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Since 2003, Yakitori Totto has been New York City’s premier destination for authentic Japanese yakitori. Nestled just steps from Columbus Circle, we specialize in expertly grilled skewers made from the freshest ingredients — prepared with precision over traditional binchotan charcoal. From tender chicken thigh and crispy skin to premium seafood and seasonal vegetables, each skewer reflects the true spirit of a Tokyo yakitori-ya. Our intimate izakaya-style setting invites you to enjoy Japanese comfort food alongside sake, beer, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering us for the first time, Yakitori Totto delivers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that blends tradition with high-end urban vibes.
Upstairs Japanese yakitori spot transporting diners to Tokyo via grilled skewers & a bustling scene.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 251 W 55th St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 245-4555
Website: http://www.yakitoritotto.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Yakitori Totto
Make a Reservation · Order Now. New York City. 251 West 55th Street – 2nd Floor New York, NY 10019. Make a Reservation. Connect With Us. yakitoritottonyc.
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Yakitori Totto was founded in 2003 and has become one of the best YAKITORI Japanese restaurants in New York … 2nd Flo. New York, NY 10019. Get Directions +1 212 …
Yakitori Totto (@yakitoritottonyc) · New York, NY – Instagram
Skewers. Sake. Since 2003 NYC’s Original Japanese Yakitori Bar · Tucked above 55th Street. Found by those who know. · Our grill doesn’t sleep—and neither do …
Reviews
Robert Corley
This delightful place is a little hidden second floor restaurant, in a “shotgun” style layout – long and narrow, but still plenty of room to sit comfortably. Service was excellent, with prompt and unobtrusive attention y the staff, always ready to bring food and drinks to the table.
Six of us sat near a window and enjoyed grilled skewers of steak, chicken, and vegetables. I rather enjoyed the eggplant and unagi, and we particularly liked the casual and comfortable atmosphere.
Yakatori did not disappoint, and was a welcomed and relaxing time with the adults in the family. Worth returning.
… moreSix of us sat near a window and enjoyed grilled skewers of steak, chicken, and vegetables. I rather enjoyed the eggplant and unagi, and we particularly liked the casual and comfortable atmosphere.
Yakatori did not disappoint, and was a welcomed and relaxing time with the adults in the family. Worth returning.
Aaron Phillips
Its….okay. entrance is hidden and hard to find. We saw the B rating from their most recent health inspection and contemplated some life choices, but went for it.
Climbed the stairs and we were met immediately by a very small/loud/intimate environment. It was post-snow storm and hot as hell in there. We contemplated leaving after being seated/watered due to the heat and B rating.
Got a few skewers. The Japanese sausage was easily our favorite by far. I’d go back just for a few sausage skewers. Chicken breast skewers were meh. Bland, kinda off “milky” flavor which made us not finish. Grilled shishito, tasty. Gyoza, tasty. Fried chicken…meh. its dark meat which is fine but you can tell. Everything was pretty salty. Despite the sausage….wont be back. Mostly due to the inspection grade. We were afraid to eat too much more.
… moreClimbed the stairs and we were met immediately by a very small/loud/intimate environment. It was post-snow storm and hot as hell in there. We contemplated leaving after being seated/watered due to the heat and B rating.
Got a few skewers. The Japanese sausage was easily our favorite by far. I’d go back just for a few sausage skewers. Chicken breast skewers were meh. Bland, kinda off “milky” flavor which made us not finish. Grilled shishito, tasty. Gyoza, tasty. Fried chicken…meh. its dark meat which is fine but you can tell. Everything was pretty salty. Despite the sausage….wont be back. Mostly due to the inspection grade. We were afraid to eat too much more.
Haley Kim
We had an amazing dinner last night at Yakitori Totto
All staff were sweet and nice even though we were the last customers of that day
The food and environment were very authentic, I really loved the taste of short rib, rib finger, mushroom, and shishito pepper chicken thingy
I will def go back soon perfect dinner spot after late night Broadway show
… moreAll staff were sweet and nice even though we were the last customers of that day
The food and environment were very authentic, I really loved the taste of short rib, rib finger, mushroom, and shishito pepper chicken thingy
I will def go back soon perfect dinner spot after late night Broadway show
Rolane Qian
Overall: The experience was a mix of ups and downs. Some of the food was very good, and a few were very disappointing. The servers were fast and polite. My water was never low for long. There were a lot of people and the small space made being seated near two loud parties less bearable. The small space was also nice as I was watching the chefs grill the skewers. I did make a reservation. I could’ve spent less as 4 skewers and 1 app would have been enough (I got 6 skewers and 2 apps).
Food Details:
Good: Agedashi tofu, chicken liver, chicken thigh, chicken neck, combo of scallop and oyster mushroom.
Okay: Chicken heart with sauce, Zaru tofu
Disappointing: chicken skin
Notes:
-Agedashi tofu is particularly good
-All skewers in the good category are very well cooked and I would order a second if I didn’t try so many in general. The neck was deboned and just really tender. Those scallops were really good too.
– Zaru tofu is extremely nice quality tofu but it’s a very clean plain dish. Next to the Agedashi, I chose to finish the Agedashi.
-Chicken skin was too chewy for me. And the lack of sauce or seasoning means it was chewy with grill taste only.
… moreFood Details:
Good: Agedashi tofu, chicken liver, chicken thigh, chicken neck, combo of scallop and oyster mushroom.
