Top 20 Yakitori Restaurants in Umeda: Where to Find the Best Grilled Chicken Skewers

Photograph:牛丼仮面

Osaka Ichi Torihei Honten is renowned for its expertly grilled yakitori, cooked to perfection over binchotan charcoal.

The restaurant’s signature sauce, a secret family recipe that has been carefully maintained and enhanced since its founding, is said to offer a uniquely deep and complex flavor.

Photograph:S.Y Nのグルメ日記

At Osaka Ichi Torihei, you’ll be tempted to order more and more skewers after tasting the four delicious duck skewers served as an appetizer.

The restaurant is especially known for its popular omakase course, where skewers are served in a carefully curated order. Pictured are the omakase selections: stuffed lotus root, stuffed bell pepper, and shiso-flavored tsukune meatball.

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Many of the yakitori items here have unique, almost cryptic names. The photo features the "Neo Gold Diamond."

This skewer pairs a rich egg yolk with a quail egg for a double-egg delight—an absolute must-try for egg lovers.

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Shamo Saburo is a well-regarded yakitori restaurant located in the Osaka Station area.

In addition to its signature yakitori skewers, the menu features a wide selection of charcoal-grilled dishes, sashimi, à la carte items, and hot pots.

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The "Assorted Yakitori Platter" features a diverse selection including gizzard, heart, and sasami. Each skewer is slightly smaller in size, but expertly grilled for remarkable tenderness.

The juicy yakitori, made with Hinata-dori—Miyazaki’s renowned local chicken—is a must-try for any yakitori enthusiast.

Photograph:ゆいちん @x.yui.yui.x

Soriresu is a rare cut from the chicken thigh, known for its clean, delicate flavor reminiscent of beef tenderloin—making it exceptionally delicious.

The "Soriresu Aburi" pictured here is lightly seared over charcoal, imparting a rich smoky aroma and a satisfying texture.

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Kashiwa Chayamachi is a yakitori restaurant just a one-minute walk from Umeda Station. The interior features stylish wooden tables and chairs, creating a warm and modern atmosphere.

The restaurant is known for its diverse and distinctive menu, offering plenty of unique options to enjoy.

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"Momo Pakuchi" (chicken thigh with cilantro) and "Momo Cumin" (chicken thigh with cumin) offer a hint of exotic flavor and aroma.

Surprisingly, both dishes are mild and easy to enjoy, making them recommended even for those who usually avoid spicy food.

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The "Cheese Potato Salad," elegantly presented on a black plate, looks almost like a sophisticated dessert.

The staff serve the potato salad in a cylindrical shape and generously top it with melted cheese. This dish is especially popular.

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Located just a 1-minute walk from Kitashinchi Station and about 2 minutes from Umeda Station, Dontaku is situated on the second basement floor of Osaka Ekimae Building No. 2.

In the evening, Dontaku operates as an izakaya specializing in yakitori, where guests can enjoy authentic Hakata-style grilled chicken skewers. The restaurant's charming atmosphere keeps many customers coming back again and again.

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Generously sized yakitori skewers featuring juicy pieces of chicken skin, available by the skewer.

The well-grilled, flavorful skin offers a satisfying bite. Pairing it with Kyushu sake or shochu is highly recommended.

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Kumamoto-sourced basashi (horse sashimi) is served generously on a large plate.

The fresh meat is tender and flavorful, making it a perfect pairing with Imo Shochu.

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Maruhachi Toritomo is a highly regarded restaurant in Douyama, Umeda, known for its delicious chicken dishes. With its stylish izakaya atmosphere, it is welcoming and comfortable for women as well.

The spacious seating inside creates a relaxed and pleasant environment. Guests can enjoy flavorful yakitori at great value.

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Orders for grilled skewers start from two pieces. The charcoal-grilled yakitori is known for its enticing aroma and exceptional flavor.

Both the Negima (chicken and scallion with sauce) and Tsukune (chicken meatball with sauce) are perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying experience with each bite.

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Enjoy the "Yamato Assorted Platter," a specialty unique to this chicken-focused restaurant. The platter features a variety of cuts, including tenderloin, breast, and liver.

