Gaijin

Japanese Restaurant $$ 4.6 (1132)


Gaijin is a unique dining experience specializing in okonomiyaki, offering a blend of Hiroshima and Osaka styles. Many patrons highlighted the authenticity of the dishes, likening the flavors to those found in Japan. Customers appreciate the fun, interactive dining setup with table grills, while the service is generally reported to be attentive and friendly.

Overall:

4.5

(917 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.6


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (312) 265-1348

Address: 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" My experience at Gaijin was fantastic! The quality of the okonomiyaki was impressive—very authentic flavors that transported me back to my travels in Japan. The Hiroshima style was my personal favorite, packed with umami flavors. The dessert options were equally delightful; the mochi donuts were a must-try. Service was attentive and friendly, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. The only aspect I noticed was that the restaurant could be a bit busy, so reservations are a good idea. Overall, it was a wonderful night out. " (*Curated Review*)

" Visited with my friends and had a fun time! The food tasted fresh and was beautifully presented. The okonomiyaki was packed with flavor and the experience of cooking it ourselves at the table was a blast. However, I found the portions to be a bit on the small side, so be prepared to order a few things if you're sharing. Overall, I will certainly be going back! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was very pleased with my experience at Gaijin! The atmosphere was vibrant and cozy, and the unique grill setup at our table added to the charm. The okonomiyaki had a rich flavor, and everything felt very authentic; it reminded me of my travels in Japan. Portion sizes were decent too! While we had a wonderful time, my only regret was not ordering more for dessert. I will be back for sure! " (*Curated Review*)

" This was my first visit to Gaijin, and I'll tell you: it was phenomenal! The okonomiyaki was perhaps the best I've ever had outside of Japan. The service was incredibly prompt, and the atmosphere was very inviting. We got the Hiroshima-style with the yakisoba and it was visually stunning as well as delicious. Although I'd prefer slightly larger portions, I felt satisfied with what we ordered. The dessert options are also fantastic—don't miss out on the mochi donuts! " (*Curated Review*)

" An absolutely charming dining experience! Gaijin immerses you in Japanese culture through not only the food but the entire atmosphere. The flavors were authentic and delightful. I particularly loved the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. The only downside was that it took a while to get our drinks. Still, the staff was attentive, and the ambiance couldn't be matched. A must-try for culinary enthusiasts! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (907)

" I finally made it to Gaijin after hearing so many great things! It didn't disappoint! I loved watching the okonomiyaki being prepared right in front of us—such an interactive experience! We also tried the special on the menu, which was wonderful. The staff were all super friendly and made us feel welcome. I would recommend this place but would suggest coming in groups so you can try more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a gem of a restaurant! Gaijin has a fantastic vibe and the staff are the friendliest. I really enjoyed the okonomiyaki, especially with the added yuba. I felt the prices were fair for the quality of food served, but the portions could have been slightly larger considering how delicious everything was. Still, I would 100% recommend visiting! A delightful culinary experience awaits you. " (*Curated Review*)

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