While we adore the theatrical flair of the yakitori dining experience, it's the skewers themselves that have us seriously hooked. Here are some of our picks for the best yakitori in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong doesn’t mess around when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Tucked away behind discrete facades and underground entrances, you’ll often come across some of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. While we’ve already sussed out the top omakase restaurants and hidden izakayas in town, the abundance of Japanese cuisine in town means we’ve only scratched the surface! So, join us as we delve into another popular food item from the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are the best places to eat yakitori in Hong Kong.
Our fave restaurants for yakitori in Hong Kong
1. Yakitoriya Hon
Located on the Artlane in SYP, Yakitoriya Hon is a casual and lively neighbourhood eatery that offers a menu of Japanese skewers and delicacies, made using a binchotan grill.. The restaurant boasts a selection of over 10 distinct chicken parts on its menu, in addition to a rotation of specialty cuts available each day. Sample the handmade Tsukune Chicken Skewer, the succulent Chicken Hamstring, and more while sipping sommelier-curated sake. Alternatively, hunker down with the izakaya’s equally mouth-watering wagyu and seafood items, such as the A4 Kagoshima Kuroge Wagyu Beef and Iso-yaki Oysters.
Yakitoriya Hon, Shop 8-11, Two Artlane, 1 Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 5596 8180
2. Kicho
Yakitori gets a classy upgrade at Kicho, an omakase-style yakitori kappo specialist in Central. This elegant Japanese restaurant serves a selection of yakitori, crafted with free-range chickens raised in farms in Miyazaki and Kagoshima. With this authentic comb-to-claw dining ritual, you can taste almost every single part of the chicken here. Crisp, juicy, and al dente, the yakitori signatures – chicken neck, heart, gizzard, and more – are all must-tries, whereas the Rooster Comb Chawanmushi and Truffle Minced Chicken Rice will fill you up. Don’t forget to order some sake to go with the smoky yakitori!
Kicho, Shop 2B, 1/F, Manning House, 38 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2633 8933
3. Birdie
When it comes to yakitori in Hong Kong, Birdie is our go-to. Located inside H Code, this vibrant Japanese eatery is energetic and always buzzing. We usually start with the refreshing Japanese Fruit Tomato before moving on to yakitori like Tsukune, Pork Belly and Shiso Roll, and Corn with Butter. In addition, if you’re dining in pairs or threes, opt for seating at the bar, where you’ll get the best views of the chefs in action by the yakitori grill.
Birdie, 9/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2789 2881
4. Yakimori
Specialising in kushikatsu (deep fried yakitori), Yakimori is one of the most popular places for yakitori in Hong Kong. We’ve heard good things about its Homemade Tsukune, Ox Tongue, and Perilla Squid Roll Kushikatsu, while its small bites are also worth a try. What’s more, as of August 2024, Yakimori is offering a happy hour deal with which you can indulge in two hours of free-flow house beer for just $98 per person upon spending $200. What a steal!
Yakimori, G/F, 8 Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 6479 1177
5. Tori Kin
Get your yakitori fix at Tori Kin! This Japanese restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui is where you can enjoy the traditional izakaya dining experience. Stepping into its intimate enclave, you’ll find yourself in a cosy eatery fitted with wooden, minimalist interiors and fixtures. The must-try item is, of course, the Minced Chicken Ball with Raw Egg, while the Chicken Breast with Perilla Leaves and Beef Fillet with Sauce are sure to satisfy, too.
Tori Kin, 21/F, The Lamma Tower, 12-12A Hau Fook Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 5404 3764
6. Shiawase Yakitori
If you’re looking for a spacious and modern izakaya for group dining, then Shiawase Yakitori is the ideal place. This yakitori restaurant in Hong Kong sports an intimate and cosy interior without compromising on privacy. Here, you can sample across all the classic yakitori items in addition to sushi, sashimi, donburi, udon, and more!
Shiawase Yakitori has locations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Taikoo Shing.
7. Bicho
Having been in business for nearly two decades, Bicho continues to wow new and returning customers with mouth-watering dishes. Its yakitori items are meticulously prepared atop a charcoal grill that infuses each skewer with a distinct smokiness. So, put together your own yakitori feast by ordering the Homemade Minced Chicken Stick with Japanese Egg, Grilled Eel, and Chicken Wing stuffed with Mentaiko. Alternatively, opt for the Chef’s Recommendation menu, which changes daily and usually features sushi, sashimi, and a rice or noodle dish alongside yakitori.
Bicho, 26/F, Macau Yat Yuen Centre, 525 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2838 7022
8. Yakitori Torisho
If you’ve stumbled down Pottinger Street after a night out in one of Hong Kong’s nightclubs, then chances are you’ve noticed Yakitori Torisho before. Usually attracting a sizable crowd by dinner time, this yakitori restaurant in Hong Kong serves a curated menu of skewers, appetisers, mains, and drinks. In addition to the usual yakitori offerings, adventurous eaters can peruse over the Rare Cut section of the menu to find items like Chicken Oyster, Chicken Belly, and Engawa Part Gizzard.
Yakitori Torisho, LG/F, Harilela House, 79 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2727 0117
9. Bilibala Yakitori
This yakitori restaurant in Hong Kong is truly a hidden gem. Navigate your way through the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to find Bilibala Yakitori, an intimate Japanese izakaya that offers a diverse menu of small bites, cocktails, and sake alongside classic yakitori. While must-try yakitori items include the Tsukune and Grilled Ox Tongue, the Black Truffle Japanese Tomato Salad make for a great appetiser.
Bilibala Yakitori, G/F, Lei Wen Court, 23 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2989 6368
10. Yardbird
When it comes to yakitori in Hong Kong, you can’t go wrong with Yardbird. This convivial Sheung Wan restaurant puts a unique twist on traditional Japanese skewers that has us coming back on the regular. Its yakitori items feature all parts of the chicken, from the skin all the way down to the ventricle. In addition to its skewers, complete your meal with mains like Duck Fried Rice and wash it all down with some sake.
Yardbird, G/F, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2547 9273
