Restaurant
Tokyo Bird
226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Find Tokyo Bird
226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Tokyo Bird
Tucked down a Surry Hills alleyway, this low-lit izakaya delivers charcoal-kissed yakitori and serious Japanese whisky. Diners come for the smoky chicken thigh and wagyu skewers alongside crisp highballs, all while vintage anime projects quietly on the back wall. Bartenders double as whisky mentors—pouring guided flights with distillery provenance sheets—and tables frequently double down on salmon tostadas scooped with crunchy tempura nori.
- Educational Whisky Flights: Staff guide four-pour flights with detailed printed sheets covering distillery origin, ABV, and background.
- Charcoal Yakitori & Plates: Smoky chicken thigh, wagyu, and scallop skewers grilled over hot coals alongside salmon tostadas on crispy tempura nori.
- Laneway Izakaya Energy: Subdued anime screenings, hip-hop backbeats, and tucked-away Surry Hills alleyway seating create an authentic Tokyo vibe.
What's On at Tokyo Bird
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Tokyo Bird
Charcoal yakitori, guided Japanese whisky flights, and Tokyo laneway vibes in Surry Hills.
Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori & Crafted Cocktails
Yakitori skewers and share plates are grilled over charcoal to smoky perfection and paired with balanced craft cocktails.
Smoky flavour, cooked to perfection.
Andy Attentive, Fast Izakaya Service
Attentive staff guide guests through izakaya menus and drinks with prompt table service and drink suggestions.
Service was great as staff super attentive and checking in frequently and everything came out quickly.
C J Guided Japanese Whisky Flights
Structured tasting flights include printed summaries covering distillery history, percentages, and tasting profiles.
It was served with a summary sheet that detailed the percentage, history and origin of each.
Lynne S Studio Ghibli Projections
Subdued classic Studio Ghibli films project quietly across the walls, adding a unique cultural backdrop to evening drinks.
The ambience was enhanced by the subdued Ghibli film on projector which added tastefully to the experience.
Aaron Sumners Tucked-Away Laneway Escape
Hidden down an unassuming Surry Hills laneway, the venue delivers a cozy, low-lit izakaya feel reminiscent of back-alley Tokyo.
Tucked down a little alleyway it’s very unassuming for such a cool place.
Pooi Nie Liew Moody, Intimate Setting for Evenings Out
A warm, low-lit room makes for a comfortable and memorable setting for date nights and catch-ups with friends.
Incredible hole-in-the-wall restaurant that feels extremely homely and comfortable.
Ashleigh Simpson
Most popular items
Charcoal-grilled skewers and signature izakaya bites
Chicken Thigh Yakitori
Loved the cabbage salad, salmon yakitori, Wagyu and chicken thigh yakitori.
Oksana Zhang Pork Gyoza
Chicken kaarage is a standout, as well as the pork gyozas!
Ashleigh Simpson Salmon Tostadas
The salmon tostadas were a great experience with the crispy tempura nori to scoop the salmon up.
C J Chicken Karaage
Chicken kaarage is a standout, as well as the pork gyozas!
Ashleigh Simpson
Other favorites
Handcrafted cocktails, guided whisky flights, and izakaya sides
Japanese Negronis
Our personal favourites: tuna tartare, salmon tostadas, japanese negronis and the bar recommendations by the waiter.
Audrey G. Yuzu Spritz
Had some great cocktails with Japanese spirits and flavours, I recommend the Yuzu spritz.
Aaron Sumners Blended Whiskey Tasting
I decided, with the help of one of the bartenders who was patient with a very infrequent whiskey drinker, on the Blended Whiskey tasting: 4 x 15ml Japanese whiskeys. It was served with a summary sheet that detailed the percentage, history and origin of each.
Lynne S Agedashi Tofu
It’s all excellent, but the absolute standouts are the Agedashi Tofu, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Thigh Yakitori & Cabbage Salad.
Pooi Nie Liew
Beyond the menu
Memorable details that elevate an evening at Tokyo Bird
Curated Whisky Tasting Flight Guides
Japanese whisky flights are served alongside a custom printed guide detailing the percentage, origin, and distillery history of each pour.
Ambient Studio Ghibli Visuals
Subdued Studio Ghibli films project continuously in the background, adding a subtle cinematic atmosphere to the dining room.
Attentive Table & Bar Hospitality
Staff proactively refill waters, stagger izakaya dishes at a comfortable pace, and offer personalized spirit recommendations at the counter.
Hidden Laneway Setting
Tucked down an unassuming Surry Hills alleyway, the venue delivers a hidden, low-lit izakaya setting reminiscent of back-alley Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book a table in advance?
Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights and weekends, as Tokyo Bird tends to fill up quickly. However, staff will try to accommodate walk-ins when possible.
How do the Japanese whisky tastings work?
Tokyo Bird features guided Japanese whisky flights that come with an educational summary sheet detailing the percentage, origin, and history of each pour. Knowledgeable bartenders are also on hand to walk you through the selections.
What kind of food is served?
The menu features Japanese izakaya share plates and yakitori skewers cooked over charcoal, such as chicken thigh, wagyu, and pork skewers, alongside snacks like salmon tostadas, gyoza, and tuna tartare. Dishes typically arrive as they are freshly prepared.
Where is the venue located and what is the atmosphere like?
Tokyo Bird is tucked down an alleyway entrance off Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills. Inside, the space offers an intimate, moody setting with ambient Ghibli films playing in the background.
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