Top 5 Yakitori Restaurants in Nakameguro, Tokyo｜Savor Charcoal-Grilled Perfection in Stylish Izakayas

Nakameguro may be known for its trendy cafés and boutiques, but this fashionable neighborhood is also home to some of Tokyo’s finest yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers).
From long-established izakayas filled with nostalgic Showa-era charm to sleek, modern restaurants serving premium jidori (local free-range chicken), each shop offers a unique take on this beloved Japanese soul food.
Here are five must-visit yakitori spots in Nakameguro where you can experience the perfect balance of smoky aroma, craftsmanship, and cozy atmosphere.

Kushiwakamaru Honten

Address: 2-7-14 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line), approx. 134 m
Business Hours: 17:00 – 23:00 (hours and holidays may vary)
URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13003193/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kushiwakamarudining/?hl=ja

A true local favorite, Kushiwakamaru Honten is a nostalgic yakitori spot that captures the retro warmth of Tokyo’s Showa-era taverns.
Behind the counter, plumes of smoke rise from the open charcoal grill, filling the air with irresistible aromas.
Highlights include the Tanuki-yaki (shiitake mushrooms stuffed with minced chicken) and the torireba (grilled chicken liver) that melts in your mouth while still perfectly cooked through.
Don’t miss the skewered garlic with miso — soft, fragrant, and packed with umami.
This long-running restaurant is a true representation of Tokyo’s traditional yakitori culture.

Sumibiyaki MARU

Address: W.NAKAMEGURO 1F, 2-12-2 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Nakameguro Station (approx. 177 m)
Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 – 14:00 / Dinner 17:00 – 22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays
URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13160636/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumibiyaki.maru/

Sumibiyaki MARU is a refined yakitori and organic wine bistro loved for its exquisite use of Amakusa Daio, a rare breed of chicken from Kumamoto Prefecture.
Their signature Oyako-don (chicken & egg rice bowl) is often described as the most luxurious in Japan — tender, flavorful, and made with free-range chicken grilled over binchō-tan charcoal.
At night, guests can enjoy a variety of grilled skewers perfectly paired with natural wines, creating a sophisticated dining experience that balances Japanese tradition and modern sensibility.

Torimachi Nakameguro

Address: 3-6-5 Kamimeguro 1F, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1-minute walk from Nakameguro Station (approx. 83 m)
Business Hours: Mon–Thu 17:00 – 23:00 / Fri & Holidays Eve 17:00 – 1:00 / Sat 15:00 – 1:00 / Sun & Holidays 15:00 – 23:00
Closed: Year-end & New Year holidays
URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13288480/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torishiki_ichimon/

Supervised by the legendary chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa of Michelin-starred Torishiki, Torimachi Nakameguro delivers perfectly grilled skewers that showcase mastery of heat and timing.
The casual yet polished interior makes it ideal for after-work drinks or relaxed dinners.
Every skewer is best enjoyed hot and straight from the grill, preserving all the juices and aroma.
Don’t miss the house specialties — the rich chicken stew simmered in secret miso sauce and the kamameshi (rice cooked in a traditional iron pot) prepared fresh for each order.
This is yakitori dining at its most refined yet approachable form.

Yakitori Tsukada Nakameguro

Address: A-One Bldg 1F, 1-20-5 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access: 30 seconds from Nakameguro Station (approx. 44 m)
Business Hours: 17:00 – 23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13218331/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yakitori_tsukada/

A premium yakitori restaurant operated by a poultry producer specializing in Miyazaki Jitokko, a high-quality local chicken known for its firm texture and rich flavor.
Everything from hatching to delivery is handled in-house, ensuring top freshness and traceability.
Grilled over traditional binchō charcoal, each skewer offers a perfect balance of smokiness and juiciness.
The standard course provides a full yakitori experience — ideal for first-time visitors who want to taste authentic Japanese grilled chicken in Tokyo.

Honda Shoten Nakameguro

Address: 1-5-11 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Domir Fuji 1F
Access: 5-minute walk from Nakameguro Station (approx. 423 m)
Business Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13279939/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hondashoten_nakameguro/

Honda Shoten blends a relaxed, modern vibe with the charm of a traditional yakitori tavern.
Its signature white liver skewer is a rare delicacy — buttery soft, limited in quantity, and highly sought after by regulars.
Drinks are as creative as the food, with fruit sours and other refreshing cocktails that appeal to both locals and visitors.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Nakameguro’s backstreets — a casual yet high-quality yakitori izakaya where everyone feels welcome.

Summary

Nakameguro’s yakitori scene is a true blend of old-school craftsmanship and modern dining style.
From the nostalgic Kushiwakamaru Honten, to the gourmet Sumibiyaki MARU, the master-driven Torimachi, the premium Yakitori Tsukada, and the friendly Honda Shoten, each restaurant showcases a different face of Tokyo’s yakitori culture.
Every skewer is grilled with care, every drink served with pride — and together, they capture the warm, smoky essence of a perfect night in Nakameguro.

So next time you’re in Tokyo, explore this neighborhood’s hidden yakitori gems and discover why Nakameguro is one of the best places to enjoy yakitori in Japan.