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Gantetsu-Ya is located at 318 Harvard Street in Brookline, MA. It is located in the neighborhood Arcade Building. The restaurant specializes in Japanese street food, particularly two well known dishes, takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The restaurant is also owned by the same company as the very popular Ganko Ittetsu Ramen, which is also located in the same building. I having been reading that the restaurant would be opening up in September in the same building but to my surprise, they are located directly across from each other. The close proximity is strategic as the two restaurants will bring customers to each other. You can't help but see the other restaurant. If the wait for ramen at Ganko Ittetsu Ramen is long, patrons can easily grab an order of takoyaki at Gantetsu-Ya. Takoyaki is a very popular street snack in Japan. I have had takoyaki at several restaurants in the area. Gantetsu-Ya is definitely in my top three. One order came with eight doughy squid balls. When I say doughy, I mean the inside is not cooked through. And this is how it should be, somewhat oozy on the inside and with a nice chunk of tako (squid). If a restaurant serve this dish cooked through, it's kind of like passing a fully boiled egg off as a poached egg? Okonomiyaki, another Japanese Street food favorite, is a savory pancake that is filled with vegetables and meats. It usually has lots of shredded cabbage for vegetable and usually pork for protein. There is also a layer of noodles too. Everything is typically wrapped in a layer of egg and common toppings include otafuku sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, scallions, dried bonito flakes, aonori (dried green seaweed flakes). As for the okonomiyaki options at Gantetsu-Ya, you can choose from five versions. They vary slightly but all have some common ingredients such as sliced cabbage, noodles, and an egg layer. The original version contains sliced pork belly and sliced cabbage. The Mayo-cheese version has American cheese. The Negi-Mayo version is kind of like the original but with Japanese mayonnaise as one if the toppings and extra green onions. The Veggie version has mushrooms. And lastly, the seafood version has shrimp and yari-ika which is a type of small squid. Definitely look over the ingredients and pick what you like. As for myself, I tried the seafood okonomiyaki. This was only my second time having okonomiyaki. The first time was at another Japanese restaurant (Ittoku). The okonomiyaki at Gantetsu-Ya was definitely more filling. I don't know about others but after finishing a bowl of ramen from the ramen restaurant across the store, I only had room enough for one takoyaki ball and a teeny bite of the okonomiyaki. If you want to try these two items first before heading over to try the ramen next door, there might not be enough room for ramen after. It's a tough decision. Or maybe just bring a friend. The interior of the restaurant is designed to look like you're in Japan. Very small, with about three tables for seating. The wait for one takoyaki and one okonomiyaki was about 15 minutes. There was no one waiting before us so I am unsure what other people wait time was. The service was polite. Price was fair. I would definitely come back. See my pictures.
This is the restaurant across from Ganko, the ramen place- some of the other reviews here on yelp seem to be referencing Ganko so just wanted to make they clear! Gantetsu-Ya was recommended to me as an okonomiyaki restaurant, and I was excited to see pictures of Hiroshima style okonomiyaki as well as takoyaki. Unfortunately, upon arriving today, I learned they no longer serve okonomiyaki and don't really have plans to bring it back. Pretty disappointing, but understandable. Then I learn that though they have takoyaki listed as available on saturdays/sundays, they don't have that either! We ended up trying the Karaage and the gyoza and I must say the karaage was very very good- great chicken meat and super flavorful. It seems that Gantetsu-Ya serves mostly to make appetizers for its sister restaurant Ganko, which had a quite long line of people waiting for ramen today! All in all the Karaage was excellent and the feel of the space was authentic, but without okonomiyaki nor takoyaki it felt a bit lacking. As long as your expectations are realistic for what this place offers, then you'll be fine, and that's why I felt the need to share this review ASAP after our trip there, as we didn't see anything online about there no longer being okonomiyaki nor takoyaki.
