It’s our first time trying okonomiyaki. It’s pretty good especially the Osaka style. We enjoy the shaved ice and mochi donut too. We were hoping that the shaved ice is in the shape of bear as saw in other review, but it’s not. A little disappointed but still yummy! There is black sesame ice cream with strawberry syrup and some black sesame sweat cracker. Our 5 year old daughter was shocked by the fact that they just served the okonomiyaki on the heated surface on the table. And we had twice cooked garlic with crackers for appetizer. Overall, it’s a nice new experience that we probably won’t get much in other restaurants.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Nomadicus
Gaijin brings a fun, energetic pulse to its corner of Chicago with a hip, warehouse-style setting that suits its playful take on Japanese comfort food. The space buzzes with activity, highballs flowing, and an open kitchen vibe that fits the restaurant’s modern, approachable spirit.
Service was warm and friendly from the moment we walked in, the kind that makes you feel like you’re in good hands even before the food arrives.
We came specifically for the signature savory Japanese pancakes, and they delivered—delicious, generously sized, and packed with flavor. But the real showstoppers might just be the desserts. The mochi donuts and shaved ice creations are eye-catching, wildly fun, and worth the visit all on their own.
Gaijin is a great stop when you want something casual but still inventive, with plenty of personality on the plate and in the room.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bridget
The food is heavy for my taste, but the staff is great and it was interesting to sit at the counter and watch the chefs working.
Alec B
Really good okonomiyaki. Was craving it after coming back from Japan and this is as close you can probably get in Chicago!! Highly recommend!!
Food: 5
Bianca
We both were so excited to come here... but we both agreed there was so much MSG , we were so uncomfortable and ended throwing away our leftovers.
Amlan Raja
Excellent food! Excellent Service! And really creative drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
GEORGE
Amazing service and delicious food. A must try restaurant in Chicago. We recommend it hands down.
Felipe
Took my wife for a surprise date (one of her favorite restaurants) and we loved it. It was Gaijin's 6th anniversary and they had a delicious five course meal. Can't wait to go for another special event of theirs.
Elijah
Thank you so much for always taking the best care of us! This was my 10th time dining in personally, and my grandfather's 1st - we really enjoyed! Happy 6-year anniversary and thank you!
Aaron
Skip the Beef and Pork Belly Osaka, as there is extremely little of either of those meats on top of the pancake they are served with. Be aware there is a 3% service charge. They base their tip percentages on top of the total amount of bill plus tax plus service charge. Service was very good.
We had a decent experience at Gaijin. It's a casual spot and the pancakes were tasty, just more thick and fluffy than crispy. The drinks and desserts were definitely the highlight very different and memorable! The only thing that threw me off was the $3 charge for using a clean prep area for my shellfish allergy. It felt a little unfair. Other than that, worth a visit
Muselet Wine Bar
HH Highball FTW
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel
Great food as always. The service was attentive but relaxed. Great place to bring friends.
Marie
Gaijin has always been one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, since the beginning. The professional staff address all of your needs and serve the meal in a timely fashion. Also, the atmosphere at Gaijin is quite special, everyone is animated and full of lively conversation. A perfect evening out!
Loco Jay
Great food. Good service. I'll go back.
Started with the chicken karage, which was tasty. Then shrimp noodles, which were also delicious. Went with two Osaka style okonomiyaki (octopus and beef). Both really nice and creamy and delicious. Then a shaved ice with black sesame I've cream in it. Also really good. I left full and happy.
It’s our first time trying okonomiyaki. It’s pretty good especially the Osaka style. We enjoy the shaved ice and mochi donut too. We were hoping that the shaved ice is in the shape of bear as saw in other review, but it’s not. A little disappointed but still yummy! There is black sesame ice cream with strawberry syrup and some black sesame sweat cracker.
Our 5 year old daughter was shocked by the fact that they just served the okonomiyaki on the heated surface on the table. And we had twice cooked garlic with crackers for appetizer. Overall, it’s a nice new experience that we probably won’t get much in other restaurants.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Gaijin brings a fun, energetic pulse to its corner of Chicago with a hip, warehouse-style setting that suits its playful take on Japanese comfort food. The space buzzes with activity, highballs flowing, and an open kitchen vibe that fits the restaurant’s modern, approachable spirit.
Service was warm and friendly from the moment we walked in, the kind that makes you feel like you’re in good hands even before the food arrives.
We came specifically for the signature savory Japanese pancakes, and they delivered—delicious, generously sized, and packed with flavor. But the real showstoppers might just be the desserts. The mochi donuts and shaved ice creations are eye-catching, wildly fun, and worth the visit all on their own.
Gaijin is a great stop when you want something casual but still inventive, with plenty of personality on the plate and in the room.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is heavy for my taste, but the staff is great and it was interesting to sit at the counter and watch the chefs working.
Really good okonomiyaki. Was craving it after coming back from Japan and this is as close you can probably get in Chicago!! Highly recommend!!
Food: 5
We both were so excited to come here... but we both agreed there was so much MSG , we were so uncomfortable and ended throwing away our leftovers.
Excellent food! Excellent Service! And really creative drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing service and delicious food. A must try restaurant in Chicago. We recommend it hands down.
Took my wife for a surprise date (one of her favorite restaurants) and we loved it. It was Gaijin's 6th anniversary and they had a delicious five course meal. Can't wait to go for another special event of theirs.
Thank you so much for always taking the best care of us! This was my 10th time dining in personally, and my grandfather's 1st - we really enjoyed! Happy 6-year anniversary and thank you!
Skip the Beef and Pork Belly Osaka, as there is extremely little of either of those meats on top of the pancake they are served with. Be aware there is a 3% service charge. They base their tip percentages on top of the total amount of bill plus tax plus service charge. Service was very good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a decent experience at Gaijin. It's a casual spot and the pancakes were tasty, just more thick and fluffy than crispy. The drinks and desserts were definitely the highlight very different and memorable! The only thing that threw me off was the $3 charge for using a clean prep area for my shellfish allergy. It felt a little unfair. Other than that, worth a visit
HH Highball FTW
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food as always. The service was attentive but relaxed. Great place to bring friends.
Gaijin has always been one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, since the beginning. The professional staff address all of your needs and serve the meal in a timely fashion. Also, the atmosphere at Gaijin is quite special, everyone is animated and full of lively conversation. A perfect evening out!
Great food. Good service. I'll go back.
Started with the chicken karage, which was tasty. Then shrimp noodles, which were also delicious. Went with two Osaka style okonomiyaki (octopus and beef). Both really nice and creamy and delicious. Then a shaved ice with black sesame I've cream in it. Also really good. I left full and happy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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