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    Gaijin

    4.3 (787 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    GAIJIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
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    Recommended Reviews - Gaijin

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    Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki
    Thomas D.

    Wow! What an incredible experience this place was. We were taken here by our friends while visiting from out of town. This restaurant is such a unique and delicious experience. I have a picky eater for a wife. She is hesitant to try almost anything new. So cabbage mixed with batter and meat and maybe noodles? Non-starter. No way! This was so highly recommended though, that she took a risk and dove right in. She loved every one of the three okonomiyaki flavors that we ordered! Picky eaters, have no fear! It's such a unique menu. Places like this do not exist in America. So it was exciting from the onset. On top of that though, it was one of the most delicious meals I've ever had -- easily in my top 5 restaurants I've ever been to. The restaurant's decor evokes the feeling of pictures that I have seen of Japanese streets as well. It's both subtle and effective. The noise level was maybe a bit high, but I was also able to hear my friends for the most part. I don't like my restaurants to be too quiet, so it was a nice level. The service was very kind and attentive as well. My water glass never went dry! Go there! ASAP! What are you waiting for?! No excuses! Get in line! Get a reservation! Get me a reservation! I want to go back!!!

    Sarina Z.

    Gaijin is a fantastic spot for okonomiyaki. The location is super convenient, right off the Morgan stop. The service was great and our food came out quickly. We tried both the pork and the shrimp, and while both were good, the shrimp was definitely my favorite. The pancakes come with a lot of sauce, which is authentic, but it was a bit much for me personally, so I'd probably ask for the sauce on the side next time. We finished with the black sesame strawberry kakigori, which was delicious. It's a pretty sizable portion, so perfect for sharing!

    Tiffany L.

    Food and service were great. My cousin is local and he said the food got smaller? The pork is too dry and the bok choy kinda tastes like nothing.

    Octopus Osaka
    Genna G.

    My first time at a Okonomiyaki restaurant and it was pretty good. The service is great and the vibe is lively with a good positive energy flowing through this packed Fulton market spot. Okonomiyaki I learned is Japanese pancake . We had the octopus one which was good ( possibly slightly undercooked?) and paired it with a bunch of small plates which I enjoyed a lot more than the actual pancake ( we feasted on roasted garlic , bok choy , salad , mushrooms , tuna , chili ribs ) . Shared everything and that's definitely the way to go . Overall really unique menu and loved trying something new . Recommended for an adventurous eater who wants a fun dinner out in Chicago .

    Coffee
    Elle J.

    Visited for Black Restaurant Week. We sat at the bar and was able to watch them prepare the food and it was such a cool experience The food was excellent, four courses salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Flavorful. Robust options that fully palate and introduced me to a new fusion. Salads we tried: KOMBU MARINATE VEGETABLE - TSUKEMONO TRIO - HOUSE-MADE KIM-CHI - Appetizers: HEAD-ON SHRIMP GLAZED PORK RIBS CHICKEN KARAAGE Entrees: PORK OSAKA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI - BEEF OSAKA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI - SHRIMP OSAKA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI We each had a different flavor of the mochi donuts.

    Aki
    Kenny N.

    Came here late in the evening to grab a snack and dessert. Ordered the Beef Okonomiyaki, Pandan Donut, and 2 Kakigori. The okonomiyaki came out first. It had one texture throughout, which made it less satisfying. It was a bit saucy for us. The Pandan donut came out next, and I agree with those who had it calling it dense in the middle. The Pandan Kakigori was good but a bit messy. I like the subtle hint of yuzu in the sesame one. Maybe since there were few people sharing it, I wish there was more condensed milk. Overall, it was not too bad. Maybe I got the wrong savory item. The restaurant itself is unique with the flat grill in the middle of the table for okonomiyaki.

    Ramp kimchi
    Betty C.

    The food is delicious, the service very efficient and professional at taking orders, filling waters and clearing plates often. The warm griddle in the middle of the table is s nice touch, you feel like you might be in Japan. The pricing seems okay until you start eating and then you realize the apps are really small and $20 to $30 for what is basically an omelette - filled with noodles is not a great value. The drinks are on the pricey side too so you are not getting out of here for less than $85 a person if you are imbibing. Despite the pricing it is a really good change of pace from sushi spots or ramen joints! Our favorites were the tofu and beef Osaka style okonomiyaki. The short ribs are delish but the serving is way too small. The simple shaved ice dessert is really interesting with contrasting textures and very tasty. The green tea iced mochi donut was very warm and too dense for me to enjoy any more than a tiny slice of it. Because of the interesting dishes you don't find at other restaurants I do highly recommend it. If you only drink water (or at most beer) you can get out of there without feeling overcharged.

