11 Best Yakitori Spots in Osaka

Yakitori: The Art of a Single Skewer

Yakitori is a complex dish with various cooking styles and ingredients, including the quality and origin of materials, cutting methods, seasoning, grilling techniques, and doneness levels. The origins of modern yakitori cooking can be traced back to the mid-Edo period (1603-1867). It has long been a popular dish in casual izakayas and other public eateries.

Since yakitori restaurants were first included in the 2010 Michelin Guide, there has been a diversification in serving styles and an upscale trend towards fine dining, where each skewer is crafted like a work of art. In this article, the editorial team of OMAKASE, the only online gourmet platform in Japan that is an official partner of the Michelin Guide, introduces 11 selected yakitori restaurants in Osaka.

Note: When making a reservation, it's advisable to book not only your seat but also your course or desired dishes for a smoother dining experience.

1. Yakitori Ichimatsu (焼鳥 市松)

Yakitori Ichimatsu has earned one Michelin star for five consecutive years. They use Hinai chicken (a premium chicken breed from Akita Prefecture), one of Japan's top three delicacy chickens, known for its rich umami (a savory, meaty taste; the fifth basic taste) and deep flavor.

Located in Kitashinchi, an area of Osaka known for its high-end restaurants, Ichimatsu offers a chicken kaiseki course (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) featuring seasonal ingredients and Hinai chicken yakitori. The coarse salt sprinkled as a finishing touch enhances the chicken's umami, allowing guests to enjoy subtle flavor changes.

The restaurant offers two course options: a Hinai chicken course and a Hinai chicken course with a drink set, both with a two-hour time limit. The drink set course includes paired sake and wine, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

2. Yakitori Torisen (焼鳥 とり泉)

Yakitori Torisen has earned one Michelin star for two consecutive years. They use locally raised chicken from Tamba-Sasayama.

The restaurant offers an omakase course (chef's choice menu) by reservation only, featuring rare chicken parts like seseri (neck meat) and bonjiri (tail). Parts too small for skewers are served as gyoza (Japanese dumplings), while chicken bone broth is used in rice porridge and oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl). The restaurant specializes in serving aged chicken for enhanced flavor.

The interior features a warm, wooden counter with just eight seats. This hidden gem offers an intimate atmosphere where guests can enjoy watching the entire cooking and serving process.

3. Sumibiyakitori Ikoka (炭火焼鳥 いこか)

Sumibiyakitori Ikoka has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for four consecutive years. They use carefully selected fresh chicken, including Kyoto Black Chicken, Minami Shinshu Jidori, and Ajidori (all premium Japanese chicken breeds). The yakitori is slowly grilled over top-quality Kishu binchotan charcoal (a high-grade Japanese charcoal).

The dinner course focuses on charcoal-grilled yakitori. À la carte options include tofu, fresh vegetable platters, and chicken soup with yakitori sets. They also offer chicken ochazuke (rice with green tea and toppings) and gelato for dessert.

The restaurant has a wide selection of local sake and wine that pair well with the flavorful yakitori, adding to the overall dining experience.

4. Yakitori Matsuri (やきとり松里)

Yakitori Matsuri is listed in the Michelin Guide. This restaurant offers a casual way to enjoy Hinai chicken, one of Japan's top three delicacy chickens. The owner, who trained at the renowned Ichimatsu in Kitashinchi, carefully prepares each skewer.

The restaurant offers only a short course menu lasting about 60 minutes. The flavors progress from salt to sweet tare sauce (a sweet soy-based sauce), allowing guests to experience the full range of yakitori tastes. Additional à la carte items can be ordered to extend the meal up to 120 minutes.

The interior features eight counter seats and one table, with soft indirect lighting creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

5. Yakitori Matsuoka (やきとり 松岡)

Yakitori Matsuoka has been listed in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. The interior features warm wooden counter seats that create a relaxed atmosphere. The husband and wife team provides a comfortable space where guests can enjoy their meal without feeling overly formal.

