we want a simple, affordable Japanese meal in Orchard Road.

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) in Cuppage Plaza.

But if you find it, we say you walk right in and treat yourselves to a good Japanese meal. You’d be pleased to know that the prices are very reasonable and the menu is comprehensive.

Izakaya Nijumaru will have you reminiscing your times in Japan. The traditional setting—complete with dim lights, counter seats, seasonal menu handwritten in Japanese and plastered over the chef’s counter, fortune cats and beer taps—instantly made us feel like we have stepped into a Japanese izakaya. No frills, no pretence; Izakaya Nijumaru’s ambience hits all the right spots.

Then, there is a huge menu with many Japanese favourites that will spoil you silly. Set lunches start as low as S$9 for an Omelette Egg Rice to S$25 for an Unagi Bento Box complete with sashimi and miso soup.

For the in-betweens, go for the Buta Shioyaki Set (S$13), Deep Fried Pork Fillet (S$13) or Tendon (S$13). We are crazy about tempura bowls and the Tendon here didn’t disappoint. An assortment of prawns and vegetables served atop Japanese rice, this hearty bowl is something we’d return to Izakaya Nijumaru for.

The most value-for-money set and the one we loved most is the Nijumaru Bento Box (S$21) that comprises sashimi, grilled saba, pork belly, tempura and miso soup. The pork belly, in particular, was super flavourful and the grilled saba was fresh and sweet.

There is a concise sashimi moriawase selection, a series of simmered dishes such as Chawan Mushi (S$5.50) and Oden (S$9), and a whole page of grilled items (think xxx and xxx).

Japanese food wouldn’t be complete without a good beer or whisky and over at Izakaya Nijumaru, the beverage list is pretty well-curated in their own rights, too.

Izakaya Nijumaru
5 Koek Rd, #02- 228796, 10 Cuppage Rd
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Established since 2007, Bar Bar Black Sheep (BBBS) is our favourite bistro-with-a-coffee-shop-setting when we need an affordable yet hearty meal. For the uninitiated, it has a coffee shop setting because there are multiple kitchens whipping up cuisines of different sorts. But the convenience is having a combined menu and single payment.

The new branch at Holland Village – its 5th outlet – might just become our favourite one yet, because it is with a Japanese twist and is more like an izakaya; think a line-up of Japanese fare and a wide selection of sake and beers. That’s comfort level 100% – for both our tastebuds and wallet.

Staying true to Bar Bar Black Sheep’s philosophy of serving affordable comfort food in a casual and chill-out setting, every dish on the Japanese izakaya menu is well priced under S$15. It is fuss-free, and the prices are unbelievably affordable, you’d do a double take and wonder if you were really at a bistro or a coffee shop!

And, guess what? Set lunches are only S$10 nett! Every reason to make a trip down to Bar Bar Black Sheep at Holland Village. If you need some recommendations on what to order, we will share them with you in just a bit!

So, let’s recap how Bar Bar Black Sheep’s concept works – you pick whatever you want from the extensive menu, both drinks and food, and the various kitchens will prep your orders, and you pay for them in a single bill upon leaving. Even if you go with a bunch of friends who all have a taste for different cuisines, orders can be placed together and payment can be made together too.

The usual Bar Bar Black Sheep has Northern Indian, Thai and Western kitchens. But at the all-new Holland Village outlet, expect a large Japanese menu of comfort snacks and main courses. That is on top of its Northern Indian Cuisine and Western cuisine, of course. You will be spoilt with drinks choices too, but that is for later part of our story.

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP JAPANESE IZAKAYA

Let us first share with you some of our favourites from the new Japanese menu. First up is the Teriyaki Chicken (S$7.90) – a unanimous decision among us for its succulent chicken thigh with sweet teriyaki sauce. Nothing fanciful about this dish. In fact, it is not even photogenic! But we assure you it is one item you must try.

