Himeji Izakaya in Bukit Bintang
KINNOTSUBO
YAKITORI IZAKAYA
“After work. Into the night. Always welcome.”
The night begins at the counter.
“Beer poured cold. Skewers grilled over flame.
Voices grow louder as the evening settles in.”
Sit. Drink. Stay awhile.
At the counter, guests sit shoulder to shoulder.
Skewers grill inches away, drinks arrive without asking,
and conversations start with strangers.
Where would you like to sit?
“Each seat offers a different evening.”
Kitchen Counter
Watch each skewer grilled inches away,
and talk with the chefs as the night unfolds.
Bar Counter
Highballs poured, sake shared.
A quieter rhythm beside the drinks.
Inside Seating
For groups, laughter and long evenings.
The classic izakaya table experience.
Terrace Seating
Bukit Bintang outside, izakaya inside.
Fresh air with your second round.
Private Room
Up to 7 guests.
Your own space for a slower night.
Food made for evenings, not occasions.
Skewers grilled over open flame.
Himeji-style oden simmered through the night.
Bowls of ramen, rice pots and shared plates arriving as drinks continue.
Here, food keeps the conversation going.
A few favourites to begin with
Simple dishes, meant to be shared.
Drinks that set the rhythm
Cold Kirin poured to the brim.
Highballs crisp and bright.
Sake from our hometown brewery in Himeji.
The table fills, the pace slows,
and another round begins.
What Will Be Your Choice
Carefully Curated Alcoholic And Non-Alcoholic Beveraged
See the full menu
Yakitori, Himeji oden, ramen, rice pots, Kirin Beer Kaku Highballs and More
Our story began in Himeji, Japan, where Kinnotsubo first opened its doors under the care of Tsubosaka Kiko. The recipes we serve today are rooted in that same small-town craftsmanship — where food is built from simple ingredients, open flame, and quiet dedication.
In Kuala Lumpur, we continue that spirit with local heart. Our chefs grill over open fire, marinate by hand, and season with instinct — nothing more complicated than that. Every skewer carries a touch of Himeji’s warmth and the rhythm of Bukit Bintang’s nights.
Crafted with tradition. Served with heart.
“Kinnotsubo is not only about yakitori — it’s about the spirit of Himeji.
The food, the atmosphere, the way people gather — everything reflects the warmth of a traditional izakaya from our hometown.
We bring that feeling to Kuala Lumpur, one plate and one conversation at a time.”
— Tsubosaka, Founder
"At our restaurant, each meal tells a story. We believe in crafting dishes that reflect our heritage, with an emphasis on authentic flavors and exceptional quality."
Jennifer Ooi, Manager/Head Chef
At Kinnotsubo, every dish carries the warmth and honesty of a true Himeji izakaya.
We serve food meant for sharing — comforting, unpretentious, and full of flavor that grows with every bite.
Our yakitori is grilled over open flame, with high quality charcoal, brushed with our house-made sauce and seasoned with care — smoky, tender, and balanced between sweet and savory.
Our Himeji-style oden comes in a light, delicate broth and is served with ginger soy sauce, just as it’s enjoyed back home — a humble but soulful winter classic.
We also offer chicken broth ramen, rich yet clean, simmered for hours to capture the essence of homemade comfort.
For something heartier, try our traditional kamameshi, rice cooked slowly in an iron pot with seasonal ingredients, carrying the scent of hearth and home.
And for a taste of indulgence, our wagyu skewers bring the melt-in-your-mouth richness of Japanese beef to the grill — simple, respectful, and unforgettable.
This is the food of Himeji — honest cooking, shared with friends, surrounded by laughter and the glow of the grill.
At Kinnotsubo, every drink is chosen to match the warmth of our food and the spirit of Himeji hospitality.
Whether you prefer something smooth, sparkling, or full-bodied, our bar carries a balance of tradition and playfulness.
Our Kirin draught beer is crisp, refreshing, and brewed for the perfect pour — a staple at any Japanese counter.
We serve Japanese whisky highballs, simple yet refined, with the perfect chill and fizz to awaken the palate between bites.
From our very own brewery in Himeji, we bring a fine selection of sake — from clean and dry junmai to aromatic ginjo. Each bottle tells the story of our hometown’s craft and precision.
We also offer a curated list of popular shochu, distilled from barley, sweet potato, or rice — smooth, earthy, and deeply comforting.
For something unique, try our sake-based cocktails, where traditional flavor meets modern creativity.
And for lighter moments, we serve a variety of Japanese soft drinks, including our Calpis-inspired creations — creamy, citrusy, and nostalgic.
At Kinnotsubo, the drink is never just a companion — it’s part of the conversation.
At Kinnotsubo, every seat tells a different story.
Our space captures the intimacy and warmth of a Himeji izakaya, designed for slow evenings and good company.
Counter by the Kitchen
The heart of Kinnotsubo — where guests watch each skewer grilled over open fire. The rhythm of the kitchen, the sound of sizzling fat, and the soft greetings of our chefs create an experience that feels alive and personal.
Counter by the Bar
For those who enjoy conversation with a drink in hand. The bar counter offers a front-row view of our bartenders crafting highballs and sake cocktails — a lively yet relaxed corner for casual gatherings.
Inside Seating
Traditional wood, gentle lighting, and warm tones — our main dining area is comfortable and quiet, ideal for long conversations and shared plates. Every detail, from the wood grain to the faint aroma of the grill, is meant to slow time.
Terrace Seating
Our outdoor terrace brings a touch of street izakaya charm to Bukit Bintang. Surrounded by the hum of the city, it’s where Japanese hospitality meets Kuala Lumpur’s night air.
Private Room
Tucked away behind sliding doors, our private room fits up to seven guests — perfect for small celebrations, quiet dinners, or business gatherings. It offers privacy without losing the warmth of the izakaya atmosphere.