Yakitori Totto: Unveiling NYC's Authentic Skewer Sensation
For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Japan's grilled delights, Yakitori Totto stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in the heart of New York City and beyond. This acclaimed establishment has carved out a reputation for its meticulously prepared skewers, a testament to its unwavering commitment to tradition and quality. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a world where simple ingredients are transformed into extraordinary flavors through the ancient art of yakitori.
More than just a restaurant, Yakitori Totto offers a unique dining experience that captivates both the seasoned connoisseur and the curious newcomer. With locations in the bustling energy of Midtown West, New York City, and the vibrant community of Somerville, MA, Totto has become synonymous with expertly grilled skewers and an inviting atmosphere. This article delves deep into what makes Yakitori Totto a must-visit destination, exploring its history, culinary philosophy, menu highlights, and the overall experience that keeps diners coming back for more.
Table of Contents
- The Legacy of Yakitori Totto: From NYC to Somerville
- The Art of Yakitori: Sourcing and Craftsmanship at Totto
- A Culinary Exploration: Beyond Chicken Skewers
- The Totto Experience: Ambiance, Service, and Reviews
- Locating Yakitori Totto: NYC and Somerville Locations
- Planning Your Visit: Reservations and Delivery
- Why Yakitori Totto Stands Out: E-E-A-T in Action
- Addressing the Rare Criticisms: A Balanced Perspective
The Legacy of Yakitori Totto: From NYC to Somerville
The story of Yakitori Totto begins in 2003, when its New York City location first opened its doors. Since then, it has steadily built a reputation, evolving into one of the best yakitori Japanese restaurants in New York. Its success is rooted in a deep passion for authentic Japanese yakitori, a culinary tradition that emphasizes simplicity, quality ingredients, and masterful grilling techniques. This dedication to authenticity has allowed Yakitori Totto to capture the hearts and palates of countless diners, earning it a loyal following.
While the New York City establishment has been a long-standing favorite, Yakitori Totto has expanded its reach, bringing its unique dining experience to Somerville, Massachusetts, specifically at Assembly Row. This second location continues the tradition of proudly serving delicious Japanese grilled skewers and dishes, utilizing the same authentic Japanese ingredients and techniques that made the NYC spot a success. The expansion signifies Totto's commitment to sharing its culinary vision with a broader audience, ensuring that more people can experience the traditional flavors with every bite.
The Art of Yakitori: Sourcing and Craftsmanship at Totto
What truly sets Yakitori Totto apart is its meticulous approach to the craft of yakitori. It's not merely about grilling meat; it's an intricate dance of sourcing, preparation, and precision cooking. The restaurant's commitment to quality begins with its ingredients, particularly its chicken, which is sourced from local suppliers. This emphasis on local sourcing not only supports regional agriculture but also ensures the freshest possible ingredients for their signature skewers.
The Signature Tare: A Taste of Tradition
A cornerstone of any great yakitori experience is the tare, the special sauce that gives the skewers their distinctive flavor. At Yakitori Totto, this essential component is housemade daily. This dedication to crafting their own tare ensures a unique, consistent, and deeply flavorful base for their grilled items. The tare is often a closely guarded secret, a blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, simmered to perfection and absorbing the essence of countless skewers over time, becoming richer and more complex with each passing day. This housemade tare is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to traditional methods and authentic taste.
From Cut to Grill: The Chef's Dedication
The journey from raw ingredient to a perfect and irresistible yakitori piece is a labor of love for the chefs at Yakitori Totto. They carefully and skillfully take their time from cutting to seasoning to grilling. This precision is crucial in yakitori, where different parts of the chicken (or other ingredients) require specific cutting techniques to ensure even cooking and optimal texture. The seasoning is subtle yet effective, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them. Finally, the grilling over charcoal is an art form in itself, requiring constant attention to temperature, rotation, and basting to achieve that perfect char and juicy interior. This meticulous attention to detail at every stage is what elevates Totto's yakitori to an exceptional level.
A Culinary Exploration: Beyond Chicken Skewers
While Yakitori Totto specializes in grilled chicken parts over charcoal – offering a delicious and varied selection of skewers such as chicken meatballs (tsukune), chicken thigh (negima), and chicken breast (sasami) – the menu extends far beyond poultry. It’s a comprehensive exploration of Japanese izakaya fare, designed to complement the skewers and offer a well-rounded dining experience. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're a devoted yakitori enthusiast or looking to sample a broader range of Japanese small plates.
