Top 30 Yakitori Restaurants in Tokyo — Ultimate Guide | Meiten Gourmet
Yakitori is one of Japan's greatest culinary pleasures — and Tokyo is its undisputed home. Skewered chicken grilled over charcoal, seasoned with salt or tare sauce, served one perfect piece at a time — yakitori is simple in concept but endlessly refined in execution. Tokyo's best yakitori restaurants have elevated this humble street food to the level of fine dining, earning Michelin stars and devoted followings among the city's most discerning diners.
This guide presents the top 30 yakitori restaurants in Tokyo, selected from Tabelog's prestigious 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) list — Japan's most trusted restaurant awards based on over 100 million reviews — alongside Michelin Guide selections.
What is Yakitori?
Yakitori (焼き鳥) literally means "grilled bird." At its heart, yakitori is chicken skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over binchōtan — a premium Japanese white charcoal that burns at a precise, even temperature without smoke or odour, imparting a clean, subtle flavour to the meat.
The two essential seasonings:
Shio (salt) — the purist's choice, letting the quality of the chicken speak for itself
Tare (sauce) — a rich, sweet-savoury soy-based glaze, built up over years of dipping skewers
The best cuts to order:
Momo (thigh) — juicy, flavourful, the classic yakitori cut
Negima (thigh with spring onion) — the most iconic yakitori skewer
Tsukune (chicken meatball) — often finished with raw egg yolk for dipping
Kawa (skin) — crispy, rich, and deeply satisfying
Reba (liver) — barely cooked, silky, and intensely flavoured
Hatsu (heart) — tender and clean, a yakitori essential
Shiro (intestines) — bold, rich, for adventurous diners
Top 30 Yakitori Restaurants in Tokyo — Ranked
🥇 1. Kasahara (笠原) — Rating: 4.50
The highest-rated yakitori restaurant in Tokyo — and one of the finest in Japan. Kasahara in Higashigokencho, Shinjuku, has achieved an extraordinary rating that places it at the very pinnacle of Tokyo's yakitori world. Every skewer here is a masterclass in technique, sourcing, and restraint. Reservations are extremely difficult — book as far in advance as possible. Open daily.
Address: 5-5 Higashigokencho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
🥈 2. Takigi Tori Shinkobe (Makidori Shinkobe) — Rating: 4.42
A unique and extraordinary yakitori experience. Makidori Shinkobe in Akasaka uses takigi — wood fire rather than charcoal — to grill its chicken, imparting a distinctive smoky depth that sets it apart from every other yakitori restaurant in Tokyo. Located in a striking setting in Akasaka, this is one of the city's most memorable dining experiences. Open daily.
Address: 3-9-2 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: makitori-shinkobe.com
🥉 3. Torishiki (鳥しき) — Rating: 4.40
One of the most celebrated yakitori restaurants in the world. Torishiki in Kamiosaki, Shinagawa, has a global reputation that extends far beyond Tokyo — a pilgrimage destination for serious yakitori lovers from around the world. Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa's mastery of binchōtan grilling and his relationships with Japan's finest chicken producers have made Torishiki a benchmark for the entire genre. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 2-14-12 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Website: torishiki-ichimon.jp
4. Tori Chataro (鳥茶屋郎) — Rating: 4.39
An extraordinary yakitori counter in Uguisudanicho, Shibuya — one of the highest-rated yakitori restaurants in the city. Tori Chataro has built a devoted following for its exceptional chicken sourcing, masterful grilling technique, and deeply personal counter experience. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 7-12 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya, Tokyo
5. Okusa (大草) — Rating: 4.35 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant in Arakicho, Shinjuku — one of Tokyo's most charming and intimate dining neighbourhoods. Okusa is celebrated for its exceptional seasonal omakase-style yakitori, where each skewer reflects the chef's deep knowledge of Japanese poultry and his mastery of binchōtan technique. Open daily.
Address: 7-13 Arakicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
6. Eiki (鍈) — Rating: 4.27
A highly regarded yakitori counter in Ebisu, Shibuya — one of Tokyo's most stylish and international neighbourhoods. Eiki has earned a devoted following for its exceptional chicken quality and the precision of its grilling technique. Closed Sundays.
Address: 2-10-5 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
7. Shutei Tanaka (酒亭 田中) — Rating: 4.26 | ⭐ Michelin Bib Gourmand
A Michelin Bib Gourmand yakitori restaurant in Sumida — recognized for exceptional quality at accessible prices. Shutei Tanaka combines the warmth of a neighbourhood izakaya with the precision of a dedicated yakitori counter, making it one of Tokyo's most satisfying and unpretentious dining experiences. Open daily.
Address: 3-25-7 Sumida, Sumida City, Tokyo
Website: shutei-tanaka.com
7. Yakitori Nen Es — Rating: 4.26
A well-regarded yakitori counter in Roppongi — Tokyo's most internationally known entertainment district. Yakitori Nen Es serves exceptional skewers in a setting that attracts both Tokyo's discerning locals and international visitors. Closed Sundays.
