Yakitori (Japanese skewers) and izakaya (Japanese pubs) go hand in hand.
There’s no doubt Hong Kongers love Japanese food (and all things Japanese). But when we can’t afford a weekend getaway to Tokyo, izakayas in Hong Kong are the next best thing. These pubs and taverns from Japan always have the best sake and beer, fresh-off-the-grill yakitori, and buzzing vibes. And as much as we adore Fukuro, Tokyolima, Honjo, Censu, and Kyoto Joe (and because we know you, too, are regulars by now), it’s time we show some love to the less well-known yakitori specialists and izakaya restaurants in Hong Kong. See if you’ve made it to any of the ones below!
Best izakayas in Hong Kong for sizzling yakitori
1. Kyozasa Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong when it’s actually recommended by the Japanese community here! One of the most authentic izakaya restaurants in Hong Kong, Kyozasa is down-to-earth and reasonably priced. Popular items include dried puffer fish and Japanese horse mackerel sashimi. Make sure to ask the restaurant to prepare the fish bones for you as well; after deep-frying, they’re the perfect complement to any drink.
Kyozasa Restaurant, 1/F, Bo Fung Building, 34 Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2376 1888
2. Enso
Believing that there’s more than one way to approach the traditions of yakitori and izakaya, Enso fuses Japanese culinary techniques with western elements to bring about a modern and unique dining experience. You can take a seat by the bar to get a closer look at the action in the kitchen, or gather with your friends in the box seats. As for the food, our favourites are the Thick Cut Ox Tongue, Chicken Breast Cartilage, and the crispy yet succulent Dried Kinki. We also love the fact that Enso is conveniently located by the sea and is a pet-friendly restaurant. So, feel free to drop by for a drink and enjoy the sunset after walking your dog along the promenade in Kennedy Town!
Enso, Shop 5, G/F, 25 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, p. 6899 0960
3. Hige Izakaya
Don’t let Hige’s location put you off! We promise it’s well worth the work. Hidden just a few steps away from Caine Road, Hige is a casual and cosy izakaya that’s reminiscent of eateries in small Japanese towns. On top of its signature kushiyaki (meat skewers), the restaurant also offers a variety of grilled and pan-fried dishes, deep-fried items, sashimi, Japanese hotpots, and more. Complete your izakaya experience by pairing the dishes with sake, shochu, draught beer, whiskey, soft drinks, and other beverages. If you’re not sure what to order, Hige also features special sake pairing menus, as well as omakase menus.
Hige Izakaya, Shop A, G/F, Woodland House, 9A-9C Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, p. 2503 3533
4. Kinjo’s Izakaya
Now, this is an izakaya that even the Japanese residents in Hong Kong get behind! Led by Japanese chefs, Kinjo’s Izakaya is a convivial eatery that’s specialises in Okinawan cuisine. In addition to hearty yakitori, appetisers, salads, sashimi, noodles, and rice, the menu also features chanparu, an iconic stir-fry from the Okinawa prefecture. Crowd favourites include Kumamoto Wagyu Beef Tataki, Okinawa Stir-fried Noodles, and the Tsukune made from Japanese free-range chicken. We’ve heard great things about the don (rice) lunch sets as well, which come with miso soup, salad, and pickles.
Kinjo’s Izakaya, G/F, 27 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2362 9992
5. Nadagogo
Step into Nadagogo, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by traditional lanterns, straw ropes, wooden beams, and a subdued buzz that feels like a glimpse into historic Japan. This yakitori izakaya’s concept is by no means ancient though; it presents a trio of authentic culinary traditions – Tokyo- and Hakata-style yakitori, robatayaki, and washoku – all under one roof, complete with vibrant al fresco dining options. While the juicy and aromatic yakitori takes centre stage, the robatayaki steals the spotlight with premium beef cuts and the salt-grilled Japanese eel, which are all seasoned to perfection. Don’t forget to order a thirst-quenching beer, shochu highball, or the signature Japanese rice wine to pair.
Nadagogo, G/F, 18 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 5968 0586
6. Isono Suisan
Craving some seafood? Isono Suisan has you covered. While the restaurant specialises in hamayaki – cooking freshly caught seafood as it is – it also offers several other preparations, such as sliced and diced as sashimi, braised in sake, or simmered in a hotpot. Moreover, there’s a range of seafood at Isono, with crowd favourites being the abalone, snow crab legs, and lobster. Want to try a bit of everything? Order the Seasonal Boxes, each featuring a different combination of seafood.
Isono Suisan, 19/F, Macau Yat Yuen Centre, 525 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2766 3678
Frequently Asked Questions
What does izakaya mean?
An izakaya is a casual Japanese dining establishment where people gather to enjoy drinks, typically sake or beer, accompanied by a variety of small, shareable dishes like yakitori, sashimi, and grilled meats. It’s akin to a pub or tapas bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere for socialising over food and drinks.
What is yakitori?
Yakitori is a Japanese dish of skewered, grilled chicken, often seasoned with salt or a sweet-savory tare sauce. It includes various parts of the chicken, such as thighs, skin, or liver, and is a popular izakaya snack or street food, cooked over charcoal for a smoky flavour.
What is the difference between izakaya and yakitori?
An izakaya is a type of casual Japanese pub or gastropub where people gather to drink and enjoy a wide variety of small, shareable dishes, such as sashimi, tempura, salads, and grilled items. It’s more about the social drinking experience with diverse food options.
Yakitori, on the other hand, refers specifically to skewered and grilled chicken dishes, often cooked over charcoal. While yakitori can be served at an izakaya, it’s a specific type of food rather than a dining establishment. Some restaurants focus exclusively on yakitori, but an izakaya offers a broader menu beyond just skewers.