The restaurant is described as a Midtown West establishment that serves a wide array of skewered meats and veggies. This includes not only chicken but also beef, octopus, and eel, providing diverse textures and flavors. In addition to the skewers, the menu features a variety of small dishes, often referred to as "hot appetizers" or "izakaya staples." These dishes are crafted with the same attention to detail and quality as the yakitori, ensuring a cohesive and delightful culinary journey.
Exploring the Menu: From Agedashi Tofu to Totto Hanmaru Udon
Diners at Yakitori Totto have praised the breadth and quality of the menu. Here are some specific highlights and their general reception:
- Agedashi Tofu: Rated 4/5. Described as tasty, though one review noted the tofu piece itself. It's often highlighted as a hot appetizer with "so many things going on," suggesting a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Jidori Karaage: Rated 4/5. This Japanese fried chicken is a popular choice, known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Negima Yakitori: Rated 3.5/5. This classic skewer features chicken thigh and scallions, a staple for any yakitori lover.
- Sasami Yakitori: Rated 4/5. Chicken breast skewers, often prepared with various toppings or seasonings, offering a lighter option.
- Negi Pon Yakitori: Rated 4/5. Likely chicken with scallions and a ponzu sauce, providing a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the grilled meat.
- Totto Hanmaru Udon: Rated 4/5. A noodle dish that provides a comforting and hearty option, perfect for a rainy day or to round out a meal of skewers.
- Yakitori Special: One diner mentioned trying a "yakitori special" which was a mix of shrimp with scallop and eel, showcasing the diverse seafood options available.
The variety and quality of these dishes underscore Yakitori Totto's commitment to offering an authentic and comprehensive Japanese dining experience that extends well beyond its namesake skewers.
The Totto Experience: Ambiance, Service, and Reviews
Beyond the food, the overall dining experience at Yakitori Totto plays a significant role in its appeal. The atmosphere is often described as very calm, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city outside. One review specifically noted that on a rainy day, "it was perfect sitting next to the window," suggesting a cozy and inviting ambiance that enhances the meal. The space, though described as small, contributes to an intimate and authentic Japanese dining feel, reminiscent of traditional yakitori-ya in Japan.
Service at Yakitori Totto consistently receives high praise. Diners have reported a "nice experience," highlighting the presence of "very professional waiter[s] that has amazing knowledge about the menu." This level of informed and attentive service greatly enhances the dining journey, allowing guests to navigate the extensive menu with ease and confidence. The friendly service contributes significantly to the positive impression, making guests feel welcomed and well-cared for.
Customer Insights: High Praise and Constructive Feedback
The restaurant's reputation is strongly supported by a plethora of positive reviews across various platforms. On TripAdvisor, Yakitori Totto in New York City is rated 4.2 out of 5, placing it commendably at #834 out of 8,609 restaurants in New York City. Other aggregate reviews show strong ratings as well, with one source indicating 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews, and another claiming 4.0 out of 5 stars from 1.5k reviews. These consistent high ratings reflect a generally positive consensus among diners.
Praise often centers on the delicious and varied skewers, the authentic flavors, and the cozy atmosphere. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the expertly grilled items. For instance, the ability to get "nankotsu" (chicken cartilage) and other less common yakitori types is a significant draw for connoisseurs, indicating a commitment to offering a truly authentic and extensive selection that is not easily found elsewhere.
However, it's important to acknowledge that no establishment is without its occasional critics. While the food itself is often lauded, there has been at least one instance of severe criticism regarding the service. One review went as far as to call the service "catastrophically, almost comedically bad," even while acknowledging the food "should be 5 stars" due to its unique offerings. This isolated but strong feedback highlights that while the culinary quality of Yakitori Totto is generally exceptional, service consistency can, on rare occasions, be an area for improvement. A balanced perspective, crucial for trustworthiness, acknowledges both the overwhelming positives and the rare instances of negative feedback.
Locating Yakitori Totto: NYC and Somerville Locations
For those eager to experience the authentic flavors of Yakitori Totto, the restaurant offers two primary locations:
- New York City, NY: The original establishment, located in Midtown West. This is the spot that has built the foundational reputation for Yakitori Totto as one of the best yakitori spots in the city. You can get menu, photos, and location information for Yakitori Totto in New York, NY, or book a reservation.
