Hikita is one of Tokyo’s most exciting new yakitori openings of 2026. Chef Toyoki Hikita, formerly the driving force behind cult favorite Makitori Shinkobe, now has his own tiny counter in Ebisu. With fewer than ten seats, a serious chef pedigree, and immediate buzz among Tokyo food obsessives, reservations are already nearly impossible.

We went yesterday and would call it next-level yakitori: an enhanced, modern evolution of the classic Torishiki-style tradition. It feels almost like a chicken-themed kaiseki, with vegetables and other refined courses woven between the skewers. The core remains the yakitori: different chickens, different parts, all cooked beautifully and deeply delicious. The wine list is also excellent. Less