Kyu Izakaya

Kyu Izakaya brings an elevated, dimly lit Japanese dining experience right to Taman Pelangi. Forget generic commercial mall joints; this space feels posh and intentional. Diners can grab one of the 10 bar seats to watch the chefs at work, settle into cozy four-seaters, or book one of the two VIP rooms for maximum privacy. Beautiful, mismatched cutlery adds a boutique touch to the table setting, elevating the overall casual yet premium aesthetic.

The menu leans heavily on quality seafood, and the salmon sashimi is the undisputed star. Expect thick, melt-in-your-mouth slices that consistently draw praise for their freshness. The 5-kind sashimi platter is a solid bet, though consistency can occasionally waver with secondary cuts like kampachi. If you want guaranteed satisfaction, stick to the salmon and pair it with their rich, deeply umami miso.

Hot dishes are slightly more polarizing. The chawanmushi with prawns is a massive hit among diners, while the tempura and udon sets lean closer to ordinary. Wash everything down with a crisp, ice-cold Suntory Premium Malt on tap. Skip the house sake, which some diners report leaves a harsh, solvent-like finish.

Pricing occupies a middle ground: it is considered premium by local JB standards but remains highly wallet-friendly for visiting Singaporeans. Service is generally decent, and the staff occasionally surprise celebrating couples with free yuzu ice cream. Drop by during their split weekday shifts (Monday to Friday: 12:00–2:30 PM, 5:30–10:30 PM) or enjoy all-day service on weekends (Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–10:30 PM).