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!**

" Fantastic experience! Everything from the food to the ambiance was wonderful. The okonomiyaki is unlike anything else I've had in the US—it felt genuinely authentic. The service was friendly and prompt, and the restaurant itself was very clean. I would recommend getting a mix of different styles for the table. The desserts were an unforgettable ending to our meal! " (*Curated Review*)

" I absolutely loved my visit to Gaijin! The staff were not only knowledgeable but friendly as well. The okonomiyaki was spectacular—creamy, savory, and satisfying. I tried the shrimp Osaka-style and it was memorable. The only downside was the dessert selection—while my mochi donut was good, it didn't quite match the rest of the meal's excellence. Overall, a fantastic experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" Amazing okonomiyaki! I went to Gaijin with my family, and we loved everything about the experience! We started with the twice-cooked garlic and veggie korokke, both vibrant and tasty. The okonomiyaki stole the show, particularly the Hiroshima style. The service was attentive, but we had to wait a bit for our drinks. The portion sizes felt generous, especially when sharing. I would absolutely recommend Gaijin for an enjoyable meal in a unique setting! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had such a great dinner at Gaijin! The okonomiyaki was delectable, and I enjoyed the fresh ingredients used in the preparation. The atmosphere created a delightful dining experience, and I thought the prices were quite fair. If I could change one thing, it would be to offer larger portions to share. I would love to have tried more dishes. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic visit overall, and I'm excited to return! " (*Curated Review*)

" The atmosphere at Gaijin is so cozy and welcoming! It felt like a slice of Japan right in Chicago. The okonomiyaki was delightful, but I found the portions a bit smaller than expected. However, I loved the flavors and variety available on the menu. The service was prompt, though they could improve by checking in more frequently during the meal. Overall, a great experience! " (*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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