Cuppage Plaza may look like an unassuming building, but step inside and you will find a dining spot often compared to Little Tokyo. Its mix of Japanese restaurants, counter seating, and small tables attracts all kinds of people like travellers and Japanese expats searching for authentic flavours in the city.
The appreciation for Japanese cuisine continues across Singapore, with Singapore Best Restaurants previously highlighting the Japanese food treasures of Tanjong Pagar and the restaurants that make the area worth exploring.
And now, we dive in to the Cuppage Plaza food scene. Whether you are planning a dinner or dropping by for walk ins, this guide covers the best places to eat and what to order.
Find The Best in This Cuppage Plaza Food Guide
Not sure where to start? This quick table breaks down the best Cuppage Plaza food spots by their standout dishes and dining experiences, making it easier to find the right place for your next Japanese meal in Singapore.
The word that comes to mind after exploring these spots is variety, with each restaurant offering a different reason to return.
Restaurant | A Good Match For | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
Those who prefer traditional Japanese dining | Sushi, sashimi, seasonal dishes | |
Affordable Japanese comfort food | Gyoza, fried rice, ramen | |
Seafood lovers | Prawn-focused dishes | |
Diners who enjoy set meals | Sashimi, grilled dishes, small plates | |
Diners who enjoy yakitori | Yakitori skewers and grilled items | |
Charcoal-grilled Japanese cuisine | Assorted yakitori sticks | |
Those who enjoy beyond the usual sushi and ramen. | Traditional Japanese dishes |
1. Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine: Sashimi and Seasonal Dishes
A Good Match For: Those who prefer traditional Japanese dining
What to order: Sashimi Moriawase (S$35)
Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine was one of the first places that showed me the quieter side of Cuppage Plaza. Located on the second floor, this Japanese restaurant offers not only fish dishes
The menu covers many favourites from Japanese cuisine, but I found myself drawn to one of their 7 Courses Omakase Lunch. I got their sashimi moriawase was fresh and clean, with each slice offering a delicate texture that let the quality of the fish take centre stage. Paired with the other courses; salad and soup, it felt like a balanced introduction to Hanashizuku’s traditional Japanese cooking style.
What I appreciated was the careful attention from their staff and chefs as well. They were attentive without being intrusive, guiding us through the courses and making sure the meal flowed smoothly from one dish to the next.
2. Gyoza no Ohsho: Affordable Japanese Comfort Food
A Good Match For: Affordable Japanese comfort food
What to order: Gyoza (S$6) and Curry Rice (S$12)
Not every Japanese meal needs to be a long dinner. Sometimes you just want something filling, familiar, and easy to enjoy, which is where Gyoza no Ohsho fits perfectly. This restaurant focuses on Japanese-style Chinese dishes, bringing together comfort food favourites like gyoza, ramen, and fried rice.
The first thing I noticed was the value. The portions are generous, making it a practical choice for lunch service or a casual meal after shopping around Orchard Road. The pan-fried gyoza (S$6) is the obvious starting point, with a crisp exterior and savoury filling that pairs naturally with rice dishes or noodles.
I also like that the environment here feels closer to everyday eating in Japan. It delivers the kind of meal you could easily return to after a long day.
3. Ebi Bar: A Hidden Gem for Prawn Noodle Lovers
A Good Match For: Seafood lovers
What to order: Modern Prawn Noodles (S$15.90)
Among the many restaurants in Cuppage Plaza, Ebi Bar stands out because it takes a different direction. Instead of focusing on sushi or yakitori, this hidden gem puts seafood and noodle dishes at the centre.
Located in the basement, it has the feeling of a place you discover rather than intentionally search for. The space is simple, but that works well because the focus stays on the bowl in front of you.
The highlight here is their Modern Prawn Noodles (S$15.90). The broth carries that deep umami and seafood flavour, while the charred ebi prawns add a natural fresh and full bite that makes each spoonful feel more substantial.
