[Tokyo] 20 Popular Restaurants for okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), by Area

Photograph:ちっくと

Roppongi (Roppongi), an area with many upscale commercial complexes as well as bars, clubs, and other spots for adults to enjoy.

USHIO is a hidden okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurant with a chic and calm feel, even though it stands in the busy entertainment district right by Exit 5 of Roppongi Station.

Photograph:ヤッグ

A local favorite from the owner's hometown of Hamamatsu in western Shizuoka Prefecture, inaka-yaki (Enshu-style okonomiyaki) is popular.

This okonomiyaki contains takuan (pickled daikon radish), a Japanese pickle made by soaking daikon radish in seasoning and fermenting it. It has a nice texture and a gentle flavor.

Photograph:怪獣グルメ号

The healthy style of okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), made without oil and packed with plenty of vegetables, is popular with a wide range of people.

The batter is fluffy and light, and it is said to be so good you could keep eating piece after piece. The menu is varied, with standard okonomiyaki and shareable options like the heart-shaped "Special-yaki".

Photograph:ごっぴごっぴ

This is a popular restaurant run by a well-known okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) shop that started in Umeda, Osaka.

The name "Sante" reflects three "te" words: kite (come), mite (see), and tabete (eat), while "Kan" carries the meaning of relaxing.

Photograph:もぐ子のグルメ備忘録

The okonomiyaki batter is made with dashi from bonito, kombu kelp, and chicken bones. It brings out the umami and aroma of the ingredients, and with the fragrant grilling and the just-right richness of the sauce, it comes together in a well-balanced flavor.

Using that dashi-rich batter as a base, you can also enjoy modan-yaki (okonomiyaki with noodles) with a range of different fillings.

Photograph:yukos789

The most popular okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is the "Suji-yaki," made with beef tendon and green onions.

The beef tendon, simmered for 8 hours, is tender, and its fat soaks into the batter, adding rich flavor and sweetness, with a light and airy texture.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Rokumonya Honten, a hidden spot on the basement level of a building, is in a great location just a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s Southeast Exit.

The owner is from Osaka Prefecture, which is famous for konamon (flour-based dishes) made mainly with wheat flour. You can enjoy authentic okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), one of the best-known konamon dishes, right here in Tokyo.

Photograph:nene1999

The counter seats in front of the kitchen are popular because you can watch the okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) being cooked right in front of you.

Besides okonomiyaki, the menu is extensive, with items such as "negiyaki" made with tendon simmered for half a day and Kujo negi (traditional Kyoto green onions).

Photograph:とらグルメ

A lot of customers order the "mentai (seasoned pollock roe), mochi (sticky rice cake), and cheese okonomiyaki".

This dish brings together mentai, made by salting and seasoning Alaska pollock ovaries, mochi, a sticky rice cake passed down in Japan since ancient times, and cheese.

Photograph:ようへいBaby

Founded in 1980, Osaka-ya is an okonomiyaki restaurant that has been loved for many years in Kabukicho (Tokyo's famous entertainment district), one of Japan's leading nightlife areas.

They say you can enjoy both okonomiyaki and monjayaki (Tokyo-style savory pan-fried batter), a unique downtown Tokyo dish made by mixing cabbage and seafood into a runny batter and cooking it on a Teppan-yaki grill as you eat.

Photograph:ihe

For okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), you can choose whether to cook it yourself or have the staff cook it for you.

Because (Each) table comes with a Teppan-yaki griddle, the heat and the aroma of bonito flakes and the slightly sweet original sauce really whet your appetite.

Photograph:pop_o

The recipe for the "Modan-tama (modern-style okonomiyaki)" has stayed the same since the restaurant first opened, and it is one of the most popular items on the okonomiyaki menu.

The filling "Mix-tama" with the standard pork, squid, and shrimp comes with grilled thick noodles (yakisoba), making it a hearty dish, and it is served ready to eat.

Photograph:blakely

This okonomiyaki restaurant is located near Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Imperial Garden), a sightseeing spot in Tokyo’s Shinjuku area known for its beautiful garden scenery.

The interior has a calm monochrome style that makes you forget the bustle of the city, with a chic grown-up atmosphere.

Photograph:gogo0510_1979

For classic okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), visit Okonomiyaki Yamamoto Shinjuku Gyoen Honten.

They use roughly chopped cabbage for a crisp texture and natural sweetness, a fluffy batter with yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam), and a rich Osaka-style sauce.

Photograph:akkoxakko

They are also known for their Mukashinagara no Osaka Modan (traditional Osaka-style modanyaki), made with a soft batter and noodles, and Hiroshima-yaki (Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki), which is grilled by layering ingredients over a thin batter.

In addition, they have a wide selection of Japanese sake, shochu, and other drinks, along with plenty of snacks, so it is also a good choice when you want to have a drink.

Photograph:おちるグルメ

Kabukicho in Tokyo is lively both day and night. On the second floor of a building, you’ll find Okan, a hideaway-like spot with a Japanese modern feel.

The counter seats, where they cook okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) right in front of you, are popular for the fun live atmosphere that engages all five senses.

Photograph:wanwan626

The "Meibutsu! Tokusei Okan-yaki" is topped with plenty of Kujo-negi (Kujo green onions) sourced from Kyoto's Kamitoba.

The crunchy texture of the negi and the soft, airy batter made with tororo-imo (grated yam) are said to be irresistible.

