Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
Today I went a little beyond Shinjuku to “Toriyasu (Branch)” in Takadanobaba—an old-school yakitori spot known for its laid-back vibe, long history, and affordable prices.
A Takadanobaba Yakitori Mainstay for 50+ Years
Toriyasu (Branch) is the sister shop of the long-running Toriyasu on Sakae-dori in Takadanobaba 3-chome.
This branch stands along Waseda-dori, about a 5-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station.
I dropped by for the first time on a weekday evening.
Interior
The restaurant has about 80 seats split between counter and table seating.
Despite Takadanobaba being a student area, I noticed many office workers, and the atmosphere felt pleasantly nostalgic.
Menu (tax-exclusive; partial)
- Yakitori Assortment — ¥590
- Simmered Chicken Wings & Root Vegetables — ¥380
- Chicken Offal Simmer — ¥330
- Big Crunchy Raw Veg Platter — ¥1,260
- White Liver with Ponzu Soy — ¥330
- Scallops Pickled in Wasabi — ¥330
- Marinated Nagaimo (Soy) — ¥350
- Yakitori Rice Bowl — ¥680
- Oyakodon — ¥780
Drinks include a wide range of regional sake, plus Hoppy, shochu, sours, and fruit liqueurs.
Yakitori Assortment & Great Little Dishes
When you order a draft beer, a small grated daikon “otoshi” is served.
Locals say the “proper” way is to enjoy the yakitori together with the grated daikon.
Pickles — ¥330
A house-made mix of nukazuke and light pickles—simple and refreshing.
Chicken Offal Simmer — ¥330
A “chinmi” (delicacy) style dish: offal only, simmered Toriyasu-style like a tsukudani. Sprinkle on shichimi to taste.
Rikyu-ae — ¥350
Tender boiled chicken thigh mixed with uni paste, sesame, and mitsuba. Unexpectedly good with sake.
Yakitori Assortment (for two) — ¥1,080
A mix of four salt and three tare skewers.
- Salt: tebasaki (chicken wing), sunagimo (gizzard), kawa (skin), bonjiri.
- The tebasaki had spot-on salting, sweet chicken fat, and concentrated umami—one I’d definitely reorder.
- Tare: hasami (negima), tsukune, motsu (liver).
- The negima balanced juicy chicken and charred green onion with a not-too-strong sauce—great with beer.
- The tsukune was small and easy to eat; the liver skewer had sunagimo at both ends.
Summary
Toriyasu (Branch) in Takadanobaba remains a valuable spot where you can drop in casually and eat well at low prices.
I saw many solo male guests at the counter ordering rice bowls like the yakitori-don or oyakodon.
Whether you’re out for drinks or looking to fill up, this is a dependable choice.
Store Information
- Name: Toriyasu (Branch)
- Address: 2-14-4 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075
- Nearest Station: 3-min walk from Takadanobaba Station (approx. 283 m)
- Hours: 11:30–15:00 / 17:00–23:30
- Closed: Sunday
- Outlets: ✕ Wi-Fi: ✕ Smoking: ○
- Notes: 80 seats / No credit cards / No e-money
- Tabelog Rating: 3.48 (as of June 2024)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/06/09/takadanobaba-toriyasu-shiten/
