Issho Izakaya has recently opened its second outlet at Marina One. In addition to their standard menu, this new outlet offers lunch and dinner omakase experiences, starting from $68, with options ranging from 8 to 11 courses.
Bonito Walnut
Homemade Tofu
We tried the 11+ course dinner omakase ($128), beginning with a trio of appetisers. The Bonito Walnut was crunchy and addictive with deep umami notes. The Homemade Tofu had a light, creamy mouthfeel, subtly flavoured with an aromatic corn sauce, which could have been less starchy.
Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen
The Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen brought an intriguing contrast of savoury crunch and briny strands of “seaweed noodles.” A touch of vinegar helped balance the brininess.
Sashimi 5/5
The Sashimi course was a highlight, featuring five indulgent belly cuts: Toro, Kanpachi Belly, Tai Belly, Kajiki Belly, and Salmon Belly, each unctuous with a lingering fullness.
Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar 2.5/5
A local fusion touch came next with Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar, reminiscent of chilli oil dumplings. The flavours were familiar and enjoyable, but the thick, slightly stiff wanton skin and the lack of a juicy filling were a letdown.
Tai 4.5/5
The Grilled Tai course delighted with its tender, flaky flesh and beautifully crispy scales. A squeeze of Japanese lime added a refreshing citrus lift.
Chilli Crab 4.5/5
Fusion continued into the Agemono course with their take on Chilli Crab, featuring fried soft-shell crab served alongside housemade chilli sauce and toast. The batter was light and airy, keeping the crab succulent. The sauce struck a delicate balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a pleasant surprise.
Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso 3.5/5
The Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso followed. The desired beef flavour was there, but the texture and mouthfeel were slightly drier than expected. The accompanying grilled vegetables were full of flavour, and what I also loved about the dish was the savoury miso served at the side, which was infused with a subtle hint of foie gras funk that enhanced the flavour of the beef up a notch.
Cheese Kani 2.8/5
Instead of the usual temaki and rice course, we were served Cheese Kani and Beef Noodle with Clam Soup. The Cheese Kani, layered with gooey cheese, macaroni, and ikura, leaned indulgent but heavy, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the crab.
Beef Noodle 3.5/5
The Beef Noodle, a local interpretation of Japanese ingredients, was tasty, though a touch of grated yuzu zest could have brightened the richness and tied it more seamlessly to the overall theme. I reckon a less saucier Rice course would have given a much more cohesive flow of the omakase experience. The accompanying clam soup, while pleasant, could have carried more depth.
Dessert
Dessert was simple yet satisfying with sweet and juicy melon.
The fusion take on the omakase was refreshing and delivered a few standout dishes. That said, a stronger emphasis on seasonal ingredients, a more defined progression of courses, and greater refinement in execution would have elevated the experience into something truly memorable.
Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.
Issho Izakaya
Marina One Show Gallery
West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-14
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6592 8876
Website
Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line), Downtown (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station, Take Exit 1. Walk to Marina Way. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]
3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to Straits View Road. Walk down Straits View Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
