Beyond the Skewer: Discovering a New Style of Yakitori in Nakameguro
Tokyo’s Nakameguro district is a fascinating blend of the cutting-edge and the tranquil. While its main streets buzz with trendy shops and cafes, a short walk reveals a more serene side, especially along the picturesque Meguro River. This riverside path, famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring, is also a favorite stroll for me, CityNomix. It’s here that you’ll find culinary gems quietly waiting to be discovered.
On a late summer evening, I chose one such gem, Yakitori Akira’s Nakameguro Honten (Main Store), for a dinner with staff from a client’s office. Their request was simple: “Something with delicious meat.” My mind immediately went to this unique establishment, renowned for its concept of Nakameguro skewerless yakitori.
A few minutes’ walk from the station, as the gentle sound of the river grew louder, a sophisticated Japanese-modern building on a corner came into view. A large, white lantern bearing the restaurant’s name cast a warm, inviting glow at the entrance, subtly building anticipation for the dining experience ahead.
A Prime Seat with a View of the Meguro River
Stepping inside, we were greeted by an earthen-floor area with table seating, leading to a raised tatami seating area at the back that offered a panoramic view of the Meguro River. We were lucky enough to be shown to this prime spot. The tranquil nightscape outside the window harmonized perfectly with the calm, refined atmosphere inside, creating the ideal setting for a leisurely conversation.
It’s no surprise to learn this very restaurant was once featured in a TV commercial; the ambiance is both upscale and comfortable. As we settled in, warm towels were presented with graceful efficiency. It was clear from the start that this was more than just your average izakaya.
The Main Event: A Novel Approach to Nakameguro Skewerless Yakitori
“Is this your first time with us?” the server asked politely. While I had been here before, it was a new experience for my two colleagues. I asked the staff to explain the restaurant’s signature concept: skewerless yakitori.
Instead of being pierced on skewers, various cuts of chicken are served on a platter. Diners then cook the pieces themselves over a personal shichirin, a small charcoal grill. This interactive, “grill-it-yourself” style was a delightful novelty for my companions, their eyes lighting up with curiosity as they perused the menu.
An Absolute Must-Try Menu Item: Grilled Avocado with Butter
We started with a round of beers and began to select our dishes. The first on my list, a non-negotiable item whenever I visit, is the Grilled Avocado with Butter. My enthusiastic recommendation was met with unanimous agreement.
When the avocado arrived, we placed it on the shichirin, letting the butter melt and sizzle as the fruit slowly warmed. The heat transformed the avocado’s texture into something incredibly creamy, while the rich aroma of butter filled the air. A dash of soy sauce before taking a bite created a perfect harmony of savory, rich, and nutty flavors. It’s an experience worth seeking out.
A Taste of the Earth: Vibrant, Fresh Vegetables
Next, we ordered an assortment of seasonal vegetables. When the wooden tray arrived, we all let out a small gasp of surprise. It was a canvas of colors and shapes, some of which were completely new to me.
There were vibrant yellow banana peppers and jewel-toned red okra, alongside more familiar green peppers. Every vegetable was glistening with freshness and vitality. We grilled them lightly on the shichirin and seasoned them with nothing but a pinch of salt. The natural sweetness and umami of the vegetables shone through, a powerful reminder of the beauty of high-quality, simple ingredients.
Grilling Our Own: The Fun of the Skewerless Yakitori Platter
Finally, the star of the show arrived: the assorted yakitori platter, sizzling on a black iron plate. It was a magnificent spread featuring nine different cuts, including thigh (momo), neck (seseri), and gizzard (sunagimo). The chicken, lightly coated in a special sauce, hissed and popped on the hot plate, releasing an irresistibly savory aroma.
We placed the pieces on our shichirin grill, one by one, cooking them to our preferred doneness. Indeed, this process is part of the fun. We chatted, flipped the meat, and waited for that perfect, slightly charred moment. The skewerless format means the pieces are smaller and cook quickly. Moreover, it makes sharing effortless and encourages a communal dining experience.
Each cut of the incredibly fresh chicken offered a distinct texture and flavor, ensuring our palates never tired. The charcoal grill imparted a wonderful smokiness while rendering off excess fat. It was a truly multi-sensory way to enjoy yakitori. By this point, our conversation was flowing as freely as the beer. Sharing delicious food in such a stylish setting is one of life’s great pleasures.
The Perfect Finale: A Chicken Soup Worth a Solo Trip
The wonderful food and serene atmosphere had us completely absorbed in conversation. Before we knew it, it was time for the last call. I must confess, I was so engrossed that I forgot to take pictures of our final dishes. Please forgive me; consider it a testament to how engaging the experience was.
For my final course, I ordered the tamago kake gohan (rice with a raw egg) and chicken soup set. My colleagues opted for the teriyaki don (rice bowl) with the same soup. And I must say this with conviction: if you visit Yakitori Akira, you absolutely must not leave without trying the chicken soup.
This is no ordinary soup. It’s a rich, opaque broth, packed with the deepest, most concentrated essence of chicken, yet it finishes surprisingly clean on the palate. With every spoonful, you can feel the nourishing umami seeping into your very soul. It’s no exaggeration to say I would come back to this restaurant just for this soup. It is, in a word, perfection.
As a practical note, the teriyaki don is quite substantial, so those with smaller appetites might consider sharing or opting for the egg rice as I did. Another lesson learned from firsthand experience.
A Drink Menu for the Discerning Palate
The attention to detail extends to the drink menu. Notably, the inclusion of Ichiro’s Malt, a highly regarded Japanese whisky, is a fantastic touch for enthusiasts. It pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Nakameguro Skewerless Yakitori for Any Occasion
An evening at Yakitori Akira Nakameguro is more than just a meal; it’s a rich and memorable experience. The prime location along the Meguro River, the sophisticated and stylish ambiance, and the sheer entertainment of grilling your own skewerless yakitori on a shichirin all combine to create an unforgettable time.
It’s the perfect spot for a meal with close friends, a special date spot, or a business dinner that calls for something a cut above the rest. If you’re looking for a quality dining experience in Tokyo, this Nakameguro skewerless yakitori restaurant will not disappoint. And when you go, please, do yourself a favor and order the chicken soup. You’ll become a convert, just like me.
Restaurant Information
Name: Yakitori Akira, Nakameguro Main Store
Address: 1-17-2 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://salt-group.jp/shop/akira_nakameguro/
Google map: