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14 Restaurants in Kyoto Where You Can Eat Delicious, Fresh, and Juicy Yakitori

Update-Date: Dec 11, 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Yakitori

14 Restaurants in Kyoto Where You Can Eat Delicious, Fresh, and Juicy Yakitori

Yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) is a popular dish, and there are many delicious yakitori restaurants around the country. Here is an introduction to 15 such restaurants in Kyoto, which is a popular sightseeing destination of Japan.

1. Torisei Takoyakushi Branch

Located a three-minute walk from Karasuma Station, Torisee Takoyakushi is part of a lineage of yakitori restaurants with over 50 years of history. Their specialty, the "Oyadori Yaki (spicy)," is made with thigh meat from a rooster raised for approximately 600 days, marinated in a unique spice mixture, and grilled. We also recommend the "Yakushi Set," which allows you to savor a selection of yakitori made with carefully selected Japanese chicken and a sauce that has been passed down since the restaurant's founding. It pairs perfectly with sake delivered directly from a sake brewery in Fushimi, Kyoto.

The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with casual counter seating and spacious table seating. There are also semi-private and fully private rooms for small groups, making it ideal for families and groups of friends.

Torisei Takoyakushi Branch

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O.10:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday] 11:30 am-10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or 3-minute walk from Shijo Station on Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
Address: 625, Mototakeda-cho, Higashiiru, Higashinotoin, Takoyakushi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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2. Yakitori to Sousakusumibiyaki Kokoko

Located a two-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Kokoko is an izakaya restaurant serving yakitori and creative charcoal grills, where you can enjoy dishes made with freshly procured chicken and fresh fish delivered directly from the market. Our recommendation is the "Kokoko Yaki Yamakake Cheese," which is chicken thighs grilled in a steam oven, then grilled over charcoal and topped with a generous amount of Grana Padano cheese. The outside is fragrant and the inside is juicy, with a harmonious balance of the flavors of the chicken and cheese. The "5 Kinds of Yakitori Platter" included in the course menu allows you to choose from thighs, meatballs, and more.

The restaurant is located on the first floor and basement of the building. The first floor has counter seating reminiscent of a bar, while the basement floor has a cave-like hideaway atmosphere, making it a relaxing place to spend time.

Yakitori to Sousakusumibiyaki Kokoko

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: B1F/1F, Yanagawa Bldg., Higashi-iru, Sansujime, Sagaru, Shijokawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. Kyoto Kushidokoro Azumaya

Located a seven-minute walk from Sanjo Station, Kyoto Kushidokoro Azumaya Honten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) serving yakitori and kushiage (deep-fried skewers). Their yakitori, made with freshly slaughtered Kyoto chicken, is served with a secret sauce that's been refined over the past 15 years. In addition to assorted platters, you can also order individual skewers to suit your taste. Their crispy kushiage (deep-fried skewers) are served with three homemade sauces: a plum-based sauce, matcha salt made with Uji matcha, and tartar sauce. They regularly stock over 20 varieties of sake from Kyoto City breweries, including Tamanohikari Brewery and Shotoku Brewery.

The restaurant's interior, with slow jazz playing, creates a bright atmosphere. Each table has its own blind, providing just the right amount of privacy. They also offer a private room that can accommodate up to nine people.

Kyoto Kushidokoro Azumaya

Open: [Monday-Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 2: 00 am (L.O. 1:30 am) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: From the exit, cross the Sanjo bridge and walk south on Kiyamachi-dori Street. It's on 2F of the building next to the left of Gyu-nabe Chiba restaurant.
Address: 2F, Toritane Bldg., 186, Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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4. Gion Katana

Located a three-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Gion Katana is a restaurant where you can enjoy charcoal grilled dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, along with wines and other alcoholic beverages carefully selected by a sommelier. The "YAKITORI Course" includes 10 types of charcoal grilled dishes, an appetizer made with seasonal ingredients, and ochazuke (rice with tea) with Kyoto pickles. We also recommend the "Special Course" featuring A5-grade Kobe beef and Kyoto Akajidori chicken.

