Torishiki Yakitori menu overview in Shinagawa Tokyo Japan.

Nestled in a cozy alleyway of vibrant Shinagawa City, Torishiki offers an extraordinary omakase-style yakitori experience that delights food enthusiasts and trend-conscious travelers alike. This Michelin-starred gem specializes in expertly grilled chicken skewers and seasonal vegetables, served in a sophisticated, smoke-free atmosphere. Diners trust the skilled chef to craft a memorable multi-course journey until they signal to stop, ensuring every bite showcases the finest flavors of traditional Japanese yakitori with a refined twist.

Starters and appetizers

Begin your culinary voyage with delicate seasonal vegetables and intriguing preparations that set the stage for the main yakitori offerings. While the menu is omakase and flexible, guests often enjoy fresh shiitake mushrooms and crisp okra, delicately grilled to enhance their natural textures and flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.

Main yakitori selections

Torishiki’s main feature is its comprehensive range of yakitori, expertly grilled over charcoal to achieve a perfect balance of smoky aroma and juicy tenderness. Highlights include the signature Chochin, an unlaid egg that literally melts in your mouth with each chew, creating a uniquely rich and creamy sensation. The Kashiwa, or chicken thigh, offers succulent, flavorful meat, while the Seseri (neck meat) delivers a pleasingly chewy texture and robust taste. The Sunagimo (gizzard) adds a delightful bite, and the Teba (chicken wing) is grilled to crispy perfection. For those who appreciate traditional yakitori textures, the Kawa (chicken skin) is irresistibly crispy. The Tsukune, ground chicken meatballs mixed with cartilage, provide a juicy and tender option that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Vegetarian-friendly choices

While Torishiki focuses on chicken, it thoughtfully includes seasonal vegetable options to complement the savory skewers. Grilled corn and shiitake mushrooms showcase the natural sweetness and umami of vegetables enhanced by charcoal grilling. Additionally, Atsuage, deep-fried tofu infused with chicken fat and dashi soy sauce, garnished with green onions, ginger, and daikon radish sprouts, provides a flavorful vegetarian-friendly dish that balances richness with freshness.

Desserts and comforting finishes

Though the focus is primarily on yakitori, the meal often concludes with a heartwarming bowl of Oyakodon — a savory chicken and egg rice bowl that perfectly encapsulates homestyle Japanese comfort food with tender chicken thigh, luscious egg, and fragrant green onions served over warm rice. This satisfying finale rounds off the dining experience with familiar flavors that soothe and satisfy.

Drinks and pairing suggestions

To complement the expertly grilled yakitori, Torishiki offers an elegant selection of beverages including expertly curated sake and a refined wine list, allowing guests to pair their meal with drinks that enhance the rich, smoky flavors. The chic setting encourages sipping fine wine alongside the skewers, creating a harmonious dining experience free from smoke, despite the charcoal grilling.

Chochin (Unlaid Egg) - A unique delicacy featuring an unlaid egg that melts in your mouth.
Kashiwa (Chicken Thigh) - Juicy and tender chicken thigh grilled to perfection.
Tsukune (Ground Chicken Meatball) - Flavorful meatballs with cartilage for a delightful texture.
Atsuage (Deep-Fried Tofu) - Tofu fried and brushed with chicken fat and soy dashi, topped with fresh aromatics.