If you're going to eat yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers) in Niigata Prefecture, start here! 5 popular picks by area

Photograph:アーキラボアイ

Nerima Toricho Niigata, about a 5-minute walk from Niigata Station, is a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant by reservation only.

Inside is a 29-seat space with counter and table seating. The calm atmosphere lets you enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

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On the course menu, the skewers served change from day to day so they can prepare freshly butchered jidori (local chicken) using the best cooking method for each cut. The photo shows the "momo skewer".

The owner-chef has experience in both Western and Japanese cuisine from a young age, and after becoming captivated by the great taste of Shiga's Omi jidori (Omi local chicken), he has been carrying on the craft as the second generation.

Photograph:麺好きのゴン

The "foie gras Hot Pot" is said to let rich foie gras melt into the soup, spreading a smooth, full-bodied depth of flavor.

With each bite, you can taste the umami, and it is popular for its deep flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Photograph:えーあい

Yakitori Sugai, about a 6-minute walk from Niigata Station, is a yakitori restaurant opened by an owner chef who honed his skills at a famous restaurant in Ginza.

The stylish and calm interior has both counter and table seating. It is said to have an atmosphere where adults can relax and enjoy their meal and conversation.

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In addition to A la carte yakitori, you can also order Omakase. They say the skewering is carefully planned so the heat cooks each skewer evenly.

There were also reviews saying that the Tanba Akadori (Tanba red chicken) is moist and springy, with more flavor coming out the more you chew.

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They also have a full lineup of à la carte dishes besides yakitori. The photo shows the "teba Kara-age."

The skin on the outside is crisp and fragrant, while the inside is juicy. It also pairs well with beer and Japanese sake, and many regulars seem to order it every time.

Photograph:www.doom.now.cc

Sumibiyakitori Kamui is a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant in a convenient location with easy access just steps from Niigata Station.

It offers a wide range of seating options, including counter seats and zashiki (tatami seating), making it suitable for many occasions. They hand-skewer fresh chicken in-house and grill it over charcoal until fragrant, which is said to be one of the restaurant’s standout features.

Photograph:はまやん0425

The course that lets you enjoy the restaurant’s top recommended dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), vegetable skewers, and chicken wing curry Kara-age, is popular.

The generously cut chicken is said to have a moist, springy texture, with more flavor coming out the more you chew. They also recommend comparing it with the special soy sauce based tare sauce and Sasagawa Nagare no shio (salt from Sasagawa Nagare).

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The photo shows the "Iwafune-buta (Iwafune pork) Special Miso Katsu Skewer." Iwafune-buta has light, sweet fat, and frying it brings out an even richer taste.

It also pairs well with Japanese sake, and some reviews said it makes you want to order just one more skewer.

Photograph:髭ダルマのはしご酒

Yakitori to Jukusei Gyutan Iccho-Ittan Niigata Ekimae Ten, about a 3-minute walk from Niigata Station, is a yakitori restaurant with a calm Japanese modern atmosphere.

It has the unusual style of letting you enjoy both yakitori and Beef Tongue. It offers Sunken kotatsu seating and Private room options, so it works well for many different occasions.

Photograph:Sugalog

The photo shows the Koshino Tori Tsukune, served with tare sauce and egg yolk. Mixing it with the fresh egg yolk adds a rich sweetness that brings out the good flavor of the tsukune (chicken meatball).

People also say the crunchy texture of the cartilage is nice, and that it goes perfectly with the mellow tare sauce.

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"Koshi no Tori Reba (chicken liver) (tare sauce)" is said to be popular for its soft texture and just the right richness that keeps you coming back for more. The cooking is spot on, bringing out the moist, rich flavor of the liver.

Reviews also praised the sweetness of the tare sauce and its faint toasty aroma, calling it irresistibly good.

Photograph:kazs59

Yakitori Hiro, located along the Kakigawa River in Nagaoka City, is a yakitori restaurant with a hideaway feel, tucked away at the top of a staircase in a building.

It is also easy to get to, about a 10-minute walk from Nagaoka Station. The interior has a warm wooden atmosphere, with counter seats and koagari (raised tatami seating).

Photograph:kazs59

The photo shows “bonjiri (chicken tail)” and “buta kashira (pork head meat).” Both are said to be cooked just right, with the sweet richness of the fat slowly spreading the more you chew.

In particular, the bonjiri is said to be fragrant on the outside and plump and juicy inside. Though simple, some say you can really taste the quality of the ingredients.

Photograph:kazs59

"Nikumaki Tomato" is a popular vegetable skewer that lets you enjoy a light tang and sweetness.

The cooked tomato turns soft and melty, and when paired with the saltiness of the meat, it creates a well-balanced taste. The finish is light, and it also seems to go well with alcohol.