The best yakitori in Tokyo in 2026 is at Torishiki in Meguro, Birdland in Ginza, Toriyoshi in Nakameguro, Ginza Torishige and Isehiro in Kyobashi, open since 1921. For a cheap, atmospheric night, the counters of Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku and the bars under the tracks at Yurakucho grill skewers until late.
Yakitori ranges from serious counters where a chef grills every part of the chicken over binchotan charcoal to smoky alley stalls where skewers cost a couple of hundred yen. Order an omakase (chef's choice) course at the top places; at alley bars, point and order a few at a time. For more drinking food, see our best izakaya in Tokyo.
Tokyo's most famous yakitori counter.
Torishiki is a small counter near Meguro Station where chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa grills chicken over binchotan with great precision. It is regularly named the best yakitori in Japan.
Most seats go to regulars, so it is very hard to book.
Good to know: Bookings are rare; try through a hotel concierge well in advance.
2-14-12 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0021
A refined yakitori counter with a wine list.
Birdland is a basement yakitori counter under Sukiyabashi crossing, known for its chicken liver pâté, rare-grilled breast and a strong wine list.
It has long been a Michelin-listed favorite.
Good to know: Book ahead and order the omakase course.
Tsukamoto Sozan Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
A popular modern yakitori counter in Nakameguro.
Toriyoshi serves well-sourced chicken on skewers, plus chicken soup and rice dishes, in a lively room near Nakameguro Station.
It is easier to book than the very top counters.
Good to know: Book a counter seat to watch the grill.
2-8-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051
An old-school Ginza yakitori counter.
Ginza Torishige is a small, long-running counter serving classic yakitori in a traditional setting.
It is a quieter, more old-fashioned alternative to Birdland.
Good to know: Reserve; seats are limited.
6-9-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
A yakitori house open since 1921.
Isehiro has grilled yakitori in Kyobashi since 1921, with a set lunch of skewers over rice that draws office workers.
Dinner offers courses in a classic dining room.
Good to know: The yakitori-don lunch is good value.
1-5-4 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031
A smoky alley of tiny yakitori bars by Shinjuku Station.
Omoide Yokocho, also called Memory Lane, is a narrow alley of tiny bars grilling skewers, next to Shinjuku Station's west exit.
It is cheap, crowded and atmospheric.
Good to know: Some bars charge a seat fee; check before sitting. Avoid photographing other diners.
1-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
Yakitori bars under the train tracks.
Under the elevated JR tracks near Yurakucho Station, a row of small bars grills yakitori while trains rumble overhead.
It is a classic after-work scene.
Good to know: Go after 6 p.m. for the full atmosphere.
2-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006
Torishiki in Meguro is the most celebrated, but seats go mostly to regulars. Birdland in Ginza and Toriyoshi in Nakameguro are easier to book.
Alley stalls charge roughly ¥200 to ¥400 a skewer. Omakase courses at top counters run about ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 before drinks.
Shio (salt) shows off the chicken; tare (sweet soy sauce) suits liver, thigh and meatballs. At omakase counters, the chef decides.
Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku and the Yurakucho under-track bars stay open late most nights.
Yes for Torishiki, Birdland, Toriyoshi and Torishige. Alley bars are walk-in.