Best Izakaya Singapore: 10 Must-Try Japanese Bars (2026)

Few places embody the spirit of Japanese nightlife like izakayas. These casual Japanese bars serve as popular venues for after-work drinks or longer dining sessions with friends. Singapore has a growing number of izakayas that go beyond the usual yakitori and sake.

If you're exploring the best izakaya in Singapore, here are 10 Japanese bars and izakayas to consider for 2026.

1. Neon Pigeon – For a Modern Izakaya Experience

If you're looking for one of the best izakaya in Singapore that serves modern Japanese cuisine and Japanese-inspired cocktails in a cosy but lively venue, Neon Pigeon is a must-visit. This Carpenter Street speciality izakaya draws inspiration from Tokyo's izakayas with a contemporary take on izakaya fare and drinks.

The restaurant offers an array of shareable izakaya-style small plates including charcoal-grilled kushiyaki, sashimi, sushi rolls and Japanese-inspired plates using premium ingredients like A5 wagyu and Hokkaido bafun uni.

Meanwhile, the bar menu features creative cocktails that use Japanese ingredients like sake, shochu, yuzu and umeshu and has been named one of the World's 50 Best Discovery bars.

Why go: For a Japanese night out with an emphasis on excellent food and cocktails.

2. Shinya Izakaya – For Late Night Dining

Shinya Izakaya at Boat Quay is a great choice if you want to extend your night out. The restaurant specialises in air-flown sashimi, charcoal-grilled yakitori, dry-aged fish, sake and more and stays open until 3am daily.

Why go: For Japanese food, drinks and riverfront views.

3. Tora Tora Tora – For Sake And Seafood

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant in Singapore offers a rooftop izakaya experience at Oxley Bizhub that combines sashimi, sushi, izakaya favourites and charcoal-grilled fare with an extensive sake and whisky list.

Why go: For seafood, izakaya fare and a large sake selection.

4. Shukuu Japanese Izakaya And Bar – For A Post-Work Drink

Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Bar on Stanley Street is a great izakaya near the CBD for after-work drinks. The restaurant serves Japanese food and drinks in a casual bar setup.

Why go: For a casual dinner or post-work Japanese food and drinks.

5. Izakaya Yoppi – For Authentic Japanese Flavours

Izakaya Yoppi is a Japanese-style izakaya on Neil Road that specialises in Japanese ingredients and seasonal produce. The menu features Japanese classics like yakitori, yakimono, donburi, noodles and more.

Why go: For a wide variety of Japanese comfort food and sake.

6. Shako-Ba – For A Vibrant Night Out

Shako-Ba SG is a fun-loving izakaya that brings a unique blend of neon lights, traditional and modern Japanese fare. Inspired by the Japanese word Shako that means socialising, the Daruma-themed bar offers creative izakaya fare.

Why go: For an energetic outing and creative Japanese food.

7. Take Kushiyaki – For Skewer Enthusiasts

Take Kushiyaki, a Japanese izakaya restaurant that is a great choice if you're a fan of kushiyaki or Japanese skewers. The restaurant's menu is skewer-centric, making it a great choice for sharing skewers and izakaya fare over drinks.

Why go: When you want to try Japanese skewers.

8. Hachimaru Izakaya – For A Late Evening

Hachimaru Izakaya on Beach Road is another great izakaya for late-night dining. The venue's late closing hours make it a great choice for a night out that extends beyond a traditional dinner.

Why go: For a casual Japanese meal that can be stretched into a late-night adventure.

9. Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar – For Yakitori

Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar in Kampong Bahru serves Japanese yakitori and izakaya fare. The izakaya-bar setup makes it a great choice for casual dining and drinking.

Why go: For a simple yakitori-focused izakaya.

10. Daikoku Japanese Izakaya – For Yakitori Fans

Daikoku Japanese Izakaya in Telok Ayer specialises in yakitori and izakaya fare. It also occupies a prime location near the CBD.

Why go: For yakitori and a traditional izakaya experience.

Finding The Best Izakaya In Singapore For You

Depending on your preferences, some Japanese bars are better for late-night drinks, while others have a yakitori focus or serve modern Japanese fare. If you're looking for something more contemporary, Neon Pigeon izakaya in Carpenter Street delivers on food and cocktails, complemented by a lively atmosphere.

So whichever izakaya you choose, make sure to have a memorable night out at one of Singapore's best Japanese bars.