# Gaijin > Gaijin — Japanese restaurants in Chicago, IL. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/gaijin-20571 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Japanese - **Location**: Chicago, IL - **Address**: 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607 , US - **Phone**: 13122651348 - **Website**: https://gaijinchicago.com - **Coordinates**: 41.885776, -87.65179 - **Claimed**: claimed - **Vibes**: Intimate, Buzzing, Cultural, Cozy ## About Gaijin, from Chef Paul Virant, holds the distinction of being Chicago's first okonomiyaki restaurant, located at 950 W Lake St in the West Loop. The menu centers on both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of okonomiyaki, the customizable Japanese savory pancake griddled with cabbage, noodles, vegetables, proteins, and toppings like dancing bonito flakes. Guests also rave about the kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert served with flavors like sesame yuzu, yuzu syrup, and honey sesame brittle. The space carries an intimate yet buzzing energy, well suited to date nights, group hangouts, and happy hour visits. A $25 lunch special rounds out the experience with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. ## Highlights - **Chicago's first okonomiyaki** — Both Hiroshima and Osaka styles are served, each with distinct textures and toppings. - **Epic kakigori desserts** — The sesame yuzu kakigori with black sesame ice cream is a guest favorite in the city. - **Vegetarian-friendly menu** — A wide range of vegetarian options makes it a standout for plant-based diners. - **Intimate, buzzing atmosphere** — The cozy West Loop space works beautifully for date nights and group hangouts alike. ## FAQ ### Where is Gaijin located? Gaijin is located at 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, in the West Loop neighborhood. ### What type of food does Gaijin serve? Gaijin specializes in okonomiyaki, a customizable Japanese savory pancake griddled with ingredients like cabbage, noodles, pork, shrimp, fried eggs, and dancing bonito flakes. The restaurant serves both Hiroshima and Osaka styles, so you can choose the version that suits your taste. The menu also features yakisoba, share plates, and kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert with flavors like sesame yuzu and honey sesame brittle. Starters and share plates begin at $5. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Gaijin on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### What are popular dishes at Gaijin? Diners consistently praise the Pork Belly Okonomiyaki and the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for its noodle-forward structure and bold flavor. The octopus yakisoba and veggie yakisoba are also crowd favorites. On the dessert side, the sesame yuzu kakigori with black sesame ice cream, yuzu syrup, strawberry compote, and honey sesame brittle has earned a reputation as one of the best desserts in the city. ### Does Gaijin offer a lunch special? Yes, Gaijin offers a $25 lunch special that includes an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, so you get a full experience at a set price. ### Is Gaijin good for special occasions or group dining? Gaijin suits a wide range of occasions, from date nights and happy hour to group hangouts and casual visits. The intimate yet buzzing atmosphere in the West Loop creates a lively setting that works well for both small groups and larger gatherings. ### Do I need a reservation at Gaijin? Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome if you prefer a more spontaneous visit. ### How can I contact Gaijin or learn more? You can reach Gaijin by phone at (312) 265-1348 or browse the full menu and make reservations at gaijinchicago.com. ## Reviews ### chicagotreets — 1.3/5 · Mar 31, 2022 Checking out restaurant week! Sadly we didn’t enjoy the food (too bland) ### jnewberries — 4.5/5 · Aug 9, 2024 Visited @gaijinchicago - Chicago’s first okonomiyaki and kakigori restaurant. Okonomiyaki are basically Japanese savory cabbage pancakes. They are layered with tasty textures and ingredients. It was good to dig in. We got… Blue matcha better kaki-tail Shinshu Spirit kaki-tail Octopus yakisoba We got the Osaka-style okonomiyaki with beef (cdk 21-day dry-aged slow-cooked beef). Pandan coconut mochi donut ### user_51472e — 4.3/5 · Sep 20, 2025 We loved the octopus ### cxkang — 4.3/5 · Aug 25, 2025 Pretty authentic okonomyaki restaurant in Chicago. They serve osaka and hiroshima style okonomyaki! I personally recommend hiroshima since I enjoy the noodles that adds more structure. ### drkareneng — 5.0/5 · Apr 16, 2023 Love this place. Okonomiyaki is great along with bok choy and soy roasted garlic. ### chi.veg.girl — 4.0/5 · May 8, 2024 So many delicious vegetarian options, a huge hit during restaurant week too! ### duke — 5.0/5 · May 3, 2025 This dessert is epic- sesame yuzu kakigori with black seasame ice cream, yuzu syrup, strawberry compote, honey sesame brittle and a snowcap. ### okamandako — 5.0/5 · Nov 10, 2025 My favorite dessert in the city - a Japanese shaved ice ### user_b038ac — 4.3/5 · Jan 31, 2026 Overpriced okonomiyaki. Taste is good though. ### dee.luxee.eats — 5.0/5 · Apr 5, 2024 Chicago’s first Okonomiyaki restaurant in the West Loop @gaijinchicago is a must try! The flavor profile is literally off the chart! Everything was amazing from the Kimchi down to the Mochi Donut Holes! My favorites were the Veggie Yakibosa & Pork Belly Okonomiyaki. I highly recommend this place for a date night or group dinners.