Each item is exceptionally fresh—whether served raw or lightly seared, they are praised for their natural sweetness and delicious flavor.

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Musashino is renowned for its exceptional yakitori, made with the freshest chicken.

The menu features a wide variety of skewers, ranging from vegetables to rare cuts of chicken. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, created by loyal regulars, is also part of the restaurant's unique charm.

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This is "Tamahimo," a chicken skewer grilled to perfection with a vibrant appearance. The liver inside is carefully cooked to remain slightly rare, which is one of its unique features.

Expertly grilled, the "Tamahimo" is exceptionally tender and flavorful.

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The highly recommended "Kawa" (chicken skin skewer) here is a true delicacy. Rather than just the skin, it is grilled together with the tender meat attached, making for an indulgent dish.

Both the skin and the meat are cooked to perfection, offering a delightful texture with every bite.

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Goichi is tucked away in a side alley of the Nakadori Shopping Street, marked by its nostalgic red lanterns that evoke a sense of history.

Inside, you'll find a large U-shaped counter and two cozy tables, creating an intimate setting where you can savor expertly grilled yakitori.

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The "Sasami Ume-Niku" (chicken tenderloin with plum paste) is carefully prepared, allowing you to enjoy the pure flavor of the chicken. The balance and amount of plum paste provide just the right touch of saltiness without overpowering the dish.

The richness of the duck pairs perfectly with the refreshing notes of plum, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste.

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The colorful "Tamahimo-ni" (simmered chicken ovaries and yolk) is renowned for its clean flavor, completely free of any unpleasant aroma. Expertly simmered to retain a delicate rare texture, it offers a rich, savory taste that highlights the natural umami of the liver.

It's considered a must-order dish, especially popular among regular customers.

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Located along Shin-Midōsuji Avenue, Sakagami Ya is known for its delicious yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal, as the name suggests.

Both the yakitori and the selection of chuhai cocktails are extensive, offering a wide variety of flavors to enjoy with each visit.

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The "Seseri" (chicken neck meat), served on a plate, is known for its tender texture.

Every yakitori skewer here is infused with the rich aroma of charcoal grilling, ensuring a delicious experience with every bite.

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This dish features chicken liver served without skewers. Expertly grilled, the liver has a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a pleasant bite, making it truly exceptional.

The sauce complements the liver perfectly, enhancing its rich flavor.

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At Hakata BARU Nakamuraya, you can enjoy expertly grilled yakitori, each skewer prepared daily by skilled chefs, all at a reasonable price. The menu features a wide variety of options, from rare cuts like "Piyo Piyo" to classic favorites.

The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of side dishes, such as stewed offal, and guests can pair their meal with a choice from over 30 kinds of shochu.

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The signature "Tsukimi Tsukune" is limited to just 20 skewers per day. This charming dish features a perfectly round chicken meatball paired with a fresh egg yolk.

For the best experience, gently break the egg yolk and mix it thoroughly with the savory sauce before enjoying each bite.

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This is the "Furisode," limited to just 15 skewers per day. Furisode refers to the upper part of the chicken wing drumette.

Each skewer features firm, springy meat with a satisfying bite, making it a hearty and memorable choice.

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Iguchi is renowned for its flavorful local chicken and extensive menu. This restaurant specializes in yakitori, grilled over a sauce that has been carefully refined and replenished for 38 years, as well as dishes featuring duck.

The highlight here is yakitori made with exceptionally fresh, locally sourced chicken, delivered every morning.

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The popular "12 Skewer Assorted Platter" is so delicious that you'll find yourself wanting seconds. Each yakitori skewer is expertly grilled to a rare finish, allowing you to fully enjoy the tender texture and natural flavor of the meat.

The Negima skewer pictured is also highly praised for its perfect seasoning.

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"Tori no Tataki"—lightly seared chicken—is also included in their course menu. The exceptionally fresh chicken tenderloin is served with the skin on.

The tenderloin is praised for its outstanding texture and flavor, making it truly memorable. Its delicious taste pairs perfectly with a drink.

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Kushiyaki & Wine Una Chitta is known for its signature dishes: authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori and a chicken offal hot pot inspired by mizutaki, served with vinegar soy sauce.