    Traditional Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki - take out
    Eilleen L.

    What a great night at Gaijin! The food was delicious and service phenomenal. It was a treat to experience the chef collaboration with Chef Andrew Zimmerman. Both Chefs Andrew Zimmerman and Paul Virant were on the line cooking. Chef Paul made his way through the restaurant and checked in with the diners. He was so kind and generous! He provided us with some pandan donut holes which were delicious. The mochi doughnuts are made to order and come pipping hot. They are slightly crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. The restaurant was very busy especially for a rainy Wednesday night. Service was efficient and everyone was so kind. I highly recommend sitting at the counter! It's so much fun to watch the chefs cook and as a bonus, the chair seat lifts so you have a place to store your purse. You can't go wrong with any of the okonomiyakis. We had to try one of the chef collab okonomiyakis, we chose the braised lamb Osaka style. What a flavor bomb! It was full of umami: salty, sweet, sour. It was topped with tomatoes and herbs which gave a freshness. My daughter said it was her favorite. We also ordered the traditional Hiroshima style okonomiyaki which was delicious as always. We ended the night with a ujikintori (matcha) kakigori. It was cold and refreshing with the perfect combination of flavors of matcha, red bean, sweetened milk and ube. Gaijin never disappoints and is one of our favorite restaurants in the city!

    Michael C.

    Food was pretty good and service was quick. Nice place inside and friendly staff. Good spot for lunch.

    Short rib!
    Melanie T.

    LOVE this spot! The food is so delicious and savory and it has a really great vibe! A great spot for groups to eat family-style and service is excellent. I came here with my partner and we ordered short rib for an appetizer and the mushroom and yuba Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The short rib was 2 thinly sliced pieces and the flavor and tenderness was incredible!! Highly recommend. The okonomiyaki came out sizzling fresh and they slide it onto the tabletop tray which keeps it warm as you eat! The flavor was very savory and I love all the mix of flavors. You get a little serving/cutting utensil which is helpful and the perfect size. I've been here a few times before and it's consistently delicious! I do like sitting inside much better than the patio because it's nice and vibey, while the patio tends to be very loud because it's right under the El train. Highly recommend this spot! It's hard to find okonomiyaki and this place does it so well!

    Outside mural
    Caitlin K.

    Authentic okonomyaki restaurant located in Chicago. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and options available at Gaijin. They serve Osaka and Hiroshima style okonomyaki. I personally like the Hiroshima style due to the addition of noodles that adds a bit more structure and flavor to the pancake. Don't miss out! My friend and I shared 2 which we honestly couldn't finish, so for serving size I'd almost say 2 for 3 people seems good plus some apps!

    Beef Osaka Style Okonomiyaki
    Aye K.

    Was excited to see an okonomiyaki and kakigori spot reminiscent of what you'd find in Japan! The setup is cute, and the food came out fairly quickly. Unfortunately, the service didn't quite meet expectations. We tried the beef okonomiyaki (Osaka-style), which had good flavor but felt a bit small for the price. We also ordered the ujikintoki (matcha) kakigori. While the presentation was nice, the matcha flavor was pretty mild. I was hoping for the flavor to be layered throughout the shaved ice, but it was mostly just drizzled on top. The condensed milk helped add some sweetness and richness. Not my fave but I wish them well!

    Tofu Osaka Style Okonomiyaki
    Maggie H.

    Had a great experience here. We walked in on a Friday without a reservation and were able to sit at the bar with a full menu. We got two drinks each and had a great time watching the bartenders make them and serve everyone, you can also see the kitchen which is always fun - especially in a Japanese place. The space itself is super cool and feels very authentic, it's a long little building with a glass roof in the main area. They have real okonomiyaki tables and serve them with the special shovels. I got the only one I could - Tofu okonomiyaki. I am disappointed they didn't have any vegan mayo and their okonomiyaki sauce must not be vegan since the tofu version is very much lacking in any type of sauce. It was a little soggy from all the spinach which I picked around but it was otherwise good, not the best I've had but my boss said her Hiroshima style was the best she'd had outside of Japan - it looked amazing and to say I wasn't jonesing for a bite would be an outright lie. We started with the tempura as the other app I wanted wasn't vegan due to fish sauce and since I was being a good little veg-head I ordered the tempura instead which was very fresh, crisp and tasty - no dipping sauce needed (though it came with a side of aioli and they subbed soy sauce for me which I didn't end up using).