This okonomiyaki eatery is hidden away in the same plaza as the Ganko ramen shop. I think it is an affiliate brand, but can not verify that with certainty. Either way it's a great place to have a bite to eat with waiting in the long ramen line across the way. This eatery has quite a few Okonomiyaki options including pork, veggies, and seafood. They also have Takoyaki as well. Since it was my first visit, and I had just had a giant bowl of ramen, I ordered the veggie Okonomiyaki. This dish was made fresh to order so it took a little longer than I anticipated. It includes noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and otafuku sauce (since I opted for no egg or oil). It was extremely hot when I was served and didn't cool down for awhile. The staff was friendly and even called out my order using my first name. This made it easier not to grab some other patrons item. Since they have a small menu it's definitely a necessity.
Good street-fare in a cool location. Atmosphere/ambience is hip hop Japanese izakaya sans the alcohol. Just three high tops of four seats each and some standing room to eat and drink looking into the small kitchen. Service is decent. They've picked up pace with Ganko taking orders from them for their sit down customers. Turn around time during weekday dinner was 12 minutes from ordering to delivery. Food is on point. This isn't fancy fare. It's Japanese fast food. Okonomiyaki is literally a pancake filled with cabbage, noodles, some protein, and sweet and/or mayo-like sauces. I had the Negi-Mayo with pork and mayo as the variants. It was very good, filling, you only need to order one and might not finish it as a whole meal. Nothing fancy but it'll do. Ingredients seemed pretty quality. Price is okay. $14 for okonomyaki is high but location matters and this was a more substantial okonomiyaki than I've had in the past both in and outside Japan. I'll return if Gankos wait is too long again
I went here two months ago for a quick bite. I ordered the takoyaki and okonomiyaki. There were only three tables but luckily I was able to grab one. The takoyaki and okonomiyaki took a few minutes to prepare. Both were piping hot. I didn't like how they added pickled ginger inside the takoyaki. It wasn't my cup of tea. The okonomiyaki was good though it had too much sauce.
First time here - tried the karaage (Traditional fried chicken)! We were disappointed that they were doing takeout only, but the 10-15 min wait was fully worth the tender, juicy, and lightly fried to perfection chicken which we quickly devoured. Honestly one of the best karaage we've had in Boston, and the staff was helpful as well. Unfortunately, they are not selling okonomiyaki currently. $9 for 4 juicy pieces of 7 oz. chicken thigh goodness!! This place is a hidden gem within Brookline.
This place is pretty good but I really only come here while waiting for their ramen across the hall. I got their original okonomiyaki and takoyaki. The okonomiyaki was delicious and the cabbage was cooked to perfection. Sometimes I find that the cabbage is raw but this place did not let me down. The takoyaki was just okay - I think its because it was made and just sitting there. I understand though because it takes a while to make it. Still tasty!
The owner of this place is also Ganko Ittetsu's owner and you have the option of ordering takoyaki or gyoza with ramen and that's what I did. Takoyaki is slighted overpriced (8 for 12 dollars) and is pretty average. Gyoza on the other hand is pretty good. They also okonomiyaki options that I have yet to try. You can also delivery from here as well. But I think it's unnecessary to get it since there are better options like Ittoku. Ganko is much better spot to check out instead of across from it
I found this Okonomiyaki restaurant and I think this is first Okonomiyaki restaurant in Boston. I tried seafood okonomiyaki and it was exactly same the one I had in Hiroshima. I would like to come back to try more things.
Found this place through an email from yelp. I had high hopes but it was alright. We got a total of 3 items: negi Mayo okonomi-yaki, seafood okonomi-yaki and takoyaki. Everything was made fresh to order. The takoyaki was okay, the inside was very mushy maybe because it was still very hot. The negi mayo okonomi-yaki was good but there was a lot of cabbage in it. The bottom dough part got very wet and mushy from the vegetables. The seafood okonomi-yaki had much more noodles it in, I recommend getting this one. For a total of just 3 items it was kinda pricey.
