Hyperlocal Tokyo

I enjoyed the new Premium course. Last time I sat at a table, but this time I tried the counter. It was quite crowded that day, so the skewers were a bit slow to come out, but it didn't bother me much. The chicken breast, thigh, and wing were truly juicy and delicious, I could have eaten them all day. The wine selection was also excellent, with a good variety of sparkling, white, and red wines available by the glass. I think the Sangiovese blend was the best pairing overall. Starting with champagne for a toast and enjoying the chicken skewers, then opening a bottle of the Sangiovese blend would be perfect. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it a very comfortable yakitori restaurant.

Today, I visited Toriya Premium, located in Ginza's 6th district. This establishment is known for its delectable yakitori (grilled skewers) and an impressive wine selection. For this visit, I opted for the ¥8,000 course with wine pairings. Given the relentless summer heat, we started with a refreshing glass of Shirakaba no Ka (White Birch Fragrance) draft beer. The mozzarella and fruit marinade featured a unique twist with the inclusion of banana, a delightful dish that revitalized my summer-weary body. The steamed turban shell salad was a sophisticated delight. The fresh turban shell and its liver sauce were a perfect match for the accompanying alcohol. The Hinodeji (Hinode Chicken) sasami (breast) was a standout, with its clean, refreshing wasabi flavor. The negima (chicken and green onion) was a masterpiece. The skin was perfectly crisp and golden brown, while the inside remained juicy and flavorful. The seseri (chicken neck) was a testament to the chef's skill, boasting a satisfyingly chewy texture and a delightful springiness. The vegetable skewers, featuring red eggplant from Kumamoto, were a revelation. The eggplant's rich flavor was beautifully expressed, surprising me with its delicate texture. The Hinodeji chicken, specifically the 'furisode' (sleeve) and 'sorelis' (loin) cuts, showcased their unique characteristics and paired exceptionally well with the wines. The tomato and peach gazpacho was a refined dish that momentarily made me forget I was at a yakitori restaurant. The basil sorbet added a refreshing touch, providing a welcome sense of coolness. The Hinodeji chicken liver was incredibly tender and possessed a deep, complex flavor. The special 'tsukune' (chicken meatballs) were a luxurious treat, featuring a generous topping of truffle and cheese, all enveloped in a rich egg yolk. The main skewer of the day was duck, sourced from Hokkaido. Duck is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect choice for this season. The fact that it was domestically produced added to its appeal and ensured its quality. To conclude the meal, we were served an original curry and chicken soup. The curry, with its medicinal herb-like aroma and flavor, was a stamina-boosting and addictive dish. For dessert, we enjoyed a classic crème brûlée. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere and the attentive staff made for a truly enjoyable dining experience. The wine pairings were a delightful addition. Thank you for the delicious meal.

This is a restaurant called "Tori-ya Ginza", formerly known as "[Old Name]". They open at 5 PM, making it perfect for those who want to eat early. The counter seats are spacious, which is great for people who dislike eating yakitori in cramped counters. They offer two courses: a ¥6,000 course and a ¥8,000 course. The ¥6,000 course is more than enough to satisfy you, so I recommend going for that. If you feel like you need more, you can always order a single dish like oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) at the end. It's a great place for a date, as it's affordable and has a nice atmosphere.

This restaurant offers a delightful pairing of yakitori (grilled skewers) and wine. The yakitori course allows for a leisurely dining experience, and the overall volume of food is generous, leaving you feeling comfortably full at the end. The presence of a sommelier adds to the sense of dedication to wine, and the selection was delicious. As we enjoyed a private room, we were able to savor the experience at our own pace.