Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Tokyo Bird

226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Tokyo Bird

226 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 2 8880 9971
HoursMonday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About 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.
RestaurantJapaneseBar

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

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.

Before you head over

Helpful pointers for booking, timing, and navigating the menu smoothly.

  • Book Ahead to Secure a Table

    Tokyo Bird can fill up quickly and tables are limited, so booking in advance is strongly recommended to ensure a spot without waiting.

  • Arrive Early During Busy Hours

    Arrive early during service to settle in smoothly and enjoy skewers and drinks paced comfortably, especially when the kitchen is busy.

  • Ask Staff for Whisky Guidance

    Take advantage of the staff's Japanese whisky knowledge and guided tasting sheets to confidently select flights tailored to your palate.

Explore more places in Sydney

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Sydney.

Browse all Sydney venues