Hirono

Rather than waiting for skewers to arrive one by one, diners at Hirono grill chicken themselves over a charcoal-fired mesh. Visitors appreciate being able to choose how well the chicken is cooked, then enjoy it with dipping sauce, salt or soy sauce. It makes for a dinner where choosing different cuts and watching them cook are part of the experience.

The menu ranges from jidori chicken thigh to seseri (neck meat), chicken wings, chicken breast with wasabi and hinen (mature chicken) thigh. Visitors particularly recommend the firm-textured jidori and the heart and seseri. For a taste of the restaurant’s mesh-grilling style, try a few different cuts and vary both the cooking time and seasonings.

For a change between grilled dishes, add jidori chicken thigh tataki or the original chicken gyoza. Visitors also recommend the gyoza. Small plates such as spicy cucumber, chilled tomato and assorted kimchi offer a refreshing contrast. You can keep the meal focused on grilled chicken, or bring more variety to the table with gyoza and sides.

The dining room in Kitakagaya, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, suits groups, and reservations are available. Alongside beer, the drinks list includes wine and cocktails, making Hirono an option for a charcoal-grilled chicken dinner with friends or a meal shared around the table.