Drove 45 minutes from Warwick, RI to try this Ramen and it is definitely worth the drive. The Broth is thick and flavorful with a hint of spice from the garlic oil. We ordered a 4 sides Chasu Pork and they were not too thinly sliced and just enough fat to compliment the ramen itself. Across the place is the to go Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki. anWill definitely back.
Gantetsu-Ya is the new Japanese street food cousin by the owner of Ganko Itetsu Ramen. Gantetsu-Ya only sell two things: takoyaki たこ焼き and Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki 広島風お好み焼き. I ordered takoyaki, and original Okonomiyaki. Takoyaki was how I expected it to be: soft squishy center with a octopus chunk inside. The chewy octopus provided a great contrast in texture. I tasted the rich dashi flavor from the batter, with scallions and pickled ginger which added complexity in the overall flavor. Sauce was rich, tangy and savory. You can choose with Japanese mayo or without, which the staff would always ask. With mayo was the most authentic, which I gladly received. The mountain of bonito flakes added another level of umami, and provided a entertaining dance as well. CAUTION: The inside of the takoyaki was extremely hot! Okonomiyaki was decent overall. The main difference between Hiroshima and Osaka was the content. Hiroshima Style was made with a thin crepe and yakisoba noodles, while Osaka style mixes everything into the batter without yakisoba noodles, then made into a pancake. Flavor was decent, and they also put a lot of sauce. Osaka style put mayo on top with the sauce, but Hiroshima only had sauce. The sauce was a bit overwhelming, but worked well with the dish since the inside was not flavored. My only issue was the price. Okonomiyaki was not that large, with mostly cabbage and yakisoba noodles, and cost $13.50. Takoyaki was $9.50, about 3 times the price of ones in Japan. Too expensive. If you don't mind paying the price, I recommend you come right after they opened to ensure freshly-made tacoyaki. They would make extra, and put them in a warmer. I rather have freshly-made if I'm paying $9.50 for one.
8 days ago
11 months ago
We went on a Thursday night and it was about a 40 minute wait for 2 people. We got chicken gyoza, myself a Sapporo miso with no pork and my partner a GANTETSU SHOYU with tantan pork and no chasu. The ramen did hit the spot although it wasn't particularly superb. I personally don't think I'd come back here again but not because it's bad but because it wasn't super great - and I basically got a vegetarian ramen since I couldn't get the pork so that probably has a lot to do with it. The gyoza was good though! There definitely was a lot of food which was nice. The vibe was also pretty good and the music was catchy and in season which is great! I'd say closer to 4 than a 3 but not quite a 4 so having to leave a 3/5. read more
2 years ago
Busy, bustling, and tucked away, Gantetsu-Ya features cosy and comforting ramen bowls in Brookline. The portions are big but the ramen was a bit too oily and the noodle texture was a little too soft for me. We also got the kaarage which was crispy but bland. Despite being told our table was ready, we still waited for 15 minutes. read more
2 years ago
There was a confusion with our order and our ramen took half an hour to come out. The other tables who were seated 25 min after we were received their food first. The kitchen seems disorganized and poorly m read more
Gantetsu-Ya is located at 318 Harvard Street in Brookline, MA. It is located in the neighborhood Arcade Building. The restaurant specializes in Japanese street food, particularly two well known dishes, takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The restaurant is also owned by the same company as the very popular Ganko Ittetsu Ramen, which is also located in the same building. I having been reading that the restaurant would be opening up in September in the same building but to my surprise, they are located directly across from each other. The close proximity is strategic as the two restaurants will bring customers to each other. You can't help but see the other restaurant. If the wait for ramen at Ganko Ittetsu Ramen is long, patrons can easily grab an order of takoyaki at Gantetsu-Ya. Takoyaki is a very popular street snack in Japan. I have had takoyaki at several restaurants in the area. Gantetsu-Ya is definitely in my top three. One order came with eight doughy squid balls. When I say doughy, I mean the inside is not cooked through. And this is how it should be, somewhat oozy on the inside and with a nice chunk of tako (squid). If