Omi Chicken in Hikone: The Joy of Yakitori and Wine

Located on the 1st floor of the Hikone Station Building and directly connected to Hikone Station, Yakitori Torimaru Hikone is an authentic izakaya where you can fully enjoy yakitori made from Omi chicken, Shiga Prefecture's prized brand. Carefully grilled over Binchotan charcoal, our skewers are crispy and fragrant on the outside and surprisingly juicy on the inside. Their rich flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of drinks.

In our lively space—perfect for girls' nights out, family dinners, a drink after work, or relaxing after visiting Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa—our staff welcomes you with smiles and attentive service. At our highly-rated restaurant, praised by many customers for its 'excellent attentiveness' and 'delicious food,' we propose a new way to deepen your usual yakitori experience.

Discover Something New: The Surprising Compatibility of Hikone's Omi Chicken Yakitori and Drinks

Many people might think, 'Yakitori definitely goes best with beer!' Of course, the combination of a cold beer and fragrant yakitori is a supreme pleasure. However, the profound flavor of our Omi chicken yakitori can truly blossom when paired with an unexpected drink.

• For richer skewers like juicy thigh meat or fatty skin, the fine bubbles of sparkling wine cut through the richness, cleansing and refreshing your palate.
• For leaner cuts like sasami (chicken tender) or breast meat, a light white wine will gently enhance the chicken's delicate natural umami, creating an elegant pairing.
• Sweet and savory yakitori with tare sauce pairs surprisingly well with a light-bodied red wine. The umami of the sauce and the fruitiness of the wine meld together, creating a rich harmony of flavors.

At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we offer a wide range of menu items, from classic yakitori to creative skewers. We invite you to enjoy discovering new tastes by imagining different combinations with various drinks.

How to Choose a Drink to Maximize the Flavor of Binchotan-Grilled Omi Chicken

Our Omi chicken yakitori is carefully grilled skewer by skewer over Binchotan charcoal by our skilled chefs. The far-infrared effect unique to Binchotan charcoal seals in the chicken's umami and imparts a fragrant aroma. To fully enjoy this delicate yet robust flavor, your choice of beverage is a crucial element.

1. For Shio (Salt-Grilled): A Clean Flavor: To savor the pure umami of Omi chicken with a salt seasoning, we recommend a crisp, dry drink that won't overpower the flavor, such as a clear sake or a mineral-rich white wine.
2. For Tare (Sauce-Glazed): Depth and Richness: For yakitori finished with our house-made tare sauce, choose a full-bodied drink that can stand up to the sweet and savory sauce and the chicken's umami. A rich shochu or a slightly heavier red wine will enhance the flavors even more.
3. For Creative Skewers: A Playful Spirit: The fun of pairing drinks with our creative skewers, which use various herbs and spices, is finding a match for their unique character. Herbal liqueurs or exotic cocktails might lead to new and exciting discoveries.

It's Not Just Yakitori! The Pairing Potential of Hikone's Hakata Mizutaki and A La Carte Dishes

At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we offer more than just Omi chicken yakitori. We also serve our famous Hakata Mizutaki (chicken hot pot) and a wide array of creative a la carte dishes. By exploring drink pairings with these dishes, you can enjoy an even deeper culinary experience.

• Our Specialty! Hakata Mizutaki: Simmered in a special soup packed with chicken umami, our Hakata Mizutaki features a mellow and gentle flavor. To complement this rich broth, we recommend a light white wine or a crisp sake. They will further enhance the chicken's flavor and leave a pleasant aftertaste.
• A Customer Favorite! Spiced Mackerel Potato Salad: This popular potato salad, with the umami of mackerel and an exquisite spicy accent, is a perfect companion for drinks. Its unique taste pairs well with a slightly aromatic white wine or a crisp shochu highball. The spice and the drink's refreshment spread pleasantly in your mouth.
• Great with Rice or Drinks! Motsu Niratama: This dish features plump motsu (offal) and crisp chives bound in a fluffy egg, creating a rich umami flavor. We recommend pairing it with a full-bodied red wine or barley shochu on the rocks. The dish's richness and the drink's depth enhance each other for a truly satisfying experience.

As a yakitori restaurant near Hikone Station that is also perfect for girls' nights and group outings, we strive daily to provide our customers with the emotional experience of 'delicious' through our varied cuisine. Please try experimenting with the many combinations of our diverse menu and drink list.

Enjoy a Special Moment in a Private Room at Our Hikone Yakitori Restaurant

At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we also offer private rooms for those who wish to dine in a quieter atmosphere. Our private rooms are perfect for customers who want to relax in their own space, whether for a girls' night out, a business dinner, or a family meal.

While still enjoying the lively buzz of the restaurant, you can converse freely without worrying about your surroundings in a private room. Savor the authentic Omi chicken yakitori and its pairings with various drinks to your heart's content. Please make use of our private rooms for special occasions with loved ones or for evenings when you want to have a deep conversation.

Brighten Your Night with a Yakitori Plan for a Girls' Night Out in Hikone

We warmly welcome girls' nights out! We offer course meals tailored for such gatherings, as well as an a la carte all-you-can-drink option (available for same-day use, even for solo diners), allowing you to fully enjoy our food and drinks. Relish delicious yakitori and lively conversation in a vibrant atmosphere. Part of the fun of a girls' night is trying various skewers and discovering the perfect drink pairing.

Furthermore, our staff greets first-time visitors with a smile and provides attentive service to ensure a welcoming experience. Our team, renowned for their attentiveness, will support you in having the best possible time, so please relax and enjoy.

Savor to Your Heart's Content with All-You-Can-Drink Yakitori in Hikone

At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we offer an all-you-can-drink plan that's perfect for those who want to enjoy unlimited drinks with their favorite dishes. The a la carte all-you-can-drink option is a great value, starting at ¥1,800 for two hours, and is available for same-day use, even for solo diners. This provides an excellent opportunity to try various drinks and explore the best pairings with our Omi chicken yakitori and specialty dishes.

• Diverse Drink Lineup: Choose from a wide range of beverages, including beer, sours, cocktails, sake, and shochu.
• Easy for Solo Diners: While some may think all-you-can-drink is only for groups, at our restaurant, solo diners can enjoy it without hesitation. We have counter seats, making it a great way to leisurely enjoy drinks while savoring yakitori by yourself.
• A Perfect End to Your Hikone Sightseeing: After a day exploring Hikone Castle or enjoying leisure activities around Lake Biwa, our restaurant is the ideal place to unwind with delicious yakitori and unlimited drinks while sharing memories.

Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, where you can freely indulge in food and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, promises to enrich your evening in Hikone.

A New Culinary Experience at Yakitori Torimaru Hikone

Authentic yakitori that maximizes the appeal of Omi chicken, our famous Hakata Mizutaki, and a variety of creative a la carte dishes. At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we have proposed the concept of 'food pairing' to help you enjoy these offerings on a deeper level. Just by adding a slightly new perspective to your usual meal, the experience becomes many times more impressive.

Of course, there's no need to overthink it. Why not start by trusting your own instincts of what tastes 'delicious' and simply trying various combinations? Our staff is dedicated to providing heartfelt hospitality to ensure you have the best possible time. If you have any questions about the food or drinks, please don't hesitate to ask a member of our team.

Our excellent access, being directly connected to Hikone Station, is another one of our charms. On your way back from sightseeing at Hikone Castle or when dining near Hikone Station, please be sure to stop by Yakitori Torimaru Hikone. We sincerely hope you have an unforgettable culinary experience with exquisite Omi chicken yakitori in our lively restaurant.