Orchard Plaza may not seem much to the untrained eye. But step inside, and you’ll discover a plethora of Japanese restaurants and cool supper spots.
The Orchard Road stretch is dotted with glitzy malls like Ion Orchard, Paragon, and Orchard Central. Because of that, it’s easy to overlook the less flashy neighbours. However, don’t rule out Orchard Plaza. The often-forgotten mall may not look like much, but the complex is brimming with Japanese eateries and cool izakayas. That’s why it’s affectionately known as Little Japan. If you’re bored of dining at familiar haunts, here are the best food spots in Orchard Plaza worth checking out.
Orchard Plaza guide: Japanese restaurants and other top food spots
1. Bistro Du Le Pin
Orchard Plaza is brimming with hole-in-the-wall restaurants, including this popular favourite. Bistro Du Le Pin is often praised for its flavourful offerings, which are a fusion of Japanese cuisine and Western influences. Take a seat and enjoy a delightful omakase dinner featuring must-try dishes like smoked pork tongue and beef curry rice. Or swing by in the early opening hours and tuck into affordable Japanese rice bowls for your midday meal. There’s always a snaking queue during lunchtime, so be prepared to wait.
Bistro Du Le Pin, #01-34 and #02-25, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
2. YW Kitchen
Looking for an affordable omakase experience in Singapore? Say no more. Previously known as Ao Ringo, this underrated dining establishment returns to dole out Italian–Spanish fare. The modus operandi remains the same: an ever-changing omakase menu with exquisite dishes that’ll surprise and tantalise your palate. You may not know what you’re getting yourself into, but you can expect to be blown away by the offerings. We won’t spoil anything else for you except come with an empty stomach.
YW Kitchen, #01-38, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
3. Apollon
Izakayas are known to be squeezy, but that hardly matters once you’ve stepped inside and taken your seat. Apollon is an intimate bar offering a curated selection of premium sakes. Enjoy draft sake directly from the tap, or savour top-shelf options that have matured with unique complexity. Pair your drinks (we don’t expect you to stop at one) with delicious bar bites. Be sure to order the wagyu beef or Japanese omelette with uni, aka stellar standouts from the menu. The sashimi platter is always a good choice if you can’t decide what to eat.
Apollon, #01-29, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
4. Sage by Yasunori Doi
Gourmands always hype up this food spot in Orchard Plaza. No, it has nothing to do with the grumpy chef Doi, known for rubbing customers the wrong way. (It may come as a shock initially but might add to the overall experience afterwards.) Here’s where diners lap up classic French dishes created with Japanese ingredients. Choose between the classic menu or the chef’s omakase and look forward to a gastronomical affair. Those looking for a truly Nipponese delicacy must get the curry rice featuring wagyu beef and red wine.
Sage by Yasunori Doi, #01-36, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
5. Kakiin Oyster Bar
Keep scrolling if you’re not an oyster lover. For those still here, we know a seafood haven where you can dig into fresh molluscs daily. Slurp up Canadian, Irish, or New Zealand varieties raw, grilled in sake, or even smoked with mackerel in oil. Don’t miss out on ordering the oyster fried rice, which deliciously marries familiar flavours with briny qualities. Accompanying the oysters are hot and cold appetisers like prawn white mapo tofu with prawn crisps, which is said to be a hit amongst Japanese visitors.
Kakiin Oyster Bar, #01-37, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
6. Al Solito
We’re sure plenty of you miss Japan but don’t have the time (or money) to visit the country. Well, Al Solito is the next best alternative. Stepping into this convivial izakaya is akin to being transported to the Land of the Rising Sun. Despite the overtly Japanese atmosphere, the menu might surprise you. We’re talking fusion dishes that blend Japanese and Italian influences. Everyone must order the cold angel hair pasta, topped with salmon roe and doused with uni truffle sauce. It’s a dreamy dish if we do say so ourselves. For something different, check out the specials menu, which changes as and when.
Al Solito, #03-49, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
7. Homura by Kai
This Japanese restaurant used to serve yakitori exclusively before evolving into its current permutation, an izakaya. Helmed by chef Issey Araki, Homura is all about dishes grilled over a charcoal pit right in front of your eyes. This is a great opportunity for you to interact with the affable chefs while they prepare your meals over the counter. Psst: the tuna cheek, claypot rice, and dashimaki tamago are must-orders. Feeling a little fancy? Consider going for the omakase menu. Don’t be intimidated by the sake list – you can always ask the staff for recommendations.
Homura by Kai, #03-16, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
8. La Pona Snack Bar
Who says you can’t find other food options in Orchard Plaza? Let us introduce you to this family-run snack bar, which doesn’t seem like much when you first come across it. The cramped space can barely fit 10 diners, the decor makes you feel like you’ve gone back to the 1980s, and there’s no menu in sight, so you can’t mull over what to order. However, these things melt away when you finally get a seat. We’re sure you’re already famished by now. Order the nasi lemak platter, which comes with a chicken wing, fried fish fillet, otah, luncheon meat, fried egg, and anchovies.
La Pona Snack Bar, #04-53, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
9. Miss Saigon
Compared to its Fortune Centre counterpart, the outlet is smaller in size. That shouldn’t turn you off from dining here to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine at wallet-friendly prices. The most recognisable item on Miss Saigon’s menu is the classic banh mi creations, packed with different types of proteins between toasted baguettes. Other dishes worth ordering include rolled rice paper and special beef pepper lolot. The latter presents minced beef wrapped in piper lolot leaves and grilled over charcoal. Oh, here’s the best part: it opens around the clock, which means you can pop by at 3am after drinks for some hot food.
Miss Saigon, #02-56, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
10. Kai Yakitori
When it comes to chook skewers, no place does it better than this elusive restaurant. Yakitori is front and centre of Kai’s omakase menu, with seven sticks for diners to sink their teeth into. The chicken wing and leg are crispy and tender; diners shouldn’t pass up on the chicken heart and tail too. Foodies often rave about the signature chicken ramen. It’s a comforting bowl with springy noodles and clean, delicious broth. Some may baulk at the price, but we say it’s a dining experience that deserves your attention.
Kai Yakitori, #04-23/24, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
Planning to hit up Orchard Plaza’s food spots? Be sure to come with an empty stomach!