The restaurant offers only one course: an omakase featuring seasonal vegetables and Kuro-oh chicken (a premium black chicken breed), one of Japan's top three local chicken breeds. Guests can enjoy rare parts such as kokoro (heart), zuri (gizzard), teba (wing), and wakimi (armpit meat), all carefully grilled over Kishu binchotan charcoal.

The drink menu includes a wide selection of rare sake from across Japan, as well as carefully chosen wines, champagnes, and whiskies.

6. Yakitori Torimasa (炭火焼鳥 とり将)

At Yakitori Torimasa, guests can order a set of six chef's choice skewers, including seseri (neck meat), sasami (tenderloin), mune (breast), and tsukune (chicken meatballs). The à la carte menu offers a wide range of dishes from sashimi (sliced raw fish) to homemade karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and oyakodon. The omakase course features 16 dishes. The carefully selected local chicken is grilled using a unique method for optimal results.

The restaurant offers a sophisticated adult atmosphere. The round counter provides a live view of the cooking process, adding to the dining experience. Located just a one-minute walk from Kitahama Station, it's conveniently accessible.

7. Torisho zen (鶏匠 膳)

Torisho zen, selected as one of the top 100 restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site, has a stylish exterior and a cafe-like interior. They specialize in Hinai chicken, one of Japan's top three delicacy chickens, and use unique grilling techniques to create original flavors.

For first-time visitors, the recommended option is the omakase course with a set of five glasses of wine or sake. Drinks are served in a specific order to complement each dish.

Takeout chicken chirashi bowls (rice bowls topped with various ingredients) are available as a souvenir, but must be ordered at least one day in advance, with a limit of five per person.

Guests are kindly requested to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes when visiting the restaurant.

8. Sumibiyakitori Torisei (炭火焼 鳥清)

Sumibiyakitori Torisei, also selected as one of the top 100 restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site, offers yakitori and seasonal creative Japanese dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Guests can enjoy special courses or omakase skewer selections.

The popular special Torisei course is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with attention paid to presentation and dishware. There's also a wide range of à la carte options.

The interior has a calm atmosphere with counter seating only. A balcony garden creates a unique, non-everyday Japanese ambiance. Located just a two-minute walk from Nagahoribashi Station, it's easily accessible.

9. Kitashinchi Shien (北新地 しえん)

Kitashinchi Shien is listed in the Michelin Guide. They use Jidori chicken (free-range chicken) from Miyazaki, known for its juicy flavor and firm texture. The chicken yakitori, grilled over Kishu binchotan charcoal, releases more umami (a savory, meaty taste; the fifth basic taste) with each bite.

The restaurant offers only omakase courses featuring seasonal Japanese cuisine. There are two course options: one with five types of yakitori skewers and another with eight. Takeout options for chicken mizutaki (hot pot) and chicken sukiyaki (a type of hot pot dish) are available with advance reservation.

The calm atmosphere allows for relaxed conversation during meals. Both table and counter seating are available. The restaurant also offers seasonal sake, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), and wines to pair with the dishes.

10. Yakitori YAMATO (焼鳥YAMATO)

Yakitori YAMATO has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six years. They specialize in chicken dishes that maximize the umami of various breeds, including Tobiraiko Jidori, Yamato Meat Chicken, Poulet Noir, and Omi Shamo (all premium chicken breeds).

The unique course created by the owner features seasonal appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, and desserts. The restaurant has counter and table seating, as well as private rooms for families or groups. Guests can enjoy yakitori in a tranquil, Japanese-style setting that feels removed from everyday life.

11. Torisho Ishii (鳥匠 いし井)

1. Michelin (2017 - 24): One Star

Torisho Ishii has earned one Michelin star for eight consecutive years. It's famous in Kansai for elevating yakitori, traditionally a casual dish, to haute cuisine status.

The restaurant offers only an omakase course by reservation, featuring various local chicken breeds centered around the premium Takasago chicken. The skilled chefs prepare a variety of chicken dishes, including smoked chicken and mizutaki hot pot. For the finale, guests can choose the popular house-made tagliolini chicken ramen. The course includes over a dozen skewers, showcasing the chef's expertise in grilling techniques and seasoning.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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