Where to find the best yakitori restaurants in Hong Kong

Chowing down on skewered meat hits differently, especially when it's done the traditional Japanese way over a charcoal grill.

Where to find the best yakitori restaurants in Hong Kong
Source: Pexels/Samer Daboul

Chowing down on skewered meat hits differently, especially when it's done the traditional Japanese way over a charcoal grill. Hong Kong is dotted with delicious yakitori joints, so you won't be at a loss if you're craving this Asian favorite. Imagine the waft of chicken skewers sizzling or the delicious kick of beef and veggies – it's a whole new level of food joy. So be sure to check out our list of the top 8 yakitori restaurants in Hong Kong for an authentic answer to your cravings.

Yardbird

In 2014, Yardbird snagged a spot on the 50 Best Restaurants list thanks to its killer yakitori. Here, it's all about a modern izakaya vibe, grilling that yakitori goodness over binchotan charcoal. Try the miso breast skewer, ume thigh, oysters and gizzards – all for HK$50 to $60. And if you're craving more than skewers, Yardbird's got you covered with hearty options like smoked fish fried rice, rice cakes and Yuba gyoza.

Quick Facts

  • Where – G/F, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan
  • When – Tuesday to Saturday, 6 p.m. - midnight; Closed on Sunday and Monday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2547 9273
  • Menu 
  • Website

Toritama 

Finding Toritama across Hong Kong is a breeze with its multiple branches. Its yakitori scored a Michelin star, thanks to the extra care put into crafting these irresistible skewers. What's Toritama's secret? It uses 40-day-old chicken and makes use of 28 different bird parts, offering variety for every palate. Just a heads up – with limited seats, it's smart to snag your spot at this hotspot in advance.

Quick Facts

  • Where – G/F 2 Glenealy, Central
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 a.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2388 7717
  • Menu 
  • Website

Yurakucho

At Yurakucho, the live robatayaki open-kitchen grill brings yakitori to life. Watch chefs skillfully prepare dishes like chicken skin, cartilage and tsukune before your eyes. If you're in the mood for more than yakitori, explore Yurakucho's diverse menu featuring treats like garlic butter edamame and karaage chicken.

Quick Facts

  • Where – G/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Wednesday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. - midnight; Thursday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2663 0068
  • Menu 
  • Website

Yakitori Yamato 

Yakitori Yamato brings Osaka's wabi-sabi aesthetics to life, offering a refined yakitori experience in a calm setting. Led by Shin Kawaguchi, a yakitori master known for his unique chicken aging technique, the restaurant focuses on free-range jidori chicken from Nara, grilled on a custom charcoal stove. The menu, featuring seasonal veggies, promises a rich, smoky flavor. Given the limited seating, it's wise to secure your spot in advance so you don't get beat out by the crowds.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop No. 3-8, The Oakhill, 28 Wood Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 5239 1899
  • Menu 
  • Website

Birdie

Birdie offers a variety of yakitori skewers where smoky and savory flavors come together in each bite. Try the simplicity of the tsukune, a seasoned chicken meatball and the richness of hatsumoto, premium cuts located between the heart and liver. Affordable at HK$45 per skewer, Birdie offers a casual yet delicious exploration of these flavors without breaking the bank.

Quick Facts

  • Where –9/F,  The Steps ‧ H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Saturday, noon - 2:30 p.m. and 6 - 11 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2789 2881
  • Menu 
  • Website

Ganbei Yakitori

Ganbei Yakitori is an ideal spot to unwind and satisfy your hunger after a busy day. Enjoy its delicious chicken with mentaiko or the chicken cartilage skewers. If you're up for a premium experience, try the lamb rack (HK$88 for 2 pieces) or the prime ribs (HK$158) that offer a burst of flavors. And it's not all about meat – add variety to your meal with Ganbei Yakitori's grilled eggplant (HK$78) or the popular Japanese yam skewer (HK$38).

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop G & H, G/F, 123 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2414 3888
  • Menu 

Yakitori Torisho

Yakitori Torisho, driven by a genuine love for traditional Japanese culinary culture, brings you expertly grilled skewers over a charcoal fire. Its menu offers a variety of tempting choices, from flavorful chicken and beef to vegetable skewers. Try unique cuts like chicken belly, shoulder and tender heart joint. Complement your meal with a carefully chosen selection of sake and wine, enhancing the rich, smoky flavors of the yakitori.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Lower Ground Floor, Harilela House No. 79, Wyndham Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 12:30 - 3 p.m. and 5 - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2727 0117
  • Menu 
  • Website

Moto Yakitori & Sake Bar

Moto's got a delight for tsukune fans – its meatball skewers come in original, okonomiyaki and cheese options. The real gems? Try the tempting chicken skin and chicken kidney yakitoris. If you're up for more than just chicken, Moto's got you covered with tasty choices like beef and eel. Seafood lovers won't want to pass up the grilled lobster with truffle butter – a surefire way to culinary bliss.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop A, G/F, 20, Brown Street, Tai Hang
  • When – Monday to Wednesday, 6 - 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 6 - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 1 - 3 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 2688 7007
  • Menu 
  • Website