Nikawa (にかわ) Ise

Located just a stone's throw from Ise Jingu Shrine, Nikawa is a must-visit for yakitori lovers.It seems that customers come from all over the country.The aroma of binchotan charcoal, the exquisite grilling technique, and the perfection of each skewer are truly remarkable.It was a great meal.〈Notes〉- Reservation only Omakase Course (JPY 13,000)- Starts at 18:00 sharp- Selected as one of the Top 100 Yakitori Restaurants in the WEST for 2023/2024/2025- Recipient of the Tabelog Award 2026 Bronze✨- A special space with only counter seating- Uses long-term raised chicken- Seasonal grilled vegetables are also incredibly delicious- 8-minute walk from Ise City Station〈The restaurant's commitment〉✔️ Long-term raised chicken × Binchotan charcoalThe yakitori grilled with carefully selected binchotan charcoal has an unparalleled aroma and flavor.✔️ Perfect grilling for each skewerThe crispiness of the skin and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the liver come out at the perfect timing...✔️ Seasonal vegetables are also star-worthyNot just the yakitori, but the grilling of the vegetables is also at a level that will impress✨✔️ A special feeling with only counter seatingIn a calm space with only 7 seats, enjoying yakitori while experiencing the live cooking is the best. Less

I travel across the country in search of delicious food, focusing on Tabelog award-winning restaurants, renowned establishments, and Michelin-starred places. I use this as a memo for the places I've visited, so my comments are brief. I am grateful for my daily meals. It was a great meal.◆Awards◆Tabelog Bronze Award 2026Tabelog Yakitori WEST 100 Best Restaurants 2025◆Crowd Level◆I was able to make a reservation without any issues.◆Parking◆Available in front of the restaurant.◆Duration of Stay◆Approximately 2.5 hours.◆Cuisine◆Evening course.◆Comments◆None in particular.＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝- Scores are primarily determined by the taste of the dishes within their respective genres.- Additional points or deductions are made based on cost performance, service, ambiance, and facilities.- For accommodations, roadside stations, golf courses, and similar facilities, I evaluate the entire establishment on a 0.5 scale.For detailed evaluation criteria, please refer to my profile.＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝I appreciate all the "likes," "follows," and "saves" from everyone. Thank you for reading until the end. I hope this helps you in choosing a restaurant. Less

This yakitori restaurant is located in Ise, just a short walk from Kintetsu Ise City Station and the Ise Jingu Geku Shrine. On this occasion, I made a reservation using Tabelog's booking feature. The restaurant opened promptly at 6 PM, with all seats at the counter, allowing diners to watch the cooking process. The current owner is the second generation, and it turns out that the original owner was the owner's grandfather. The restaurant has undergone a complete transformation in style, creating a calm atmosphere. They are very particular about their ingredients, sourcing chicken from a farm in Ashizuri, Kochi, where they raise their own original breed. The flavorful chicken used here is a result of that dedication. The first dish served was grilled chicken, which was incredibly rich in flavor and might just be my personal favorite. Of course, the skewers were delicious as well, especially the tsukune, which had an explosion of meaty goodness. The grilled vegetables were limited to asparagus, but they were also sweet and juicy, making for a delightful dish. As for drinks, I enjoyed local beers, Kakuya Beer and Himitsu Beer, both of which were of high quality. While some reviews mentioned minimal explanations, I found that if you ask, the staff will provide thorough explanations. The owner also proactively engages with customers who show interest, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, I had a thoroughly satisfying yakitori dinner that filled both my stomach and heart. Less

I had been curious about Nikawa for a long time! Everything was delicious, but the sashimi in the first half was particularly good, while the grilled items in the second half didn’t quite stand out for me. I didn’t find anything truly impressive... maybe I had set my expectations too high.The portions for the grilled items were on the smaller side, which was just right for my light appetite, but I think most people would likely want to order extra! Everyone at the surrounding tables was ordering more, and there was a bit of an awkward wait for the final dish.I’m not very strong with alcohol due to my constitution, and my companions aren’t either, yet the staff asked us for drink refills quite early, which made me feel that the service could use a little improvement.I would love to visit again if I get the chance! Less