6 Best Yakitori (Grilled Skewers) Restaurant in Ueno 2024
Ueno is one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations, constantly drawing visitors from both Japan and abroad. Famous landmarks include the Ueno Zoo, National Art Museum, and Ameyoko shopping street, offering so many attractions that it's impossible to explore everything in just one day. Many tourists often pair their visit to Ueno with nearby Asakusa, as both areas share a similar "shitamachi" (traditional downtown) atmosphere and are conveniently close to each other.
Did you know that Ueno isn't just bustling during daytime sightseeing hours, but also comes alive at night with food enthusiasts? Ameyoko is famous as a drinking district, home to numerous hidden gems and local favorite establishments that only insiders know about.
Among these, Ueno is especially renowned for its high-quality yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurants, perfect for accompanying drinks. Let's introduce some of the best yakitori spots in Ueno.
Ueno's Abundance of Locally-Loved Yakitori Establishments
Ueno is famous for its large number of restaurants, owing to its constant flow of visitors throughout the week. The traditional Japanese dining districts feature various establishments, from sashimi and sushi seafood specialists to Japanese wagyu beef yakiniku restaurants and yakitori specialty shops.
Among these, yakitori restaurants are particularly popular with locals due to their reasonable prices. Many are long-established shops with histories spanning decades, bustling with regular customers even during daytime hours.
What is Yakitori?
Yakitori is a Japanese dish consisting of bite-sized cuts of chicken threaded onto skewers, grilled over charcoal, and seasoned with either sauce or salt. The origins of yakitori can be traced back to the Heian period. It is said to have originated at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, where sparrows (considered rice field pests) were caught, skewered, and eaten as part of prayers for a good harvest.
In modern times, chicken has replaced sparrow meat, and yakitori has become a popular food at festival stalls and as an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. As it's available in various locations, yakitori remains a familiar and beloved Japanese dish among locals.
Michelin-Listed! Two Recommended Yakitori Restaurants Around Ueno for Exceptional Grilled Chicken
Torie
Source: Tabelog
Let me introduce two exceptional yakitori restaurants around Ueno that have been featured in the Michelin Guide.
The first one, Torie, specializes in yakitori using premium branded chicken varieties such as Aichi Prefecture's Kogen Kochin, Kagoshima Prefecture's Kuro Satsuma chicken, and Tottori Prefecture's Oyama chicken.
The Torie Course I ordered features grilled dishes centered around the flavorful Satsuma chicken and seasonal ingredients. Their signature yakitori captivates diners with its crispy texture followed by a burst of juicy flavors.
For seasoning, you can choose between their traditional sauce or sea salt. I recommend the sauce option. Their secret sauce, combined with the charcoal aroma and the umami from the meat, creates a deep richness that other restaurants cannot replicate.
The restaurant has a sommelier on staff who can recommend perfect drink pairings for your exquisite yakitori experience.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-40-8 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku
- Closed: Sundays and irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3836-0211
- Hours: Weekdays 17:30-22:30, Saturdays & Holidays 17:00-22:30
- Official website: https://www.torie-yakitori.com/
Kizamitori
Source: Tabelog
The second restaurant, Kizamitori, offers course meals featuring yakitori made from premium branded chicken and original chicken dishes. The meat is carefully shaped for even cooking and slowly grilled over high-quality Binchotan charcoal from Hyogo.
The Kizamitori Course I ordered includes appetizers, soup, sashimi, seven types of yakitori, a finishing dish, and dessert. The cuisine uniquely blends Japanese cooking with French and Italian elements. My favorite was the finishing Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), with its perfect combination of juicy chicken and creamy eggs.
Speaking of Ueno Sweets & Desserts, during my previous visit, I was surprised by their innovative dessert - vanilla ice cream drizzled with yakitori sauce. The sweet and savory sauce paired wonderfully with the vanilla ice cream, reminiscent of Mitarashi dango (traditional Japanese rice dumplings with sweet soy sauce). This addictive flavor combination had me finishing it in no time!
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F, 3-23-3 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 03-3837-7773
- Hours: 17:00-24:00
- Official website: https://ghs6600.gorp.jp/
Daitoryo (The President)
Source: Tabelog
Motsuyaki Daitoryo is a long-established izakaya (Japanese pub) that has been one of the most popular establishments in Ameyoko since its founding in 1950. Their signature dish is the Daitoryo Special Stew, which has been beloved since the restaurant's inception. This special stew features unique ingredients such as horse offal, daikon radish, and konjac, all simmered together to perfection. The ingredients are tender and thoroughly infused with flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.
The menu also offers a wide variety of appetizers including grilled skewers, shiokara (salt-fermented seafood innards), kimchi, and hiyayakko (chilled tofu). The interior retains a strong Showa-era atmosphere, allowing guests to feel as if they've stepped back in time while enjoying their meal.
The restaurant operates long hours, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. With its casual and welcoming atmosphere, why not drop by before or during your sightseeing tour of the Ueno area? After your meal, you can explore the famous Ueno Sweets & Desserts shops nearby for a perfect ending to your culinary adventure.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Closed: Never (Open daily)
- Phone: 03-3832-5622
- Business Hours: 10:00-23:30
Charcoal Grilled Yakitori Gokuu Ueno Branch
Source: Google Maps
At Jidoriya Gokuu, you can enjoy yakitori made from fresh chicken sourced every morning from a long-established Tsukiji shop founded in 1902. They pay special attention to their salt selection, using French Guérande salt known for its mild flavor that brings out the ingredients' natural umami.
