As the office towers empty, Issho Izakaya at Marina One fills with diners. Located at #01-14, 5 Straits View, West Tower, Singapore 018935, this contemporary Japanese izakaya offers a warm, inviting space at the heart of the CBD. Issho means “together“ reflecting its focus on shared plates, communal dining, and a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Issho Izakaya Menu Featuring Seasonal Ingredients and Flavours
The Issho Izakaya menu is diverse, featuring sashimi, sushi, moriawase platters, aburi, and makimono rolls. Cooked dishes include yakimono, kushiyaki grilled over flame, agemono fried plates, donburi rice bowls, and menrui noodles. Desserts and a selection of sake and wine complete the menu.
The lunch menu offers a thoughtful balance of sweet and thick flavours, often enhanced by a subtle vinegar glaze or sauce, making each dish memorable. Seasonal ingredients are highlighted throughout, ensuring freshness and variety.
Above the à la carte options, the omakase menu features a curated dining journey crafted by chefs using premium, seasonal ingredients. This experience surprises and delights diners with delicate appetizers and flavourful mains, making it a favourite for those seeking a special meal.
Creamy Mouthfeel and Sashimi: Highlights of the Menu
A standout dish is the sashimi course, where the creamy mouthfeel of homemade tofu sets the tone. The sashimi includes cuts like Tai, Toro, Kanpachi Belly, and Salmon Belly, each bringing unique textures and temperatures. The Tai is clean and delicate, contrasting with richer, fattier cuts that linger on the palate.
Here are a few foods that stood out as that I kept coming back to as it has become one of my favourites.
The Kani Garlic Fried Rice came first. The grains arrived loose and separate, each one carrying the deep char of a hot wok, the garlic toasted into the rice rather than sitting on top of it. The crab meat was generous, sweet and fibrous, laid across the surface where the heat had just left it.
Then the 15-Piece Sashimi Moriawase arrived beside it, and the table shifted temperature. Cool fish against warm rice. The cuts were thick and distinct, each piece holding its own weight and colour, some pale and delicate, others carrying the soft fat of a richer belly cut. The contrast was the point: the clean cold of raw fish pulling against the warmth still rising from the fried rice beside it, each one making the other taste more like itself.
Kushiyaki skewers start at $2.90 each, offering smoky, caramelized bites. The Kani Mentaiko Pasta, creamy and savory at $18.90, is perfect for those wanting a heartier option. The meal often ends with Warabi Mochi, a lightly sweet, yielding dessert that rounds off the experience.
For more late-night Japanese dining experiences, don’t miss out on reading our best Izakaya article at Midnight Photographer.
Frame Shots: Shooting the Kani Garlic Fried Rice and Sashimi Moriawase at Night
Frame Shot | Best Angle & Composition | What to Capture |
|---|---|---|
The Kani Garlic Fried Rice Frame | I shot low and close, angled slightly upward so the wok hei heat rises into the frame. I let the crab meat and darker, charred rice grains hold sharp in the foreground while the background falls soft. I raked warm ambient light across the surface rather than letting it land flat. | The steam lifting off the grains, the generous crab meat topping catching a warm glow, and the textured contrast between the golden garlic bits and the darker rice beneath. |
The Sashimi Moriawase Detail Frame | I worked from a slight overhead angle to show the full arrangement of cuts and the colour range across each piece. I kept the light raking sideways so the texture and sheen of each slice stayed visible rather than washing out. I moved quickly before the fish surface dried. | The colour differences between cuts, the cool gleam of fresh seasonal fish, and the quiet drama of each piece sitting distinct from the next under low table lamp light. |
Thoughtful Dining Experience at the Marina One Outlet
Issho Izakaya’s Marina One outlet is designed for after-work gatherings, with a focus on making the table the centre of attention rather than just the food. The room’s cozy ambiance encourages slowing down and sharing, creating a social dining experience.
The menu’s variety and the omakase’s curated dishes make it easy to find favourites while also exploring new flavours featuring seasonal ingredients like mon (Japanese chestnut). Vinegar is used thoughtfully to balance thick sauces and sweet components, enhancing the overall taste.
FAQ
What is on the Issho Izakaya menu?
Sashimi, sushi, kushiyaki, donburi, menrui, agemono, desserts, sake, wine, and a seasonal omakase.
Where is Issho Izakaya located?
Marina One The Heart, #01-14, 5 Straits View, West Tower, Singapore 018935.
Does Issho Izakaya take reservations?
Yes, through the official reservation page via Chope or contact number their outlet with this number 6592 8876.
What time does Issho Izakaya close?
Closing times vary; check the official reservation page for the latest hours.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dishes?
Rice vinegar is often used to add a subtle tang balancing thick sauces and sweet elements.
Final Thoughts: Why Issho Izakaya Stands Out
Issho Izakaya is more than just food; it’s about the atmosphere and connection it fosters. Located in the heart of Marina One, it’s a place to find warmth and community after the workday ends. The mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes, creamy mouthfeel textures, and seasonal ingredients make it a standout dining destination.
And if you are looking for Japanese Curry dish after a long day you can click here.
Whether enjoying a casual lunch or an elaborate omakase dinner, this outlet offers a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back. The thoughtful menu, cozy setting, and focus on shared enjoyment make Issho Izakaya a must-visit in the Marina district.
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