Tokyo Bird

Bar · Surry Hills

Tokyo Bird

Bar · Surry Hills

2

226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Photos

Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null
Tokyo Bird by null

Highlights

Japanese whiskey bar with yakitori, cocktails, and Ghibli vibes  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Get directions

tokyobird.com.au
@tokyobird_syd

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Get directions

+61 2 8880 9971
tokyobird.com.au
@tokyobird_syd
𝕏
@tokyobird_syd

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 17, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@cntraveler

21 Best Bars in Sydney | Condé Nast Traveler

"You're never far from the bartender at Tokyo Bird, a small, creatively decorated cocktail den specializing in Japanese whiskies and yakitori. But the tight quarters only add to the cozy vibe. There's a menu of classic and seasonal cocktails (like the Peach Fizz, a delicious concoction of Kakubin whiskey, grilled peach puree, and sparkling wine), but the real standout is the list of Japanese whiskeys, which can cost as much as $45 a shot depending on the variety. A menu leans heavily on skewering and grilling, and offers options for vegetarians and omnivores alike." - Kris Fordham, Laura Dannen Redman

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-sydney
View Postcard for Tokyo Bird
@bec
Sydney
View Postcard for Tokyo Bird

Oksana Zhang

Google
Wow what a great hidden spot in Surry hills! Their yakitori are well priced and portions match it. Everything was so tasty and cooked to perfection, well seasoned with delicious sauces. Loved the cabbage salad, salmon yakitori, Wagyu and chicken thigh yakitori. Cute moody and intimate spot! Great service from the lads who are super attentive and always replaced our water etc

Robert Lloyd-Jones

Google
A little spot tucked away hidden in Surrey Hills. Didn't try the food but it did look great. Slightly pricey (had a whiskey flight for $50 and the servings were quite small). Nice atmosphere though and worth a quick trip.

Kaylyn Tsou

Google
Cozy and hidden in the middle of surry hills. The entryway tucked away in an alley, making it feel like some secret back-alley restaurant hahah. The food is great, but feels a bit pricey as it IS skewers. Love the vibe and the cute Ghibli movies playing in the main dining area. Theres another dining area on the other side where you have better view of the kitchen as well. depending on the atmosphere you’re going for, both sides provide different dining experiences. We were sat in the back area the first time, which was a bit quiet— making us feel like we were eating in a deserted restaurant. The second time we were sat in the main area with the rest of the customers and the atmosphere fit our vibe a bit more. The food i feel was inconsistent with some tasting really good and flavourful, and some lacking that flavour. Favourite dishes were the salmon skewers and the corn ribs!!! Omg the corn ribs are so good! All in all, we returned a few times cause the food was yummy and the drinks were unique (and also taste really good!!)

Karla Suarez

Google
Cool casual place with vibes. We were sitting at the bar and our waiter was THE best (I think his name is Vinh), he explained my husband about the Japanese whiskeys with a lot of detail. We ordered the corns (a must) and these skewers: scallops (were missing something, wouldn’t recommend them), the thighs (yummie), the wagyu (good) and the pork with cabbage (yummie too). We skipped dessert but we will be back :)

Cheryl Li

Google
Food was good. Selection of sake and whisky are amazing! Service and the bartender Michael were the highlight! Thank you for the wonderful evening! ❤️

박수연

Google
The overall vibe and other dishes were decent, but the Yaki Ton (pork belly and cabage) were honestly disappointing. The pork belly consisted of just a few thin slices, and the “cabbage” was merely a small garnish of shredded red cabbage not an actual side dish as the menu name suggested. It felt misleading and not worth the price. For $8 per skewer, the portion and presentation were underwhelming. It really didn’t feel like good value. Definitely wouldn’t order this item again. but Negima(chicken thigh) was so nice

Shenny Penny

Google
Ordered cocktails and some nibbles. Love this cocktails, everything was very tasty. Service was fast. The Smokey cocktail smells so earthy and yum!

Mark Sukumaran

Google
Fast becoming my favourite restaurant in Sydney. Incredible bites, stunning whisky range, and the service for both food and booze knowledge is second to none. Also, who doesn’t love to chill out with Ghibli in the background while chomping on delicious izakaya munchies? Shoutout to Yoshi, Michael and Vinh for making my friends and I feel like a million bucks twice in the space of 3 weeks - the bar has been set, Sydney!
google avatar

John C.

Yelp
I tried this spot a couple of years ago, and decided to take my family here since I enjoyed my last visit. We made reservations on OpenTable, and showed up right on time. Because we had our two kids with us, they put us in a separate dining area that allowed minors. The space is dark, but makes it great for a late night and cozy atmosphere. The place buzzed with chatted, just like I remember when I last visited. We ended up trying the following: - Lotus Root Chips: Very good. A nice easy snacking bowl of crispy chips with a chilli mayo that gives a good kick. - Salmon Tostadas: Very good. I actually didn't think about ordering them, but my daughter wanted them, and to my surprise, was one of my favourite dishes of the night. - Crispy Cauliflower: Good. Nicely fried. Great lime miso sauce. - Sasami Yakitori: OK. I didn't realize it would be breast meat, so it ends up drier that I like. - Wagyu Kushiyaki: Very good. Wagyu done simple is the best way. Tender and delicious. - Yaki Ton Kushiyaki: OK. For pork belly, I found it strangely tough. - Nasu Yakiyasai: Good. Eggplant done right. Service was more attentive that I normally get in Sydney, so very good. Overall, a good meal. Just as good as I remembered it last time, and was probably one of my wife's favourite meals of the trip.
google avatar

Jimmy H.