My go-to menu item is the 8-piece selected charcoal-grilled yakitori course. Along with 5 pieces of yakitori, it includes creative yakitori selections, vegetable skewers, and their homemade signature tsukune (chicken meatballs). Each piece offers a unique taste, and the 8-piece course alone will keep your drinks flowing.
Their homemade tsukune is particularly special as it's grilled raw without pre-boiling, allowing the meat's umami to come through directly. It's so delicious that I always end up ordering extra portions.
Gokuu's hidden concept is "a delicious restaurant open until morning," typically operating until 4 AM. Why not enjoy their exceptional chicken dishes and drinks while relaxing until dawn?
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-48 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Closed: Sundays (Open if Monday is a holiday)
- Phone: 03-5818-1094
- Hours: Mon-Sat 17:30-4:00, Sun/Holidays (when open) 17:00-23:00
Torifuku Ueno
Source: Tabelog
Torifuku Ueno offers dishes that let you savor the deliciousness of branded chicken under the concept "Wholly Delicious Chicken," including yakitori, mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and spicy grilled bone-in thigh meat. At the counter seats, you can watch as they grill carefully selected domestic chicken over bincho charcoal, adding to the live dining experience.
The menu item that left the strongest impression on me is the "Torifuku-yaki." This signature dish features bone-in chicken thigh marinated in over 20 types of spices, grilled in the oven, then topped with a special spice sauce and grilled again. The spice mix, which includes curry and cayenne pepper, stimulates your appetite, and its rich flavoring pairs perfectly with drinks. Be sure to bite into it while it's fresh off the grill! You'll definitely become captivated by its deliciousness.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-14-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, 3F
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3835-4822
- Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00, Sat 14:00-23:00, Sun/Holidays 14:00-22:00
- Official Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/brands/torifuku/
Yakitori Bunraku
Source: Tabelog
Yakitori Bunraku, established in 1958, is a long-standing yakitori restaurant that maintains its traditional flavors with the motto "Fresh daily, no frozen chicken." The Showa-era style street vendor-inspired interior features an open entrance, creating a welcoming atmosphere that customers praise for its casual dining experience. After your meal, you might want to explore the nearby traditional Japanese sweets shops in Ueno, known for their wagashi and other delectable desserts.
The must-try menu item is the grilled chicken thigh with miso garlic sauce. This special sauce combines white miso and garlic for an impactful flavor that perfectly complements the rich-tasting Daisen chicken. It's no wonder many customers visit specifically for this miso garlic sauce. This is definitely a dish you shouldn't miss when visiting Ueno, and you can follow it up with some of the area's famous sweet treats.
Besides miso garlic, they also offer regular garlic sauce and their original blended salt. With various chicken parts available, why not discover your favorite combination?
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-12-1 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-3832-0319
- Hours: Mon-Fri 14:00-23:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 12:00-22:00
Recommended Tours to Discover Hidden Yakitori Shops Known Only to Locals
If you'd like to explore hidden yakitori shops that only locals know about, consider joining a tour. Here are three recommended tours.
Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour
Source: Viator
The "Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour" takes you to izakayas and standing bars beloved by locals. If you have questions about any food or drinks at these establishments, feel free to ask your guide. The experienced guides will thoroughly explain the flavors, helping you choose items that suit your taste. After the savory stops, many tours include visits to traditional sweet shops where you can sample Ueno's famous desserts and confections.
The tour includes a total of 5 dishes, including ramen that's popular among international visitors, and 5 drinks - plenty to satisfy your appetite! You can even keep the small ceramic cup used during the meal as a wonderful souvenir of your journey.
<Meeting Point>
- Tour Area: Ueno
- Start Time: Flexible
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
Experience unlimited drinks at hidden gem establishments known only to insiders in Ueno. After your drinking adventure, you might want to satisfy your sweet tooth at one of Ueno's famous dessert shops!
Start your journey at Ueno's famous food stall district, where you can savor local favorites like yakitori, oden, and okonomiyaki. The highlight is the 45-minute all-you-can-drink option at a fixed price. Choose from a variety of drinks including sake and shochu – try different brands to your heart's content!
To conclude the evening, you can either have one last drink at a standing bar or, if you're hungry, enjoy a meal at a ramen shop. I recommend ramen! This popular choice among foreign visitors will satisfy both your stomach and soul, offering an unprecedented level of satisfaction that pairs perfectly with Ueno's renowned sweet treats.
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's energetic nightlife while enjoying delicious food and drinks under the bright neon lights of the bustling food stalls.
Meeting point:
• Tour area: Ueno
• Start time: 17:00, 18:00
Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno
Source: Tripadvisor
In the Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno, knowledgeable guides introduce you to authentic Japanese cuisine including ramen, sashimi, yakitori, and sake. After the savory dishes, you might discover why Ueno is also famous for its traditional Japanese desserts and sweets shops!
The tour takes you to local establishments not found in guidebooks, allowing you to experience Japanese food culture alongside locals. While these restaurants aren't tourist-oriented and might feel intimidating at first, don't worry – your friendly guide will be there to help! They'll resolve any concerns, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable tour atmosphere.
After enjoying sashimi and yakitori paired with sake and other drinks, the tour concludes with ramen. In Japan, eating ramen after drinking is a typical drinking party routine. Why not join the Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno to experience this deeply rooted drinking culture, and perhaps discover some of Ueno's famous sweet treats along the way?
Meeting point:
• Tour area: Ueno
• Start time: Not specified