Just a short drive from Sentosa’s beachfront calm lies IKO Restaurant & Bar, an edgy, full-sensory contrast to laid-back island life. Tucked at 65 Neil Road, IKO isn’t just another dining spot—it’s a bold interpretation of “Modern-Japanese Bistronomy,” where flavors fuse, lights pulse, and creativity cooks alongside flames. Whether you’re staying on Sentosa or venturing beyond for dinner, IKO delivers an experience that lingers longer than the last bite.
A Creative Force in Singapore’s Dining Scene
Originally launched in April 2021 under Chef Jeremmy Chiam, IKO made early waves with its “Mod-Jap” concept—think Uni Pudding and chilled Somen noodles that tease with flavor and surprise. But the shift came in early 2022, when Chef Dylan Ong took the reins. Known for his Franco-Asian culinary background from The Masses, Ong turned IKO into something sharper, louder, and more expressive.
His take on Modern-Japanese Bistronomy doesn’t follow the rules. Instead, it riffs off them—Japanese produce meets European precision. The result is a menu that reinvents itself every couple of months, keeping loyal diners on their toes and new visitors curious.
The Vibe: More Underground Tokyo Than Traditional Izakaya
IKO trades wood tones and tatami calm for nightclub energy. Neon lights throw shades across steel beams and graffiti-painted walls. The playlist—curated by Chef Ong—sets the tempo, while the open kitchen keeps things transparent and theatrical. It’s dinner with a side of adrenaline.
Expect:
- Funky neon installations dancing off the concrete-washed floors
- Street-style murals and graffiti breaking the visual mold
- An open kitchen where fire meets fish and precision plating
- A buzzing soundtrack that resists soft jazz clichés
For those who’ve spent the day cycling Sentosa’s trails or sunbathing on Siloso Beach, IKO offers a swift flip in mood—high-energy, high-flavor, and highly rewarding.
Signature Bites That Don’t Apologize
At IKO, the dishes don’t just arrive—they announce themselves. From the cheeky to the indulgent, every plate leans into flavor without restraint. Here are some standouts that consistently grab attention:
1. “Ice Cream” Cones
Forget dessert. These savory cones bring visual mischief and taste-forward execution. Popular picks:
- Negitoro: Minced raw tuna with cured yolk
- Salmon: A two-layer hit of raw and smoked, offset by crème fraîche and ikura
2. That High Sess Somen
This cold noodle dish eats like silk. Chutoro, snow crab, bafun uni, and caviar come together over chilled somen—opulence in every mouthful.
3. A4 Wagyu “Sukiyaki”
Stripped down and dialed up. This version swaps traditional broth for white sukiyaki sauce and centers a glistening egg yolk like a jewel.
4. Hay-Smoked Guinea Fowl
Served with 15 seasonal Japanese vegetables, this is where finesse meets earthiness. Smoke, texture, and timing do the heavy lifting.
5. Dope You Up Bowl
Ume shiso rice, wagyu buri, bafun uni, ikura, and a wagyu fat emulsion make this bowl anything but subtle. It’s layered, loud, and loaded.
Perfect Pairings from the Bar
IKO’s beverage program isn’t an afterthought. Whether it’s artisanal sake, small-batch Japanese whisky, or a natural wine with bite, the drink menu is designed to keep pace with the food. Highlights include:
- Weekly Highball Nights: Mondays lean fizzy and strong
- Ladies’ Night Wednesdays: Complimentary prosecco for female guests
- Sake curation: From fruity to full-bodied, the sommelier-led selection keeps pairings sharp
Why Sentosa Diners Should Care
You don’t have to stay in Sentosa to dine on the island, and you don’t have to stay on the island to dine well. IKO proves that venturing out—just 15 minutes by car—pays off. It’s the kind of place that resets your palate after a beachside brunch or challenges your senses before a quiet return to your resort.
For locals living near the waterfront or tourists seeking a city-meets-sensory experience, IKO offers a flavor-packed detour. It’s a reminder that Singapore’s culinary scene stretches far beyond its hawker heart and into fire-lit, neon-drenched kitchens like this one.
What to Know Before You Go
Address
65 Neil Road, Singapore 088897
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Reservations
Book via iko.com.sg or call +65 8866 5218
Email: [email protected]
Quick Tips for Sentosa-Based Visitors
- Transport: Grab, taxi, or ride-share gets you from Sentosa to Neil Road in under 20 minutes.
- Pre-booking recommended: Especially for dinner slots on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Allergies or dietary preferences: Mention in advance—Chef Ong’s team can pivot dishes if flagged early.
- Pair it with: An afternoon at Tanjong Beach, then cocktails and dinner at IKO for a sharp contrast.
Final Bite
IKO Restaurant & Bar isn’t quiet, and it doesn’t try to be. It brings together Japanese ingredients, European technique, and a fearless design sensibility. For Sentosa diners craving contrast, this is a detour worth taking. It hits hard, cooks smart, and doesn’t repeat itself.