Yelp
It's a swanky Japanese fusion place. In this sort of restaurant, there are absolutely no point of questioning the authenticity here. The decor was nice and upscale for my taste. It can be a good place for casual date to break the ice. Can't say anything for food because I only had drinks. My friend's wife had a sake and it came in a little sumo wrestler shaped container! I love this sort of playfulness. I had whiskey soda aka "Highball". I tried scotch, Japanese shochu and Australian whiskey. But man, Australian was the best. What a surprise! Not sure when the next time will be, but I'm sure that I want to come back here for their food.

Kevin J.

Yelp
Extremely overrated food. I think this place just gets higher rankings for the bar in the atmosphere but food wise the yakitori is very dry there's no unique flavors to it it's the same plain teriyaki sauce they put on everything It was very underwhelming and disappointing
google avatar

Alexandra M.

Yelp
Bartender seemed confused that I wanted a drink, and just a drink. Is that not what you sit at the bar around 5:30 for? Bit early for food... Japanese Hunter was served intricately. Made, poured into a big jug with ice, poured into my glass in front of me (with ice), only to be served a lukewarm drink. It tasted like whisky with a bit of apple. I like the decor and they have old cartoons playing on the wall (old black and white old, not original spongebob old).
google avatar

Eric B.

Yelp
Can not say enough great things about Tokyo bird. We came in looking for Japanese whiskey and they have the best selection I have ever seen. What made this visit extra special was that EVERY single employee took the time to talk to us and ask how we were enjoying Sydney. They even gave us suggestions on other good places to go to. They really made it feel like everyone that came in was friends and family. If I could give more stars I would. By far the best service we had in all of Sydney. The drinks were also fantastic.
google avatar

Chris T.

Yelp
Really delicious small bites and a huge range of Japanese whiskey. Not heaps of vegetarian options, but what is there is tasty and satisfying. Shiitake mushroom skewers were juicy with plenty of flavour and a mild chilli kick. The absolute standout (enough that we ordered a second serve) are the rice cakes; crispy, chewy, with garlic and a really pleasing charring. You may struggle for space, and the prices for drinks are a little high, but otherwise a delightful and energetic haunt.
google avatar

Paul G.

Yelp
Great atmosphere, truly captures the authentic izakaya feeling. Most of our skewers could have been perfect, but consistently over cooked. They have everything else right though.
google avatar

Julius P.

Yelp
This little place was very busy when we visited last Friday night. So we waited for about 30 minutes for a table. Well this is a great bar and restaurant serving superb (possibly the best in Sydney) yakitori and small dishes. Their beer, sake and whiskey menu is extensive and top notch with actual made in Japan suntory malt, yebesu. Cold sake and a suntory whiskey or two. The lighting is perfect. Great atmosphere and the prices are quite reasonable. Friendly and attentive staff as well. Will more than likely become regulars here.
google avatar

Frederik M.

Yelp
Sydney's 2nd best Whiskey bar. Really good Whiskey selection, very friendly service, but a little bit overpriced.
google avatar

Nhi P.

Yelp
Tokyo Bird has to be one of my favourite cocktail bars in Sydney. It's a Japanese whisky bar, but to be honest, so much more than that. I don't doubt that their whisky collection is extensive (just take a look at the bottles around the bar!) but as a simpleton, my needs are simple. Good atmosphere? Yes, great for dates and also small intimate groups e.g. when I need a place to catch up with a girlfriend over a drink. My favourite place to sit is at the bar where you can either watch the staff skillfully make cocktails or skillfully grill some skewers. Good food? Phenomenal. You might have to order a fair bit to get full if this is dinner for you, but I love snacking on bar food. Try the scallops. In fact,try all of the yakitori skewer dishes. And try the eggplant. Good drinks? Great. Aside from whisky, there are cocktails, sake, and beer. I don't usually like cocktails with cream or milk, but my pick at Tokyo Bird that I have fallen in love with is the Matcha Milk Punch.
google avatar

Ada H.

Yelp
They decided to close early. We got there at 10:45 and kitchen was already closed. Wish they had posted it or update their Yelp. We Uber there and they didn't want to seat us. Now we have to Uber to somewhere else.

Eater X.

Yelp
Celebrating Tuesday is something I've enjoyed doing for well over a decade. It breaks up the week at a time when the lull at its worst. And my Tuesday night at the new Japanese small bar in Surry Hills was amazing (making my Wednesday morning not-so-amazing). The super knowledgable bar keep walked me through the counter full of Japanese whisky bottles (after I had downed some Asahi Black) and suggested drams based on my comments and preferences. The food was good - although nothing outstanding - a limited selection of yakitori & other skewers, as well as a few salad and side options (edamame, lotus chips). Each dish runs between $5 and $7, and I sampled most during my visit, with the lotus chips being the fave. Service was friendly and personable and the decor (minus the unfinished bathroom) makes Tokyo Bird a great place to unwind and celebrate Tuesday - or any other day, really.
google avatar

Darren N.

Yelp
Some of the best Japanese food I have ever had and some of the best in Sydney. The crumbled mushrooms were amazing and the katsu nuggets really really good.
google avatar

Barbara D.

Yelp
Tokyo bird is an amazing restaurant and bar. The atmosphere is great, the food delicious and the whiskey worth to be tried. I am looking forward to visiting this place again.
google avatar

Jennifer B.

Yelp
Went there on a weeknight. Great atmosphere. Service was friendly, and its an ultra-cool place to go for drinks. Has a great selection of Whiskey. Would recommend this.
google avatar

Kelly Ann D.

Yelp
i cant believe this was my first time coming here! what an awsome place. ambience , service and the experience . loved it! xx

Remy T.

Yelp
10/10. This humble bar down a backstreet in Surry Hills is perfect for a drink/yakitori after work. We dropped in last night for an early dinner and were really impressed by the food, drinks, staff and venue. Thanks again guys, we'll be back soon to try the rest of the menu!