Yakitori Imai

Intimate yakitori place with warm and welcoming service that hugs you as soon as you step in the door. They are attentive without being obsequious and I particularly enjoyed watching the jovial interaction between the chefs, the customer facing staff (although you might say they are all customer facing in such an intimate joint with diners seated at an elongated horseshoe shaped counter watching) and some customers who I assume are regulars. We had the ¥8,800 omakase with interspersed pieces of chicken and vegetables grilled to perfection. You have to excuse my pictures which give the false impression of the amount of food as I keep forgetting to take a pic until halfway through a skewer. They explain every skewer as it's brought to you at a leisurely pace that I find particularly conducive to carrying on a conversation. If I lived in Tokyo, I could easily imagine this as one of my favourite places to catch up with mates over a few skewers and a drink or two. And speaking of drinks, in addition to sakes, they also have a small but well curated reasonably priced list of wines that you can have by the glass! Why wouldn't more restaurants do this? All I can say is shame we don't live in Tokyo.

Fresh, juicy, and generous chicken aside, the tomato, spaghetti squash, and the ginkgo nuts were outstanding, and I wish I could come for a vegetable only set course one day. The innards were impressive but it was the more conventional cuts of meat that showed off their mastery of the craft. I personally prefer more char and smokiness but was happy with my experience. I did find the sake caramel dessert a bit too bitter. Worth noting is the extensive list of natural wines available on top of beer and sake. And the service was seamless at every point.

Bad service from the team lead. Rude and o respect to patrons who are willing to have a good time. Avoid this restaurant and ignores the so call good reviews. This restaurant doesn’t deserve it with the cure my staff members

We had a lovely meal at Yakitori Imai tonight. The restaurant is small but stylish with a joyful atmosphere. It is in a bit of an obscure location (have trust in your cab driver). The staff is friendly and helpful and more than willing to try to explain each and every one of the 16 small plates which comprised our set menu meal. Most speak at least some English. After carefully inquiring about food allergies and preferences (yes we are happy to try anything that might be offered including organ meats and cartilage - in very small quantities - chicken, duck, pork and a host of vegetables) we were treated to a cavalcade of amazing tastes too varied to enumerate here. Make the effort to score a much needed reservation and enjoy a great meal. This restaurant was deemed “essential “ by Eater.com for a reason...