Daruma: Omakase Kushiyaki Counter

Daruma (だるま) is not a typical yakitori joint. It’s a pure omakase kushiyaki counter, where the experience is as much about the performance as the food. The main draw is watching the chef carve large blocks of high-quality meat right in front of you, skewer them, and grill them to perfection over charcoal. The focus extends well beyond chicken, with frequent appearances of premium beef cuts, making it a standout in Yokohama.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the ingredients and the chef's precise grilling technique. Standout skewers that reviewers frequently mention include the heart (hatsu), tender beef tongue (gyutan), and luxurious wagyu ribeye. Other acclaimed dishes are the unique curry-spiced chicken wings (tebasaki) and a surprisingly rich beef stew. The owner is known for being friendly and chatty, creating a lively atmosphere that makes even solo diners feel welcome.

However, some aspects may not suit everyone. Several diners find the omakase course relatively expensive for the number of skewers served. Drink prices are often not listed, and itemised receipts can be sparse, leading to some uncertainty about the final bill. The small space also gets quite smoky, so expect your clothes to pick up the smell of the grill.

Dinner typically costs between ¥8,000 and ¥9,999 per person. The omakase course itself is priced around ¥7,500–¥8,500, with recent reviewers noting total bills of ¥9,000 to ¥12,500 once drinks are included. While not a cheap meal, it offers good value for those seeking a high-end, theatrical kushiyaki experience centered on excellent meat.

• Getting There: Daruma is a 4-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station (Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, JR Negishi Line) or a 6-minute walk from Kannai Station.
• Menu: The restaurant serves a fixed omakase course only; there is no à la carte menu.
• Reservations: The counter is small, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Phone reservations are accepted.
• Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX) and PayPay are accepted. Electronic money is not. It's wise to bring cash, as some reviewers noted paying this way.
• Seating: There are 20 seats, primarily at the counter, with some tatami seating available. There are no private rooms.
• Smoking: Smoking is permitted throughout the restaurant.
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid parking lots nearby.