Looking for a sizzling new dining experience? Yakitori is taking over Singapore’s food scene – and these three newly opened spots are turning up the heat with woodfire grills, theatrical flair, and late-night bites.
From expertly grilled skewers to indulgent omakase menus, here’s where to go when the craving for smoky, flame-kissed Japanese bites hits.
1. Firebird by Suetomi – Singapore’s First Woodfire Yakitori Restaurant
Opening on May 7, Firebird by Suetomi introduces a bold new take on yakitori at Mondrian Singapore, Duxton Hill. This is the first overseas venture by renowned Tokyo chef-restaurateur Makoto Suetomi, known for his refined Makitori Shinkobe concept.
🔥 What’s special?
Unlike traditional yakitori spots that use binchotan charcoal, Firebird stands out with its split-level woodfire grill, burning a mix of oak and Japanese cedar. The result? Smoky depth and complexity in every bite.
The omakase menu starts with a delicate chicken consommé and moves through dishes like:
- Chawanmushi with sakura ebi
- Corn purée with dashi jelly
- Grilled vegetables and more
Don’t miss the signature grilled minced chicken donabe served with egg yolk or ginger sauce. You’ll even get to bring home a rice onigiri crafted from the leftovers.
📍 83 Neil Road, Mondrian Singapore #01-05
🗓️ Opening May 7
2. Sapoto – Dramatic Dining at Amara Hotel
For those who love a little theatre with their dinner, Sapoto offers a moody and immersive yakitori experience at Tanjong Pagar’s Amara Hotel. It’s the brainchild of Chef Shyong, a yakitori expert with over a decade of experience, and Desmond Fong, a master of kaiseki.
🍢 Why go?
Sapoto’s omakase menus deliver bold flavours and playful presentation. Expect surprises like:
- Uni truffle brioche dusted in gold
- Scallops seared tableside with a hot charcoal block
- Collagen-rich ramen to end your meal on a comforting note
💸 Price point?
One of the most affordable yakitori omakase in town:
- Lunch: From S$48 (10 courses)
- Dinner: From S$98
📍 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel #02-26
3. Yakitori One – Late-Night Skewers in Suntec City
Craving yakitori after hours? Yakitori One at Suntec City is your new go-to. Open until 2am, this casual yet creative spot hails from Beijing, where it enjoys a loyal following.
🌙 Highlights
Perfect for adventurous eaters, the menu features rare chicken parts like:
- Knee cartilage wrapped in chicken skin
- Chicken trachea and aorta
- Mentaiko zucchini skewers that look like giant lollipops
Other bold dishes include:
- Chicken liver mousse on brown sugar toast
- Chutoro topped with foie gras and uni
- Snow crab with caviar and yuzu jelly
Prefer to sit back and be surprised? Opt for the S$158++ omakase menu, available for dinner only.
📍 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-514, outside Tower 2, Suntec City Mall
🕑 Open until 2am, Monday to Saturday
Final Skew(ers)
Yakitori may be a traditional Japanese staple, but these new restaurants prove there’s still plenty of room for innovation, fire, and fun. Whether you’re after the rustic charm of woodfire grilling or a dramatic fine-dining show, Singapore’s yakitori scene is heating up fast.
