Jidori is the new Japanese yakitori restaurant opening in Dalston on the 8th of December, founded by Brett Redman (who recently opened The Richmond in Hackney to great acclaim) and Natalie Lee-Joe. At hundreds of yakitori joints across Tokyo – especially down the notorious Memory Lane in Shinjuku –chicken skewers are traditionally grilled over open coals, and Jidori brings the hugely popular Japanese street food from Tokyo to east London for the first time.
Serving lunch and dinner, the menu at Jidori focuses on a selection of yakitori skewers – using all parts of the chicken – served alongside inventive Japanese small plates and rice dishes. Yakitoridon will be a lunch exclusive, also available to take away. Jidori works closely with Nama Yasai, the Lewes-based, specialist Japanese agricultural growers to supply vegetables and herbs. And with the restaurant’s name inspired by the premium grade Japanese poultry, Redman continues to work with trusted suppliers of quality produce; from Goosnargh chickens, ike jime fish and in-season Spanish yuzu.
The open kitchen is the heart of Jidori, centred upon its Kama-Asa Shoten grill, a century-old, artisanal grill maker Lee-Joe met whilst travelling across Japan. Kama-Asa also supplies Tokyo’s three Michelin starred Kojyu, Hong Kong’s Yardbird and Page in Paris. Redman continues his four-year relationship with the London Log Company to source a sustainable charcoal that shares similar properties to traditional Binchotan. The restaurant’s grill and charcoal sees Jidori passionately create an experience as close to a Japanese yakitori-ya as possible.
Jidori seats 40, including those around the open kitchen and custom made grill. With creative branding and concepts by Lee-Joe, the space is designed by Giles Reid, with a minimalist approach yet intimate feel, accented by wood, neat lines and brass trim. Reid’s commercial portfolio includes the Shard and Louis T Blouin Foundation.
The bar will serve a short list of well-balanced cocktails with Japanese spirits and ingredients, alongside both local and Japanese craft beers, whiskies and sake. Celebrating the spirit of true yakitori izakayas, the drinks menu will be rough, ready, fun and accessible.
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