Over the past two months, our team has spent countless evenings navigating hidden mall basements, busy CBD streets, and polished hotel counters to find the absolute best yakitori in Singapore. We wanted to build a Singapore food guide that skips the generic recommendations and focuses on the real deal: places with unmistakable charcoal smoke, perfectly paced service, and skewers that actually justify their price tag.
We visited over fifteen different yakitori restaurants and outlets to narrow this list down to ten. We judged them on the quality of their binchotan char, the atmosphere of the dining room, and the overall value for money. Finding where to eat in Singapore can sometimes feel overwhelming given the sheer volume of choices, but yakitori offers a beautifully specific experience. Whether you are looking for a lively post-work izakaya, a deeply traditional old-school counter, or a modern wood-fired omakase, these are the spots we keep returning to.
Here are our top picks for the best yakitori restaurants in Singapore when you are craving authentic, charcoal-grilled chicken skewers. For more food adventures, check out our Wander Bites Blog for insider tips and hidden gems across the city.
1. Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant (Far East Plaza) — A Classic Yakitori Experience in Singapore
Address: 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza #05-132
Nearest MRT/Station: Orchard (5 minutes walk)
Price Range: (around S$30–60 per person)
Must-Try: Yakitori Bento (S$15.50)
Why It Made the List
Nanbantei is the old-school Orchard name to know for yakitori in Singapore. Operating for over 42 years, it has a deeply nostalgic, no-gimmicks atmosphere. Walking into this fifth-floor East Plaza spot, you are immediately hit with an unmistakable smoky charcoal aroma that clings to your clothes in the best way possible. Unlike the trendy omakase counters popping up around the city, Nanbantei relies on dependable, classic grilling techniques executed by a committed crew.
In our experience, the consistency here is unmatched. The chicken skewers are juicy, heavily charred, and deeply flavorful, especially the chicken thigh and the meatball sticks. The dining room is tight and highly functional, functioning more like a bustling Tokyo subway eatery than a polished date-night room. It’s a place where customers come to enjoy the delicious simplicity and quality of yakitori made with care.
Perfect For
First-time yakitori eaters, solo lunches, and those who appreciate heritage restaurants with a loyal base of regulars.
Avoid If
You need a sleek, quiet, cocktail-forward date spot or a spacious table for a large group.
Insider Tip
If you are on a budget, visit during lunch and order the Yakitori Bento. It gives you the full authentic Nanbantei yakitori experience without needing to build an expensive à la carte order.
2. Shirokane Tori-Tama (Robertson Walk) — The Best Yakitori Restaurant for Adventurous Eaters
Address: 11 Unity Street, Robertson Walk #01-02
Nearest MRT/Station: Fort Canning (5–7 minutes walk)
Price Range: (around S$40–80 per person, depending on rare cuts and drinks)
Must-Try: Seven-stick Set (S$27)
Why It Made the List
Shirokane Tori-Tama on Robertson Walk is a yakitori restaurant that takes the art of chicken skewers to another level. This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient offers a menu that goes beyond the usual cuts, featuring rare parts like tail, cockscomb, and cartilage. The grilling here is perfection, with chefs carefully tending each stick over hot coals to create a smoky, rich flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere in Singapore.
The seven-stick set is an excellent way to experience the full range of textures and tastes. The crew’s commitment to quality and tradition shines through every bite. The yakitori experience here is more than just food; it’s a lesson in chicken anatomy and grilling mastery. Be prepared for a slower pace, as everything is cooked to order with precision.
Recommended For
Adventurous eaters, serious yakitori fans, and small groups looking to try unusual cuts.
Avoid If
You are offal-averse, in a rush, or dining with someone who only wants familiar, safe chicken cuts.
Insider Tip
Order your rare cuts early in the evening. These offerings often sell out quickly, so it’s best to secure them in advance.
3. Yakitori Yatagarasu (Circular Road) — A Lively Yakitori Bar with Delicious Skewers
Address: 72 Circular Road #01-01 (Hanare bookings at 66 Circular Road)
Nearest MRT/Station: Raffles Place or Telok Ayer (6–8 minutes walk)
Price Range: (around S$35–70 per person with drinks)
Must-Try: Oyakodon (S$14++)
Why It Made the List
Yatagarasu brings the lively, chaotic energy of a Japanese after-work yakitori bar to the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The place is loud, affordable, and unapologetically focused on nose-to-tail chicken dining. The chicken skewers, especially the skin and liver, are blistered to smoky perfection, and the oyakodon is a rich, comforting standout.
