The concept behind “Yakitori Hachibei” is “a yakitori shop where you can enjoy wine”. As if to wipe away the working class image of yakitori, the interior is clean and with a subdued atmosphere. The drink menu features not only wine, but also shochu, sake, and cocktails. The main ingredient is chicken meat from Itoshima, where the flagship store is, as well as other ingredients that are carefully selected and sourced from the Kyushu region. The a la carte menu is expansive as well.

Popular items are their non-traditional yakitori, such as their “House-Made Meatballs”, “Wagyu Skirt Steak”, “Salt Wings” and “Broiled Chicken Tenders With Plum Shiso”. Each skewer is carefully crafted and is more like a composed dish rather than yakitori. Surprisingly, their most popular item is “Kushiage (fried skewer) Peas”. Pea puree is enrobed in crispy fried batter, and instantly following a shattering bite is a mouthful of the sweet aroma and flavor.

Other items to note is the show-stopping, roasted “Special Bone-In Chicken” and high quality desserts made by the pastry chef; all game-changing items for a yakitori shop. Their ability to read trends and constantly update their menu is why they’re so popular. Blending commitment to the craft and trends seamlessly, this shop is standing tall as a forerunner of yakitori nouveau.