With Japanese cuisine growing in popularity across the capital, it's inevitable that we were going to have to fill you in on this quintessential barbeque dish (and we’re soy glad about it). What is it, you ask? Think skewers of succulent chicken thighs, vegetables or fish, which are covered in an oh-so-sticky sauce and charred to perfection. If you're already salivating, be sure to check out our top picks for where to eat yakitori in London.
Kibou
For the best Japanese restaurant in London, Battersea's Kibou is a firm choice. Not only is this spot home to swoon-worthy interiors, including vibrant art-decorated walls and plush seating, but it also serves up some authentic grub. Enjoy its chicken yakitori, which is covered in a decadent sauce with homemade pickles, alongside a fabulous selection of ramen or maki rolls. Thirsty? Sip on a Tanoshii cocktail of tequila, melon, ginger and lemongrass.
Upgrade the 'Gram feed with Kibou's beautifully presented grub.
Inamo
Tantalise those tastebuds with yakitori in London's Soho, Covent Garden and Camden thanks to Inamo. Boasting interactive tables, where you can place orders, tune into the chef cam or play retro games, this Asian hotspot really nails quirky. Sink your teeth into its halloumi and red chilli, tender prawn or vegan-friendly asparagus yakitori, all swilled down by a glass of bubbly. If you're after something sweet, choose the banoffi tempura that's covered with toffee sauce and caramel ice cream.
Expect nothing less than futuristic vibes at this joint.
Machiya
Wander into Piccadilly Circus and you may stumble upon the vibrant Machiya, dishing up authentic Japanese cuisine in London at a friendly price. For only £7.95, you can wolf down their negima yakitori AKA juicy chargrilled chicken and spring onion skewers served with a tangy tare, as well as a wide range of other scrumptious dishes like katsu curries, udon and donburi bowls. Don't fill up too fast though, as their chocolate yuzu cheesecake is worth the extra mouthful.
This lush eatery is open all day, so your Machiya munchies can be satisfied.
Aqua Kyoto
Located just off Regent Street, Aqua Kyoto is an ideal spot to delve into Japanese BBQ in London. Grab your pals and head to the chic rooftop space decked out with wall-to-ceiling glass panels and pastel flowers, where chicken that's coated in a truffle teriyaki (cor, blimey) awaits. Fancy living it up? Check out the free-flowing weekend brunch between 12.30pm and 2.45pm for live DJ sets, alongside bottomless sake, cocktails or prosecco.
Hungry? Opt for a platter of the good stuff.
Junsei
Found at Seymour Place, Junsei London has quite the reputation for its melt-in-the-mouth skewers, which are cooked using a traditional charcoal-based grilling technique. With a whole section of the menu dedicated to chicken, including cuts such as thigh 'momo', wing 'tebaski' or neck 'seseri', you certainly won't run out of adventurous options. Looking to elevate your experience? Choose an omakase drinks pairing.
You can see why these taste so good.
Flesh & Buns
Notoriously known for (the clue's in the title) bao, Flesh & Buns also whips up some tongue-tantalising yakitori in its venues across Kensington, Oxford Circus and Covent Garden. Swaying from just traditional chicken, this hotspot serves piglet, tuna and scallop alternatives for those of you after something a little different. Be sure to wash these small plates down with a Lucky Cat, a signature concoction made from vodka, peach, cranberry and prosecco.
You'll know you've stepped into Flesh & Buns thanks to its cat-adorned walls.
Humble Chicken
With an extensive menu of skewers to choose from, you definitely won't go hungry at Humble Chicken, London. Dig into some yakitori on Frith Street, whether it's a tsukune made from Japanese meatball, tare and egg yolk or a wing shichimi with a touch of lemon, there's plenty to curb those cravings. If you need some help on what to go for, then opt for omakase, where the chef chooses five of their favourites.
Share your dishes with friends at this Frith Street spot.
Roka
Fronting chic decor and a delicious menu to match, it's no wonder why Roka is one of the best izakaya restaurants in London. With venues in Charlotte Street, Canary Wharf, Mayfair and Aldwych, this popular chain has taken a high-end approach to the casual Japanese dining trend. Whether you're opting for a vegan option of yaki atsuage, with tofu and shiitake mushrooms smothered in a sweet soy glaze, or a yakitori-negima yaki made from chicken and spring onion, this is bound to hit the spot.
You'll be impressed with its gorgeous Japanese-inspired interiors.
INKO NITO
If you're after the best yakitori in London, then look no further than INKO NITO. Situated in Soho, this haunt is popular for its robatayaki-style Japanese fare and laidback communal vibes. Be sure to hop on a counter seat to watch your food being cooked on the cool open grill, all while chowing down some c
This is the perfect space for a quick bite to eat.
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