Looking to unwind over a large variety of sakes or whiskies while indulging in some tapas, yakitori or some good Japanese food? With Izakayas growing in popularity as a spot for after-work drinks and chill out, we have hunted down the best bars and restaurants for your top-notch sake, cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar bites.
Pop by our list of recommended hidden izakayas in Singapore, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the relaxing, chill-out vibes while you hit the bottles.
1. Hokkaido Izakaya
For an authentic Hokkaido dining experience, head over to Hokkaido Izakaya. This genuine Japanese diner serves quality Hokkaido dishes using fresh ingredients specially imported from 4 cities in Hokkaido – Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano and Kamishihoro. For drinks, diners will be delighted by the bar’s range of wines, sakes and beers directly sourced from Hokkaido. Recommended on the list is the Jyosen Kunimare Sake – made from Hokkaido rice or their Tantakatan Shochu.
Hokkaido Izakaya
Address: 95 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088516
Contact: 65 6221 7118
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-12am, Sun/PH 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm
2. Bar Ippudo
This recently opened bar by the famed Ippudo ramen brand specialises in over 80 Japanese sake labels. These sake labels are from more than 20 sake breweries from Japan. With such a large variety, Bar Ippudo caters to both retail and dine-in customers. With tons of Japanese bar bites to everyone’s favourite Hakata-style ramen, you’ll always have something to pair with your sakes.
This minimalist 12-seater bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy yet intimate sake dining experience.
Bar Ippudo
Address: 9 Bras Basah Road, RendezVous Hotel Gallery, #02-02A, Singapore 189559
Contact: 65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm
3. Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar
Up for some Japanese-Spanish tapas delightfully paired with Sake? At Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar, sake is paired with Spanish-influenced food instead of other liquors. Apparently, sake is a great accompaniment to Spanish food as well! Located at the heart of Tanjong Pagar, this bar has an industrial-themed design. With such laid-back vibes, this is a nice place for after-work dinner and drinks, and chill out. Do make a reservation before heading down as it is always full house!
Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar
Address: 38 Tras St, Singapore 078977
Contact: 65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm
4. JINzakaya
Tucked at a backstreet off Rangoon Road beside its sister concept restaurant Sushi Jin, lies the new retro-chic JINzakaya. JINzakaya is a small quaint restaurant refurnished as an old Tokyo train station with Japanese commercials playing in the background. The restaurant displays retro posters on dark walls and uses rustic wooden furniture. Choose to dine at the main dining area or simply sit at the counter seat to watch chefs prepare your food.
JINzakaya offers a wide range of yakimono (grilled items), bar bites, and noodles in its cosy small restaurant. For drinks to go along, try their Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo Tamasakae for a refreshing and slightly tangy taste. If you appreciate a good Japanese meal with a dose of sake, this intimate restaurant is highly recommend! Do book before coming as space at JINzakaya is limited.
JINzakaya
Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Road, #01-08/10 Owen Link, Singapore 217562
Contact: 65 62443 1173
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm-3pm; 7pm-11pm
5. Neon Pigeon
Located at the hip enclave of Keong Saik Road lies Neon Pigeon. Serving up Japanese small plates to go along with its lists of craft sakes and other liqueurs, this restaurant is fit for both after-work drinks and intimate dates. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere. Its interior has a funky vibe as its decor is a mix of industrial concrete and wood. Huge graffiti murals adorn the walls.
Their artistic cocktails are to die for. Try their house signature “Throw a Kyuri-ken” which is a refreshing mix of vodka tossed with cucumber. If you prefer sticking to sake, the bar’s special in-house junmai daiginjo sake features a lighter taste that pairs well with food. With a huge crowd flocking to this well-loved restaurant, do make a reservation to secure the best seats! What’s more, what we love about Neon Pigeon is their no-service-charge policy!
Neon Pigeon
Address: 1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109
Contact: 65 6222 3623
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-12am, Closed on Sun
6. Izakaya 95
Looking for a no-frills, relaxing place to enjoy good Japanese dishes with perfectly matched Japanese beers, whiskies, sakes and shochus? This hidden gem at Punggol settlement has it all! At Izakaya 95, wind down to a relaxing seafront view and enjoy bar food and traditional charcoal grill dishes paired with premium beers and a wide selection of alcohol. Try their Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai Sake for a smooth, clean and crisp light body with unami.
Though this location is quite inaccessible, it is certainly well-worth the trip! Do note that driving to Izakaya 95 would be the best way to get there.
Izakaya 95
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-05 The Punggol Settlement
Contact: 65 6384 1132
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri/PH eve 5pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-1am, Sun/PH 12.30am-12am
There’s so much more to look forward to after a hard day of work. Call your friends, book a reservation at one of these spots and unwind to great food and drinks!
(Header Image by JINzakaya Facebook Page, edited by writer)
Also read: Wind Down Your Week – 6 Whisky Bars All Whisky Lovers Must Visit
