Okinomiyaki is one of my favorite dishes that I always get when I'm in little Tokyo in LA. It's basically a savory Japanese pancake that generally has cabbage and eggs, and can be customized with different toppings, meat, etc. I was stoked to see a pop up doing this dish in the Bay Area! I had the basic but added mushroom to it. It was delicious, though next time I would add hot sauce for a kick. Definitely check this place out if they are popping up near you. read more

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Sunday, December 15th, 2024 11:00 seafood okonomiyaki ($17.00): cabbage, bacon, scallops, shrimp, okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, bonito - delicious with great ratios of seafood, cabbage, batter, and sauces - bacon was crispy on the edges, which were my favorite part gyoza ($9.00 for 5): chicken, leek, and mushroom filling - dumpling skin was very thin and ripped when I separated the dumplings - I wish my order of gyoza had more time on the grill because their bottoms weren't very browned nor crispy Service: - order with the lady (pay in cash or with Venmo) and wait 15-20 minutes before picking up your order - it was ran by a couple and their daughter, who were all very sweet Ambiance: - pop-up at Sfizio, which had indoor/outdoor seating available - Okkon's stand was set up outside Sfizio read more

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Okanomiyaki is my favorite comfort food from the motherland. Who wouldn't love a savory pancake full of all sorts of tasty fillings? Of course, the best one I've had was in Osaka at a small cafe called Chitose where they make the traditional Kansai-style okanomiyaki with all the fillings mixed together (review: https://yelp.to/2vO84oTqQr). You can find it stateside in a handful of Japanese eateries, but... It was usually disappointing because it was just a side item on a bigger menu. Chewy, burnt. However, Satoshi and Sachi Kanimae, married Japanese ex-pats who own this pop-up operation, are the real deal because they know how to make it right. Initially I was puzzled by the oblong shape of their okanomiyaki since I just know the round ones. But the geometry didn't affect the taste. It was exceptionally delicious. Jamie W. and I stopped by during Oakland PRIDE, and I ordered the $17 Seafood Okanomiyaki while Jamie went for the $15 Basic. Both shared a base of organic flour, egg, green onion, and shredded cabbage fried with pieces of pork belly. It was slathered with Satoshi's own barbecue-like glaze in place of the usual Worcestershire sauce. It was then drizzled with mayo and topped with bonito flakes. The seafood version added shrimp and chopped octopus. It took Satoshi about twenty minutes to meticulously prepare our food which was served on simple paper trays (photo: https://yelp.to/XvLurNvsnt). The result was genuinely satisfying with a crispy exterior and a pancake with abundant flavors and a nice chew. They also make yakisoba, so we'll definitely be back. FOOD - 5 stars...stellar okanomiyaki that would be a hit in Osaka AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars..,nice fit among the art galleries in Uptown SERVICE - 5 stars...very friendly and attentive...be aware they're open JUST on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only until 5PM TOTAL - 5 stars...this is the real thing and quite oishii RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ read more

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If you enjoy waiting on the sidewalk for 45 minutes, after hearing them tell everyone it'll be 15 minutes, for a small order of 2 okonomiyaki, about the size of a snack, only to discover that they didn't start cooking half your order and waiting an additional 10 minutes after the 45 minutes, then receiving your food without any acknowledgement at all about the failure in customer service, then you'll probably love this. It's to die for if you enjoy that! It did taste very nice, for which an extra star was earned. read more

Oishii desu! I finally made it to an okkon pop after following them for a whole year on instagram. They were in my neck of the woods here in Piedmont at umami mart. The line was thankfully short, and the familiar faces I've seen so often on insta worked laboriously behind the counter, flipping noodles and pancakes on the mobile skillet, taking orders, greeting everyone. How could the okonomiyaki have let down? It was crispy, juicy, satisfying, I only wish I had some more. I saw the gyoza being made, it was perfectly crisped, browned, and served with scallion garnishes. I didn't have any since today it was pork only, but I'm going to chase them around some more so I can get my hands on the vegetarian gyoza and try the yakisoba too. read more

Waited 1.5h for okonomiyake. Still not sure why I did this but I guess they are hard to come by. In the end it was solid but not great and I would have been pleased had I not waited for so long. read more