a restaurant serve this dish cooked through, it's kind of like passing a fully boiled egg off as a poached egg? Okonomiyaki, another Japanese Street food favorite, is a savory pancake that is filled with vegetables and meats. It usually has lots of shredded cabbage for vegetable and usually pork for protein. There is also a layer of noodles too. Everything is typically wrapped in a layer of egg and common toppings include otafuku sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, scallions, dried bonito flakes, aonori (dried green seaweed flakes). As for the okonomiyaki options at Gantetsu-Ya, you can choose from five versions. They vary slightly but all have some common ingredients such as sliced cabbage, noodles, and an egg layer. The original version contains sliced pork belly and sliced cabbage. The Mayo-cheese version has American cheese. The Negi-Mayo version is kind of like the original but with Japanese mayonnaise as one if the toppings and extra green onions. The Veggie version has mushrooms. And lastly, the seafood version has shrimp and yari-ika which is a type of small squid. Definitely look over the ingredients and pick what you like. As for myself, I tried the seafood okonomiyaki. This was only my second time having okonomiyaki. The first time was at another Japanese restaurant (Ittoku). The okonomiyaki at Gantetsu-Ya was definitely more filling. I don't know about others but after finishing a bowl of ramen from the ramen restaurant across the store, I only had room enough for one takoyaki ball and a teeny bite of the okonomiyaki. If you want to try these two items first before heading over to try the ramen next door, there might not be enough room for ramen after. It's a tough decision. Or maybe just bring a friend. The interior of the restaurant is designed to look like you're in Japan. Very small, with about three tables for seating. The wait for one takoyaki and one okonomiyaki was about 15 minutes. There was no one waiting before us so I am unsure what other people wait time was. The service was polite. Price was fair. I would definitely come back. See my pictures. read more
5 years ago
This is the restaurant across from Ganko, the ramen place- some of the other reviews here on yelp seem to be referencing Ganko so just wanted to make they clear! Gantetsu-Ya was recommended to me as an okonomiyaki restaurant, and I was excited to see pictures of Hiroshima style okonomiyaki as well as takoyaki. Unfortunately, upon arriving today, I learned they no longer serve okonomiyaki and don't really have plans to bring it back. Pretty disappointing, but understandable. Then I learn that though they have takoyaki listed as available on saturdays/sundays, they don't have that either! We ended up trying the Karaage and the gyoza and I must say the karaage was very very good- great chicken meat and super flavorful. It seems that Gantetsu-Ya serves mostly to make appetizers for its sister restaurant Ganko, which had a quite long line of people waiting for ramen today! All in all the Karaage was excellent and the feel of the space was authentic, but without okonomiyaki nor takoyaki it felt a bit lacking. As long as your expectations are realistic for what this place offers, then you'll be fine, and that's why I felt the need to share this review ASAP after our trip there, as we didn't see anything online about there no longer being okonomiyaki nor takoyaki. read more
This okonomiyaki eatery is hidden away in the same plaza as the Ganko ramen shop. I think it is an affiliate brand, but can not verify that with certainty. Either way it's a great place to have a bite to eat with waiting in the long ramen line across the way. This eatery has quite a few Okonomiyaki options including pork, veggies, and seafood. They also have Takoyaki as well. Since it was my first visit, and I had just had a giant bowl of ramen, I ordered the veggie Okonomiyaki. This dish was made fresh to order so it took a little longer than I anticipated. It includes noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and otafuku sauce (since I opted for no egg or oil). It was extremely hot when I was served and didn't cool down for awhile. The staff was friendly and even called out my order using my first name. This made it easier not to grab some other patrons item. Since they have a small menu it's definitely a necessity. read more
