Tomo Izakaya loosely translates to Friend and Drinking bar. Tomo is another new addition to the ever growing (or changing) establishments in Clarke Quay. With places like Kandi Bar and Aurum, funded by bigger conglomerates, ending operations I find it courageous that restaurantuers are still dishing out new experiences to the consumers despite the gloom.

We were actually walking from Clarke Quay to Liang Court for Tampopo's ramen. But my sharp eyes caught Tomo and rest they say is history. Like the izakayas in Japan, there are seatings at the bar for drinks and low tables serve the dining customers. Tomo gives a natural feel due to much use of wood and bamboo in the design. Paper lanterns are hung around the restaurant with the words 朋友 on them. There is a mini stage at the front for live bands to sing from 9pm on certain days. Wooden pine shelves at the side hold japanese manga and lifestyle magazines for casual reading.

Set lunches are served during lunch (no ala carte) with prices ranging from $12 to $25. There are two $25 DBS special lunch box. If you pay with any DBS credit card and choose one of the DBS special, you get another free set lunch. Like a one-for-one! This is really a good deal. So common sense prevailed and we got the DBS Special Lunch Box A and the Bento Set. The DBS Special Lunch Box A contained essentially sashimi (tai, salmon and maguro), diced sauteed beef steak, mixed tempura, potato salad, rice and pickles. With the set also came along the chawanmushi and miso soup. The steamed egg was smooth and had ingredients such as fishcake, mushroom, prawn and chicken. The miso soup was very strong and had generous amount of tiny clams in it. The soup is quite salty in my opinion, but miso lovers may indulge in it. The sashimi was fresh and sliced quite generously (if you can see the pic below), almost 3/4 of a centimetre thick. Though not premium variety, the cut and freshness were worth the salt. The sauteed beef cubes came nice japanese mushrooms and the accompanying sauce added sweetness to the dish. The batter on the tempura was light. I was a little delighted that there were 2 prawns in the set with the other made up of lotus and carrot. The potato salad was average. The Bento Set is almost the same except that instead of beef it had tebagyoza which were chicken wings with added stuffings but without the bones. Found this to be just average, not fantastic at all. I took a look at the ala carte menu that is served during dinner. Otoro sashimi costs $57, chutoro costs $35, salmon $18, amaebi $20. There is also a wide variety of sakes and shochus on the menu.

The set lunches are priced quite affordably, especially with the DBS promotion. Refillable green tea cost $2 per cup. I would love to return for another visit to experience the izakaya at night, drink my sake and hear the band rock.