I walked into The Public Izakaya 2.5 Nitengo on a Friday around 10:15 PM, right as the after-work drinks crowd in Tanjong Pagar was hitting its peak. Walking into a packed room with a proper camera always gives me a wave of anxiety. I worry about looking intrusive or annoying the diners trying to settle in and unwind after a long day. But if you want to explore capturing real, nocturnal city energy and the authentic izakaya charm, this restaurant is the perfect training ground.

At a glance, The Public Izakaya is totally worth a late-night visit if you love moody, authentic Tokyo tavern vibes reminiscent of traditional establishments in Japan. The standout dish for me was easily the oden, a hearty dish originating from the Edo period, and it’s a brilliant spot for casual catch-ups with friends or family, though you might want to skip it if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic evening.

For a comprehensive guide on where to find the izakayas that are perfect for nocturnal food shots, be sure read more from me at Midnight Photographer.

Grilled Skewers and Yakitori: The After-Work Hotspot of Tanjong Pagar

The atmosphere inside is incredible. You’re immediately hit with warm paper lanterns, dark wooden beams, and a loud, lively hum of conversation, all adding to the izakaya experience. The restaurant has an extensive collection of memorabilia, sourced from antique markets in Japan, creating a rustic and nostalgic atmosphere. The owners continue to add izakaya memorabilia, enhancing the charm and authenticity.

Visually, the room is full of rich textures, but the lighting is incredibly dim and intensely yellow. My biggest photography tip here? Keep your flash turned off. Direct flash will completely ruin the mood and flatten your food. Instead, use the glowing lanterns as your main light source. Just rotate your plate so the light hits the food from the side, revealing all that beautiful texture. These are only a few tips, but surely, you’ll get the hang of capturing better images at Singapore’s izakayas.

The menu is a variety of izakaya favourites with a strong focus on grilled skewers and yakitori, made from fresh chicken and other ingredients. The chefs are specially trained to work the charcoal fire, ensuring each skewer is perfectly cooked. The grilled skewers selection includes housemade chicken tsukune and rolled pork belly with shiso leaves, among others.

Public Izakaya Favourites: The Food and the Frames

Omakase Oden Set

We began with the Omakase Oden Set ($22+), a dish served with a light soy-flavored dashi broth simmered to perfection. The oden is a highlight of the extensive menu, with half the ingredients imported from Japan and the rest made in-house using quality meats and vegetables. From a photography standpoint, oden is fantastic because of the steam. To capture that steam on camera, frame your shot against a dark background. I used my friend’s black jacket behind the bowl, which made the white wisps of steam pop beautifully.

Buta Kakuni

Next, we ordered the Buta Kakuni ($15), a braised pork belly dish so tender it literally fell apart when I picked it up, served with a rich, glossy sauce. To photograph a dish like this, get low and shoot at a 45-degree angle to catch the shine of the glaze.

Gyoza Croquette

We also tried the Gyoza Croquette ($9), crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the Torikawa “Gyoza,” which substitutes normal gyoza skin with chicken skin, both inventive takes on izakaya favourites.

Negitoro Garlic Toast and Other Izakaya Delights

Another must-try dish is the Negitoro Garlic Toast ($22), where fatty bluefin tuna scrapings are mixed with leeks and scallion, then served with crispy garlic toast. This dish perfectly balances rich umami flavours and crunchy textures, pairing wonderfully with sake or cocktails.

The Kani Tama Gratin ($14) is another standout baked dish on the menu, combining crab meat and mentaiko in a creamy gratin that elevates the classic mac and cheese. Jaga Mentaiko ($14), featuring thinly shredded potatoes baked with a house-made mentaiko sauce, offers a crunchy texture and intense umami taste that diners love.

Drinks and Seating Options: Completing the Izakaya Experience

The Public Izakaya boasts an extensive list of drinks, including sake, shochu, beer, and other Japanese beverages. The cocktail selection is thoughtfully curated to complement the food courses, making it an ideal spot for after work drinks or a casual night out.

Diners can choose from a variety of seating options including traditional tatami mats, counter seating, private booths, sunken wells (horigotatsu), or an al fresco area. This variety caters to different group sizes and moods, enhancing the overall experience.

Final Review: Why Visit The Public Izakaya?

Expect to spend about $40 to $70 per person depending on your order of drinks and dishes. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially on Fridays ,when the place fills up quickly. Ask for a counter seat to get an unobstructed view of the chefs grilling the skewers over glowing embers, a perfect setting for photography or simply to enjoy the energy.

Despite the strong orange light that casts a warm hue over the space, shooting in RAW format allows you to adjust white balance in post-processing. The Public Izakaya perfectly captures the spirit of Tokyo’s izakaya alleyways, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere filled with conversation, laughter, and the irresistible taste of authentic Japanese izakaya food.

Have you been to any of The Public Izakaya outlets yet? Let me know what dish or drink I should order next time!