Yakitori Imai in Shibuya

Yakitori Imai in Shibuya is a well-known yakitori restaurant that brings the same level of high-quality, traditional grilling as its Hakodate counterpart, but with a more urban, sophisticated twist suitable for Tokyo’s vibrant dining scene. Located in Shibuya, a bustling hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife, Yakitori Imai offers an authentic yet refined yakitori experience, making it popular among both locals and visitors looking for top-tier skewered chicken.

1. Overview of Yakitori Imai (Shibuya):

• Yakitori Imai in Shibuya is part of a broader trend in Tokyo where high-end yakitori restaurants have elevated the traditional street food to fine dining. The restaurant focuses on premium ingredients, skilled grilling, and a high-quality customer experience.
• The restaurant has earned a reputation for serving exceptionally tender chicken, often sourced from free-range chickens, and grilling it to perfection over binchotan charcoal, which imparts a delicate smokiness to the meat.
• The ambiance at Yakitori Imai Shibuya is typically modern and elegant with a touch of traditional Japanese design. This makes it a great spot for a relaxed dinner or special occasions, whether you’re with friends, family, or colleagues.

 

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2. Specialty and Menu:

• Yakitori Imai serves a wide range of yakitori, focusing primarily on chicken, but also offering other options depending on the season and availability. Some of the main features of their menu include:
  • Momo (thigh): Tender, juicy chicken thigh, often considered the most flavorful cut.
  • Negima: Chicken thigh or breast alternated with scallions, which helps balance the richness of the chicken with the freshness of the green onions.
  • Reba (liver): A rich and flavorful part of the chicken, grilled until it’s perfectly tender.
  • Tsukune (meatballs): Ground chicken mixed with seasoning, often served with tare sauce or salt.
  • Tori Kawa (chicken skin): Crispy, fatty, and delicious, the chicken skin is grilled to perfection and often a favorite.
  • Sasami (breast): Lean chicken breast, usually grilled to maintain its moisture while still having a light texture.
  • Nankotsu (cartilage): A unique cut of chicken cartilage, known for its chewy texture and intense flavor.
  • Zuri (heart) and Seseri (neck): For those who like to explore different textures and flavors, these cuts are rich and flavorful.
• The skewers are typically grilled over binchotan charcoal, which burns at high temperatures and creates a delicate smokiness that complements the flavor of the meat. The grilling process is a key part of the experience, and many customers enjoy sitting at the counter and watching the chefs work their craft.
• Seasoning: Skewers at Yakitori Imai can be served with tare sauce (a sweet soy-based sauce) or shio (salt), depending on the diner’s preference. The tare sauce is often homemade, and it enhances the umami of the meat without overpowering it.

 

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3. Quality of Ingredients:

• Yakitori Imai is known for sourcing the highest-quality chicken. The chicken used in the restaurant is often free-range, and it’s carefully selected for its texture and flavor.
• The restaurant also prides itself on using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients to accompany the yakitori. Whether it’s vegetables, side dishes, or condiments, you can expect fresh, high-quality products.
• The binchotan charcoal used for grilling is one of the best available in Japan, creating an even heat and minimal smoke, which allows the chicken to be perfectly seared while retaining its natural juices.

4. Dining Experience:

• The dining atmosphere at Yakitori Imai Shibuya is designed to be elegant and comfortable, catering to those who want a refined yakitori experience without the casual setting often found at other yakitori spots. The interior combines modern design with traditional Japanese elements, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with wood accents, soft lighting, and a warm ambiance.
• The restaurant typically offers counter seating, where diners can watch the chefs prepare and grill the skewers right before them. This interactive dining experience adds a layer of entertainment to the meal, as you can see the attention to detail and precision involved in grilling each skewer.
• For those who prefer more privacy or a larger group, there are also private booths or table seating options available.

 

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5. Drink Pairings:

• Yakitori Imai offers a carefully selected range of beverages to complement the meal, including:
  • Sake: There’s a selection of premium sake from various regions of Japan, with options that pair beautifully with grilled chicken.
  • Shochu: A popular Japanese spirit, typically served neat, with water, or on the rocks, and available in different varieties.
  • Beer: Expect well-known Japanese brands like Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin, which pair wonderfully with grilled meats.
  • Wine: Some yakitori restaurants, including Yakitori Imai, also offer a curated list of wines, both red and white, for those who prefer wine over traditional Japanese spirits.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: There are also a range of non-alcoholic drinks, including green tea and soft drinks, available for guests who prefer something lighter.

 

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6. Popularity and Reservations:

• Yakitori Imai Shibuya is a popular dining destination, especially for those looking to enjoy premium yakitori in the heart of Shibuya. Given the restaurant’s reputation for quality and its relatively limited seating capacity, it can get quite busy, particularly during peak dining hours (evenings and weekends).
• Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning to visit during the weekend or holiday seasons. You can typically make reservations via phone or online, depending on the restaurant’s system.

7. Price Range:

• Yakitori Imai Shibuya is positioned as a more upscale yakitori restaurant compared to casual yakitori joints, with prices reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the fine dining atmosphere. Expect to pay between ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 per person, depending on the number of skewers, sides, and drinks you order.
• For a full meal with drinks, the total price can vary based on how many skewers you select and whether you opt for higher-end drinks like premium sake or wine.

 

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8. Customer Reviews and Feedback:

• Yakitori Imai Shibuya is often praised for its exceptional service and the quality of the skewers. Many diners appreciate the attention to detail in both the preparation and presentation of the food. The skewers are often described as perfectly grilled, with a balance of smoky flavors and juicy tenderness.
• The restaurant’s quiet and refined atmosphere also gets positive reviews, making it a great choice for those looking for an elevated yakitori experience in the busy Shibuya area.
• The interaction with the chefs and staff is also a highlight, with many patrons commenting on the friendly, professional service and the chefs’ willingness to explain the different cuts of chicken and their cooking methods.

9. Location and Accessibility:

• Yakitori Imai Shibuya is located in the heart of Shibuya, which is easily accessible via Shibuya Station. Shibuya is one of the busiest and most vibrant districts in Tokyo, known for its shopping, nightlife, and dining.
• The restaurant is a short walk from Shibuya Station (JR lines, Tokyo Metro), and it’s located in a bustling area with many other dining options, making it easy to explore the neighborhood after your meal.

10. Conclusion:

• Yakitori Imai Shibuya is a fantastic place to enjoy high-quality yakitori in an upscale and relaxed environment. With its focus on premium ingredients, skilled grilling, and a refined atmosphere, it offers an elevated dining experience that stands out among Tokyo’s many yakitori spots.
• Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Tokyo or a seasoned diner looking for a more sophisticated yakitori experience, Yakitori Imai Shibuya is a great choice for savoring beautifully grilled chicken and enjoying a delightful evening out.

If you’re in the Shibuya area and craving authentic yakitori with a modern twist, Yakitori Imai is definitely worth a visit!

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