Kyoto's 5 Best Yakitori Restaurants & Favorites of Locals
One of Japan's popular tourist destinations is Kyoto (Kyoto). Kyoto, known for its elegant atmosphere, is also popular among foreigners as a destination that offers a different kind of tourism experience from Tokyo (Tokyo). Kyoto is known not only as a tourist destination, but also as a foodie city, with the third-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Kyoto is home to a variety of restaurants, from high-end establishments to casual izakaya pubs. Kyoto's culinary offerings are diverse, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional Obanzai dishes, Kaiseki cuisine, and Shojin Ryori, a type of traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Among the many Japanese cuisines, yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is recommended for tourists. Yakitori, which involves grilling bite-sized pieces of chicken on skewers, is one of the beloved soul foods of the Japanese people. In this article, we will introduce restaurants in Kyoto where you can enjoy yakitori that originated in the city.
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Kyoto, the birthplace of yakitori, is home to many yakitori restaurants
Kyoto, the birthplace of yakitori, has a deep-rooted yakitori culture, with yakitori restaurants scattered throughout the city. From high-end yakitori restaurants using premium quality chicken to more affordable options, the variety of establishments is diverse.
If you want to experience the yakitori culture of the common people, we recommend visiting a more affordable yakitori restaurant. If you'd like to savor the high-end yakitori experience, we suggest visiting a premium yakitori establishment.
It's worth noting that some of the high-end yakitori restaurants in Kyoto can be difficult to get reservations for. We recommend selecting the restaurants you'd like to visit in advance and making reservations early. The popular restaurants tend to be booked up quickly, so it's important to be proactive in securing a reservation.
"Skewering sparrows and eating them" is the origin of yakitori
The origins of yakitori are not entirely clear, but it is believed that skewering and eating sparrows was the beginning. Sparrows were once considered a major pest to the rice crops in various parts of Japan. As a way to control the sparrow population, they were skewered and eaten.
In the past, the skewers were only used during the cooking process, and the skewers were removed before serving. However, when it became preferred to eat the yakitori while walking, the skewers remained in place, leading to the current form of yakitori being served on skewers.
Kyoto is famous for "Suzume-gushi," a unique yakitori dish not found elsewhere
Kyoto is also famous for "Suzume-gushi," a unique yakitori dish that is not found in other regions. Suzume-gushi is grilled with plenty of sauce and then finished with a sprinkle of sansho (Japanese pepper). Suzume-gushi can still be found in modern-day Kyoto, with popular spots around Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nishiki Market.
Among the recommended places to try Suzume-gushi is Inafuku, a long-established store located in a souvenir shop area. Established in 1923, Inafuku grills the Suzume-gushi right in front of the store, making it easy for first-time visitors to spot and visit.
5 Must-Visit Restaurants Serving Exceptional Yakitori
Tori Saki
source: Tabelog
Tori Saki is a branch of the restaurant Tori Shiki, which was the first yakitori restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. The Tori Saki restaurant, located near Nijo Castle, has maintained the traditional townhouse atmosphere as much as possible. At Tori Saki, they only serve a set menu.
In addition to the standard chicken thigh and chicken skin, they also offer a rare part called "Saezuri" (chicken esophagus). The key difference is the traditional grilling technique inherited from Tori Shiki. By quickly grilling the skewers over high heat, they are able to lock in the juices and flavors of the meat.
I've had the opportunity to dine at Tori Saki, and I was very satisfied with the juicy and flavorful yakitori, where the meat juices would overflow in my mouth. In between the yakitori, they also serve vegetables and soup, so you can enjoy the meal without getting tired of the flavors.
<Store Information>
Address: 292-1 Takomayakushicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Reservation only)
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 075-252-6789
Official Website
Sumiyaki Sosaitori-ya Hitomi
source: MICHELIN GUIDE
Sumiyaki Sosaitori-ya Hitomi is a restaurant where you can enjoy the owner's carefully crafted yakitori. They use Kishu binchotan (high-quality charcoal) to grill each ingredient in a way that brings out its best characteristics. They use a variety of chicken, including young chicken, local chicken, and branded chicken, allowing you to experience different textures and flavors.
In addition to the delicious food, the popularity of Hitomi is also due to the owner's kind personality and attentive service, which create a comfortable atmosphere. Among my favorites are the crispy-skinned and juicy thigh meat (Momo Shio) and the exceptionally seasoned Tsukune (chicken meatballs).
As Hitomi is often fully booked, I recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you can enjoy this popular restaurant.
<Store Information>
Address: 96 Daikoku-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 075-771-7818
Official Website
Yakitori Kyotoen
source: Tabelog
Yakitori Kyotoen is a yakitori restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality yakitori served in a course-style format. This restaurant uses Kyo-Akagyu (Kyoto red chicken) and Satsuma Gokyu Ohmura (a premium chicken brand) for their yakitori, showcasing the owner's dedication to sourcing the best ingredients and meticulously preparing each dish.
I ordered the Kyotoen course, which is named after the restaurant. My recommendations are the Yagen Nankotsu (chicken cartilage) and the Kawa Tsukuri (skin-on chicken). The Yagen Nankotsu has a crunchy texture and is served with plum sauce, while the Kawa Tsukuri offers a satisfying combination of crispy skin and tender meat.
