Authentic yakitori & Japanese skewers, cooked over flames. A cozy, though sometimes smoky, spot beloved by locals and visitors alike.
This Japanese eatery is a haven for yakitori enthusiasts, offering a wide array of grilled skewers cooked over flames. While some patrons recall its peak charcoal-grill days, many still find it a reliable and delicious spot for classic Japanese fare. The atmosphere is often described as cozy, though some notes mention it can be smokey.
Specializing in yakitori, this Japanese restaurant offers a variety of grilled skewers, including popular options like tsukune (meatball), liver, and kidney. While the restaurant is praised for its yakitori, some older reviews mention a preference for its previous charcoal grilling methods over the current electric. Ramen is also available and has received mixed reviews, with some noting its closure.
"The meatball skewers (tsukune), liver skewers, and kidney skewers are frequently highlighted as must-try items. Blistered shishito peppers with miso and una-ju are also mentioned positively."
Customers generally praise this establishment for its authentic yakitori and Japanese skewers, with many considering it a reliable favorite. While some note a shift from charcoal to electric grilling, the overall sentiment remains positive, highlighting consistent quality and a cozy atmosphere.
Important Note
Some customers note a past preference for charcoal grilling over the current electric grilling methods. There are also mentions of the restaurant being expensive.
"Yakitori Totto is listed as a restaurant recommendation."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is suggested as a place where a child could have rice and chicken skewers, allowing them to try adult skewers."
Positive"Yakitori Totto in Midtown is considered decent and specializes in yakitori (meat skewers), suggesting it's an approachable option that could suit a child while adults can try other dishes."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is suggested as a cozy but smokey spot with good food."
Neutral"Yakitori Totto is mentioned as a dining option."
Neutral"A commenter recommended Yakatori Totto."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is recommended for its grilled skewers, including blistered shishito peppers with miso, tsukune meatballs, hearts, livers, oysters, prawns, beef, pork, and squid, served with hot sake."
Positive"This restaurant is a short 5-minute walk from Carnegie Hall."
Neutral"This user, having lived in Tokyo for 4 years, found Yakitori Totto to be just 'ok', suggesting it may not fully capture the authentic experience sought."
Neutral"This user recommended Yakitori Totto, calling it an original and still good spot for yakitori."
Positive"The user praises Yakitoro Totto's liver skewers, stating they are some of the best they've had and they often order two. They admit to easily spending over $50 there without drinks."
Positive"The user mentions Yakitoro Totto and notes that while their husband enjoys the skin and cartilage skewers, they personally prefer gizzards, livers, and necks. They have traveled to Japan often, where yakitori plays a significant role."
Neutral"The user enjoys Yakitoro Totto and has been there many times, often going solo and spending around $100 on skewers. They find the kidney skewer particularly good."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is mentioned as a place with food in the area the commenter remembers."
Positive"Yakitori Totto was listed as a dining option."
Neutral"Yakitori Totto was highly recommended as the best and most reasonably priced sit-down meal in the area, noting it is run by Japanese people and offers a great experience of watching chicken skewers cooked over flames."
Positive"Rates Totto's broth, meat, price, noodles, and presentation, describing its broth as creamy and salty."
Positive"The commenter agrees that great ramen spots like Totto are gone."
Negative"The commenter notes the closure of Totto Ramen with 'RIP'."
Negative
