BirdYakitori Bar

In Unley, BirdYakitori Bar brings the flicker and fragrance of Japan’s street-side grills to Adelaide. At its heart are skewers kissed by binchotan charcoal, lending a clean, smoky character that lifts every bite without overpowering.

The kitchen balances precision and comfort. Crisp breaded oysters and a bright sashimi salad open the palate, while kingfish carpaccio in ponzu and neat platters of salmon, tuna, kingfish and surf clam speak to a reverence for freshness. From the grill, expect chicken done many ways — tender thigh, gently charred heart, and a juicy meatball — alongside a wagyu beef skewer with melt-in-the-mouth richness. There is room, too, for homely favourites: teriyaki chicken with a lacquered sheen, okonomiyaki in all its savoury glory, aburi salmon over rice, and a slow-cooked wagyu beef curry. Rolls run from a California tobiko roll to unagi wrapped warmly in rice, before sweets segue to warabimochi or a classic affogato.

Drinks are chosen to play in harmony: chilled sake, smoky shochu and crisp Japanese beers that underline the perfume of the coals. The mood is inviting and unhurried, a place to graze, sip and linger as the grill glows. Pull up a seat, follow the smoke, and let the night take a skewer or two for a spin.