In addition to the exceptional yakitori, the restaurant also offers a variety of non-yakitori dishes, such as Omi Duck Roast and Yudofu (hot tofu), allowing you to fully indulge in the dining experience. The extensive drink menu, including a wide selection of Japanese sake, also makes it easy to find the perfect accompaniment to your yakitori.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F, 92 Pontocho Bldg., 183 Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 075-708-7113
Official Website
Torihachi Kyoto
source: Tabelog
Torihachi Kyoto is a yakitori restaurant hidden down an alley off Shijo Street. They source premium chicken from all over Japan, including Tokushima's Awadori and Kumamoto's Umaka Herb Chicken, and grill them to perfection over charcoal.
The unique feature of this restaurant is the order-stop system. As soon as you're seated, the course service begins, and you can indicate when you've had enough to end the meal. This system allows you to enjoy the meal at your own pace and try a variety of skewers.
My recommendations are the Sunagimo (gizzard) and the Seseri (chicken neck). The Sunagimo has an excellent texture, and the Seseri is juicy and flavorful. The chef's seasoning is just right, neither too heavy nor too light, making it easy for anyone to enjoy.
The order-stop system allows you to try skewers you might not have chosen yourself, but it's worth noting that light eaters may not be able to sample all their favorite types. To fully enjoy the wide selection, it's best to arrive with a good appetite.
<Store Information>
Address: 59-3 Tsukimohodocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Tue-Sat), 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Sun/Holidays)
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5590-5004
Official Website
Torikago
source: Tabelog
Torikago is a yakitori-specialized restaurant opened by a chef who trained at the renowned Tori Saki. The sleek and stylish interior features a counter surrounding the open kitchen, allowing you to watch the grilling process and interact with the owner.
Torikago uses Fukushima-raised Date Chicken, which has a firm texture, and grills them over the fragrant Kishu binchotan charcoal using the same high-heat technique as Tori Saki. This ensures the yakitori is juicy and flavorful, with each part fully showcasing its essence.
My recommended dish is the Tebaemoto (chicken wings). The wings are steamed first to thoroughly cook the meat, then grilled, resulting in a satisfying texture. The course includes drinks, so you can enjoy delicious Japanese sake or shochu alongside your yakitori.
<Store Information>
Address: 8-24 Muromachi-dori Nishiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Reservation only)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 050-1808-6728
Official Website
3 Yakitori Restaurants Loved by Local Residents
Horikawa Toriiwa
source: Official website
Horikawa Toriiwa is a standing-style yakitori restaurant that is beloved by local residents. During the day, the shop operates as a chicken meat shop, but in the evening, it transforms into a lively yakitori establishment. This is the perfect spot to experience the casual, izakaya-style atmosphere of a typical Japanese neighborhood pub.
The menu offers a variety of options, including yakitori, karaage (fried chicken), and rice dishes. While the yakitori may be slightly smaller in size due to the reasonable prices, this allows you to try a wider variety of flavors. I ordered items like Harami (diaphragm), Kawa (skin), and Tsukune (chicken meatballs), all of which had a well-balanced taste, not too overpowering.
The famous karaage is also a must-try. The large, juicy pieces are very satisfying. You can even purchase some yakitori to take home, which is a great souvenir.
<Store Information>
Address: 481 Naramonocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays
Phone: 075-441-4070
Official Website
Sumiyaki Akari
source: Official website
Sumiyaki Akari is a yakitori restaurant that takes pride in its ingredients and charcoal. The dimly lit, adult-oriented atmosphere creates a cozy ambiance as you watch the open kitchen in action. They source their chickens, such as the Tamainikai chicken and Kyoto duck, from carefully selected producers, and grill them over high-quality binchotan charcoal.
The charcoal grilling method ensures the meat is cooked evenly, resulting in juicy and flavorful yakitori. My recommendations are the special Tsukune (chicken meatballs) with a raw egg yolk and the Tamainikai chicken Seseri (neck).
In addition to the exceptional yakitori, Sumiyaki Akari also offers a wide selection of wines to pair with the dishes. For those who want to enjoy a harmonious combination of food and drink, this restaurant is highly recommended.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-1 Gyomenmae-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Last order for food at 10:30 PM, drinks at 11:30 PM)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 075-255-1390
Official Website
Wabiya Korekidou
source: Official website
Wabiya Korekidou is a yakitori restaurant that focuses on showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients. The restaurant uses only the finest producers' offerings, with minimal seasoning to allow the inherent deliciousness to shine.
My recommendation is the flavorful and textured Kamo Tsukune (duck meatballs). In addition to the yakitori, the restaurant also offers Kyoto-style side dishes that complement the grilled items. The Ishiyaki Oyakodon (stone-grilled parent-and-child rice bowl) served during lunch, which uses three Kyoto-produced eggs, is also highly recommended.
Furthermore, Wabiya Korekidou sells bento boxes featuring their grilled chicken dishes at Kyoto Station, allowing you to enjoy the restaurant's flavors even if you can't visit the establishment itself. The Aburi Tori Umakara Bento, with its fragrant and savory grilled chicken in a unique spicy sauce, is an exceptional option.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F, 1-258 Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Last order for food at 9:00 PM, drinks at 9:30 PM)
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 075-532-3355
Official Website
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