They also have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages that go well with charcoal grilled dishes, including red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as sake, beer, and Kyoto-produced gin. Why not enjoy the marriage of charcoal grilled dishes and wine in a stylish restaurant that blends traditional Japanese beauty with a modern sensibility?

Gion Katana

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Keihan Main Line Gion-shijo Station / 298m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 69-2, Motoyoshi-cho, Higashi-iru, Yamato-oji, Shimbashi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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5. Torisei Kyoto Tower Sando branch

Located a two-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Torisei Kyoto Tower Sando is a restaurant where you can enjoy delicate and deep-flavored sake typical of Kyoto, along with a variety of chicken dishes, including yakitori. As it is run by the younger brother of Yamamoto Honke, a long-established sake brewery in Fushimi, you can enjoy luxurious drinks such as "brewery-dashi nama genshu" delivered directly from the brewery. They also use ingredients unique to the brewery, such as koji and sake lees. They are also particular about their chicken, using brand-name chickens with great flavor and texture, such as Miyazaki's free-range chicken and Kyoto's Nanatani chicken. We recommend pairing their "Recommended Five Skewers Set" with sake.

The restaurant inside Kyoto Tower Sando is modeled after a Kyoto townhouse, creating a relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

Torisei Kyoto Tower Sando branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Yakitori kushikatsu Koikoi

Located a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Yakitori Kushikatsu Koikoi is an izakaya where you can casually enjoy a wide variety of menu items. We recommend the grilled skewers and deep-fried skewers, which can be ordered individually, and if you're not sure what to eat, they also have an assortment of chef's choice dishes. They also have a wide variety of a la carte dishes, such as the table-top seafood BBQ "hamayaki," deep-fried eggplant, and deep-fried mochi.

They have a wide selection of drinks, and even offer an all-you-can-drink course. The interior is reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya from a bygone era, and is comfortable and relaxing. They also have private rooms, which are recommended for those who want to spend time without worrying about others.

Yakitori kushikatsu Koikoi

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 4:00 am (last order 3:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access:
Address: Kinuta Building 1F, 198-2, Shimoshogicho, 2-chome, Higashikiyamacho-dori Shijoagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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7. Tori Dori

Located a two-minute walk from Nakashojima Station, Toridori is a yakitori restaurant specializing in Kyoto's brand of free-range chicken, "Kyoto Akajidori." The incredibly fresh Kyoto Akajidori, procured that morning, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The "Tasted Thighs of Our Proudly Slaughtered Jidori Chicken" is a menu item that can only be enjoyed so fresh. Other recommended dishes include the "Toridori Omakase Set," which allows you to sample various parts of the Kyoto Akajidori, including thigh meat and skin, and the "Shio Koji Karaage," which is deep-fried chicken marinated in a homemade sauce.

The alcohol menu also offers a wide selection of local sake from Fushimi, Kyoto, and Shiga Prefecture, as well as shochu and wine. The completely non-smoking interior creates a homey atmosphere. Children's tableware is also available, making this a recommended restaurant for families.

Tori Dori

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
Closed: Opening hours
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access:
Address: Heights Watanabe 1F, 667-2 Higashihamaminamicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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8. Private rooms Izakaya Wanone

Located a three-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Wanone Kyoto Ekimae is a private izakaya serving yakitori and seafood. Enjoy carefully selected yakitori and dishes made with fresh seafood. The "5 Kinds of Yakitori Platter" features a selection of popular cuts, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors and textures of each cut. The carefully grilled yakitori is fragrant, making it the perfect first or final dish. The "Umami Toro Salmon and Overflowing Salmon Roe Hand-Rolled Oyako Sushi" features melt-in-your-mouth salmon and salmon roe, accented with yuzu miso.

The restaurant's interior is decorated in a Japanese style, with all seating in private rooms. The private rooms are cozy and subtly lit, allowing you to relax without worrying about others.

