Gaijin

Q: Does Gaijin offer gift cards?

Gaijin does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.7

75 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 2, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 30 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Innovative
Great for creative cocktails

Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. A self-described gaijin, or “outsider” in Japanese, Virant playfully embraces this perspective and honors traditional preparations and techniques, as well as his well-known passion for pickling and preserving.

Designed to deliver a lively and interactive culinary experience, the 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service.

The dessert menu features kakigori, a shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue-Gaijin collaboration house lager, sake, Japanese whisky, and wine.

We can’t wait to see you at Gaijin!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Okonomiyaki, Asian
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 265-1348
Website
https://gaijinchicago.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood
West Loop
Parking details
None
Public transit
Morgan Green Line

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Experiences

Chef Collaboration Night: Paul Kahan
Dec 20, 2024 only
Gaijin is thrilled to welcome James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan in on Friday, December 20, for the fifth installment of our Chef Collaboration series! Chef Paul will be in house from 6 - 8 p.m. to showcase his osaka-style okonomiyaki special created with Chef Rob Levitt of Publican Quality Meats. This is a one-night-only opportunity you won't want to miss!
Collaboration Night: Rob Levitt
Dec 19, 2024 only
Gaijin is thrilled to welcome Chef Rob Levitt of Publican Quality Meats in on Thursday, December 19, for the fifth installment of our Chef Collaboration series! Chef Rob will be in house from 6 - 8 p.m. to showcase his osaka-style okonomiyaki special created with Chef Paul Kahan. This is a one-night-only opportunity you won't want to miss!

Offers

Try Our Happy Hour Specials Starting At $5!
Multiple dates available
Mon - Thu - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., for selected highballs, sake, draft beer, starters and share plates, starting at $5. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.

What 75 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Gaijin offers a remarkable Japanese dining experience with creative dishes and a lively ambiance. Guests rave about the "best okonomiyaki in the city" and the "phenomenal" service, especially from staff like Orlando. The restaurant is perfect for exploring unique flavors, with many patrons eager to return for more.

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Gaijin using the Order Online button.

Gaijin is rated 4.7 stars by 75 OpenTable diners.