The drink menu includes fresh fruit chuhai as well as five varieties of Minoh Beer, locally brewed in Osaka's Minoh area.

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"Kimo Rare-yaki" features a generous topping of fresh green onions, enhancing the rich flavor of the rare-grilled chicken liver. The aroma from the charcoal grill brings out the natural quality of the chicken.

Other yakitori skewers are also expertly grilled, resulting in tender and delicious bites.

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A delightful assorted appetizer platter featuring dishes such as gizzard tossed with whole grain mustard and pickled vegetables, each designed to whet your appetite.

Not only are the flavors outstanding, but the presentation is also colorful and visually appealing.

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This restaurant is known for its robatayaki, featuring premium jidori chicken and fresh seafood, as well as kamameshi rice dishes infused with the aroma of charcoal.

Enjoy carefully selected ingredients such as Kuro Jidori chicken and Kawachi duck, along with seasonal vegetables delivered directly from producers, all grilled over charcoal. The seasonal vegetables are best enjoyed with some of the five varieties of homemade miso.

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The "Yakitori Omakase 3 Skewer Set" features three different textures: Heart, Chicken Tenderloin, and Liver.

The Heart skewer, pictured here, is especially notable for its thickness and juiciness. The aroma from the charcoal grill adds an irresistible finishing touch.

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There are about ten varieties of kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot) that the restaurant highly recommends to finish your meal.

Pictured is their signature dish, "Ikura Dossari Shake no Harako Kamameshi," featuring generous portions of salmon roe and salmon. First, enjoy the original flavors as they are, then try it as ochazuke by pouring dashi broth over the rice for a completely different taste experience.

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At Yakitori Masaru Shoten, guests can enjoy generously sized yakitori skewers grilled over high heat using premium Tosa Binchotan charcoal.

The restaurant is also known for its carefully selected seasonal vegetables, sourced in consultation with local greengrocers and expertly grilled over charcoal. Every dish and drink is homemade, and you can relax and savor your meal at your own pace.

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Featuring unique options like "Seseri" (chicken neck) served with grated daikon and ponzu sauce or with a mayo-garlic flavor. Each yakitori skewer is expertly grilled to bring out a deliciously savory aroma and flavor.

It's also enjoyable to try the same ingredient prepared with completely different seasonings. Be sure to give it a try.

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The beautifully presented "Momo no Tataki" (seared chicken thigh) is a standout dish. Though the inside remains rare, the skin is expertly grilled to a crisp, creating a delightful contrast.

The combination of tender, juicy meat and a crisp, golden exterior makes this a must-try specialty.

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This cozy restaurant features only counter seating, where the owner is known for his intense focus as he grills each skewer to perfection.

The well-worn interior adds to the charm, and a display case filled with tempting ingredients makes it hard to resist ordering extra skewers as you watch.

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The "Tamahimo" skewer features fully cooked, plump chicken ovaries (kinkan) that release a rich, creamy yolk with each bite. It pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s mellow house sauce.

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The yakitori here is expertly grilled to perfection. The Negima skewer pictured has a beautifully charred exterior that looks especially appetizing.

Each skewer is cooked to preserve the tenderness of the meat while achieving a satisfying, smoky sear—an irresistible combination that keeps guests coming back for more.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station, Yangtze Ramen Rinki Ohatsu Tenjin offers a simple interior accented by striking red high chairs at the counter.

The restaurant is popular for its light, refreshing ramen and a wide variety of yakitori and other appetizers.

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True to its reputation for both yakitori and ramen, this restaurant offers delicious grilled skewers as well.

The "Sankaku" skewer, served with thinly sliced lemon, is grilled to perfection and highly recommended. Enjoy it with a draft beer, which is offered at a great price.

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The "Chashu Wonton Ramen" features tender garland chrysanthemum as a topping, adding a mild and approachable flavor. The clear broth is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of salt, making it a standout dish.

The light, refreshing soup pairs beautifully with the noodles, resulting in a delicious and well-balanced bowl.

Just a 1-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station, Sumiyaki Shoten Yo Ohatsu Tenjin Urasando welcomes guests with a warm wooden interior and a relaxing atmosphere.