I've been following Okkon over many years from pop-up to pop-up all over the East Bay and this has always been a yummy treat. While the okonomiyaki is the star of the show -- I find the basic Okonomiyaki with a beer to be an excellent combination, try and visit them when they are at a brewery, this review today is about their gyoza. The skin, thin and very supple, browned and crispy on the bottom, wraps a moist filling. Just delicious as is. Come early as they to run out. read more

Okkon - Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

So glad we got to try the Okkon pop up at forage kitchen! Atmosphere is great as always, even on a very rainy day. The owners created a very friendly vibe and chatted up customers. Just recently came back from Japan and already missed the food so this satisfied the cravings. Definitely a lot pricier than what I had in Japan, but both dishes were perfectly cooked and warmed me up. Okonomiyaki $14 Yakisoba w/ egg $16 read more

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Okkon is a unique find if you love unique Japanese food! They're located within Forage Kitchen near lots of galleries. There's a casual outdoor space to enjoy your meal and they've just introduced some new menu items. We loved the mushroom miso stuffed peppers! read more

Okkon - New dish! Peppers stuffed with mushroom miso! - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

This is good. Sauce is good. We added shrimp. Nice and sweet. The okonomiyaki is cut into bite sized pieces so it is easy to eat or share ( though you will want one all to yourself) We also tried the asparagus special : meat wrapped around asparagus and served with good miso. It is not fast food. There is one chef and one small grill. Wait times vary widely. Today we only waited 15 min. They go to various locations so check their Instagram. They are not always and soba Ichi. Compostable dishes and chopsticks Bathroom varies by location. read more

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Yuuummmmmm the okonomiyaki from Okkon are legit tasty! They're also super customizable so you can add or not add all the toppings you want. Also they're probably the sweetest couple ever and always super nice and considerate. I definitely recommend adding cheese and mochi, those are always a must add for me. It gives the okonomiyaki a great texture and works well with the flavors of everything else. The only downside is that the portions are not super filling for the price, but it's definitely worth a try! read more

Okkon - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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The best okonomiyaki without having to go to the city. The family serving and making the food were very nice and canned rose with the food was also good. read more

Okkon - Okonomiyaki - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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Found this place after working out in Oakland and this place was alright. The owners were super friendly and polite but the food was a little bit underwhelming. We ordered the vegetarian yakisoba, seafood okonomiyaki, and basic okonomiyaki. The yakisoba was good since the flavor was nice and the portion sizing was pretty justifiable for the price. The okonomiyaki was a bit upsetting. The portions were definitely on the smaller side compared to what I've had in other places (for a better price as well) and it wasn't amazing flavor wise. Didn't have a ton of fillings and just a lot of batter and sauce. For the basic one we asked for extra pork belly but we couldn't tell where it was. Tasted as if it had the same amount as the seafood one, which didn't have extra pork belly. I did like that they had outdoor seating and decent amount of street parking since it's tucked away from the main street. Don't know if I'll come back but glad I checked it out. read more

Okkon - Vegetarian yakisoba - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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The portion size is really small for the price, but I'm really happy to have a okonomiyaki destination here in Oakland (and such a quaint one at that)! The okonomiyaki and dumplings were delicious and fresh, and the customer service was really friendly. It was perfect for a post-climb (at the nearby Pacific Pipe gym) meal. My husband and I had an okonomiyaki each and shared an order of their dumplings. You can either pay cash or pay them via Venmo. Okkon is currently located in front of West Oakland's fellow Japanese joint, Soba Ichi. While you wait for your eats, head two doors to the left to grab some drinks and sweet treats at Magnolia Mini Mart! I love how all these Japanese businesses have banded together. It's a quiet neighborhood with plenty of free street parking around. read more

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Okkon is a must try if you're in the east bay. Their okonomiyaki is one of my favorite variations of the dish. Fresh, yet gluttonous at the same time. Their specials used seasonal vegetables and were cooked to perfection. read more

Okkon - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

I arrived at Temescal Brewery on a Wednesday to try Okkon's okonomiyaki. $11 nets the base okonomiyaki (Osaka style) with add-ons available for $2-3 more (all prices include tax). I ordered one okonomiyaki w/salted cod roe (明太子お好み焼き) for $14. Since each okonomiyaki was made to order, I was able to fetch and drink a beer before receiving my order. Taste-wise, the okonomiyaki, as expected, tastes like bonito, kewpie mayo, and a lot of umami. Notably, it tastes like the random okonomiyaki I consumed around Shin-Osaka. This overrode my initial concerns about cost. $14 might be a touch expensive for a regional specialty, but I'll definitely be back for more The pop-up possessed quite the mom & pop charm, with a handwritten menu and notes and the owner's kid hanging around nearby. Note - cash only read more

