The Restaurant In Japan Where Anthony Bourdain Ate A Meal He Called The 'Best Thing Ever'

Ask pretty much any avid traveler or adventurer you know and they'll all be sure to agree on one thing: Anthony Bourdain was a culinary icon who revolutionized food television. From bustling cities to remote villages, the chef-turned-author-turned-TV host took viewers on global adventures, exploring cultures and traditions through their cuisines.

With two award-winning television shows — "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" which ran from 2005 to 2012, and "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown", which took over in 2013 until his death in 2018 — the straight-talking culinary rockstar introduced entire generations of food enthusiasts to hidden gems, local flavors, and authentic experiences from around the world. With a unique approach to storytelling — combined with his signature sharp wit, genuine curiosity, and a deep respect for the places and people he encountered — Bourdain broke down cultural barriers through the universal language of food.

And whether he was dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or humble street food stalls, Tony wasn't afraid to try even the most unusual delicacies — like fermented shark, which he refused to eat ever again, or animal testicles. But among all the meals Bourdain did enjoy, there's one that stands out from his visit to Tokyo (a city the chef admitted was one of his favorite places to visit): The yakitori at Toriki Main in Shinagawa.

In a 2008 episode of "No Reservations," Bourdain visits an unassuming restaurant in Shinagawa — a bustling district of Tokyo — to, as he put it, "satisfy one of [his] personal obsessions: Really, really good yakitori." A popular Japanese dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken skewers grilled over hot charcoal, yakitori showcases the art of simplicity and precision in cooking. As a versatile dish, the meal can include various parts of the bird — from tender breast meat to crispy skin, thighs, and even organs for the more adventurous eaters.

And chef Kunio Aihara — who owned and operated Toriki Main for decades — takes the craft very seriously. As the episode reveals, the chef actually kills the chickens the same morning he plans to serve them — which means the meat is as fresh as can be. So much so, that he's even able to serve the chicken slightly pink in the center without compromising safety — a practice that Bourdain was quick to note would probably scare anyone off.

Today, Toriki Main continues to uphold its reputation as a top yakitori destination in Tokyo. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, and boasting a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, the restaurant remains true to its roots by serving up meticulously prepared skewers in a traditional, no-frills setting. All while locals and tourists alike flock to the eatery to experience the same "best thing ever" that won over Bourdain's taste buds all those years ago.

Aside from the yakitori at Toriki Main, Bourdain had plenty of other restaurants, dishes, and culinary experiences that he'd be quick to recommend. For starters, there was the classic mortadella sandwich he tried in São Paulo, Brazil, that quickly became his favorite. 

Then, there were the french fries from Le Halle, which he boldly claimed were the best fries in New York. He also raved about the bún chả at Bún Chả Huong Lien and bánh mì from Bánh Mì Phượng in Hanoi, the francesinha from O Afonso (Porto), the BBQ ribs from Joe's Kansas City Barbeque in Missouri, and a foie gras hot dog from Hot Doug's in Chicago, just to name a few. Lastly — and despite his insistence that everyone should avoid eating airplane food — Bourdain did have a soft spot for the only airport food he'd actually go back for: A meal at the hawker center in Singapore's Changi Airport. Fancy a layover on an empty stomach? Count us in.