10 Best Izakaya In SG For Meetups With The Ladies 

An izakaya is a Japanese-style bar/pub that is primarily focused on drinking and socializing, with food served as small, shareable plates (like tapas) to be consumed with the drinks. It’s much more casual, often louder, and the menu is typically diverse, featuring items like grilled skewers (yakitori), fried items (karaage, tempura), and sashimi.

A traditional Japanese restaurant, conversely, usually focuses on a specific cuisine (like sushi, tempura, or fine-dining kaiseki) and offers a more formal, sit-down dining experience with larger, individual main courses.

In Singapore, while not universal, some izakayas may levy a small, mandatory seating or cover charge, often disguised as a small appetizer called otoshi or tsukidashi. This small dish is served once you are seated and is included in your bill as a standard practice inherited from Japan. It’s always best to check the menu or ask the staff if a seating charge applies.

The menu is designed for variety and sharing!

• Food: Yakitori (grilled skewers, especially chicken thigh momo, chicken meatballs tsukune), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Sashimi (for a refreshing contrast), Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and Edamame (for a quick beer snack) are staples.
  
• Drinks: Common choices are draught Japanese beer (often served nama or cold), Sake (served chilled or warm), and Highballs (whisky and soda). Many Singaporean izakayas also offer Japanese-inspired cocktails or chuhai (shochu-based mixed drinks).

Izakayas in Singapore can range from budget-friendly to high-end. Generally, a casual dinner experience including a few drinks and multiple shared plates typically falls between $40 to $70+ per person.

Lunch deals, if available, are often more affordable, sometimes starting from $15 to $20 for a set. The final price heavily depends on the amount and type of alcohol consumed and whether you order premium items like quality sashimi or Wagyu beef.

Yes, izakayas are designed for a communal and lively atmosphere, making them highly suitable for group gatherings and after-work socializing with colleagues or friends. Many locations offer communal tables or counter seating, and the shared-plate style encourages interaction.

It’s highly recommended to make a reservation for groups, especially on weekday evenings and weekends.

No, you do not have to order alcoholic drinks. While izakayas are fundamentally drinking establishments, they usually offer a range of non-alcoholic options, such as soft drinks, juices, and Japanese teas (like iced Oolong tea or green tea). However, be aware that you will still likely be charged the mandatory otoshi seating fee, if one is in place.

Unlike a quiet, formal Japanese restaurant, izakayas generally have a lively, bustling, and sometimes loud atmosphere.

The setting is intentionally casual, often with warm lighting, wood accents, and a constant hum of conversation and laughter.

It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and be a bit boisterous without worrying about being too disruptive.

This is a common question, as both involve skewers! Yakitori literally means “grilled chicken” and strictly refers to skewers made only with chicken parts (thigh, skin, heart, etc.).

Kushiyaki is the broader, general term that means “skewered and grilled,” and it includes skewers made from all other ingredients, such as pork, beef, seafood, and vegetables. At most izakayas, you will find a dedicated section for both on the menu.

These Japanese terms refer to all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat promotions, respectively. Nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) is a popular offering at izakayas, often for a set period (e.g., 90 or 120 minutes) and a fixed price, allowing patrons to enjoy unlimited drinks from a select menu.

Tabehodai (all-you-can-eat) is less common but can sometimes be found, especially at chain-style or buffet izakayas. These packages offer great value if you plan to consume a lot of drinks or food.

While the focus is on small, shared plates, most izakayas in Singapore do offer a selection of heavier items to finish the meal, such as grilled rice balls (yaki onigiri), rice bowls (donburi), or simple noodle dishes (like ramen or udon). These are traditionally ordered at the end of the evening to satisfy the appetite after drinking, rather than at the start.