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    Gaijin Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Gaijin

    Does Shrimp Osaka Style Okonomiyaki contain pork?

    I don't think so...

    Do you offer the Gaijin Tasting Experience during lunch hours?

    Can the vegetable items be made vegan?

    Hi and thank you for your question! Gaijin has vegan options available, including a selection of appetizers and a modified okonomiyaki preparation. Your server can walk you through the options, or give us a call if you'd like to go over specifics… Read more

    Is anything gluten free?

    Hi and thank you for your message! Yes, we have a number of items made without gluten on the menu, including many apps, okonomiyaki (GF flour) options, the kakigori with any gluten-containing components left off, and the mochi donuts. Your server… Read more

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    SUSHI DOKKU Japanese Restaurant

    4.2(693 reviews)
    0.2 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    If you're looking for some great nigiri combinations, Sushi Dokku is the place for you! Recently…read morecame back for their restaurant week menu, and it was great! I chose the Deviled Eggs, Tuna Truffle nigiri, Hamachi nigiri, Sake nigiri, Crispy Maguro roll, and mochi (we tried all the flavors - espresso, salted caramel, passion fruit, and strawberry). Every bite was amazing - but beware, the Crispy Maguro definitely packs on the heat. I also recommend the Snow Maiden sake if you like a sweeter sake. We dined in the Booze Box section and it was super vibey, but not too loud where we had to yell over the music or anything. The servers were attentive, will definitely keep going back (especially for Restaurant Week)!

    We decided to try a new spot while downtown last week. We've heard many good reviews for Sushi w…read moreand decided to give it a shot. We got: Tuna nigiri: 6.5/10 it was fine for the price I was expecting a much fattier tuna. Kaarage: 7.5/10 loved the salt and guchuyang but I wish it was boneless. Okinomiyaki: 6.5/10 would have been better if all the pieces had the sauce. Dragon roll: 6/10 very basic almost like grocery sushi roll Blue crab roll: 6.5/10 it was fine wish there was more portion wise Fuji fu: 7.5/10 it was good but he gave us forks which made it very difficult to eat. The service was fast and everyone was nice. The restaurant is small and good for couples since they have a lot of seating for 2. It is pretty dark and romantic but very noisy.

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    SUSHI DOKKU Japanese Restaurant - Dumplings

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    Tanoshii West Loop - Hamachi, Sake and Hon Maguro Nigiri Spicy Tuna Special Roll Negi Hamachi Makimono  Shishito Peppers

    Tanoshii West Loop

    4.2(376 reviews)
    0.3 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    I don't even know where to start--every single dish we tried was absolutely incredible! I'm not…read morekidding when I say this is my favorite sushi restaurant ever, and that's a bold statement coming from me. We went all in with the full omakase experience, and it was phenomenal: * Scallops * Fish and Chips (trust me, this is an experience!) * Bluefin Tuna served with radish and avocado -- pro tip: make sure each bite includes both for the perfect flavor balance. * 8 pieces of sashimi * Salmon and avocado rolls And then there were the off-menu items--do yourself a favor and ask for these: * "The Pepper" * Fatty Tuna Roll Desserts: black sesame, and red bean. For drinks, we loved the Red Panda and Insult to Injury--both were fantastic. A huge shoutout to Michelle, our server. She was wonderful--attentive, knowledgeable, and gave great tips on how to enjoy each dish as it came out. The restaurant itself is beautiful: cozy yet upscale, elegant without feeling stuffy. We will absolutely be back--again and again!

    The specialty roll is an absolute must-try! One of the best parts is letting the chef surprise…read moreyou-just tell them what you like or don't like, and they'll create something delicious and unique every time. Everything tasted fresh and well-balanced, and you can tell a lot of care goes into the food. The miso soup and edamame are also a perfect combo to start with and pair really well with the rolls. Great experience overall and definitely a spot worth coming back to.

