Scott S.
Yelp
Pretty non-descript storefront, hidden under a bridge overpass with the only clue to its existence being a light-up sign that reads "酉" (TORI) from the outside. The heavy sliding doors that read almost uncomfortably close to the yakitori bar counter, to the point of borderline discomfort for patrons inside, somewhat imbues an air of exclusivity, or an illusion of mystique, as if a wonderful yet mysterious world that has yet to be explored lies in wait -- and behind those doors exists a mysterious and wonderful world indeed.
The Japanese like to incorporate the phrase "...wa otoko no roman" (は男のロマン) to describe something that may appear relatively simple on the outside but by comparison has a level of depth and detail that can be explored and perfected (sometimes to the point of disdain or disgust from others) and Toritama definitely appeals to those who believe yakitori fall into the aforementioned category.
The trend nowadays for Yakitori restaurants seem to be overwhelmingly shifting towards harder to find consumable parts (希少部位 kishoubu-i) than the "major organs" such as the heart, liver, gizzard, etc. or the more meatier parts like tsukune/momo (thigh) and tebasaki (wings)
That being said, most people that idly stumble here thinking they're going to walk out with their belly full of chicken for a reasonable street food price will most likely leave disappointed; menu items run anywhere from 200-400 for a single skewer, which makes the three set options (priced from 1800-3500/person, ranging from 7-12 skewers per set) the best bang for your buck, especially if you're not all too familiar with the "every man's dream" that is Yakitori.
Myself and a fellow diner ordered the Tama (玉) Set which included the following:
ガツ (gatsu -- pig intestine)
みさき (misaki -- rooster tail)
きんちゃく (kinchaku -- fatty offal)
すなぎも (sunagimo -- gizzard)
はなのつぼみ (hana no tsubomi -- liver...ish)
さえずり (saezuri -- aesophagus)
正肉 (shouniku -- thigh)
おび (obi -- soft part of the thigh)
ちょうちん (chouchin -- underdeveloped eggs attached to fallopian tube)
しし唐 (shishito peppers)
Had Toritama not been the last stop of the night, I could easily see myself spending over 5000 yen trying all the different varieties here -- there's also a good variety of nihonshu/shouchu/wine available at request as well as soft drinks for those that are alcohol impaired.
The main store at Shirokanedai has a tendency to close its doors either once the restaurant reaches maximum occupancy, or at 10PM, so try to get their sparingly quickly; if you find yourself "locked out" you can also go to their annex just a corner and a short trot away from the main storefront.