When you’re in Japan, tasting authentic yakitori is a must! These grilled chicken skewers, often cooked over a smoky fire, are a staple all over Tokyo. Here are some of the city’s best spots to dive into this delicious tradition.
First up is Higonoya Aoyama! With exposed brick and warm hues of orange and red, this is a friendly spot for lunch or dinner. Sit at the counter to watch the chef expertly grill each skewer, or settle into a window seat for more privacy. While every cut is delicious, you can’t go wrong with the tender liver or classic fried chicken. Don’t forget to save room for a bowl of rice porridge served at the end of your meal.
Yakitori Omino keeps the focus on the food, with only ten seats around an L-shaped counter and simple, unadorned walls. You’ll see an impressive array of free-range chicken cuts under the counter, including less common options like neck skin, cartilage, and tendons. Watch the chef grill your skewers to perfection, filling the space with delicious, smoky aromas.
For a refined yakitori experience, head to Nanachome! This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its top-quality chicken skewers sourced from Kyoto and Hyogo farms. Take a seat at the sleek L-shaped counter and indulge in a wide variety of skewers, Japanese quail eggs, or a bowl of oyakodon, a flavorful rice dish with chicken and egg. Reservations fill up fast, so book at least two months in advance!
With its open-air concept, Yakitori Sei brings the street vibe inside—no walls, no front door, just a counter open to the bustling street outside. Grab one of the 16 seats for a front-row view of the chef’s omakase, a 14-course experience featuring specialties like Sho-Niku (succulent grilled chicken thighs). Plan for a leisurely three-hour dining experience that’s worth every minute!
After a stroll through Inokashira Park, stop by Iseya for lunch or dinner just a few blocks away. You can grab skewers to-go at their takeout window or sit inside for a view of the open kitchen (just be prepared to leave with your clothes smelling like smoke!). Charcoal-grilled yakitori is the main attraction, but the homemade shumai dumplings are just as delicious. Unbeatable prices make it easy to order a little bit of everything.
If you’re a Kill Bill fan, Gonpachi Nishiazabu is a must-visit – this spot is famous for its cameo in the iconic film! Hanging lanterns cast a warm glow over this high-ceilinged dining space, while a dramatic mezzanine balcony gives you a perfect view of the bustling scene below. Even if you’re just here for the ambiance, the menu won’t disappoint – try the flavorful chicken wings, tender liver, or savory gizzards.
With only 17 counter seats in this small restaurant, you’d better make a reservation in advance at Tokoshima! Here, you’ll taste skewers crafted from locally sourced chicken and seasonal vegetables that bring out the best in each bite. The chef, who doubles as a sommelier, has curated an impressive selection of 40 different sakes, so you know you’ll get the perfect pairing!
Step off the beaten path and into Ribatei, a no-frills gem just south of Tokyo where locals have savored yakitori since the 1940s. This third-generation family spot dishes up every cut you can imagine—gizzard, heart, neck, and even windpipe—all served omakase-style for a true taste of everything. Don’t leave without trying the curry powder fried rice served at the end of each meal.
