I've been to Zakkushi many times over the last few years and have always enjoyed the food. It is a great place for groups as you can share food and grab drinks at the same time (although the bill does easily add up). I appreciate that they like to switch up their menu every so often - they don't make drastic changes, but rather, come up with new variations of dishes so you don't get bored but also don't miss out on some of your favorite ingredients. They are known for their skewers, but all their food is quite delicious. I like to order a mix of skewered and appetizers + hot and cold tapas. On this particular day, my boyfriend and I ordered:
Appetizer sampler: takowasabi, kawahagi, ankimo - takowasabi and ankimo were good, but wasn't the biggest fan of the kawahagi (dried filefish) as it was too chewy, but not in a good way like dried puffer fish.
Yakitori: shiitake, eringi, zucchini, tomato, giant scallop - all very well flavored. Bf ordered a lot of the meat skewers but I can't speak for it as I don't eat meat. He seemed to enjoy it and made a few repeat orders on the pork skewers though.
Cold tapas: natto bukadan - natto (fermented soybeans) is not for everyone but I have an acquired taste for it + it comes with a soft boiled egg so it was delicious to me
Hot tapas: baby octopus - I usually go for the calamari but decided to be adventurous this time; I prefer the calamari
Grilled cod - usually a big fan of cod but this was a bit too greasy and pricey, so I would do without it next time
Annin tofu - don't usually eat dessert after meals but this almond tofu was too good to pass up!
I've always made sure to make reservations well ahead of time, but this particular visit was on a whim so we ended up waiting around 40 mins. Lesson learned: don't bother coming without reservations.
Also, don't wear your fancy clothes because in keeping up with the authenticity of Japanese Yakitori restaurants, the place smells like grease. Prepare to shower after.