Address: 7-13-10 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo
9. Minami-Aoyama Nanatoritome (南青山 七とりとめ) — Rating: 4.18 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant in Minami-Aoyama — one of Tokyo's most sophisticated and design-conscious neighbourhoods. Nanatoritome's omakase-style yakitori course is one of the finest in the city. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 7-13-13 Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: 7chome.jimdo.com
10. Torihayashi (鳥林) — Rating: 4.12
An outstanding yakitori counter in Azabu-Juban — one of Tokyo's most exclusive and internationally connected neighbourhoods. Torihayashi has built a devoted following for its exceptional chicken sourcing and the warmth of its intimate counter experience. Closed Sundays.
Address: 1-6-9 Azabu-Juban, Minato City, Tokyo
11. Torisho Ishii Hina (鳥匠 石井ひな) — Rating: 4.11 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred yakitori counter in Minami-Azabu — one of Tokyo's finest residential neighbourhoods. Torisho Ishii Hina is celebrated for its exceptional female chef's mastery of yakitori technique — a rarity in this traditionally male-dominated world. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 1-27-7 Minami-Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo
11. Sumiyaki Tori8 (炭焼き鳥8) — Rating: 4.11
A highly regarded charcoal yakitori restaurant in Nihonbashi — one of Tokyo's most historic and prestigious business districts. Sumiyaki Tori8's dedication to binchōtan grilling and exceptional chicken quality has earned it a devoted following among Tokyo's most discerning yakitori lovers. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 2-10-11 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
13. Yakitori Omino (焼鳥 おみの) — Rating: 4.09
A beloved yakitori destination in Oshiage, Sumida — near the famous Tokyo Skytree. Yakitori Omino has built an extraordinary reputation for its exceptional chicken and the warm, convivial atmosphere of its counter. Closed Sundays.
Address: 1-38-4 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo
Website: yakitori-omino.com
14. Shutei Yuzawa (酒亭 湯澤) — Rating: 4.02
A respected yakitori counter in Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo City. Shutei Yuzawa has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional yakitori and warm sake pairing — one of Tokyo's finest examples of the yakitori-sake combination. Open daily.
Address: 3-5-9 Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
15. Omino Tsubaki (おみの椿) — Rating: 3.99
A sister restaurant to the celebrated Yakitori Omino, located in Kyobashi, Chuo City. Omino Tsubaki brings the same exceptional chicken quality and grilling expertise to a more central Tokyo location. Open daily.
Address: 2-5-17 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
Website: yakitori-omino.com
15. Tori Aroma (鳥アロマ) — Rating: 3.99
A well-regarded yakitori counter in Kanda Jinbocho — Tokyo's famous book district in Chiyoda City. Tori Aroma has earned a devoted following for its exceptional yakitori and the intellectual, bookish atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Open daily.
Address: 2-12-3 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
17. Yakitori Shira (焼鳥 白) — Rating: 3.97
A neighbourhood yakitori gem in Umegaoka, Setagaya City — a quiet residential neighbourhood in western Tokyo. Yakitori Shira has built a devoted local following for its exceptional grilling technique and warm, unpretentious atmosphere. Closed Sundays.
Address: 1-22-1 Umegaoka, Setagaya City, Tokyo
18. Yakitori Shinohara (焼き鳥 篠原) — Rating: 3.92
A sophisticated yakitori restaurant in Nishiazabu — Tokyo's most fashionable neighbourhood. Yakitori Shinohara has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional seasonal yakitori and outstanding sake selection. Open daily.
Address: 1-4-40 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: yakitori-shinohara.com
19. Torioka (鳥岡) — Rating: 3.90
A respected yakitori counter in Azabudai, Minato City — part of the Torishiki group. Torioka brings the same exceptional quality and philosophy as the legendary Torishiki to a slightly more accessible setting. Closed Monday and Holidays.
Address: 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: torishiki-ichimon.jp
20. Torisawa 22 (鳥澤22) — Rating: 3.85
A stylish yakitori counter in Nishiazabu with a creative, modern approach to traditional yakitori. Torisawa 22 has earned a strong following among Tokyo's younger, more adventurous dining crowd. Open daily.
Address: 4-18-17 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: torisawa22.com
21. Yakitori Honda (焼鳥 本田) — Rating: 3.84
A well-regarded yakitori restaurant in Minato, Chuo City — a waterfront neighbourhood between Tsukiji and Shinkiba. Yakitori Honda is beloved for its honest, high-quality yakitori and the warmth of its neighbourhood atmosphere. Closed Sundays.
Address: 3-5-1 Minato, Chuo City, Tokyo
Website: yakitori-honda.com
22. Yakitori Uno (焼鳥 宇野) — Rating: 3.82
A neighbourhood yakitori institution in Okusawa, Setagaya City. Yakitori Uno has built a devoted local following for its exceptional binchōtan grilling and warm, welcoming counter atmosphere. Open daily.