Good street-fare in a cool location. Atmosphere/ambience is hip hop Japanese izakaya sans the alcohol. Just three high tops of four seats each and some standing room to eat and drink looking into the small kitchen. Service is decent. They've picked up pace with Ganko taking orders from them for their sit down customers. Turn around time during weekday dinner was 12 minutes from ordering to delivery. Food is on point. This isn't fancy fare. It's Japanese fast food. Okonomiyaki is literally a pancake filled with cabbage, noodles, some protein, and sweet and/or mayo-like sauces. I had the Negi-Mayo with pork and mayo as the variants. It was very good, filling, you only need to order one and might not finish it as a whole meal. Nothing fancy but it'll do. Ingredients seemed pretty quality. Price is okay. $14 for okonomyaki is high but location matters and this was a more substantial okonomiyaki than I've had in the past both in and outside Japan. I'll return if Gankos wait is too long again read more
6 years ago
I went here two months ago for a quick bite. I ordered the takoyaki and okonomiyaki. There were only three tables but luckily I was able to grab one. The takoyaki and okonomiyaki took a few minutes to prepare. Both were piping hot. I didn't like how they added pickled ginger inside the takoyaki. It wasn't my cup of tea. The okonomiyaki was good though it had too much sauce. read more
4 years ago
First time here - tried the karaage (Traditional fried chicken)! We were disappointed that they were doing takeout only, but the 10-15 min wait was fully worth the tender, juicy, and lightly fried to perfection chicken which we quickly devoured. Honestly one of the best karaage we've had in Boston, and the staff was helpful as well. Unfortunately, they are not selling okonomiyaki currently. $9 for 4 juicy pieces of 7 oz. chicken thigh goodness!! This place is a hidden gem within Brookline. read more
1 year ago
This place is pretty good but I really only come here while waiting for their ramen across the hall. I got their original okonomiyaki and takoyaki. The okonomiyaki was delicious and the cabbage was cooked to perfection. Sometimes I find that the cabbage is raw but this place did not let me down. The takoyaki was just okay - I think its because it was made and just sitting there. I understand though because it takes a while to make it. Still tasty! read more
The owner of this place is also Ganko Ittetsu's owner and you have the option of ordering takoyaki or gyoza with ramen and that's what I did. Takoyaki is slighted overpriced (8 for 12 dollars) and is pretty average. Gyoza on the other hand is pretty good. They also okonomiyaki options that I have yet to try. You can also delivery from here as well. But I think it's unnecessary to get it since there are better options like Ittoku. Ganko is much better spot to check out instead of across from it read more
7 years ago
I found this Okonomiyaki restaurant and I think this is first Okonomiyaki restaurant in Boston. I tried seafood okonomiyaki and it was exactly same the one I had in Hiroshima. I would like to come back to try more things. read more
7 years ago
Found this place through an email from yelp. I had high hopes but it was alright. We got a total of 3 items: negi Mayo okonomi-yaki, seafood okonomi-yaki and takoyaki. Everything was made fresh to order. The takoyaki was okay, the inside was very mushy maybe because it was still very hot. The negi mayo okonomi-yaki was good but there was a lot of cabbage in it. The bottom dough part got very wet and mushy from the vegetables. The seafood okonomi-yaki had much more noodles it in, I recommend getting this one. For a total of just 3 items it was kinda pricey. read more
Drove 45 minutes from Warwick, RI to try this Ramen and it is definitely worth the drive. The Broth is thick and flavorful with a hint of spice from the garlic oil. We ordered a 4 sides Chasu Pork and they were not too thinly sliced and just enough fat to compliment the ramen itself. Across the place is the to go Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki. anWill definitely back. read more
7 years ago
Gantetsu-Ya is the new Japanese street food cousin by the owner of Ganko Itetsu Ramen. Gantetsu-Ya only sell two things: takoyaki たこ焼き and Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki 広島風お好み焼き. I ordered takoyaki, and original Okonomiyaki. Takoyaki was how I expected it to be: soft squishy center with a octopus chunk inside. The chewy octopus provided a great contrast in texture. I tasted the rich dashi flavor from the batter, with scallions and pickled ginger which added complexity in the overall flavor. Sauce was rich, tangy and savory. You can choose with Japanese mayo or without, which the staff would always ask. With mayo was the most authentic, which I gladly received. The mountain of bonito flakes added another level of umami, and