Izakaya is the new buzzword in F&B. A place offering sashimi, sake and sights – what could be better? We round up 5 of the best Izakaya restaurants in town
Fun fact: Do you know the word “izakaya” consists of two Japanese words? The first is “i”, which means to stay and “sakaya”, which denotes a sake shop. The term originated from sake shops that allowed customers to kick back and relax on the premises as they drink.
So put your feet up and look forward to a night of unwinding – after you book yourself a reservation at one of those hot spots!
Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya
Perched on top of Orchard Central, Sumiya tops my list for their stunning view. Sit your company at one of their outdoor tables and sip on your sake as you revel in the beautiful sight of Orchard below, glistening with lights and bustling with festivities. Oh, and did I mention how delightfully strong their sake offerings are? Good drinks demand good views!
Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya, 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central, #12-02, Singapore 238896
Tomo Izakaya Restaurant
Tomo Izakaya draws a mix of crowds at their Clarke Quay branch. From businessmen to students, this place holds a strong appeal. It is definitely worthy of patronage – their painstaking effort to collect a myriad of memorabilia to ignite a Japanese atmosphere throughout the restaurant is commendable. The drinks here are slightly higher priced than the average.
Tomo Izakaya, 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-04, Singapore 179020
FIVE Izakaya Bar
Five Izakaya declares a beer at any point at $5, which explains the inspiration behind their name. Five also puts great effort to ensure their bar looks fantastic inside out. Very rarely is an outdoor seating more intricate than indoors – Five impresses with a stunning pavilion accompanying their outdoor bar. With such a perfected ambiance, it is no wonder Five remains vastly popular despite the multitudes of izakayas popping up.
Five Izakaya Bar, 16 Collyer Quay #01-05B Singapore 049318
Shunjuu Izakaya
Shunjuu Izakaya sees a never-ending bustle due to their stragetic location in the Central Business District. The idea of izakaya can get tedious after a while – Shunjunn izakaya livens that up by serving their signature sakes in little box-cups instead of the usual bamboo strips! They offer casual cuisine as well.
Shunjuu Izakaya, 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View, Singapore 238251
Katanashi
Katanashi is a hugely popular, cozy izakaya along Boat Quay. They have a menu that refreshes itself every once in a while with new, weekly dishes handmade by the chefs. They also stock an impressive selection of sakes, with the sparkling sake being the most raved about by customers.
Katanashi, 77 Boat Quay, Singapore 049865
By Nicole Lee
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