Okkon - pop up stall - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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Finally got to try Okkon & I definitely would return. It's a little pricey for the portion size, but I'm glad there's a spot to get okonomiyaki not too far from home! You can order one of their specials, have okonomiyaki customized, or you get the basic version! I got one of the specials and my friend got the basic one and we shared an order of gyoza. It was all really yummy! Food is all fresh and made to order and you pay using cash or via Venmo. Thanks for the noms, Okkon. Definitely would come again! read more

Food is so amazing, the family that runs this pop up are very friendly. If you're stopping by, definitely you have to try the seafood okonomiyaki and yakisoba. The noodles and sauces are made in-house, the quality definitely shows. The location is very low key with an outside patio and outdoor heaters for windy days. Great for kids! read more

Okkon - Osaka Style Seafood Okonomiyaki - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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The okonomiyaki was delicious! I didn't get a chance to take a photo because I just couldn't wait to wait to eat it. You can customize yours but I didn't. The only downside is that there is a long wait time since they are a husband and wife team. One makes the food while the other takes the orders. They are cash or Venmo only. Street parking wasn't hard to find. My order: Basic Okonomiyaki read more

Okkon - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

Exquisitely made, delicious food. The flavors were out of this world! You can tell a lot of care is put into each order. I wanted to try this pop-up for a long time, and followed them on instagram to a recent pop-up at Novel Brewing Company in Oakland. I had the okonomi yaki, Japanese savory pancake, with no add-ons. It was perfection! I would go anywhere to have this food again! read more

Okkon - OKONOMI YAKI - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

An excite family pop-up at my favorite soba spot. The okonomiyaki has great flavor with nice, crispy pork belly. The pickled red ginger gives it a nice, little kick to round it all out. The gyoza may be a little on the small side, but it is full of flavor. Comes with a nice vinegar dipping sauce. I'm coming back again to try the okonomiyaki with the different toppings they offer. read more

Okkon - Okonomiyaki and gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

This is a re-posting of a previous review that was originally posted under the pop-up location (Temescal Brewery), where you can also view my photos. I'm​ re-posting this directly under Okkon's Yelp business page. Okonomiyaki is​ a savory egg-based Japanese pancake​​. It's a very popular snack found throughout Japan and Asia. Of course, okonomiyaki​ goes well with a beer, hence their presence at pop-up locations that are alcohol-centric, like the Temescal Brewery, where I first had the pleasure of enjoying their okonomiyaki's​, made completely from scratch and made right in front of​ you. They're all made by a hardworking (pop-up) Japanese​ husband and wife team (accompanied by their adorable young daughter), who literally work non-stop serving an endless line of folks who are there just for their delicious homemade okonomiyaki. These are darn good!! The okonomiyaki is individually made to order, so expect a wait. You can add various toppings such as mochi, mentaiko (cod roe), and mushrooms (which I got). On one visit, I waited 45 minutes on a beautiful day when apparently many many other people also came out to enjoy these pancakes and the beautiful weather. What I enjoy most about the okonomiyaki is the slightly crispy crust. Unfortunately, when I've had them at other places, they tend to come out soft, or even soggy. Not these! They're served both crisp and piping hot, straight off the griddle. They also had gyozas I was interested in trying, but quite frankly, I wasn't up for waiting another 45 minutes for them. They're definitely popular a popular item here too. This is definitely one of the best okonomiyaki I've had stateside. I will soon be back for more, very soon!! read more

Perfection. My wife and I first had okonomiyaki in Tokyo sort of by accident and were blown away then but never found some to match the balanced and well proportioned okonomiyaki we had then. It is the type of thing you can have too much of if the portions are too large and if it's not done extremely well so it can turn you off for a while which is why you need to get it here. When we had Okkon's it was like being transported to Japan for the delicate and bold flavor that wowed us then and we were surrounded by the Bay Area locals that brighten our day so this was just a great experience all around. Going back next week. Too good read more

Not only just Okonomiyaki but their Gyoza was AMAZING. I'll definitely come back here.

