TLDR
Authentic, high-energy yakitori spot in Midtown featuring a wide array of expert skewers cooked over open flames. A local favorite for its unique beak-to-tail menu and lively, casual atmosphere.
Details
A go-to destination in Midtown West for an authentic yakitori experience, this spot is celebrated for its wide selection of expertly grilled chicken and non-chicken skewers [1]. Diners frequently praise the restaurant for its chill atmosphere and high-quality food, making it a recurring favorite among visitors [2][3]. The experience is further bolstered by excellent service [4] and a specialized beak-to-tail menu that leaves a lasting impression on guests [5].
Food Overview
The menu specializes in traditional yakitori, offering a vast array of grilled meat and vegetable skewers such as liver, gizzard, neck, and blistered shishito peppers [1][4][7]. While the food is widely acclaimed for its delicious quality and variety, some guests have expressed personal preferences against specific items like cartilage [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the liver, kidney, and neck skewers, as well as the 'una-ju' and tsukune meatballs [1][4][7]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •yakitori(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall feedback is highly positive, with patrons frequently citing it as a top choice for Japanese cuisine and a consistently reliable dining spot [2][3]. While most guests praise the excellent service and quality, some diners feel the experience may not fully capture the authenticity of Tokyo-style dining [6].
Caveats
The environment is described as cozy but can become quite smokey due to the open-flame cooking [8]. Additionally, some diners note that the price point is moderate and may not be considered strictly 'cheap' [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About YAKITORI TOTTO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Visiting For Anyc Staying Near The Port Authority
"Recommended restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For A Decent But Quick Dinner
"Recommended for dining."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants That Focus On Nose To Tailfull Animal
"Suggested for those considering beak-to-tail chicken dining."
PositiveFrom post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And
"Recommended for its ramen."
PositiveFrom post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And
"Mentioned as a recommended spot."
PositiveFrom post: Something Easy Lunch Or Dinner For 2 Demoralized
"Yakitori Totto is recommended for its chill atmosphere, great food, and excellent service."
PositiveFrom post: Cheap Eats In Upper Midtown
"This user suggested Yakitori Totto as a good option, though they noted it might not be considered strictly 'cheap'."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Yakitori Totto is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese
"Yakitori totto was mentioned."
PositiveFrom post: Update On Japanese Quest
"The commenter suggested Yakitori Totto as a Japanese restaurant option, humorously questioning if grilled meat on a stick would be too adventurous for the picky eater."
NeutralFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Yakitori Totto is mentioned as a place for yakitori."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Yakitori Totto is listed as a restaurant recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant For Picky Eater
"Yakitori Totto is suggested as a place where a child could have rice and chicken skewers, allowing them to try adult skewers."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant For Picky Eater
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Three Nights And Three Different Cuisines Where
"Yakitori Totto is suggested as a cozy but smokey spot with good food."
NeutralFrom post: Three Nights And Three Different Cuisines Where
"Yakitori Totto is mentioned as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: Seafood Or Sushi Theater District Blue Fin
"A commenter recommended Yakatori Totto."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food Bucket List Add To My List
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Preconcert Dinner Recommendations Prefer
"This restaurant is a short 5-minute walk from Carnegie Hall."
NeutralFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"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