Torimatsu - iPhone Panorama
This is a brilliant yakitori/izakaya restaurant in Kutchan.
Don’t just take my word for it – Anthony Bourdain visited Torimatsu last year and loved it. If it’s good enough for Anthony Bourdain, you know it’s going to be impressive. An equally telling sign that this restaurant is top notch is the repeat patronage from locals – every time we have been to Torimatsu, the place is bustling with a predominantly local crowd rather than seasonal tourists.
You have the option of counter seating, tables, or a small private group area on tatami mats. If you don’t have a large group, I’d highly recommend counter seating to keep an eye on the grilling action! It’s always good to see what other people have ordered and if you like what you see, bust out a “sumimasen” and order it for yourself.
Matsuo san - grill master
Aside from the yakitori restaurant staples, you will also find a broad selection of izakaya style food here. Selections like edamame, fried potato, cheese sticks and daily specials of freshly grilled seafood should keep even the fussiest diner happy. Prices are very reasonable – three yakitori skewers will set you back only 300 yen.
Torimatsu menu
For the adventurous, don’t miss the horse tongue sashimi, raw whale, chicken gizzards, ostrich sashimi and chicken cartilage!
On this visit to Torimatsu, first up we have the classic yakitori dish of chicken skewers…
Chicken Yakitori
On to the Juicy Pork, Minced Chicken and the perfectly crispy and chewy Chicken skin…
L to R: Juicy Pork, Minced Herb Chicken, Crispy Chicken Skin
Chicken with Plum Shiso (a Japanese herb)
Chicken with Plum Shiso
One of my all time favourites, Imomochi (soft, chewy potato surrounding gooey cheese in a squishy round pillow of fried happiness!)
Imomochi
Fried Garlic – note that one serve is a whole knob of garlic!
Fried Garlic
Tofu and Wasabi – served with bonito flakes and spring onions
Tofu and Wasabi
Maitake Mushrooms – simple and delicious – sautéed with Hokkaido butter
Maitake Mushrooms
Grilled Salmon – with Daikon on the side
Grilled Salmon
There are not always English speaking staff at Torimatsu, but there is an English menu. Of course, the staff are always friendly and gracious hosts, even if you don’t speak Japanese well.
Jump on the Kutchan Night Go bus if you don’t have a car and get off at the Takiguchi Sports/Boom stop on Eki Mae Dori. From there, walk three blocks North.
Wall of fame
The wall of fame
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