Okkon is finishing it's run at Soba Ichi & friends. since okonomiyaki isn't widely available, Okkon was one to try. 45 minute waiting time. spent the time watching people and dogs eat, including a big dog literally wolf down a big dish of plain shaved ice. eats: Buta tama(12) -made with house made sweet & savory sauce, pork belly, avocado oil mayo, egg, cabbage, green onion, flour, mountain yam. topped with red ginger. -this renditon was unique. hard to judge it with others. flour wasn't present in previous experiences. -customizable with mochi, cheese, shrimp, etc. -deliz once one got used to taste and temperature..... read more

We came to Okkon's pop-up at Soba Ichi two days after reading the article https://www.berkeleyside.com/2019/07/25/okkon-oaklands-family-run-okonomiyaki-pop-up-gets-the-props-it-deserves in Berkeleyside. The Okkon web site advertised the pop-up as follows: - Soba ichi & Friends - 7/13, 7/27 Saturday 11:30pm~3:30pm @ Soba Ichi 2311A magnolia street, oakland When we arrived at the scene around 1PM, the Soba Ichi property looked like the area around a central Beijing subway station at rush hour. There was Hawaiian shaved ice and a taco stand, plus Okkon, Soba Ichi itself and what seemed to be another independent Japanese pop-up near the entrance to the restaurant. The bar area inside Soba Ichi was getting heavy attention from the crowd, as was the unique rest room on site, which is just next to the bar. We stood in line at Okkon and managed to place our order just before Sachi put up a SOLD OUT sign. I ordered a "basic pancake" with shrimp and roe -- the shrimp goes inside the pancake and the roe on top. We were told that our orders would be ready after 45 or 50 minutes; in fact, the Kamimaes were sufficiently slammed that it took them around an hour to get to our orders. I checked in about a half-hour after ordering to see how things were going. Sachi told me that there was not going to be enough shrimp to include any in my pancake but that I could have mushroom or cheese instead of shrimp (and get a $1 refund). I asked for mushroom and motioned to indicate that the extra $1 should go in the tip bucket. Fifteen minutes later, it seemed that the mushroom was going to run out before my pancake was made and that I would have to settle for cheese as my add-on (instead of mushroom or shrimp). I said that I was fine with all this. As it turned out, the mushroom supply lasted long enough that I could get some in my pancake. We were served a bit after 2PM. I'm relating this shaggy-dog-like story mainly to describe a fairly chaotic pop-up. Seriously, though, what can you expect when Berkeleyside makes you famous? The bottom line here is that my okonomiyaki was totally delicious. While my appreciation of this delicacy was surely enhanced by the long wait that preceded my first bite, I am confident in saying that the quality of my little pancake justified the drive down to West Oakland and the one-hour wait for my lunch. read more

Okkon - The Okkon team at work. They SOLD OUT soon after we placed our orders. - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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The food here is amazing and I want to come back right away! I especially enjoyed the nikumaki. Lovely atmosphere and wonderful people. read more

Okkon - Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

Amazing food made with love. The chef cooks with quality ingredients and the people are so warm.

I've never tasted okonomiyaki and soba noodles as authentic as the ones served at this place! It's an incredible pop-up spot that truly stands out. read more

I just tried this place for the first time and was delighted! The okonomiyaki is delicious, and so were the gyoza. Everything is reasonably priced and the staff is friendly. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I'll definitely be returning here! read more

I like simple menus and if they only have one item it's a safe bet that it's gonna be pretty good! Okkon hits those marks with additional toppings you can add to your okonomiyaki. I'll save you the trouble and just say get all of them added! Great texture from the mochi and the crispy bits of the pancake. The shrimp gave it the meatiness while the roe provide a bit more depth of flavor overall. Really takes me back to japan, specifically in Osaka. There's this one okonomiyaki spot and Okkon brings those memories back! read more

Great people working the make shift pop up. Egg pancake was very good and had plenty of shrimp. For a pop up with little overhead I dont know if the 15 price tag provides the value. If you are in the area or see them around you should give them a try. read more

Okkon - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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Is this restaurant/popup still happening in the Bay Area? It's so special, so delicious, such a kind vibe! The okonamiyaki this sweet family serves is world-class and the best in the Bay, as far as I've tasted. read more

I'm used to eating this in Japan, where you cook it yourself in an izakaya while downing giant steins of Asahi, but honestly this is much better than any okonomiyaki I've had in Japan. Tidy, much more so than when you, a tipsy amateur, are trying to make it. Slightly crisp crust, fluffy interior. Melange of flavors: salty, slightly sweet, umami. Best to eat it there to capture its ideal texture, but we took it home once and it still had great flavor. They also have really great pork gyoza. You can also get some soba to take home while you're waiting for your okonomiyaki to cook - they make it to order. (Currently a popup at the great Soba Ichi.) read more

