When Bird's Nest Yakitori first opened in 2013, it was the first traditional binchoutan (white charcoal) yakitori restaurant in the country. The owners certainly took a leap of faith in opening the doors, and boy we are glad they did. Brisbane is all the better for having an honestly authentic Japanese diner like this.
Those new to the yakitori game can keep it simple by ordering a set. You've got a choice of two prices, each with nine courses including prawn and garlic skewers and slow braised pork skewers.
Alongside the skewers, there are a few cold sides such as edamame, or the steamed broccolini with garlic soy dressing and house-made chilli paste. If you sit at the bar, you can watch the chefs working the binchoutan fires. As you munch away on the sides, the skewers start coming off the grill and onto your plate – like a mini degustation or omakase experience.
Bird's Nest uses the freshest free range and organic produce it can get its hands on, and all skewers are prepped in-house each day. On the meat side, you can order everything from chicken thighs with shallots to chicken arteries and hearts. As for vegetarian options, the shiitake mushroom skewer with soy and lemon is a must-try.
Yakitori translates to 'grilled bird' and, if you didn't notice, you'll find a lot of that here. The restaurant is at the same time vegetarian friendly, and a great place to take a group of people. Oh, and the kitchen pumps out three desserts, including a sensational shiro-goma panna cotta.
If you're yet to get your hands on some Japanese beer, (and we're not talking about just Asahi) then you need to catch up. The land of the rising sun is brewing some of the finest around and Bird's Nest Yakitori has a hearty list worth drinking through.