About USA Yakyudori Inc.

Celebrating 20 Years of Flavor and Community

USA Yakyudori Inc. is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in June 2025. This milestone would not be possible without the warm support of our loyal customers, the local community, and our dedicated team members. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey.

Our story began with our owner, Masashi Nabeta, who trained for six years at the renowned yakitori restaurant “Yakyudori” in Nagoya, Japan. Carrying the spirit and tradition of the original, he opened the first Yakyudori location in San Diego in 2005 as a noren-wake — a licensed branch of the original restaurant in Japan.

Since then, USA Yakyudori Inc. has grown to operate five distinct restaurants in the San Diego area, each offering its own unique personality and culinary experience. From classic yakitori to inventive izakaya dishes, premium sake, and rare Japanese spirits, our restaurants reflect our passion for Japanese food culture and hospitality.

In 2022, we expanded internationally with a location in Tokyo, and now our team includes over 100 talented individuals across Japan and the U.S., united by a shared commitment to quality and service.

At every location, our experienced managers and staff work hard every day to provide the best food and warm, attentive service. As we look to the future, we remain committed to bringing joy through Japanese cuisine, deeply rooted in the San Diego community.

A Message from Our Founder

I opened Yakyudori in San Diego because I wanted to bring authentic Japanese yakitori to the U.S., just like I learned in Nagoya. I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past 20 years. Our mission has always been to create places where people can enjoy good food, drinks, and company. I hope we can continue to be part of your daily life, special occasions, and everything in between.

— Masashi Nabeta, Owner