Okay: Chicken heart with sauce, Zaru tofu
Disappointing: chicken skin
Notes:
-Agedashi tofu is particularly good
-All skewers in the good category are very well cooked and I would order a second if I didn’t try so many in general. The neck was deboned and just really tender. Those scallops were really good too.
– Zaru tofu is extremely nice quality tofu but it’s a very clean plain dish. Next to the Agedashi, I chose to finish the Agedashi.
-Chicken skin was too chewy for me. And the lack of sauce or seasoning means it was chewy with grill taste only.
Yiu Kei Cheng
This is a decent choice if you are looking for a good date in the heart of Manhattan. In my opinion, the food was worth what I expected, and the taste was decent.
… moreRachel Santillo
Absolutely mouthwatering. I enjoyed a glass of yuzu sake with the salmon crispy rice followed by the kalbi don. Everything was excellent and the service was very friendly. As I was dining alone, I really could have skipped the appetizer because it ended up being far more food than I needed BUT, I’m glad I didn’t because the crispy salmon (or “cripsy” as it’s listed on the menu) was delicious. But the kalbi don! Oh my oh my goodness. Absolutely sumptuous. The beef was so tender and perfectly cooked it melted in my mouth like butter. Seasoned rice and an onsen egg pulled it all together. Simple perfection. I don’t know when I’ll find myself back in New York, but when I do, I’ll be seeking out this gem of a restaurant again.
… moreC D
Fantastic food and wish I took more pictures but my wife ate before I could take photos! It was so good – she wanted to pay for the meal which is a first time in years.
… moreben l
Food is on the higher end for yakitori but it’s well worth it. The yakitori’s were juicy, super sized and came out quick. Really well seasoned and the staff was attentive.
I do have to say… While we were still eating close to the 2 hour mark, it’s the first time I had the indignity of being pressured and rushed to leave. I mean if we just sat there not eating and chatting away I’d totally understand. We (5 of us) ate and was still eating at the 2 hour mark, spent almost 600 hundred bucks, only to be rushed and herded out.
Saying that the next party is waiting while we didn’t see one person and another table was sitting empty.
I mean I do get it but we WEAR STILL EATING. Perhaps they had another parry coming but still, there has to be a better way of approaching situations like this. Perhaps tell the next party ‘we’re running behind schedule’ and let them wait a few minutes while we finish but to make us leave before finishing? It’s bizarre.
We didn’t even get to order dessert for the birthday boy and ended up going nearby to a bar for some cake.
It was so disappointing… Not the food but the
service and how were treated. I seriously doubt we’ll ever be back because this is nyc and there are so many other choices. I’d seriously recommend others to consider an alternative.
… moreI do have to say… While we were still eating close to the 2 hour mark, it’s the first time I had the indignity of being pressured and rushed to leave. I mean if we just sat there not eating and chatting away I’d totally understand. We (5 of us) ate and was still eating at the 2 hour mark, spent almost 600 hundred bucks, only to be rushed and herded out.
Saying that the next party is waiting while we didn’t see one person and another table was sitting empty.
I mean I do get it but we WEAR STILL EATING. Perhaps they had another parry coming but still, there has to be a better way of approaching situations like this. Perhaps tell the next party ‘we’re running behind schedule’ and let them wait a few minutes while we finish but to make us leave before finishing? It’s bizarre.
We didn’t even get to order dessert for the birthday boy and ended up going nearby to a bar for some cake.
It was so disappointing… Not the food but the
service and how were treated. I seriously doubt we’ll ever be back because this is nyc and there are so many other choices. I’d seriously recommend others to consider an alternative.
Maksuda Nabi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Review for Yakitori Totto
Yakitori Totto is a true gem! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere that instantly sets the mood for a fantastic dining experience.
The yakitori is absolutely outstanding — perfectly grilled, incredibly tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. Each skewer is cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of seasoning and char. The variety of options is impressive, and everything we tried was fresh and delicious. The side dishes and small plates were just as flavorful and complemented the meal beautifully.
… moreYakitori Totto is a true gem! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere that instantly sets the mood for a fantastic dining experience.
The yakitori is absolutely outstanding — perfectly grilled, incredibly tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. Each skewer is cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of seasoning and char. The variety of options is impressive, and everything we tried was fresh and delicious. The side dishes and small plates were just as flavorful and complemented the meal beautifully.
Anna Zhang
This is my FAVORITE yakitori place in NYC
The moment you walk in, the lively atmosphere and the smoky aroma from the grill set the tone The yakitori is outstanding — perfectly grilled with a crispy char on the outside and juicy tenderness inside Highly recommend the chicken knee bones and chicken oyster for something unique and flavorful. Agedashi Tofu is also a great option
Service is attentive yet unobtrusive, and the menu has plenty of variety. Portions are on the smaller side, which makes it fun to order multiple skewers and share. The quality and authentic experience are well worth it. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or an after-work drink with skewers Yakitori Totto is easily one of the best spots in New York for authentic Japanese yakitori.
… moreThe moment you walk in, the lively atmosphere and the smoky aroma from the grill set the tone The yakitori is outstanding — perfectly grilled with a crispy char on the outside and juicy tenderness inside Highly recommend the chicken knee bones and chicken oyster for something unique and flavorful. Agedashi Tofu is also a great option
Service is attentive yet unobtrusive, and the menu has plenty of variety. Portions are on the smaller side, which makes it fun to order multiple skewers and share. The quality and authentic experience are well worth it. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or an after-work drink with skewers Yakitori Totto is easily one of the best spots in New York for authentic Japanese yakitori.