Name: TOKU Izakaya Bar
Address: 220 Orchard Road, #B1-06, Midpoint Orchard, Singapore, 238852, SG
Price range: $$

Question 1

What is TOKU Izakaya Bar?

Accepted Answer

TOKU (徳) is a tiny authentic Japanese izakaya and sake bar in the basement of Midpoint Orchard (B1-06), across from 313@Somerset. Run by a Japanese chef-owner formerly from Shangri-La Hotel, it seats only 10-15 people at a counter and a few small tables. The menu is handwritten on a blackboard, mostly in Japanese with some English. TOKU enforces a strict drinking policy — every guest must order alcohol. This is a genuine drinking izakaya, not a restaurant.

Question 2

How much does TOKU Izakaya cost?

Accepted Answer

Approximately S$60-70++ per person including 3 drinks and food. Food items are individually priced, typically S$8-25++ each. The main cost driver is alcohol — sake, beer, whisky, and shochu are available. The chef may prompt additional drink orders if your consumption pace is slow relative to your food orders.

Question 3

Where is TOKU Izakaya?

Accepted Answer

B1-06, Midpoint Orchard, 220 Orchard Road, Singapore 238852. This is in the basement level of Midpoint Orchard, directly across from 313@Somerset. NOT at Cuppage Plaza (a common misconception). Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS23), 2-minute walk.

Question 4

What is the drinking policy at TOKU?

Accepted Answer

Every guest must order alcohol — this is a strict house rule posted at the entrance in Japanese and English. TOKU is fundamentally a drinking izakaya, meaning food accompanies drinks, not the other way around. Some reviews report the owner encourages continued drink orders throughout the evening. Children and non-drinkers are not accommodated. This policy is traditional for authentic izakayas in Japan.

Question 5

Do I need a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — essential. Only 10-15 seats. The chef-owner runs a tight ship and the space fills quickly. Call or message via Instagram (@toku_izakaya_bar) to book.

Question 6

Is there an English menu at TOKU?

Accepted Answer

No formal menu — dishes are written on a blackboard, primarily in Japanese with some English. The chef-owner speaks English and will explain available dishes. An omakase option may be available for those unsure what to order. Being adventurous is rewarded here.

Question 7

How does TOKU compare to Nagomi?

Accepted Answer

Both are tiny, authentic Japanese-run izakayas near Orchard with Japanese-language environments. Nagomi (Cuppage Plaza 2F) is a 25-seat omakase izakaya focused on seasonal food with exceptional shochu. TOKU (Midpoint Orchard B1) is a 10-15 seat drinking izakaya where alcohol is the priority and food accompanies drinks. Nagomi is for food-first diners; TOKU is for drinking-first izakaya purists.

Question 8

Is TOKU halal?

Accepted Answer

No. Alcohol is mandatory. Menu includes pork, seafood, and other non-halal items.

Grilled dishes	~S$8-18++
Sashimi (seasonal)	~S$15-25++
Izakaya bites	~S$6-12++
Omakase (ask chef)	Varies

Sake (curated)	From ~S$12++
Japanese Beer	From ~S$10++
Whisky & Shochu	From ~S$12++

TOKU

Highlights

About TOKU

Recommended For

Menu & Pricing

Blackboard Menu (Daily)

Drinks (Required)

Practical Info

Dietary Info

Photos

Location

Your Evening at TOKU

Find the Basement

Drinks First

Make Friends

Editor's Note

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Kemuri

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