Over three years, Emi Kamada and Marie Yokoyama built Bird’s Nest Yakitori into a humming West End institution. And like any thriving small business, the time came to expand. Another retail closure in Fortitude Valley provided the opportunity.

The space is significantly smaller than its West End counterpart, but just as stylish and it fits more people.

The menu is also larger than that of the original store, particularly the drinks. A number of different sakes are available, along with Japanese craft beers (including a West End favourite, the Tokyo Aged Pale, which is aged in the bottle for multiple years) along with the usual Asahi on tap that complements Japanese food so well.

The food served doesn’t steer too far away from the classics and includes the famous karaage (fried chicken), a vast array of chicken skewers and tsukune (grilled chicken meatballs served with raw egg yolk). It’s all grilled over hot coals as it should be, with the chefs meticulously fanning the flames.

“ Irasshaimase!” can be heard from the kitchen as guests are welcomed and promptly seated at the bar or a table for larger groups. The service is prompt and pleasant, the whole experience a perfect late-night-dining option in the Valley.