Gaijin

Name: Gaijin
Address: 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60607
Telephone: (312) 265-1348
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

77 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Gaijin

4.7

$30 and under

Japanese

West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Lively

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, 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
Neighbourhood
West Loop
Parking details
None
Public transit
Morgan Green Line

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Experiences

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!
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!

Offers

Try Our Happy Hour Specials Starting At $5!
Multiple dates available
Mon - Thu - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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 77 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
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Gaijin offers a unique Japanese dining experience in Chicago, famed for its authentic "okonomiyaki" and "creative menu." Guests praise the "delicious food," "charming atmosphere," and "attentive service," particularly from standout servers like Orlando. While vegetarians may find limited options, the diverse menu and vibrant ambiance make it a must-visit.

77 Reviews

L
Lauren
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything start to finish was perfect! This was my 3rd time dining there and each time I have come with different people who have all loved it and have been return customers. Our servers suggestions were all perfect. I will absolutely be back with more first time diners. Keep up the great work Gaijin!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Good food - really bad service! Waiter was annoyed and condescending when we asked questions about the menu.
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a
alice
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
delicious food, great atmosphere, all staff was so kind and welcoming.
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F
FRANK
Chicago
93 reviews
vip
5.0
93 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Can’t go wrong at Gaijin! Absolutely delicious food and very reliable service. It’s great the way new collaborative menus keep the offerings fun and interesting. Our server, Milan was outstanding.
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J
John Karl
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Okonomiyaki, just wish there was more ability to customize the order. Hiroshima-style seafood mix option?
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T
Taylor
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, atmosphere, and people. Highly recommend anyone goes to gaijin.
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D
Denise
Chicago
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sat at the counter and saw all the action which is so fantastic!!!
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J
Jai
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
3.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
We were all vegetarian and wanted a good experience. While many of the veggie options are ok, everything had a strong smell of eggs, which two of our party did not enjoy. The food was reasonably tasty. I would not recommend this to a vegetarian.
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J
Justin
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always delicious and just a great dining experience. Kind staff, fun atmosphere.
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A
Allyson
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food is amazing, be ready to eat family style. Tons of options and a lot to customize exactly how you want it. Drinks were expensive but good. Only complaint is how hot it is inside because of the proximity of the kitchen and the heated tables to keep food warm and fresh.
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FAQs

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

Gaijin is rated 4.7 stars by 77 OpenTable diners.

Gaijin does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Gaijin

4.7

$30 and under

Japanese

West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.