Address: 3-30-11 Okusawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo
22. Omino Kamiyacho (おみの 神谷町) — Rating: 3.82
The third branch of the acclaimed Yakitori Omino group — this time in Toranomon, one of Tokyo's most prestigious business districts. The same exceptional chicken quality, now serving Tokyo's professional crowd. Closed Sundays.
Address: 3-17-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: yakitori-omino.com
24. Nezu Yakitori Terisumi (根津 焼鳥 照炭) — Rating: 3.80
A hidden gem yakitori counter in Nezu, Bunkyo City — one of Tokyo's most charming and historic old-town neighbourhoods. Nezu Yakitori Terisumi is a favourite among local food lovers for its exceptional grilling and warm neighbourhood atmosphere. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Address: 1-1-21 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
25. Yakitori Yamamoto (焼鳥 山本) — Rating: 3.79 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star
A Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant in Nakacho, Musashino — just west of central Tokyo. Yakitori Yamamoto has earned Michelin recognition for its exceptional chicken quality and the chef's masterful grilling technique. Closed Sundays.
Address: 1-19-8 Nakacho, Musashino, Tokyo
26. Seo (瀬尾) — Rating: 3.77
A neighbourhood yakitori counter in Azabu-Juban — beloved by local residents for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. Seo is one of those quietly excellent Tokyo restaurants that rewards those who know where to look. Closed Sundays.
Address: 1-4-2 Azabu-Juban, Minato City, Tokyo
26. Torisawa (鳥澤) — Rating: 3.77
The original Torisawa location in Nakameguro — one of Tokyo's most fashionable canal-side neighbourhoods. This intimate counter has built a devoted following for its clean, precise yakitori and the warmth of its atmosphere. Open daily.
Address: 1-5-13 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo
Website: lit.link/torisawa
28. Toricho (鳥長) — Rating: 3.76
A respected yakitori institution in Toyotamakita, Nerima City — a quiet, residential area of northwestern Tokyo. Toricho has been serving exceptional yakitori to its loyal neighbourhood clientele for years. Open daily.
Address: 4-31-8 Toyotamakita, Nerima City, Tokyo
29. Yakitori Toge (焼鳥 峠) — Rating: 3.75
A well-regarded yakitori counter in Saikumachi, Shinjuku City — a historic neighbourhood near Kagurazaka. Yakitori Toge has earned a devoted following for its exceptional grilling and warm, traditional atmosphere. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Address: 3-3 Saikumachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
29. Yakitori Migihane (焼鳥 右羽) — Rating: 3.75
A neighbourhood yakitori gem in Takaban, Meguro City. Yakitori Migihane has built a loyal local following for its outstanding yakitori and the warmth of its intimate counter. Closed Sundays.
Address: 2-20-19 Takaban, Meguro City, Tokyo
Website: yakitoriuu-yoyaku.com
Michelin-Recognized Yakitori in Tokyo — Summary
RestaurantRatingMichelinAreaOkusa4.35⭐ 1 StarShinjukuMinami-Aoyama Nanatoritome4.18⭐ 1 StarMinami-AoyamaTorisho Ishii Hina4.11⭐ 1 StarMinami-AzabuYakitori Yamamoto3.79⭐ 1 StarMusashinoYakitori Imai3.71⭐ 1 StarJingumaeYakitori Yamaga3.71⭐ 1 StarShinjukuYakitori Takahashi3.71⭐ 1 StarNihonbashiOgawa3.70⭐ 1 StarNingyochoYakitori Hachiman3.68⭐ 1 StarNishi-WasedaYakitori Ogawa3.66⭐ 1 StarShinjukuShirokane Toritama Kagurazaka3.61⭐ 1 StarKagurazakaShirokane Toritama Honkan3.60⭐ 1 StarShirokaneShutei Tanaka4.26Bib GourmandSumidaYakitori Abe3.70Bib GourmandShinagawa
Tips for Eating Yakitori in Tokyo
Order by the piece. Yakitori is meant to be ordered gradually throughout the evening — a few skewers at a time, paired with drinks. Don't try to order everything at once.
Try both shio and tare. Most pieces can be ordered with either salt or tare sauce. A good rule of thumb: delicate cuts like breast and liver are best with shio; richer cuts like thigh and skin are excellent with tare.
Let the chef guide you. At high-end yakitori counters, the chef will often recommend the order in which to eat the skewers — following this guidance ensures you experience the flavours in the intended sequence.
Drink beer or sake. Yakitori and cold beer is one of Japan's great food and drink pairings. At more refined counters, sake — particularly junmai or junmai daiginjo — pairs beautifully with delicate yakitori.
Go early or book ahead. Tokyo's most celebrated yakitori restaurants — particularly Torishiki and Kasahara — are booked weeks or months in advance. Use Tabelog or Pocket Concierge for reservations. For walk-in spots, arriving at opening time is your best strategy.
Don't skip tsukune. The chicken meatball (tsukune) is a yakitori essential. At the best restaurants, it is served with a raw egg yolk for dipping — rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. Never miss it.
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All restaurant data sourced from Tabelog's 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) awards and Michelin Guide Tokyo — Japan's most trusted restaurant recognitions.