Gaijin
Okonomiyaki and kakigori in Chicago's West Loop
Ranked #2 in Japanese restaurants in Chicago.
Gaijin is a restaurant in Chicago.
Gaijin is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. The 60-seat space features a custom griddle and individual table griddles for an interactive dining experience.
At a glance
| Wheelchair access | Step-free access throughout |
| Map | OpenStreetMap |
| Best for | diners seeking traditional Japanese comfort food |
From Gaijin's own website and OpenStreetMap.
Company facts
| Social profiles | X, Facebook, Instagram |
Facilities and features
Its website also mentions:
- Online booking
What stands out
The restaurant offers three unique kakigori flavours.
“At Gaijin, we offer three unique kakigori flavors:”Gaijin, own website
The bar program showcases highballs and sake.
“The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue -Gaijin collaboration house lager,”Gaijin, own website
Worth knowing before you book
The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
“Monday CLOSED — HAPPY HOUR —”Gaijin, own website
How it ranks
Gaijin is ranked 2nd of 10 in Japanese restaurants in Chicago (Lister Score 76.7).
#2 in Japanese restaurants in Chicago · Lister Score 76.7
Gaijin is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake.
2.5 km from the centre of Chicago.
How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; how complete its published information is 18; location 12.7; rating it publishes 6.
“OKONOMIYAKI AND KAKIGORI IN CHICAGO’S WEST LOOP”Gaijin, own website
“Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake.”Gaijin, own website
| Rank | Japanese restaurants in Chicago | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niu B | 81.9 |
| 2 | Gaijin | 76.7 |
| 3 | sushiDOKKU | 73.8 |
| 4 | Mikami | 71.1 |
| 5 | Tamashii Ramen | 68.7 |
| 6 | Mako | 68.0 |
| 7 | Omakase Yume | 67.1 |
| 8 | Sushi-san | 67.1 |
| 9 | Ramen-San | 65.4 |
| 10 | Kimura Japanese Cuisine | 64.6 |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gaijin?
Gaijin is in Chicago.
How does Gaijin rank on Lister?
Gaijin is ranked 2nd of 10 in Japanese restaurants in Chicago (Lister Score 76.7).
Is Gaijin wheelchair accessible?
OpenStreetMap records step-free access throughout at Gaijin.