How to Find the Best Yakitori Restaurants in Japan

Yakitori, the quintessential Japanese street food, offers a culinary experience that is both simple and sophisticated. To find the best yakitori restaurants in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, you need to know where to look and what to expect.

Understanding Yakitori Culture

Yakitori is more than just grilled chicken on skewers; it is a culture deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine. The dish typically involves bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked over charcoal, often seasoned with either a soy-based tare sauce or salt. The variety of chicken parts available is a hallmark of yakitori, with options ranging from thigh and breast to more adventurous choices like neck meat (seseri), liver (reba), gizzard (sunazuri), meatballs (tsukune), and cartilage (nankotsu).

Recommended Yakitori Restaurants in Tokyo

Mid-Range and Budget Options

• Kushikwakamaru (Nakameguro): Known for its affordable and lively atmosphere, Kushikwakamaru is a local favorite that offers no-frills, delicious yakitori.
• Yakitori Tetsu (Shibuya): This budget-friendly option near Shibuya Station is ideal for those looking for a cheap and cheerful meal.
• Morimoto (Shibuya): For an old-school yakitori experience, Morimoto in Shibuya is a great choice, offering a traditional setting and flavorful skewers.

High-End and Michelin-Starred Options

• Bird Land (Marunouchi): Although the Ginza branch is more renowned, the Marunouchi branch of Bird Land offers a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining the same high standards and ingredients.
• Toritama (Shinjuku): Known for its extensive menu featuring various chicken parts, Toritama is a top choice for those seeking a gourmet yakitori experience.
• Imai (Harajuku): Imai elevates yakitori to a gourmet level with refined cooking and stylish surroundings, making it a must-visit for those looking for a sophisticated dining experience.

Other Noteworthy Restaurants

• Torishiki (Shinagawa): Regarded by many as the best yakitori restaurant in Japan, Torishiki is run by the legendary chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa and offers classic yakitori at great value, despite its reputation.
• Yakitori Omino (Oshiage): A Michelin-starred restaurant with a set-course meal, Yakitori Omino is known for its high-quality dishes and convenient location near Tokyo Skytree.
• Higonoya (Aoyama): With a history spanning over five decades, Higonoya offers high-quality yakitori at accessible prices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

How to Order Yakitori

Ordering yakitori can be straightforward if you know the basics. Here are some tips:

• Specify the Part: Tell the chef the specific part of the chicken you want, such as "tebasaki" for chicken wings or "tsukune" for meatballs.
• Choose Your Seasoning: Decide between "shio" (salt) and "tare" (soy-based sauce) for your seasoning preference.
• Count Your Skewers: Use the words "ippon" (one skewer), "nihon" (two skewers), or "sanbon" (three skewers) to specify the number of skewers you want.
• Non-Verbal Communication: If language is a barrier, holding up fingers can also help communicate the number of skewers you desire.

Manners and Etiquette

Eating yakitori comes with its own set of etiquette rules:

• Respect the Chef: In many yakitori restaurants, the chef is the central figure. Be respectful and follow their guidance on ordering and eating.
• Use Chopsticks Correctly: While eating, use chopsticks to pick up the skewers. It is generally considered polite to not leave your chopsticks standing upright in your rice, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual.
• Enjoy with Drinks: Yakitori is often enjoyed with alcoholic beverages. Be mindful of your drinking and eating pace to fully appreciate the experience.

Reservations and Accessibility

Reservations can be crucial, especially for popular yakitori restaurants:

• Advance Reservations: For high-end restaurants like Torishiki and Yakitori Omino, reservations need to be made well in advance, often two months prior.
• Accessibility: Some restaurants, like Toritama in Shinjuku, are more English-friendly, making them easier for international visitors to navigate.

By understanding the culture, knowing where to go, and being aware of the ordering and etiquette rules, you can fully enjoy the rich experience of yakitori in Japan.