The Robertson Quay area certainly isn’t lacking in restaurants, so what makes Shunjuu Izakaya stand out? Its extensive menu of well executed, reasonably priced sumiyaki (charcoal grill) dishes and sakes, coupled with warm and efficient service. This established izakaya is a dependable spot if you are craving Japanese grilled eats in a cosy, welcoming setting.

Sashimi here is fresh and comes generously sliced. To start your meal, have the swordfish belly, which promises a delightfully toothsome and creamy mouthfeel, or opt for the tofu drenched in century egg sauce. Both are enjoyable preludes to the oyster omelette that satisfies with plump fresh bivalves blanketed in a quivering egg and savoury sauce.

From the hot food menu, head straight for the excellent charcoal grilled dishes. The quality of the grilled items here is testament to the chefs’ experience and in knowing the exact moment to lift the meats off the heat. Order the Japanese mackerel with plum; its tender, meaty flesh is enhanced by the salty-sour nuances of the preserved fruit. Thepork cheek, too, is a fine match for the Kagoshima wagyu ribeye, both succulent and boasting a beautiful umami. You’ll do well to pair them with a smooth sake from Shunjuu’s comprehensive list.

Fancy chargrilled chicken wings? Shunjuu does theirs simply and well, with juicy flesh and a taut, thin skin that yields a snap upon first bite. And if you love organ meats, the foie gras and ox tongue are excellent with just the right doneness and texture. This is an izakaya gem worth returning to again and again.