Grab your mates and say “kanpai” over countless glasses of sake at these bars in Singapore.
We can’t get enough of Japanese imports – from sushi to ramen to omakase experiences. But on the boozy side, the local drinks scene has got you covered with plenty of sake spots. Wanna let the good times roll? Make a beeline for these splendid sake bars in Singapore and get your fix of the delightfully refreshing rice liquor.
Best sake bars in Singapore
1. Takeshi-San
If you’re looking to impress your entourage, this charming izakaya in Holland Village is a surefire bet. The visually aesthetic interior, comprising Japanese lanterns on the ceiling, retro posters, and fairy lights is the first thing that greets you. The menu ranges from the usual food suspects like sushi rolls, yakitori, and udon. Of course, we can’t forget Takeshi-San’s excellent selection of sake, which will lift everyone’s spirits.
Takeshi-San, 38 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277694
2. Kamoshita
We’re all for hidden gems in Singapore, and this sake bar is a well-kept secret that more people should know about. Take a seat amidst the minimalist decor and moody ambience before you peruse its extensive sake menu – believe us when we say there are too many varieties to choose from! Pair your drinks with oden options such as grilled radish with sea urchin or deep-fried zucchini with chicken miso.
Kamoshita, 5 Neil Road, Singapore 088806
3. Tanoke
What was previously Kabuke is now Tanoke. Tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse along Purvis Street, this establishment still specialises in two things: wagyu and sake. Enjoy the former in rice bowl variations topped with the likes of uni, foie gras, and eel. Then, wash it all down with a selection of sake. Depending on how well you know your drink, you can have it by the glass, carafe or bottle.
Tanoke, Level 2, 7 Purvis Street, Singapore 188586
4. Neon Pigeon
Marked by the iconic pink neon pigeon sign at the front, this modern-day izakaya radiates grungy charm with its dim lighting and concrete finishes. The walls are decked out in art and graffiti by local street artist Zero, featuring murals of pigeons (obviously). Grab some Tokyo hummus, chicken karaage, or grilled octopus to share. And of course, not forgetting the list of sake they have on hand. If you aren’t a seasoned sake drinker, the menu indicates which sakes are sweeter or dryer, so order ’em depending on your preference.
Neon Pigeon, #01-01, 36 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059915
5. Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Sake Bar
Founded by four friends who love all things Japanese, Shukuu Izakaya is an excellent spot for sake newcomers. You’re more than welcome to approach the bar’s passionate sake sommeliers for guidance. Heck, there’s even a sake blog on its website to give you a taste of what to expect. You can even order sake online to be delivered and bring the Japanese experience to your home.
Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Sake Bar, 8 Stanley Street, Singapore 068727
6. Dosukoi x Donpachi Japanese Izakaya Dining & Sake Bar
You know a sake bar is authentic when it’s hidden on a building’s basement floor. Dosukoi’s interior is done up in a slightly grungy, old-timey manner – you’ll probably feel like the protagonist of an old Japanese drama here. The bar stocks an ever-changing variety of sakes; just pick them from the menu or point to a bottle behind the bar that strikes your fancy.
Dosukoi x Donpachi Japanese Izakaya Dining & Sake Bar, #B1-24/25, Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road, Singapore 228796
7. Boruto
Dimly lit and furnished with huge sake barrels from floor to ceiling, Boruto reminds us of Tokyo’s upper-class tachinomi (standing) bars, except there are seats here! Founded by Patrick Tan, owner of Tamashii Robataya, this sake bar has garnered a steady following of Japanese expats in Singapore. Take your pick from over 100 different sake labels, including a woozy range of high quality junmai daiginjo.
Boruto, #02-01, The Offshore Building, 12 North Canal Road, Singapore 048825
8. Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout
Sakemaru has expanded beyond its sake subscription service with a physical bar on the fringes of Boat Quay. The quaint hideout boasts over 300 sake labels from small and lesser-known breweries in Japan. These are curated by head sommelier Tadashi Okushima. Having choice paralysis? Let head chef Daisuke Yomogi take you on a culinary adventure with the 12-course omakase. With light bites like pickled sweet shrimp, kurobuta ham, and dried fig mascarpone on toasted baguettes, this will be an unforgettable one.
Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout, 55 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058686
9. Bam! Tapas Sake Bar
What do you get when the classic Japanese aperitif collides with traditional Spanish bar bites? Bam! Tapas Sake Bar is the result. The restaurant’s shudo (the way of sake appreciation) approach encourages you to pair its fusion tapas menu with sake. Not sure what goes well with chicken gyoza, cold capellini with sakura ebi or zucchini flower tempura with saffron aioli? Just ask the certified sake sommeliers to show you the yellow brick road to sake nirvana. Or go for the omakase experience if you’re not into making tough decisions.
Bam! Tapas Sake Bar, 38 Tras Street, Singapore 078977
10. Ishinomaki Grill & Sake
This grill and sake bar in Palais Renaissance is all about fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Even the space is modelled after a fishing boat cabin. Complement the robatayaki and izakaya dishes with Ishinomaki’s exquisite selection of premier sake grades like junmai daiginjo and junmai ginjo. Hot and cold options are available, so there’ll be something for every sake drinker.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, #B1-02/02A/03, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
11. Bar Ippudo
The Ippudo franchise is famous for more than just ramen! Bar Ippudo’s concept store at Shaw Centre stocks a dizzying array of over 50 sakes. Plus, the menu has conveniently labelled all its sakes according to flavour profiles, from sweet to dry. And this goes without saying, but putting in an order of the signature Hakata-style ramen is a must.
Bar Ippudo, #04-22/23, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
12. Tomo Izakaya
Meaning “friend” in Japanese, Tomo is the answer to drinking in the joys of sake without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal spot for people who just want to kick back and unwind with their friends. As for grub, expect a smorgasbord of sushi, skewered meats, and Japanese bar bites.
Tomo Izakaya, #01-09, Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
13. Orihara Shoten
Having been around the block for 12 years, Orihara Shoten is the “it” place for sake elitists. If you’re looking for your run-of-the-mill supermarket labels, you’re at the wrong spot. These sakes are rare and exclusive. These folks claim that under other circumstances, their bottles wouldn’t be exported to Singapore. While there’s an online store for fuss-free delivery, we highly encourage you to check out the vast collection at the bar.
Orihara Shoten, Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, Singapore 237995
Kanpai with our list of superb sake bars in Singapore!
