Tabelog ratingToritanaka (酒亭 田中) offers a unique dual concept from its intimate 10-seat counter in Sumida. The restaurant is a two-brother operation: the elder, who trained at the famed Kyomi, prepares refined seasonal kappo plates, while the younger grills flawless yakitori over charcoal. This combination allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds, from high-end small dishes to perfectly cooked skewers.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional quality of the ingredients, particularly the Kumano-jidori chicken, and the chef's masterful control over the charcoal grill. Popular skewers include the juicy negima (chicken and leek), meltingly soft lever, hatsumoto (arteries), and the signature tsukune (minced chicken meatball) served with a rich quail egg yolk (utama). These are interspersed with sophisticated plates like tempura of ebi-imo (a type of taro) and scallops, or rich chicken paitan (white soup) preparations such as tori-soba noodles and a comforting chicken porridge with crab.
While the food receives near-universal acclaim, there are practical challenges. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, with slots on TableCheck often filling up within minutes of release. The restaurant operates in two seatings, and guests in the later slot may find some popular skewers have already sold out. A few seats are also situated behind a partition, which can limit interaction with the chefs.
The value for money is repeatedly described by reviewers as 'outstanding' and 'astonishing' for this level of cooking in Tokyo. Omakase courses were recently reported at ¥8,500 and ¥9,800, with final bills including drinks typically falling between ¥10,000 and ¥17,000 per person. A la carte additions included items like the quail egg (utama) for ¥450 and chicken soba (tori-soba) for around ¥880.
- Getting There: Toritanaka is a 5-minute walk from Kanegafuchi Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and can only be made via TableCheck. They are extremely competitive.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Age Restriction: Children are not permitted in the restaurant.
- Seating: There are 10 counter seats only. No private rooms are available.
- Language: Service is primarily in Japanese.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: The restaurant does not have its own parking, but paid parking lots are available near the station.
