"Neighbird (ネイバード)" Yakitori/Natural Wine Bar in Takayama-shi, Gifu

“Neighbird (ネイバード)” Yakitori/Natural Wine Bar in Takayama-shi, Gifu

2022.07.02

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A new restaurant that is attracting attention in Takayama for its high-quality natural wines is a yakitori (grilled chicken) shop.

They serve carefully grilled skewers on charcoal fire, along with creative dishes, to create a fun evening.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Ave. Budget: Dinner 3,000-5,000 JPY, Bar 2,000-3,000 JPY　　

Check out the information on Tabelog

Features

I heard a rumor in the spring that there was a grilled chicken restaurant serving delicious natural wine on the mountain.

The combination of natural wine and grilled chicken (the pioneer must be “Yakitori Imai” in Gaienmae, Tokyo) is interesting, but I was happy to hear that there was a second place in Takayama where you can drink decent natural wine, following “Mukoo”.

It was hard to hide my excitement about this information that raised my expectations.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

A grilled chicken restaurant with serious natural wine

I arrived at the restaurant and sat down at my seat, and asked if they have orange wine.

It was not listed on the menu. Recently, it’s thought that rosé wine or orange wine go well with cuisine other than European dishes like French or Italian.

So when I visit a restaurant that places importance on wine, I usually start by checking for these options. Although, not many restaurants have them, but at this “Neighbord”, they casually brought out five bottles, mainly from France and Italy, when I asked for orange wine.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

This is a high point.

Amidst many fake natural wine-promoting shops, you can feel the attitude of seriously tackling natural wines.

The orange wine is by the bottle.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

I ordered the rosé wine by the glass.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Both were good examples of natural wines that showed the quality of natural wines.

A dish with a stylish idea added

I became interested in the wine first, but it’s not just about that.

The owner, Mr. Keigawa, is originally a Japanese cuisine chef.

He doesn’t compromise on the quality of the dishes, not just the grilled chicken.

I start by trying a single dish before the grilled chicken.

Assorted appetizers

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Potato salad

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Watanabe Meat Shop’s sausage

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

A ham cutlet made with Meihou ham

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

High quality grilled chicken

The yakitori is characterized by the way the skewer is pierced through the thick meat.

The way it is cooked also contributes to the juicy and tender texture of the meat.

Though it requires effort to make, it can be considered a luxury in urban shops and can be enjoyed for as low as 200 yen at an off-the-beaten-path shop.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Rice Dishes

I often hear that the aftertaste of eating a European cuisine course is dominated by the last dessert consumed, but in a grilled chicken restaurant, I believe that the final meal is what corresponds to it.

Having a distinctive end-of-meal dish at the restaurant increases customers’ trust and confidence in the establishment.

Soboro-Don

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Oyako-Don

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

Bringing a new breeze to the culinary scene in Takayama

Most of the restaurants in Takayama primarily feature menus geared towards tourists, such as Hida beef and traditional miso dishes.

This is understandable as it is a popular tourist destination.

However, from another perspective, this is precisely why there is little room for introducing new sensations to the cuisine as the existing businesses have been established by catering to tourists.

This is a common dilemma faced by many popular tourist destinations with rich history.

岐阜・高山市『ネイバード（Neighbird）』焼き鳥・ワインバー

However, it seems that new opportunities are gradually opening up in Takayama as well.

The origin of the name “Neighbord” is a coined word from “neighbor” and “bird” meaning “a bird shop in the neighborhood”.

The origin of the name “Neighbord” is derived from a combination of the words “neighbor” and “bird”, meaning “the bird house in the neighborhood”.

The aim of the store is to create a place where both visitors and locals can enjoy and socialize without any barriers, like neighbors. I felt the balance was superb.

I think that for travelers like myself, the style of travel is changing and more people are visiting in a more relaxed manner, rather than just for tourism.

What’s required there is not just “hale” cuisine for tourists.

What is desired is not just a festive meal for tourists but also elevating the quality of daily “Ke” dishes, such as having delicious wine to drink and eating delicious grilled chicken.

This stance of being one step ahead of everyday life is often a perfect fit.

I think it’s a notable restaurant that has accurately captured the current atmosphere and mood, which values the quality of “Ke” dishes (beyond just the “Hare” dishes aimed at tourists) and seeks to enhance it, such as having delicious wine to drink and delicious grilled chicken to eat, ahead of everyday needs。

How to Reserve

Reservations are accepted via phone.

Map/Access

Walking about 3 minutes from JR Takayama Station.

“Neighbird (ネイバード)” Shop Info.

Business Hours: Dinner 17:30-24:00（※last order for Yakitori 22:00）
Holiday: Mon.
Telephone: 0577-70-1664
Address: 5-7-6. tenma-cho, takayama-shi 506-0025

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