I say this with no hyperbole: eating here was one of the most mind-blowing culinary experiences of my life. Admittedly, I've been to relatively few restaurants since March 2020, and maybe my senses have forgotten what professionally-cooked food tastes like...but it's far more likely that this is just truly amazing food read more

It's really a pretty good okonomiyaki, I just wish it was cheaper (or perhaps larger). The seafood + pork belly one I had for lunch was great. The crispness of the pork belly and tenderness of the squid were a wonderful combo. But at $17, it probably shouldn't have left me still a bit peckish. But it's not like great okonomiyaki is growing on trees around here so perhaps the prices are justified by the scarcity. read more

Came here on Sunday mainly for Soba Ichi next door, but also wanted to try an okonomiyaki. Went in line, and I was second to the front when they told everyone that they sold out of it. I sat back down at my table nearby and finished the drinks we had ordered at Soba Ichi. A few minutes later, the "sold out" sign was gone, and they were selling again, so of course I hopped back in line. I purchased a pork belly okonomiyaki and gave them my name to call out when ready. I saw the girl who ordered before me get her order so I was excited that we were next. We waited patiently, and when my name was finally called, the lady apologetically said they had run out of vegetables and miscounted and that she would need to refund me... BUT there was a party that ordered well after me and received their okonomiyaki! Idk, got rejected twice in one day, I guess it wasn't meant to be. A little disappointed and annoyed but what can I do.. read more

Okkon - Japanese Near Me - Oakland, California

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Food and service are amazing! Great indoor and outdoor sitting areas. Would definitely come back for more delicious okonomiyaki :)

Okonomiyaki was good, no complaints about how it tastes. However, we had to wait an hour and a half for it. This was due to the long line and the fact that there was only one person making the food and one other taking orders. Personally not a fan of waiting that long for what is supposed to be considered street food. read more

It's so hard to find Okonomiyaki in the East Bay, I swear. And when you do find a place that does it, they don't do it very well. What is a Okonomiyaki you may ask, well it's basically a Japanese savory pancake containing all sort of variety of ingredients. Okonomi is a direct translation of "the way you like it" and Yaki is "Grill" but, you can call it "the way you like it pancake" Usually topped with Kewpie mayonnaise, okonomi sauce, and shaved bonito. We found Okkon through Yelp after my partner was craving it for a while. They were doing a pop up at Ale Industries and we made a date to attend and satisfy our Okonomiyaki cravings. The pop up is a small family ran business consisting of the husband who is the main chef, his wife who takes all the orders and deliver your meal, and their daughter hanging out as their parents works to feed the masses with their delicious options. The food: The Okonomiyaki and the Gyoza is as good as you can get when it comes to authenticity, it's like going to your Japanese friend's house and their parents make the dish, yes, that authentic. The time it takes for the chef to mix and cook your food to getting it to you take a little long but, that wait is definitely worth every minute as you watch him mix in all the ingredients you asked for and cooks it to perfection you can see how proud he is once they're done and how much time he puts into each individual okonomiyaki. You know it's going to be good just by watching him do his thing. This is fusion done right, the authenticity of the culture and mixing in fresh local produce to create something inspiring. I got the Okonomiyaki with Fish roe, my partner the okonomiyaki with shrimp, and a order of gyoza. We're told the okonomi sauce is house made, the produce is locally sourced, and some ingredients imported. If you've never had Okonomiyaki, you'll have to try it yourself. The depths of flavor that's in this pancake created with toppings you want ($2-$3 per topping) this definitely holds true to the okonomi namesake. The in-house made sauce is sweet yet savory that compliments the pancake. The gyoza is packed full of meat, the wrap is made tightly and perfectly while it's cooked just the same, perfectly. The stand alone Okonomiyaki is $10 before perferred toppings, trust me, it's worth every penny. The portions are large and he gives you plenty of the additional toppings you ask for. End food review. If you've never had Okonomiyaki i would recommend you check Okkon website or Instagram and find their next pop up and pop your cherry with their legit Okonomiyaki's and other dishes. I can't wait to go back and have some more. The family is extremely friendly and honest, they ran out of an ingredient and immediately told us, she said that she'll refund us the difference but, we told her it was okay. She still came back and gave back the difference. read more

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