Tabelog ratingToribayashi (酉囃子) offers a unique interpretation of high-end chicken dining, billing itself as a ‘yakitori kaiseki’ restaurant. Located in Azabujuban, it is run by a husband-and-wife team, with the chef’s technical skill complemented by his wife’s knowledge as a sommelier. The restaurant’s defining feature is its deliberate use of three different heat sources — charcoal for searing, wood for smoking, and straw for a final, intense burst of flavour. This allows for a multi-course menu that flows from simple skewers to more complex plated dishes, showcasing a deep exploration of chicken.
Guests consistently praise the chef’s precise control over the fire and his creative approach. Signature dishes mentioned in reviews include a comparative tasting of different chest meats, a meat-filled flower zucchini (花ズッキーニ) served like a ‘chouchin’ lantern skewer, and a richly flavoured, straw-seared guinea fowl (ホロホロ鳥もも藁焼き). Other highlights are the inventive fried fish cakes, or satsuma-age (さつま揚げ), with fillings like corn or cumin and cheese, and a slow-roasted Kamo eggplant (加茂茄子).
While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring points of criticism appear. A minority of reviewers found the hostess's service to be curt. Others noted that drink prices could feel high and were not always clearly listed on the menu. As the omakase course is fixed, some guests who wanted to order many additional skewers found the portions a bit lean.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported the omakase course was priced around ¥13,000. With drinks and any extras, final bills typically fell between ¥18,000 and ¥25,000 per person. A beer was noted at around ¥1,000 and a glass of wine started from ¥2,000. Most diners felt the price was justified by the high level of craft and creativity, viewing it as destination dining rather than an everyday meal.
- Getting There: Toribayashi is on the 4th floor of the ARUGA22 building, a short walk from Azabu-Juban Station.
- Reservations: Bookings are mandatory and made exclusively through the OMAKASE website. The restaurant announces last-minute openings for the week by phone on Mondays at 1:00 PM.
- Seating: The restaurant has just 8 counter seats.
- Age Restriction: Only high school students and older who can eat the full adult course are permitted.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Dress Code: Guests are asked to refrain from wearing strong fragrances like perfume or cologne.
- Language: Some staff can converse in English, but expect a primarily Japanese-language experience.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
