When visiting Japan, enjoying the local food culture is just as important as visiting the sights and taking part in cultural activities.
Among the many culinary delights, yakitori stands out as a symbol of Japanese izakaya culture.
Simple yet delectable, yakitori is chicken skewered and grilled to perfection over charcoal and showcases the skills of master chefs.
In this article, we’ll introduce five exceptional yakitori restaurants in the chic Omotesando area of Tokyo.
Discover the unique features and culinary artistry of each establishment, and enjoy a truly memorable yakitori experience in Omotesando.
Omotesando and Yakitori: The Appeal
Omotesando is renowned for its stylish and sophisticated atmosphere and is home to high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet dining spots.
Among these, you’ll find a diverse selection of yakitori restaurants, ranging from casual izakaya to upscale establishments.
Enjoying yakitori in Omotesando will give you a deeper connection to Tokyo’s rich food culture and allow you to savor the flavors concoted by skilled chefs in this trendy neighborhood.
1. Sandaime Torimero Gaienmae Stadium-dori
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“Sandaime Torimero Gaienmae Stadium-dori“ is a casual izakaya specializing in chicken dishes.
Their signature Seiryu Wakadori, known for being exceptionally juicy, is the star of the menu, which features 90-gram yakitori skewers and an impressive whole roasted chicken thigh.
These dishes are served with a secret “purupuru” sauce or a special onion-salt sauce, adding a rich depth of flavor.
In addition to yakitori, the menu includes a variety of other options, including fried skewers, sushi, and seafood dishes.
The drink menu is equally extensive, with over 90 options, including Premium Malts beer and oversized “mega” sours.
The spacious interior is perfect for group gatherings or casual girls’ nights out, making it a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a diverse range of chicken dishes at reasonable prices.
2. Higonoya Aoyama Main Store
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“Higonoya Aoyama Main Store“ is located just a few minutes from Omotesando Station and has been a beloved chicken-specialty izakaya for over 50 years.
Their yakitori, made with fresh chicken delivered daily from Iwate Prefecture and grilled over binchotan charcoal, is their pride and joy.
The BouBou Yaki and classic yakitori skewers are especially popular, with the freshness of the ingredients drawing out the flavor to the fullest.
The lively atmosphere, combined with enough capacity to accommodate up to 60 people for banquets, makes it an ideal venue for large gatherings.
The window-side seats overlooking Aoyama-dori are highly sought after by their customers and it’s a great spot for meet-ups with friends or company dinners.
3. Mirai-Zaka Aoyama Gaienmae
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“Mirai-Zaka Aoyama Gaienmae“ is an izakaya known for its focus on fried chicken, with the star dish being the Seiryu Wakadori Bone-in Whole Chicken Thigh Glove Fry.
This generously-portioned, juicy dish is a crowd favorite.
With over 50 drink options, including highballs and lemon sours, this retro-modern space has a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying a good time with friends or large groups.
Their banquet plans, which include all-you-can-drink options for 2.5 hours, are especially popular, and the cozy yet spacious seating arrangements make it a comfortable venue for big gatherings or casual dining.
4. Yakitori Imai
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“Yakitori Imai”, located near Gaienmae Station, is a high-end yakitori restaurant specializing in Amagi Game Chicken from Izu.
The chicken is carved in-house and meticulously grilled over binchotan charcoal, with each part prepared using different techniques to bring out the best flavors.
They also offer a range of seasonal vegetable dishes using ingredients directly sourced from local farms.
The drink menu features carefully selected junmai sake, natural wines, and champagne, allowing guests to enjoy perfect pairings with their meals.
The chic counter seats provide an up-close view of the chef at work and will deliver a refined and relaxed dining experience.
5. Omotenashi Toriyoshi Aoyama
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“Omotenashi Toriyoshi Aoyama”, founded in 1984, is a long-standing chicken-specialty izakaya located just a minute’s walk from Omotesando Station.
The tebasaki kara-age (fried chicken wings) and whole chicken hot pot are among the standout dishes, with traditional Japanese culinary techniques applied to enhance the flavors of each order.
The beautiful presenatation also reflects the attention to detail that goes into every dish.
With private rooms that can accommodate small groups to parties of up to 50, Toriyoshi offers a refined space for business meetings, special dinners, and banquets.
The extensive selection of sake and shochu is curated to complement the chicken dishes, making this a top choice for those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience.
Conclusion
What did you think about our selection of five delicious yakitori spots in Omotesando?
Each restaurant offers a unique take on this classic dish against the backdrop of one of Tokyo’s most stylish districts.
When you visit Tokyo, make sure to stop by these yakitori restaurants and enjoy a dining experience guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, as you immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culinary culture.