Tabelog ratingSince 1949, Tori Shige (鳥茂) has been a Shinjuku institution, evolving from a simple stall into a multi-story temple of charcoal-grilled pork (yakiton). It's a place where tradition meets high-end grilling, serving a long, continuous omakase menu that showcases both humble skewers and luxurious steaks.
The liver (レバー, rebā), praised for its creamy texture and lack of any off-flavour, is a consistent highlight for many guests. Other favourites include the melt-in-the-mouth upper intestine (上シロ, jō-shiro), and the piiman no nikuzume (stuffed green peppers). The omakase format allows guests to sample a wide variety, with many reviewers noting the kitchen's refined control over the charcoal fire. The menu also features high-end cuts like chateaubriand and harami (skirt steak), which receive rave reviews.
Service can be a point of contention. Some diners find it brusque or inconsistent, with several foreign visitors reporting they felt unwelcome. The meal's pacing is another common issue; a full omakase can last from two to four hours, and some have noted that final courses can be delayed or even forgotten. The dining rooms are often described as cramped, noisy, and hot from the grills.
The omakase is offered at several price points, with reviewers in 2024–2026 paying around ¥6,500 for a short course and up to ¥12,000 or more for the full experience; one bill for a large omakase reached ¥17,850. A typical dinner often lands between ¥11,000 and ¥12,000 per person. Drinks include draft beer for about ¥800 and lemon sours for ¥1,000. For the quality and variety of the ingredients, many consider it excellent value, though the service and atmosphere issues lead others to question the price.
- Location: A 2-minute walk from the south exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, though walk-ins are sometimes possible if you're prepared to wait.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating Fee: A seating fee of ¥800 per person applies.
- The Meal: The omakase is served continuously; you may need to tell the staff to stop when you are full. Plan for a long meal of 2–4 hours.
- Language: English is not guaranteed. It's helpful to state any dietary restrictions at the beginning of the meal.
- Seating: The restaurant has 82 seats, including 22 at the counter and 60 at tables. Semi-private seating is available, but there are no fully private rooms.
- Children: Children are welcome, but no high chairs are provided.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
