Yakitori done right. Classic & unique skewers, late night eats & a long-time fav.
A long-standing favorite for Japanese yakitori, this spot offers a wide array of grilled skewers, from classic chicken to more adventurous options like liver and kidney. While some lament the switch from charcoal to electric grills, the quality and variety keep patrons returning. It's a reliable choice for both casual solo dining and group outings.
Specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers), the restaurant offers a diverse selection of chicken parts, vegetables, and other meats. Fan favorites include the meatball (tsukune) and liver skewers. While some express nostalgia for its original charcoal grilling, the current offerings are still highly regarded, with mentions of a creamy and salty ramen broth as well.
"The meatball (tsukune) and liver skewers are frequently highlighted as must-try items. Other recommended skewers include kidney and skin."
Overall, customers have a positive sentiment, frequently recommending the restaurant for its authentic yakitori and late-night availability. Some patrons fondly recall its earlier charcoal-grilled days, but the quality remains a draw.
Important Note
Some patrons note that the restaurant has transitioned from charcoal to electric grills, which may affect the flavor for purists. It can also be considered expensive.
"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"This user recommends the 'una-ju' at Yakitori Totto."
Positive"This user expresses concern about Yakitori Toto being exposed as a favorite spot."
Neutral"Yakitori Toto is suggested as a dining option."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is recommended for yakitori."
Positive"Yakitori Totto is listed as a personal favorite in the Hell's Kitchen/Hudson Yards area, serving Japanese cuisine."
Positive
