Queenslanders might think they know a thing or two about barbecuing, but the yakitori masters behind the Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar binchoutan certainly know how to cook up a killer skewer. The revered white oak charcoals are burnt at a high heat to seal in the natural flavours and give a moreish edge to the meaty morsels. Co-owners Emi Kamada and Marie Yokoyama have taken inspiration from their Japanese heritage and the countless yakitori eateries dotted across the archipelago to cater to the late-night crowd in West End.

Skewering just about everything from free-range chicken tenderloin to tomato wrapped in pork belly, the chefs also offer a number of vegetarian options, such as shiitake mushroom with ponzu vinegar, zucchini with soy butter and deep-fried tofu. Refresh the palate with sides of fresh cabbage and Osaka-style sauce, or the house specialty of grilled rice balls brushed with a secret master ‘tare’ sauce, which has been passed on from a famous yakitori bar in Japan. The liquid refreshers are equally tempting, with a lengthy list of Japanese and local craft beers on offer, as well as chilled or warm sake, plum wine and shochu.

Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar
Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, West End
Ph: 07 3844 4306
Open: Monday to Sunday 5:30 pm to 12:00 am