Neighbird — Restaurant in Takayama

I was told this is the best Yakitori in town. I was skeptical but after having tried it for myself, it’s the best Yakitori I’ve ever had. Not only does it live up to the hype, it exceeded all expectations at a very reasonable price. We were a party of two for a birthday celebration. Everything we ordered was crafted with care to perfection by the meticulous chef. As all skewers were cooked using charcoal, everything came with a pleasant smoky flavour without overbearing the freshness of all the ingredients.

We ordered and recommend these as must tries: Chicken thigh with leek skewer - crispy chicken skin on wrapped on the outside to a juicy fillet inside Minced chicken skewer - carefully hand rolled using fresh mined meat coated with multiple layers of special sauce throughout the cooking process resulting in a flavourful yet tender finish Chicken karage - crispy skin lightly fried to perfection with juicy and tender meat on the inside paired with a subtle citrus sauce Agedashi tofu - lightly fried to perfection with a crispy exterior to a tofu inside cooked just right Potato salad - Homemade potato crisps as garnish alongside a chicken mixed with potato salad with a hint of wasabi Grilled rice ball - the finishing item to end your Yakitori journey, cooked to a lightly charred and crispy interior

I would not hesitate at all to recommend anyone who is looking for high quality Yakitori at affordable prices.

I do recommend you make a booking as they are super busy, particularly on Friday and...

A quaint yakitori restaurant discovered by chance, which has been the theme of my trip so far. While everyone in Takayama heads for Hida beef, ramen and sushi, which I had wanted but it was too late and I'm too tired to walk in search or the delish Hida after departing Kanazawa at 8+ in the morning with only an ice cream in Shiragawago and a pastry at Shinhokata Ropeway.

Oops I digressed.

I decided on to try everything on the menu, 12 to be exact with tsukune, tebasaki, gizzard, liver, breast, etc. They were good, except that the innards were a little bit hard. The potato salad with sweet potato is appetising. Had 2 kinds of sake (they only have 3). They were quite OK, I had 3x180ml.

I walked about 20mins from my hotel in search of something different and this was a good find.

Why the name 'Neighbird'!? Chef explained that it had intended to be 'Neighbourhood Yakitori' thus Neigh+bird ☺️

Give it a try if you like me had been having beef (Noto + Hida), sushi and ramen, and...

Neighbird, a popular yakitori spot in Hida Takayama, offers a taste of modern Japan that many tourists seek. While the food is undeniably delicious and the atmosphere trendy, there's an elephant in the room – or rather, smoke in the air.

Pros: Excellent yakitori and stylish ambiance Popular among foreign tourists Attentive staff and quality ingredients

Cons: Significant smoke and odor issues affecting neighbors Unresolved environmental concerns

The irony of the name "Neighbird" isn't lost on visitors who learn about the restaurant's strained relationship with its actual neighbors. Local residents have long complained about the smoke and smell, with little effective action taken.

As a tourist, I'm conflicted. The food is great, but dining here feels like inadvertently contributing to local distress. It's a shame that such a promising establishment is failing to live up to its...