I'll be honest with you, the first time I step inside Cuppage Plaza looking for Kazu Sumiyaki, I almost turned back and just went to Paya Lebar. The building felt dated and a little dim, with quiet corridors and plain doors that all looked shut. But I'd heard too many good things about this Japanese restaurant to give up, so I climbed up to the fourth floor and found unit #04-05.
The moment I pushed the door open, the doubt vanished. It reminded me of Tokyo, Japan. A wave of charcoal smoke hit me, along with the murmur of happy chatter and the sizzle of skewers on the grill. This is the kind of good place that doesn't need a fancy facade to win you over. Let me walk you through my dining experience.
The Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant Dining Experience: An Old-School Izakaya in Cuppage Plaza
Kazu Sumiyaki is a proper old-school izakaya, a classic cuppage plaza restaurant, and I mean that as the highest compliment. They open daily. The room is dim, intimate, and packed tight, with counter seating facing the grill where you can watch the chefs work their magic. It’s clear why this spot is popular with Japanese expats.
I visited on a Wednesday around 6:30pm, and the place was already buzzing. It gets noisy fast, and the space is genuinely compact with small tables, so don't expect spacious comfort here. The slightly smoky space clings to everything, but honestly, that's half the charm of this authentic Japanese cuisine hotspot.
The Food: What to Order at this Japanese Restaurant
You build your meal here through lots of small plates, so I ordered a spread to get the full experience of the menu.
The quality of the Japanese grilled yakitori chicken skewers (around S$4–6 each) were the heart of the meal. The main draw is watching them get prepared on the grill. I worked through chicken thigh, heart, and wings, and every single one came off the grill smoky, juicy, and tender with those gorgeous crisp-charred edges. The grilling is straightforward but deeply dependable, nothing fussy, just done right with a pinch of salt. I also appreciated a nice and warm miso.
The Tontoro Ringo (fatty pork with apple, around S$12) was my surprise favourite. The pork belly was soft and pink filled inside with crisped, smoky fat, and the apple added a sweet little contrast that cut through the richness beautifully. A truly delicious dish. I also remember that one fatty tuna dish.
Now, the Foie Gras Skewer (around S$15). It's rich and indulgent, with that buttery melt you'd expect. It's a signature item at Kazu Sumiyaki. However, I'll be straight with you. I found it a touch over-seasoned for my tastes. If you love bold, salty richness, you'll adore it.
While yakitori is the star, the menu offers many other dishes. I spotted some diners enjoying what looked like incredible sashimi moriawase, with seafood sourced fresh from Toyosu market. I also saw bowls of curry rice, ramen, and noodle dishes being served, making it a well-rounded Japanese cuisine experience. From raw fish to sushi to sashimi and even tofu sides, the variety offers great value. A good example of a jam packed restau.
The Service: Warm and Genuinely Helpful
The service here is a real standout. The staff, including Chef Kazu himself, felt warm and family-like. Also have the top-tier cooking, in my opinion. When I hesitated over the extensive menu, they happily guided me, pointing out a few seasonal specials on the chalkboard. For a first-timer, that kind of friendly hand-holding makes all the difference. They were efficient too, never leaving me waiting long between rounds of tasty food.
Kazu Sumiyaki Opening Hours & Practical Info
A few things worth planning around before you go to this Singapore gem:
- Price: Expect around S$50–80 per person for your dinner, especially once you add a few premium skewers and drinks. The bill builds quickly on each plate.
- Hours & Reservations: The eatery opens Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm and is closed on Monday. Book ahead, especially for Saturday or Friday nights; you're unlikely to snag a table without a reservation. No lunch time, unfortunately.
- Getting there: It's an easy walk from Somerset MRT.
My tip? Go early on a weekday, near opening hours, if you want to avoid the crush and the wait to eat.
The Final Verdict: How Kazu Sumiyaki Compares to Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine
Kazu Sumiyaki isn't trying to be trendy like Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine Restaurant; its charm is in its authenticity. It wins on consistency, smoky charcoal grilling, and that cosy, lived-in izakaya energy you just can't fake.
This is the spot for yakitori lovers and small groups wanting an intimate, atmospheric or dinner. I'd skip it if you're after a quiet omakase or cheap casual Japanese food, that's not what this restaurant is about.
For me, it's a dependable gem offering refined flavour. The next time you're near Orchard craving honest, smoky Japanese cuisine, climb those Cuppage Plaza stairs. You won't regret it.