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    Tanoshii West Loop - Salmon & Avacado

    Salmon & Avacado

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    Tamu - Crunchy spicy akami

    Tamu

    4.5(94 reviews)
    0.3 miWest Loop, Near West Side

    Came here for a date night and overall had a nice experience. The ambiance is great, very clean,…read moreintimate, and perfect for a night out. Service was solid, and our waiter gave thoughtful recommendations that helped us decide what to order. We ordered the sashimi sampler and the ninniku crudo to start. My husband got 6 handrolls and I had 4. We both had the otoro handroll for the premium temaki options. The handrolls came out at a really good pace, which we appreciated since it let us enjoy each one fresh. The fish itself was definitely fresh and everything was well prepared. My favorite handroll was the spicy hotate. The otoro temaki was good, but we have had better otoro elsewhere. My husband also got the sake temaki and mentioned that the salmon was a bit chewy. Overall, nothing really stood out as particularly memorable. Our bill ended up being close to $200, and while the food was good, it was not quite mind blowing for that price point. Overall, a solid spot with nice ambiance and fresh fish, just not necessarily a standout for us.

    Cozy, contemporary spot with a handroll bar at the front, a middle dining area, and an omakase bar…read morein the back. We opted for the middle section to try a mixture of available items. Service was friendly and attentive. Note that nigiri is only available via omakase. I'd describe the food here as a very sophisticated and innovative take on Japanese izakaya cuisine -elevated flavours and thoughtful presentations make it stand out. Hamachi Carpaccio?: 8/10 not much to say here. simple yet refreshing and satisfying Hew Dup Bap Kaisendon: 8/10 A great way to sample various sashimi options. Everything was fresh, and the cuts were generously thick. Ankimo Appetizer: 9/10 Probably the most unique take on ankimo I've ever had. It looked like a work of art, and the (potato?) chips added a fun texture. Super flavourful and memorable. Temaki: 8.5/10 I don't remember the exact ones I ordered, but they were all really good. I loved the creative toppings, something I rarely see at other temaki spots, and they paired with the fish beautifully.

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    Tamu - Omakase Bar

    Omakase Bar

    Tamu - Crunch Spicy Akami

    Crunch Spicy Akami

    Tamu - Tamu Hand Roll Bar

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    The Izakaya at Momotaro - Every Monday, enjoy a choice of burger or ramen with a beer for only $15.

    The Izakaya at Momotaro

    4.2(322 reviews)
    0.2 miFulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side
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    Wowowow Izakaya did not disappoint!!! It was pretty small on the inside so makes sense why it's…read morehard to get a reservation. The inside was dark, but full of energy, super lively and fun. We ordered the burger and chicken sandwich and they were both AMAZING. The homemade bao bun was sooo soft and the chicken was very crispy. I loved the japanese sweet potato fries it came with and loved the aioli sauce they came with even more. There were definitely more items I wanted to try & can't wait to go back!!!

    The vibes definitely feel unique. It's designed like a Tokyo alleyway with dim lighting, Japanese…read moresigns, and cool decor everywhere, but then they're blasting loud DJ music so it feels more like a lounge/bar than an intimate izakaya 7/10. Service started off great but kinda disappeared toward the end. Once we finished our mains and waited for dessert, nobody refilled our waters. Dessert station was backed up though so I get it. 6.5/10. Now the food... the Momo Royale burger was honestly pretty average for me. The bun tasted basic and overall it didn't feel special enough to be called one of the best burgers in Chicago. Lowkey think a McDonald's QPC might hit harder sometimes... The sweet potato fries and sauce were good though. 6/10. The Nagoya Style Tebasaki Wings were solid. Nice soy glaze, crispy texture, not soggy at all. 7/10. The Jewel Bako was basically fresh fish over rice with nori on the side to wrap yourself. Fish tasted fresh but it just wasn't really my thing. 6/10. For drinks, the Liquid Luck tasted good but felt weak for a $20 cocktail. And the cabernet being $20 hurt a little Dessert was the biggest letdown. The Choco Soufflé Cheesecake tasted more like a basic brownie with ice cream than an actual soufflé cheesecake, especially after waiting so long for it. 4/10. Overall, there are way better spots in Chicago for burgers, sushi, cocktails, and even service. Cool concept and decor, but not worth the $200 for me.