Private rooms Izakaya Wanone

Open: [Sunday,Saturday,Holidays] 12:00 pm - 12:00 am[Weekday,Day Before Holidays] 4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access:
Address: 736 Shiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map
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9. Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch

15 Restaurants in Kyoto Where You Can Eat Delicious, Fresh, and Juicy Yakitori

Torisei is located in Shijo Kiyamachi, and boasts grilled chicken using fresh chicken from Kyushu. With its proud history of over 50 years since its founding, this restaurant features popular Grilled Chicken and Grilled Mature Chicken options that can be tasted with traditional sauces. When paired with the local sake directly shipped from Fushimi Ward in Kyoto, the food is simply amazing. In particular, their raw unprocessed sake is highly recommended. It features high alcohol content and rich flavors. Guests will be delighted at being able to enjoy it with all-you-can-drink options.

Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Hankyu Main Line, 2 minutes walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: Higashi-iru, Hitosujime, Shijo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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10. Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi

Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi is a popular restaurant with a homey atmosphere that's well-liked by locals. There's a variety of creative cuisine on the menu, with the highlight being the thoroughly charcoal-grilled [Assorted Yakitori], in which you can enjoy a plethora of chicken parts, including more rare delicacies. Also recommended is the [Seared Chicken with Green Onions (650 JPY)], with a seared outside, medium-rare inside, and plenty of green onions as toppings. The soft and tender taste and texture are enhanced by the flavor of sesame oil and ponzu (citrus-seasoned soy sauce).

Sumibi Yakitori Tsumugi

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday *There may be times when this will change
Average price: 2,900 JPY
Address: 2-82-1, Ohashi Higashi, Sanjo-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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11. Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho

Enjoy your fill of the popular Kyo Aka Ji-dori (produced in Kyoto) at Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho. They procure only the most delicious hens and grill them over domestic binchotan (high-quality white charcoal) to make their highly reputed yakitori. Their soft and juicy [Tsukune (250 JPY)] is highly recommended. You can enjoy the flavor of chicken as much as you like with a variety of seasonings and toppings, such as egg yolk, cheese, grated radish, and salt. Their [Special Oyako-don (680 JPY)] (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs), made with extremely fresh ji-dori slaughtered that morning, is also popular. It is a perfect dish for finishing off a few drinks.

Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
[Sunday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 324, Tabiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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12. Bajitofu

Bajitofu is a popular restaurant that's situated in the back streets of a business district. The distinguishing features of their yakitori are the large pieces and soft texture. Fresh domestic chicken is carefully selected and stocked on a daily basis, and the flavor of the meat is drawn out through their skewering methods and adjustment of heat, depending on which part is being cooked. Their [Chicken and Green Onion (150 JPY)] comes highly recommended. The full-flavored sauce, created over a 30 year period, perfectly matches with the meat. If you prefer a refreshing flavor, the rare [Seseri (150 JPY)] (neck meat of chicken) is recommended. The overflowing juices with each mouthful are enhanced with salt from Miyako Island (Miyako-jima), Okinawa.

Bajitofu

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Last entry is at 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 587, Kikusuiboko-cho, Shijo-agaru, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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13. Kazamidori

This restaurant is perfect for just about any occasion. With both counter seats and private rooms, it can be used by small groups in a leisurely setting or for a large party. The [Otsukarechan Set] that's available until 8:00 pm every day is highly recommended. For 500 JPY, you can get a drink plus one dish and a small side dish. This is recommended for those who just want a quick drink. In addition, their popular [Yakitori 10-Skewer Assortment (980 JPY)] offers a variety of yakitori for you to enjoy.

Kazamidori

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: None *May suddenly close without prior notice
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY *If you make a reservation, you can visit for lunch
Address: 1F, Daiki Rokkaku Bldg., 230-2, Donomae-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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14. Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch

Kushi Dining Asobi is a popular restaurant with a conspicuously large signboard as its symbol. They mostly have private rooms, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal without being disturbed. The varieties of yakitori have evolved, but their recommendation is an assortment of skewers consisting of the most delicious ingredients of the day. Their chicken, such as Kishu Ume-dori from Wakayama Prefecture, is directly delivered from chosen production areas. Their tender and fresh chicken sashimi, as well as their seafood, meat, and vegetable skewers are popular, too.

Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Address: 27-2, Daigo Okamae-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Kyoto is a fascinating area with plenty of highlights and many tourist attractions. Be sure to drop by one of the restaurants introduced here when travelling in Kyoto!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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