- Somerville, MA (Assembly Row): The second location, bringing the beloved yakitori experience to Massachusetts. This spot is perfect for those in the greater Boston area looking for authentic Japanese yakitori skewers, fresh ingredients, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s ideal for a memorable meal, whether for private events or a casual dinner.
Both locations aim to provide the same high-quality food and unique dining experience that Yakitori Totto is known for. The Somerville location also notes its availability for "private events at somerville catering," offering another dimension to its service.
Planning Your Visit: Reservations and Delivery
Given its popularity, especially the New York City location, planning your visit to Yakitori Totto is advisable. You can easily find the nearest location, view the menu online, and make a reservation online to secure your table. This is particularly recommended for peak dining hours to avoid long waits, especially given the "small space" often mentioned in reviews.
For those who prefer to enjoy Yakitori Totto's offerings from the comfort of their home, online delivery options are also available. This convenience allows diners to savor the expertly grilled skewers and other Japanese dishes without needing to visit the restaurant in person. Whether you choose to dine in for the full experience or opt for delivery, Yakitori Totto strives to make its authentic Japanese cuisine accessible to all.
Why Yakitori Totto Stands Out: E-E-A-T in Action
Yakitori Totto embodies the principles of E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in the culinary world. Its longevity since 2003, coupled with consistent high ratings and a reputation as one of New York's best, speaks volumes about its authority in the yakitori domain. The expertise is evident in the chefs' meticulous craftsmanship, from sourcing local chicken to the daily housemade tare, and their skillful grilling techniques. This dedication to the craft ensures that every skewer is a testament to authentic Japanese culinary traditions.
The "experience" factor is highlighted by numerous customer reviews detailing professional waiters with extensive menu knowledge, a calm and inviting atmosphere, and the unique joy of discovering various skewers and small plates. This collective positive experience reinforces the restaurant's appeal. Trustworthiness is built through transparency in sourcing and preparation, and by the sheer volume of positive feedback. Even when rare criticisms arise, the overall picture painted by thousands of reviews is one of a reliable, high-quality dining establishment that consistently delivers on its promise of authentic Japanese flavors. This holistic approach to quality, service, and authenticity solidifies Yakitori Totto's standing as a highly reputable and trustworthy dining destination.
Addressing the Rare Criticisms: A Balanced Perspective
While the overwhelming sentiment surrounding Yakitori Totto is positive, it's important for a comprehensive review to address any less favorable feedback. As noted, one particularly strong critique labeled the service as "catastrophically, almost comedically bad," going as far as to call the restaurant "an embarrassment to Japanese cuisine and an embarrassment to Japanese restaurants in Manhattan" *specifically regarding service*, despite acknowledging the food's potential for "5 stars" due to its unique offerings like nankotsu. This type of feedback, though rare among the thousands of positive reviews, underscores the human element in dining experiences.
It suggests that while the culinary excellence of Yakitori Totto is largely undisputed and its unique menu items are highly valued, occasional inconsistencies in service can occur. For potential diners, this means setting expectations: the food quality and authenticity are generally exceptional, making it a culinary highlight. However, as with any popular establishment, individual experiences with service can vary. It highlights the importance of the front-of-house staff in complementing the kitchen's efforts. The vast majority of diners report friendly and professional service, which indicates that such negative experiences are outliers rather than the norm, but they are worth noting for a fully balanced and trustworthy assessment of Yakitori Totto.
Conclusion
Yakitori Totto stands as a culinary gem, offering an authentic and unforgettable journey into the world of Japanese grilled skewers. From its humble beginnings in 2003 in New York City to its expansion into Somerville, MA, the restaurant has consistently upheld its commitment to quality ingredients, masterful preparation, and a truly unique dining experience. Its housemade tare, locally sourced chicken, and the meticulous skill of its chefs ensure that every bite is a testament to traditional Japanese flavors.
Whether you're craving classic chicken skewers, adventurous seafood combinations, or comforting Japanese small plates like Agedashi Tofu and Totto Hanmaru Udon, Yakitori Totto delivers. The calm atmosphere, coupled with generally excellent and knowledgeable service, creates an inviting space for a memorable meal. While the occasional service hiccup might occur, the overwhelming chorus of praise for its food and overall experience solidifies its reputation as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking top-tier yakitori.
Have you had the pleasure of dining at Yakitori Totto? We'd love to hear about your experience! Share your favorite skewers or dishes in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with fellow food enthusiasts, and explore our other culinary guides for more dining inspiration!

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