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    The Izakaya at Momotaro
    The Izakaya at Momotaro
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    Mako

    Mako

    4.4(191 reviews)
    0.3 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    If Mako is the benchmark for Michelin-starred restaurants, the bar has been set monumentally high…read more Beneath the chaos of the Pink Line lies the intimate setting Chef BK Park so carefully envisioned. Upon entering, you are greeted and warmly escorted to your seats. They suggest arriving a few minutes early so as not to disrupt the timing. I opted for seats at the sushi bar to get the full experience of an omakase. The service was impeccable and methodical, with each dish presented in perfect harmony. The carefully curated menu rose in a crescendo of umami-rich bites--each course striking a delicate balance of anticipation for the next bite and savoring the lingering flavors on the palate. It is nearly impossible to select our favorites, but the standouts were the scallop, miso cod, and the otoro. We came here to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, and the staff commemorated the occasion with a personalized menu, signed by the entire team. This was truly an unforgettable experience and I would recommend Mako to anyone seeking the same.

    Mako was truly a 10/10 experience from the service to the food. The restaurant is an intimate space…read morewith limited seating. We were seated at the bar in front of the chef. The staff was polite, friendly and accommodating to our needs. The food was absolutely fresh and delicious, prepared perfectly. We tried a variety of dishes, over 20 different courses. Some standout dishes were the Chutoro tuna, and the cod which sat in an amazing broth. My only complaint is that halfway through the courses, the chef mentioned a special salmon and truffle course that he offered to us. Of course, we said yes, but we later found out that it was an additional charge added to our bill. I didn't appreciate that it was framed as something special rather than as an add-on to our experience. Overall, Mako was a great Michelin Star experience, offering authentic Japanese omakase!

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    Mako - Wall behind the chef area

    Wall behind the chef area

    Mako - The very first appetizer, not on the final food list

    The very first appetizer, not on the final food list

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    Kumiko - Mushrooms

    Kumiko

    4.4(272 reviews)
    0.4 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    I loveee Kumiko. They were just announced N. 11 on the 2026 North America's 50 Best Bars list (one…read morespot down from last year). I've lost track but this is maybe my 5th or 6th time here. I've been here for food, desserts, drinks, their basement whiskey bar, everything... and I'll keep coming back whenever I'm in the neighborhood. This time, we came to check out their spring menu because I remembered them having a sakura themed menu last year. We also intended on checking out their new desserts but completely forgot lol, so now I'll need to come back again. Off their seasonal menu, we ordered Pastel and Lights in the Clouds. The Pastel was very light and a little tart. I loved the pretty pink color too. I didn't get it this time, but my absolute favorite cocktail from here is the Cloud Hopper off their regular menu (starting to crave it rn as I'm writing this, it's so good). When you're seated, you're given a warm towel to wipe your hands. The staff is also super knowledgeable, and the quality of the food and drinks is amazing. It's been awhile since I've eaten here so I can't speak on the food, but based off my memory the karaagé is really good and seems to be popular. I need to come back to try more of their food. Reservations are recommended if you want a table or to go to their whiskey bar in the basement, but we've had plenty of luck coming in right when they open and being able to sit at the bar. This time, we came in about an hour after opening and had to stand, which was fine because we just wanted a drink.

    It's been years since I've last visited Kumiko when they first opened. Last week we were lucky to…read moresnatch a last minute reservation since it's a lot hard to get one with all the James Beard and Michelin awards they've been getting, and I could see why. Their cocktails are so smooth and creative. I had a Lychee Martini and it's probably the best I've ever had. A lot of places use the canned lychee syrup that's overly sweet. No, not this place. You can still taste the lychee without being sugary sweet, and it goes really smooth. But their food is on a different level. Their Japanese curry is probably the best I've ever had. The pork was sou vide and then fried. When you bite into it it was so soft it melts in your mouth. And the homemade curry was so flavorful. You can tell they make their own curry instead of other places they either used premade or store bought. Their service is impeccable. The staff is very polite and knowledgeable. The interior is warm and inviting, and intimate. Highly recommend this for a date night!

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    Kumiko - Bar

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    Kumiko - Truly addicted to this strawberry old fashioned

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    Truly addicted to this strawberry old fashioned

    Gaijin - japanese - Updated May 2026

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