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. 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.
Shukuu Japanese Izakaya and Sake Bar, 8 Stanley Street, Singapore 068727
2. Kabuke
Tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse along Telok Ayer, Kabuke specialises in two things: wagyu and sake. Enjoy the former in rice bowl variations topped with the likes of uni, foie gras, scallops and sea urchin. Then, wash it all down with a selection of sake from its rotating menu. Depending on how well you know your drink, you can have it by the glass, carafe or bottle. But if you’re a true novice, the tasting flight is a great gateway to your sake adventure.
Kabuke, 200A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068638
3. Dosukoi x Donpachi Japanese Izakaya Dining & Sake Bar
You know a sake bar is authentic when it’s hidden in 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 BarSake Bar, #B1-24/25, Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road, Singapore 228796
4. 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, #01-01, Golden Castle Building, 80 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058710
5. 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’s tasting menu with sake pairing take you on a culinary adventure. With light bites like tuna and chilli pepper, beef tongue, red snapper and Asari clams, this will be an unforgettable one.
Sakemaru Artisan Sake Hideout, 55 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058686
6. 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 duck gyoza, cold capellini with sakura ebi or baby leek tempura with balsamic teriyaki? 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
7. Ishinomaki Grill & Sake
This grill and sake bar in Orchard 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.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, #B1-02/02A/03, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
8. 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
9. Tomo Izakaya
Meaning “friend” in Japanese, Tomo is the answer to drinking in the joys of sake without breaking the bank. Most of the bottles go below $50, making it 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, udon and soba.
Tomo Izakaya, multiple locations including Clarke Quay and Esplanade
10. 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!