provided a entertaining dance as well. CAUTION: The inside of the takoyaki was extremely hot! Okonomiyaki was decent overall. The main difference between Hiroshima and Osaka was the content. Hiroshima Style was made with a thin crepe and yakisoba noodles, while Osaka style mixes everything into the batter without yakisoba noodles, then made into a pancake. Flavor was decent, and they also put a lot of sauce. Osaka style put mayo on top with the sauce, but Hiroshima only had sauce. The sauce was a bit overwhelming, but worked well with the dish since the inside was not flavored. My only issue was the price. Okonomiyaki was not that large, with mostly cabbage and yakisoba noodles, and cost $13.50. Takoyaki was $9.50, about 3 times the price of ones in Japan. Too expensive. If you don't mind paying the price, I recommend you come right after they opened to ensure freshly-made tacoyaki. They would make extra, and put them in a warmer. I rather have freshly-made if I'm paying $9.50 for one. read more
6 years ago
Love this place!!! Come on in Everything so Good!!! Make fresh every order. Take about 15mins for cooking But definitely worth it! read more
7 years ago
Gantetsu-Ya is a great new addition Ganko Ittetsu Ramen restaurant group. I went around 1:45 pm on a weekday and there was no line--score! If you want to dine in, they have about 3 tables. Similar to its sister ramen restaurant across the hall, it's a cozy little nook that's perfect for grabbing a quick bite. I originally planned to get their signature takoyaki (delicious fried dough balls w/ octopus), but opted for the veggie okonomiyaki since my server said that would be more of a meal if I was really hungry (which I was.) They make a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki which I hadn't tried before! The style I'm familiar with has more flour and is more pancake-like in its consistency. This one swaps in noodles for batter, which was an interesting new twist for me to try. The dish is PACKED with flavor! At about $15, the okonomiyaki does feel a bit expensive for lunch, but it was a very generous portion--enough for me to pack my leftovers for another day. Regardless, I'll definitely be back to visit soon, and I'm looking forward to trying the takoyaki next! read more
6 years ago
7 years ago
Right across from Ganko Ittetsu, Gantetsu-Ya is a small, but authentic underdog restaurant! Specializing in takoyaki and okonomiyaki (think of a savory stuffed pancake), this restaurant brings the classic Japanese street food to Brookline. If you are ever looking for a quick bite, and the line is a little too long at Ganko, I would recommend this place, as the menu items are just as filling! Not to mention the vibes when you walk in definitely channel old school Japan with the music and decorations. I can't think of another place similar in the Boston area, and I know I will definitely be back! read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
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7 years ago
Very first time to have okonomiyaki and dakoyaki in Boston! I wish they also have beer as well read more
7 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
My boyfriend and I stopped in while waiting for our table for ramen across the way. We decided to split a negi-mayo okonomiyaki and it was delicious and filling. I'm glad we split one instead of each getting our own before our dinner. I thought the ratio of cabbage, egg, noodles, and pancake was good, contrary to other reviewers. The sauces were delicious as well. I would come back here to try other dishes on the menu. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
Come on Saturday night to checked out this new restaurant. Order 2 takoyaki, and one seafood okonomiyaki to share with my friends. The restaurant is little busy on Saturday night, my foods come out around 20mins. The foods are making to order, so the waiting time is reasonable. It's only 3 tables, and there is little counter you can stand and eat. The restaurant looks clean and nice, the food are hot and delicious, I think I will come more to try different flavors okonomiyaki. read more
7 years ago
The food is awful. We ordered the Okonomiyaki seafood favor but it too salted. Too much sauces on the top and Little pathetic shrimps for the "seafood". My friend said it would go to the trash can straightly. read more
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More info about Gantetsu-Ya
318 Harvard St
Unit 4
Brookline, MA 02446
Coolidge Corner
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(617) 505-6415
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