Yardbird

OVERVIEW

Yardbird is a legendary izakaya-style yakitori restaurant that has become a Hong Kong institution since opening in 2011. Located in Sheung Wan (adjacent to Central), this bustling, high-energy spot was founded by chef Matt Abergel and has earned a devoted following for its exceptional grilled chicken skewers cooked over traditional Binchotan charcoal .

The menu is a celebration of the whole chicken, featuring parts rarely seen on Western menus—think tendon, ventricle, knee, oyster, and achilles, alongside more familiar cuts like thigh and meatball . Beyond yakitori, Yardbird is famous for its KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower) , a vegetarian cult favourite, as well as its corn tempura, chicken rice, and egg fried rice .

The atmosphere is lively, loud, and packed with energy. The space is small, the music is pumping, and the service is efficient but famously cool. English is the primary language spoken, and there is no Chinese menu . The in-house hot sauce is a must-try accompaniment to the skewers .

THE LUNCH DEAL

Important Note: Yardbird does not serve lunch. The restaurant opens at 6:00 PM daily (closed Sundays and Mondays) .

For diners seeking a similar experience, Yardbird is perfect for an early dinner (arriving right at 6:00 PM helps avoid the longest queues). While there is no set lunch deal, the à la carte menu allows diners to order skewers individually, with half portions of some larger entrées available for solo diners upon request .

DINNER DETAILS (for reference)

• Average Spend: Approximately HK$400 – HK$700 per person

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Location: G/F, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Authentic yakitori grilled over Binchotan charcoal

• Unusual chicken parts (tendon, ventricle, knee, oyster, achilles)

• Famous KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower) and corn tempura

• Lively, high-energy izakaya atmosphere

• English-only service and menu

• In-house hot sauce (not to be missed)

WHY IT’S WORTH THE VISIT

While Yardbird doesn’t offer lunch, it remains one of Hong Kong’s most beloved and accessible yakitori experiences. The quality of the Binchotan-grilled chicken, the creativity of the vegetable dishes, and the sheer fun of the atmosphere make it worth planning an evening around. For under HK$700, you can enjoy an exceptional meal that rivals far more expensive Japanese restaurants.

RESERVATIONS

Highly recommended—Yardbird is extremely popular. Reservations open in advance and book up quickly. Walk-ins may be accommodated at the bar but expect a wait .

CONTACT

• Phone: (Search “Yardbird Hong Kong” for reservation link)

• Location: G/F, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Tuesday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Closed on Sundays & Mondays

INSIDER TIPS

• No lunch service — Yardbird is dinner-only

• If dining solo, ask for half orders of larger entrées to try more dishes

• Don’t miss the in-house hot sauce — it’s legendary

• The Ume thigh, neck, and meatball skewers are particularly praised

• English is essential — no Chinese menu and limited Chinese spoken

• The atmosphere is very loud — not ideal for quiet conversation