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Gaijin

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Chicago, United States

gaijinchicago.com
Okonomiyaki restaurant· Japanese restaurant

Gaijin Reviews | Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars (5 reviews)

Gaijin is located in Chicago, United States on 950 W Lake St. Gaijin is rated 4.7 out of 5 in the category okonomiyaki restaurant in United States.

Address

950 W Lake St

Phone

+1 3122651348

Service options

Outdoor seatingKerbside pickupDeliveryTakeawayDine-in

Amenities

Bar on siteToilets

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings

AlcoholBeerCocktailsComfort foodLate-night foodSmall platesVegetarian optionsWine

Open hours

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N

Nat Campo

Everything about this restaurant is just above and beyond. From the food, to the wait staff, chefs, hostesses. Hands down one of the best places in Chicago and one place I keep coming back to over and over. Get the shrimp okonomiyaki.

M

Michael Uzmann

Fortunate to have visited Vie in 2010, Chef Paul Virant has subsequently made his way into Chicago-proper, and at Gaijin the self-professed outsider opts to take on one of Japan’s most beloved Street Foods while furthering his exploration of fermentation and umami. Now fifty years old, and dedicating the Restaurant in Fulton Market to his wife who introduced Virant to Okonomiyaki after years of study in Japan, guests will currently find Gaijin operating amidst COVID-19 precautions – social distancing assured from patio to Chef’s Counter and staff exceedingly efficient. The Windy City’s first Okonomiyaki restaurant, but also home to Pickles, Shaved Ice and a serious Beverage program, it is amidst street style and modestly-loud Hip Hop that diners are invited to relax from 5pm Tuesday through Thursday and noon Friday till Sunday. Capable of seating sixty, though currently limited to half-that, it was after some perusal that both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese Pancake were ordered, their preparation just inches away showing far more complexity than some might expect and no shortage of traditional imported Ingredients. Serious about the product’s authenticity it was by request that Osaka-style was served first, a topping of Shrimp, Corn and spiced Butter all married to a fluffy base by Kewpie with no two bites the same while Hiroshima-style further incorporated chewy Yakisoba Noodles, Katsuobushi and Bacon atop a nearly-French Crepe on the bottom. Lively even in inclement weather, staff still having fun while practicing all recommended safety measures, Dessert at Gaijin comes from Vie’s Pastry Chef Angelyne Canicosa, the 5 Rice Flour Donut a questionable value in comparison to 12 for a snowcapped mountain of Shaved Ice wrapped around housemade Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream and decorated in artisan accoutrements.

H

Hazel D

Get everything! Everything was delicious. The pork is more of a thick bacon slice than pork belly. Pro tip: pour the vodka on the center/middle of the shaved ice so the ice “falls in” instead of leaking to the side of the cup.

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Noureen Kassamali

Great! We came looking for Okonomiyaki. We had this dish when we visited Japan and it was amazing. We ordered Hiroshima style vegetarian with choice of meat and came out really good! Their Kakigori is pretty amazing and full of fruits!!

J

John Lee

A very hip and cool new restaurant in the west loop area. Serving totally decked out Japanese pancakes and other unique and creative dishes. They definitely have some interesting drinks and cocktails as well as some teas which I haven’t seen in Chicago before. I ordered the pancake flight with the shrimp, octopus and pork options. It was delicious and the portion size was huge. I would definitely recommend this place if you haven’t tried Japanese pancakes yet. It’s a great experience for sure.

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