Ikki Izakaya @ The Metropolis - Japanese Comfort Food with a Local Twist

Tucked away at The Metropolis in Buona Vista, Ikki Izakaya is a modern Japanese-style izakaya that impresses with its expansive space, high ceilings, and laid-back yet contemporary atmosphere. Despite being around for eight years, it still feels like a hidden gem — offering a solid lineup of Japanese comfort food alongside an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. Whether you're looking to wind down after work or catch up with friends over bites and booze, Ikki delivers an easygoing, fuss-free dining experience.

Spicy Maguro Poppers 4/5

We started the meal with the Spicy Maguro Poppers ($9.80) — a fun and flavourful bite served in crunchy pie tee cups. Inside, you'll find cubes of tuna sashimi marinated in gochujang, sitting on a creamy avocado base and topped with tobiko for that extra savoury burst. It's spicy, creamy, crunchy — all in one mouthful — and a great way to whet the appetite.

Tofu Crisps 3.5/5

We also tried the Tofu Crisps ($9), a simple yet addictive snack that substitutes fries or chips with thin, crispy tofu skin. While not particularly bold in flavour, it's a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option that goes perfectly with a cold pint.

Ikki Maki 4/5

One of the standouts for the evening was the Ikki Maki ($17.70), a rich and indulgent sushi roll that hits all the right notes. Cream cheese, avocado, and mentaiko sauce form the core of the roll, wrapped and topped with aburi salmon, mini fish roe, and a dusting of seaweed powder. Each bite is creamy, smoky, and umami-packed — a roll that's clearly earned its signature status on the menu.

IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon 3.5/5

Adding a local twist to Japanese fare, the IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon ($16.50) offers a unique blend of flavours. The creamy Japanese curry base is comforting and fragrant, served with a crispy chicken cutlet marinated in traditional prawn paste. While the concept is fun, the execution was slightly off during our visit — the seasoning leaned too salty, which overwhelmed the dish's otherwise enjoyable components.

SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

For something more comforting and hearty, the SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.80) hits the mark. The fried rice is smoky and robust, filled with the punchy flavour of well-fermented kimchi and balanced out by soft, sweet tamagoyaki and pan-fried spam slices. It's the kind of dish you'd want after a long night out.

Ikki's Tsukune Platter 3.5/5

We ended with Ikki's Tsukune Platter ($16.80), featuring five yakitori-style chicken meatballs glazed in a different sauce: Mentaiko, Gochujang Miso, Okonomiyaki, Cheese, and Original. The platter makes for a great sharing dish, offering variety in flavour, though some combinations stood out more than others. Still, it's a fun and interactive way to sample different seasonings, especially with drinks.

Overall, Ikki Izakaya feels like a well-kept secret. It blends local influences with Japanese izakaya vibes in a relaxed and spacious setting. Whether you're in it for the drinks, the creative fusion dishes, or just a chill place to hang out, Ikki Izakaya checks all the right boxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ikki Izakaya
The Metropolis
9 North Buona Vista Drive
#01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - A French Bistro Restaurant’s Unlimited Weekend Brunch Trolley

Summer Hill is a charming French bistro tucked away on the second floor of Claymore Connect, just a short stroll from Orchard MRT. While their regular menu features French staples like Wagyu Beef Bourguignon, Mussels Normandy, and French Fried Chicken, weekends bring a creative twist with their Brunch Trolley - a roaming service inspired by the "dim sum" cart, with menus that rotate every few months according to a new theme.

We dropped by on a rainy day and were greeted with a warmly lit, cosy space. The thoughtful decor and mix-and-match tableware added to the inviting atmosphere.

Brunch Trolley - Savouring Stories 3.8/5

From now until the end of May, the Brunch Trolley is themed 'Savouring Stories', with each dish inspired by iconic women writers. Priced at $79++ per person, the brunch includes unlimited servings of iced tea and all featured dishes during the dining session. Diners can opt for free-flow prosecco and wines with a top-up of $55++. The trolley service is available on specific sessions: Fridays at 12pm and Weekends at 11am and 1.30pm. During these sessions, the regular a la carte menu is paused.

Bread & Sides

Our experience started with a Bread Basket and three small side dishes: chicken liver pâté, gruyère eggs with onions, and a tomato-based ratatouille. Our server recommended that a touch of mustard brighten the overall flavours.

White Bean, Potato & Leek Soup with Olives

The White Bean, Potato & Leek Soup was next. It was warm and subtly briny due to the addition of chopped olives and olive oil drizzle.

White Clams

Then came the White Clams, served in a vibrant, spiced sauce with chilli and kaffir lime. It was a pity that the clams were relatively tiny.

Grilled Skate Wing

The Grilled Skate Wing was one of our preferred dishes. It was dressed in a slather of fragrant brown butter and lemon. We ordered seconds, and it fared better when served warm.

Charcoal-grilled Bangalow Pork Collar

We also enjoyed the tender Charcoal-grilled Bangalow Pork Collar, served with a creamy mustard-based sauce and crunchy hazelnuts. It paired nicely with the bread and the next dish, Aligot.

Aligot

Both my dining companion and I love mashed potatoes, so we were excited to dig into the Aligot, a stretchy and thick dish enriched with cheese and butter.

Red Wine Chicken, Spinach & Garlic Gratin

The savoury portions included Red Wine Chicken, Spinach, and Garlic Gratin. Though unassuming, the latter, mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, and butter, had us ordering seconds. Before dessert, the staff checked in to see if we wanted refills. All dishes are available for unlimited servings.

Snow Cone Bar

For dessert, we started at the Snow Cone Bar, where diners could customise their own icy treat with various syrups, such as peach, rose, watermelon, and toppings.

Valrhona Chocolate Almond Cake

Tarte Aux Pommes

We finished with two warm desserts: a Valrhona Chocolate Almond Cake with whipped cream and a Tarte Aux Pommes, an apple-frangipane tart with a crisp crust and custard-like centre. While the dishes were a mix of hits and misses, the attentive service and welcoming space made the experience better. It's a great way to sample the restaurant's menu in small portions, and it's best enjoyed with a group for sharing.

Make sure to make your reservations ahead of time.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Hill
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
#02-17
Singapore 238879
Tel:+65 8690 5907
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am, 3pm, 6pm - 1030 pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]