The bar enforces strict booking rules like two-hour seating limits and a one-drink minimum, but the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make it worth the effort. This is a place where customers come to enjoy the fun and flavors of authentic yakitori in a casual setting.
Most Suitable For
CBD workers, sake-and-skewer nights, and friends who want a bustling atmosphere without paying fine-dining prices.
Avoid If
Your group dislikes time-limited seatings, strict booking deposits, or loud dining rooms.
Insider Tip
When your oyakodon arrives, don’t mix the raw egg yolk in too quickly. Let the saucy rice and egg stay separate for the first few bites to truly appreciate the richness.
4. Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant (Cuppage Plaza) — A Yakitori Restaurant Offering Seasonal Perfection
Address: 5 Koek Road, Cuppage Plaza #04-05
Nearest MRT/Station: Somerset (5 minutes walk)
Price Range: (around S$60–100+ per person)
Must-Try: Foie Gras Skewer (S$7)
Why It Made the List
Kazu at Cuppage Plaza is a legendary yakitori restaurant in Singapore, known for its smoky, intimate atmosphere and serious charcoal grilling. The seasonal menu elevates standard yakitori into something much more robust and delicious. The foie gras skewer is a highlight, melting instantly with a smoky, charred exterior that showcases the crew’s skill.
The food here is crafted with a commitment to quality and flavor, and the menu offerings are designed to create a memorable yakitori experience. The garlic fried rice and Japanese sweet potato rounds out the meal perfectly. Be prepared for a lively bar vibe and a wait for the best items.
Suited For
Smoky yakitori purists, hungry date nights, and diners who love ordering “one more skewer” all night long.
Avoid If
You need a quiet room for conversation, stroller-friendly seating, or a cheap dinner.
Insider Tip
Order the foie gras and any seasonal specials as soon as you arrive. The best sticks disappear fast, so don’t wait to check the menu and commit.
5. Skewers Yakitori Izakaya (Cuppage Plaza) — A Focused Yakitori Experience in Singapore
Address: 5 Koek Road, Cuppage Plaza #04-01
Nearest MRT/Station: Somerset (5 minutes walk)
Price Range: (around S$40–80 per person)
Must-Try: Chicken Oyster (S$9)
Why It Made the List
Skewers Yakitori Izakaya at Cuppage Plaza is a no-frills, smoky yakitori restaurant where the menu is narrow but the quality is high. The crew here nails the perfect smoky char and juicy tenderness, especially with rare cuts like the chicken oyster and neck skin. This place is loved by customers who want specialized yakitori without the commitment of a full omakase.
The intimate space is ideal for solo diners or pairs. The staff’s commitment to delivering delicious skewers with the right sauce and seasoning creates a satisfying experience every time.
Great For
Small groups, solo counter diners, and those wanting specialized rare cuts without a tasting menu commitment.
Avoid If
You need a long, leisurely dinner with plenty of physical space or have a group larger than six.
Insider Tip
The rare parts sell out fast, so order the chicken oyster and neck skin immediately. Finish your meal with their signature mini ramen for the perfect savory closer.
Final Thoughts on the Best Yakitori in Singapore
Singapore’s yakitori scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from affordable basement gems to high-end wood-fired omakase experiences. If you only have time for one place and want classic, dependable flavors, Nanbantei at East Plaza is the heritage choice that never fails. But if you are willing to spend a bit more and explore deeper, the intimate counter experience at Shirokane Tori-Tama on Robertson Walk is an unforgettable yakitori experience that stays with you long after the meal.
For food lovers and visitors exploring the best yakitori restaurants in Singapore, don’t hesitate to check out these spots. The smoky, hidden floors of Cuppage Plaza or the back doors of Orchard Plaza hold some of the most rewarding meals in the city. Grab a seat at the bar, order your favorite skewers, and let the crew create a delicious yakitori experience that’s all about quality, commitment, and passion for Japan’s beloved grilled chicken sticks.