4. Izakaya Nijumaru: Classic Japanese Dining for Sharing
A Good Match For: Diners who enjoy set meals
What to order: Nijumaru Bento (S$24)
Izakaya Nijumaru captures the feeling of a traditional Japanese neighbourhood drinking spot. It is the kind of restaurant where ordering one dish rarely feels like enough because the menu encourages sharing.
I ordered the Nijumaru Bento (S$24), which brought together a little of everything I enjoy about Japanese food really. The sashimi added a fresh, lighter element, while the tempura, saba fish, and braised pork gave the set more savoury depth. It felt like a well-balanced meal that let me enjoy different flavours without needing to order multiple dishes.
The atmosphere reminded me why izakaya-style dining remains popular. There is something enjoyable about sitting with friends, ordering a few plates at a time, and letting the meal develop naturally.
5. Skewers Yakitori Izakaya: Japanese Dining Built Around Grilled Skewers
A Good Match For: Diners who enjoy yakitori
What to order: Assorted yakitori sticks
If there is one thing that makes yakitori special, it is how simple the idea is. A few sticks over charcoal, quality ingredients, and the right seasoning can turn into a surprisingly memorable meal. Skewers Yakitori Izakaya brings all those qualities to Cuppage Plaza.
I went with the thigh (negima), wings (tebasaki), and skin (kawa), which gave me a good mix of textures from the yakitori menu. The thigh was tender and juicy, the wings had a satisfying crispness, and the skin brought a richer bite with its smoky, savoury finish. It was a simple reminder that good yakitori is often about getting the small details right.
Albeit a slightly smoky space, I enjoyed the freedom of ordering here because there was no pressure to choose one large dish. We picked a few skewers, added some side dishes, and slowly built well-executed Japanese food.
The grilled items carry a subtle smokiness from the cooking process, giving the food more depth without overpowering the natural flavour of the ingredients.
6. Kazu Sumiyaki: Authentic Japanese Cuisine With Charcoal-Grilled Specialties
A Good Match For: Diners who appreciate charcoal grilling
What to order: Tori Gala (S$6.00)
Kazu Sumiyaki is one of the restaurants in Cuppage Plaza that focuses on the traditional appeal of charcoal cooking. The name itself reflects its speciality, with sumiyaki referring to the Japanese technique of grilling ingredients over charcoal.
The Tori Gala (S$6) gave me a different sense of what yakitori could be. Instead of the familiar tender chicken skewer, this wild thigh joint had more texture and character, with the charcoal bringing out deeper savoury notes in every bite. It was a small moment in the meal that reminded me why exploring different cuts can make Japanese dining more interesting.
The restaurant also fits well for diners who want something between casual izakaya dining and a more intimate dinner experience. The space feels comfortable for conversations, especially when sharing several plates across the table.
7. Keria Japanese Restaurant: A Hidden Izakaya Find in Cuppage Plaza
A Good Match For: Those who enjoy beyond the usual sushi and ramen.
What to order: Battera (S$28)
Keria Japanese Restaurant offers that tucked-away dining experience that feels closer to a traditional izakaya. The menu focuses on familiar Japanese favourites, with dishes that encourage sharing rather than rushing through a single main.
I went for the battera, a pressed sushi style that brought together seasoned rice and slices of fish in a compact, layered bite. What stood out was the balance between the slightly vinegared rice and the toppings, giving the dish a clean flavour that felt different from the usual sushi rolls.
Set aside the food, Keria’s biggest appeal is the atmosphere. The restaurant carries the charm of an old-school izakaya with warm lighting, wooden furnishings, and a cosy layout that makes it easy to settle in for a longer meal.
Why Cuppage Plaza Remains a Japanese Food Favourite
Cuppage Plaza stands out because it brings together different sides of Japanese dining in Singapore. From cosy izakayas to casual dishes like tofu and gyoza, every eatery offers something different.
For anyone searching for authentic Japanese restaurants, this is a place where one visit can easily lead to repeat visits. You might begin with a simple meal, then return on a Saturday evening to try another dish you missed.
That is what keeps Cuppage Plaza memorable. It is not just about finding one good meal, but discovering new favourites each time you return
