Review: Neon-lit modern izakaya Omu Nomu is a hidden gem with great vibes and solid handrolls

What do you think of when you hear the term “izakaya”? Probably not a place like Omo Nomu at Bugis. 

In fact, you’d probably think: A dingy hole-in-the-wall spot, decked in wooden accents, filled with rowdy Japanese men who have had one too many highballs and tables full of yakitori and karaage.

While that may be the archetypal izakaya experience here and in Japan, things have been changing — more modern izakayas have been popping up and have taken to adding more modern flair to the decor and, sometimes, the dishes. 

If you’re looking for that experience, one of the best examples of that would be none other than Omu Nomu. 

The backstory

Labeling itself as a craft sake and raw bar, Omu Nomu first opened in 2022 and has built a cult following in the past two years it’s been operating — it’s one of those #iykyk places.

It’s located on the ground floor of Concourse Skyline, a condo located along Beach Road. Neighbouring establishments include equally vibey spots such as Malt Craft Beer Bar and Pizza Face.

The stylish hidden gem is contained in a small shop front and everything feels very intimate — it’s fixed up with just two booth seats while most of the action is concentrated around the open bar counter.

Aesthetics wise, Omu Nomu’s space boasts a modern edge, sporting minimalist wooden counters and plain white walls, jazzed up with hanging paper-lantern lamps, and a melange of vibrantly designed posters. 

Piling on the flair is a striking neon sign that reads “om nom nom”, its light drenching the counter in a sharp scarlet glow, and adding to the ambience.

When we visited on a Thursday night, the bar was surprisingly crowded with regulars swinging by after work. Apparently, the staff say, it’s because these regulars prefer avoiding the busy CBD, where they are much more likely to run into colleagues.

Everything at Omo Nomu basically culminates in a nice vibe with plenty of buzz and chatter — just what you’ll find at your traditional izakayas.

Our verdict

What it’s good for

Although not purportedly its speciality, Omu Nomu’s handrolls has gotten some love, partly due to its viral Handroll Tuesday promotion that offers six handrolls for just S$36.

While the selection of handrolls are subject to rotation, the current line-up comprises spicy salmon, hotate, negitoro, ebi fry, foie gras and snow crab. Considering the foie gras alone is S$16 a la carte, it’s a really great deal.

Unfortunately, we weren’t free on Tuesday but we requested for the (usually off-menu) ebi fry handroll (S$8.80) to try. If there’s anything you crave that doesn’t seem to be on the menu, Omu Nomu actually offers a make-your-own-roll option too.

The ebi fry handroll was a wonderful bite lush with textures — it’s loaded up with crunchy fried prawn, spring onions and tobiko, while the toasted seaweed adds an additional crispiness.

Aside from handrolls, you can also grab other quintessential izakaya grub at Omu Nomu such as sashimi, oden and skewers.

Craving something a bit more potent in flavour, but not sure what to pick, we opted for the kushiyaki omakase (S$26.20 for five pieces) and let the kitchen decide for us.

Execution was solid across the board, with everything arriving juicy and smoky, but the maruhatsu (chicken heart, S$3.80) was the clear standout with its delectably bouncy texture. 

Yakitori fans would know how hard it is to get the texture perfect on chicken offcuts, particularly the heart, so we were impressed, for sure. 

Besides that, we also quite enjoyed Omu Nomu’s kisu and chips (S$15.40), a creative reinterpretation of fish and chips with a partly Japanese-inspired slant.

This dish swaps out the usual battered fish for smaller kisu (Japanese whiting) but throws in a curve ball by switching the usual fries with… Curly fries, a la McDonald’s.

The well-fried kisu are light and airy on the outside and soft on the inside, while not being too greasy, and the curly fries are just as good as McDonald’s version and especially sinful when dipped in the tangy sauce.

What it could improve on

Besides the ebi fry, another handroll we tried was the negitoro (S$10). This one was wrapped up with Japanese leek, minced tuna and a special house-made sauce.

Comparatively, it was a more run-of-the-mill item. While silky and rich overall, it’s a ubiquitous offering at most handroll bars and Omu Nomu’s take didn’t really offer anything special.

That said, it’s still a pretty solid handroll that we have no problem gobbling up — especially if this were to reappear on the menu if we do come back for its Handroll Tuesdays.

We also ordered the recommended seasonal grilled fish (S$37.50), which came with two slabs of tuna cheek drenched in a dark sauce and accompanied by a huge radish slice.

We had high expectations, but even though the tuna had a good depth of flavour, the slightly dry texture was disappointing. 

However, the radish was wonderfully soft and succulent, and helped to redeem the dish somewhat. That said, we generally preferred the rest of the offerings we tried at Omu Nomu.

Our quick takes

Is it conducive to conversation? Although the place is not hot huge, the other guests’ conversations didn’t drown us out, and we could still converse quite clearly.

Is a reservation necessary? Reservations are not necessary on normal weekdays, but it’s better to reserve in case you prefer booth seats instead of counter seats.

How to get there? Get off at Nicoll Highway and follow the overhead bridge at the exit to reach Concourse Skyline; it’s an approximately seven-minute walk to Omo Nomu. 

HungryGoWhere paid for its meal at this restaurant for this review.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on all the best spots to go for some satisfying chirashi don and where are all the coolest new spots you must visit!

Do explore the new GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride to Omu Nomu at Bugis for its Handroll Tuesdays.