Enjoy top-quality, locally sourced chicken yakitori and fresh seafood, all at excellent value. The restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including semi-private rooms for up to four people and sunken kotatsu seating.

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The "Charcoal-Grilled Yamato Chicken Thigh" is a unique specialty, seared over high heat using straw for a distinct flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with the accompanying whole grain mustard.

Enjoy it with rock salt to fully savor the rich flavor of the chicken.

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The "Toru-Fuwa Oyakodon" is known for its striking appearance. Its signature feature is a pure white, cloud-like topping made entirely from whipped egg whites.

The egg whites are light and fluffy, while the yolk remains rich and creamy, creating an exceptional oyakodon. It's said to be the perfect way to finish your meal.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station, COCORO is known for its fresh, chicken yakitori made from birds butchered the same day, and the popular "Shibari Tan" skewers. The restaurant also offers the comfort of semi-private seating, allowing guests to dine in a relaxed setting.

A selection of seasonal Japanese sake and local sake is available at reasonable prices.

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Yakitori made with fresh, same-day chicken and grilled over binchotan charcoal is said to be delicious across the board. Pictured is the "Assorted Yakitori Platter" with six skewers.

This value set features a variety of flavors, including chicken breast with plum sauce, neck meat, and chicken and scallion skewers, allowing you to enjoy a wide selection.

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One of the standout menu items is the "Charcoal-grilled Japanese Black Wagyu Chunk." Prices vary depending on the cut, and the photo features the top blade.

Tender yet satisfyingly firm, this dish allows you to fully savor the rich flavor of Japanese Black Wagyu beef.

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Located within the NOMOKA area of Izumi-no-Hiroba, Kawakita Shoten Yakitori offers a charming and traditional atmosphere.

The restaurant is known for its signature "Kawakita Minchi" and a wide selection of yakitori and specialty chicken dishes. In addition to these favorites, the menu features a diverse range of options to suit every taste.

The "Shio Minchi" (salted minced meat skewer) is slightly smaller in size and features a blend of various spices, perfectly complemented by its simple salt seasoning.

Adding a touch of mustard on the side enhances the flavor even more. You can also choose to enjoy it with sauce, depending on your preference.

Sori-resu, a rare chicken cut that is seldom found in most restaurants, is served here. This flavorful, firm dark meat comes from the base of the chicken thigh and is known for its satisfying texture.

It's a popular choice thanks to its rich taste, making it easy to keep reaching for more.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station, Sumibi Yakitori Enya Umeda serves up highly acclaimed yakitori, featuring fresh, same-day chicken grilled to perfection over binchotan charcoal.

The lively restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including counter seats, sunken kotatsu seating, and traditional tatami rooms.

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Sumibi Yakitori Enya is known for its wide variety of yakitori, all made with freshly prepared chicken—a true highlight of the restaurant.

Pictured here are the "Chicken Skin" and "Gizzard" skewers. Each cut is grilled to perfection, bringing out the best flavors of every part.

Photograph:Ｎａｔａｌｉｅ

This restaurant is also known for its delicious vegetable-wrapped skewers. Pictured is the "Tomato Maki," featuring grilled tomatoes that burst with flavor in your mouth.

The savory meat pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy vegetables, creating a dish that's especially popular.

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Located about a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station, Brand Buta to Sosaku Kushiyaki Build offers a unique opportunity to compare premium pork steaks from both Japan and abroad.

The restaurant is known for its healthy skewers, carefully grilled with olive oil, as well as a wide selection of dishes that pair perfectly with drinks, including local chicken tataki and pasta.

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A value set that includes six kinds of grilled skewers, a salad, and one drink. The photo shows two plates of skewers, featuring itoyori (threadfin bream), quail egg, and chicken thigh.

With a mix of different skewers, you can fully enjoy the unique texture and perfect grilling of each variety.

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The "Brand Pork Steak (Today's Three-Variety Platter)" is a reasonably priced dish that lets you fully savor the rich flavors of pork.

You can enjoy a selection of premium pork from both Japan and abroad, including Spain's RAL Pork and Imo Buta from Ehime.