There are other teriyaki items that are splendid for sharing too, and if you love scallops as much as we do, go for the Scallop Teriyaki (S$10.90) – plump, juicy treasure of the sea, stir-fried with signature teriyaki sauce, onions and shiitake mushrooms.

Then, there is the donburi section. A good donburi is one that is filling and comforting. No frills too; just a simple bowl of rice and your preferred meat. Among the many options, we liked the Unagi Don. At only S$13.90, it is unbelievably affordable and you get a decent serving of grilled eel atop premium Japanese rice and pickles. We often gripe about the lack of affordable unajyu in Singapore, but Bar Bar, thank you for hearing our cries! We will be back for this!

Other dons that are worth ordering are Ribeye Beef Don (S$12.90), Omurice (S$10.90) and Curry Katsu Don (S$11.90). Aren’t they all so astoundingly affordable?

Over on the yakitori column, we got so excited because, what is there to not love about Japanese skewers? They make great beer snacks, too. Of all the sticks, we loved the Mentai Scallop (S$6.90) best. Other classic skewers include the Pork Belly + Leek (S$4.90), Shiitake Mushrooms (S$4.90) and Ishiyaki Beef (S$7.90). All prices stated are for a serving of two sticks.

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP INDIAN & EUROPEAN KITCHENS

As mentioned, Bar Bar Black Sheep at Holland Village also has the usual European and Northern Indian kitchens. Oh, how can we miss the Butter Chicken (S$12)? A stellar signature all these years, a serving of Butter Chicken is marvelous with naans of your choice – prices range from S$2.40 to S$6. But of course, we’d grab beer with our chicken too. Now, we just need Real Madrid to score that goal and our nights would be perfect.

Or would you prefer to spend your night with burgers? Hanging out with the bros mean you need badass burgers and beers, and sure, Bar Bar Black Sheep has a list of gourmet burgers. The bestseller is the Sautéed Mushroom + Bacon Cheeseburger that is served with a sunny side-up egg and fries and coleslaw. At S$16.90, this is bang for your buck.

Other Western dishes that are exclusive to the Holland Village outlet are the Seafood Pizza (S$12.90), Crispy Duck Confit (S$24.90), Scandi Salmon (S$19.90) and Squid Ink Pasta with Tiger Prawns (S$14.90).

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP S$10 (NETT) WEEKDAY SET LUNCH

If you pop by Bar Bar Black Sheep at Holland Village during lunch hours, you will be in for great deals. At S$10nett, the lunch sets are absolute value for money. Unpretentious food with a delighting price tag; this is life’s simple pleasure.

All three kitchens have something to offer for lunch, and the options include Enchiladas, Aglio Olio, Tuna Melt Sandwich, Curry Chicken Don, Grilled Yakitori Don with three skewers, Pork Katsu Soba. There is also a vegetarian set – the Vegetarian Rice with Paneer Aloo Gobi.

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP DRINKS PROMOTION + LIVE BAND

All you beer drinkers, listen up. The Bar Bar Black Sheep outlet at Holland Village offers Asahi Dry and Asahi Black beers on tap. More booze options include a selection of Japanese single malt whiskies, sakes and shochus.

The happiest hours are on Mondays from 5:30pm to 8pm. It is S$5 Beer Night, and it is valid on all draft by glass. Then, there is the S$39 Bucket Specials of any four bottled beers (except HobGoblin, GreenGoblin Cider, Weston Organic and Vintage Ciders). Oh Jesus, as if Monday needs any more validation for drinking!

On Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 8pm, the Japanese night at Bar Bar Black Sheep Holland Village offers 1-for-1 on sparkling sakes, umeshu, and Japanese single malts – prices start from S$10 nett! All promotional prices quoted are nett, so there is no GST and further service charges applied.

Bar Bar Black Sheep Holland Village Outlet’s resident live band, Dynamic Wanderers will also be performing their favourite acoustic hits daily from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm onwards.

Bar Bar Black Sheep
17D Lorong Liput
Holland Village
Tel: +65 6463 2161
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by Bar Bar Black Sheep.