Where omakase precision meets the ancient art of yakitori, Hina Yakitori San Francisco elevated humble grilled chicken into an extraordinary fine dining experience that redefined Japanese cuisine in the Bay Area. This intimate 13-seat counter restaurant transformed the traditional yakitori experience into a meticulously orchestrated culinary performance, establishing itself as San Francisco's first omakase-style yakitori destination.

Chef Tommy Cleary's journey from Tokyo's yakitori masters to San Francisco's Divisadero Street created something unprecedented in American dining. After honing his craft in Japan and establishing his reputation at the original Oakland location in 2016, Cleary partnered with the Michelin-starred team behind Ju-Ni to open this revolutionary concept in 2019. His vision transformed the casual yakitori tradition into a sophisticated tasting menu experience, with the restaurant's name "Hina" meaning "chick" in Japanese, symbolizing both the cuisine's foundation and the chef's continuous culinary evolution.

The cuisine centered on a 13-15 course omakase journey priced at $110-$139, showcasing every part of the chicken through masterful binchotan charcoal grilling. Signature preparations included the crowd-pleasing Tsukune chicken meatballs glazed in savory tare, crispy-yet-juicy Tebasaki wing skewers, and the prized Chicken Oysters—a hidden delicacy among poultry connoisseurs. Chef Cleary's menu ventured beyond traditional boundaries with creative interludes like spicy wagyu tartare topped with Rice Krispies, charred broccoli with garlic soy butter, and unexpected combinations such as salmon roe paired with smoky chicken tail. Each dish demonstrated the versatility of chicken while maintaining the refined smokiness that only authentic Japanese charcoal can provide.

The restaurant's minimalist design focused entirely on the theatrical open kitchen, where diners witnessed every moment of the grilling process from their counter seats facing the glowing charcoal. This intimate setting created an immersive dining theater, with the rhythmic sounds of grilling and the aromatic smoke becoming integral parts of the experience. The exceptional service seamlessly coordinated the multi-course progression while offering expert sake pairings that complemented each preparation. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between refined elegance and the authentic energy of a traditional yakitori counter.

Though Hina Yakitori closed in August 2023 after nearly four years of redefining San Francisco fine dining, its legacy as a pioneer in elevated yakitori remains unmatched. For those seeking the ultimate expression of Japanese grilling artistry, this restaurant represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience omakase yakitori at its finest—a testament to how traditional techniques can be transformed into extraordinary culinary art.