Photograph:ぐるまに2020

The pink color of the mentaiko (spicy cod roe) sauce makes the "Hakata Mentaiko Cream Yaki" look great in photos. It is a menu item with many fans who get hooked after trying it once.

The sauce made with Hakata, Fukuoka's famous mentaiko, mixes with cheese and mochi (rice cake), making it rich, gooey, and stretchy.

Photograph:くま日記

Near Shinjuku-sanchome Station A5. This is the okonomiyaki brand of Grill Teppan-yaki Rush, a Western-style grill restaurant in Nagatacho, Tokyo.

Inside, there are counter and table seats overlooking the kitchen through the glass. The space has a Japanese feel, with a large carp painted on the wall.

Photograph:REG.2611

For the okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), they use dashi (Japanese soup stock), an essential part of washoku (Japanese cuisine). Cooking it on the Teppan-yaki griddle brings out the aroma of the dashi, creating Osaka-style okonomiyaki with a soft and creamy batter.

Besides the classic options, they also offer modan (okonomiyaki with noodles), Teppan-yaki dishes, and snacks that pair well with alcohol.

Photograph:とりっぴーの麺スタグラム

For okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), the simple standard "Teiban Buta-dama" is popular, with fluffy batter that goes well with thick cut pork.

You can also enjoy it with your favorite add-on toppings for an extra charge, such as medama-yaki (fried egg) and kimchi (Korean pickles).

Photograph:Julien

"Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake)" is made by steaming the ingredients, then finishing it by crisping up freshly boiled noodles on a Teppan-yaki griddle. It is a popular dish even among customers who know the authentic taste.

For Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, ika-ten (fried squid tempura bits) is said to be a standard topping.

The photo shows the Hiroshima-yaki Deluxe, made with ingredients such as shrimp and squid tempura and topped with green onions, plus an extra topping of Hiroshima's local specialty oysters (winter only).

In addition to okonomiyaki, you can also enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Hiroshima, as well as Hiroshima Japanese sake, shochu, and wine.

Photograph:Sayalog

In the stylish Ebisu area, known for its great food and shopping, you’ll find Fuwatoro Honpo Ebisu Ten, a restaurant serving okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes) from Kobe.

The interior has a cozy, homey, and welcoming atmosphere.

Photograph:dfc7f3

The photo shows their specialty fuwatoro-yaki (fluffy and melty grilled dish), which has become a hot topic for its uniquely styled presentation.

True to its name, it has a fluffy and creamy texture, paired with a slightly sweet sauce. Topping options include shrimp gratin and pork with mochi (rice cake) and cheese.

Photograph:aomc

The "Buta Modan-yaki (pork modern-yaki)" is a hearty okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) made with noodles inside.

They also serve negi-yaki (green onion pancake), a dish similar to okonomiyaki that is popular in the Kinki region. The restaurant's "beef tendon Negi-yaki" comes seasoned in advance, so you can eat it as is.

Photograph:ちーちーぱっぱちーぱっぱです

About a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, this okonomiyaki restaurant on the 9th floor of a building in Udagawacho has been getting attention for serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) in Shibuya, Tokyo.

With a stylish interior that feels like a cafe, this popular spot is easy to use for all kinds of occasions. There are table seats with plenty of room and counter seats where you can watch the cooking.

Photograph:金のミルク。

The okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) here stands out for its omelet-like dome shape, made with a carefully chosen grilling method for maximum visual impact. They cook it so the inside stays light and fluffy.

This restaurant, which got its start in Hiroshima, uses special noodles for its okonomiyaki that are sourced locally. The standard choice is “Denkosekka,” named after the restaurant, topped with ika-ten (crispy fried squid tempura flakes) and green onions.

Photograph:apon0426

This visually distinctive dish topped with an egg yolk is the Shibuya branch limited Hoijano. People say the creamy white sauce unexpectedly goes well with the okonomi sauce, and it is so tasty you can finish it in no time.

At this restaurant, you can choose either soba or udon for the noodles in your okonomiyaki.

Photograph:machand

Directly connected to Shibuya Station. This restaurant is located inside Shibuya Scramble Square, a hot topic for its observation facility with a sweeping view of Tokyo’s cityscape, including the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

At this restaurant, which originated in Horie, Osaka, they serve authentic okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), Teppan-yaki dishes, and Korean food.

Photograph:tk_Foods

The top okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) pick is the “Tamachan Deluxe-yaki,” which comes with pork, seafood, and bits of fried beef Horumon with the extra fat rendered out.

The batter inside is light and airy, and the sweet-savory sauce on top goes well with the mayonnaise.

Photograph:uuyooo

Since they start grilling the okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) only after your order comes in, it takes about 30 minutes to finish, so it is also a good idea to order Korean side dishes and other Korean food to enjoy with drinks.

Along with the "namuru (seasoned vegetable assortment)," they offer a lineup of menu items that are perfect for trying a little bit of everything, such as "Chanja" and "tako (octopus) no Kankoku-fu shiokara (Korean-style salted seafood)."

Photograph:dokuro900

Usagi is located near Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine) and Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park), surrounded by nature and offering an oasis-like escape in the big city of Tokyo.

Inside, there is counter seating where you can enjoy the Special feeling of seeing your food prepared right in front of you, and the friendly atmosphere of the staff is also well regarded.

Photograph:e916f297199

The okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is Hiroshima style, with a fluffy griddled batter, a sweet and fragrant sauce, and noodles.

In addition to the Hiroshima okonomiyaki classic Ganso Hiroshima-yaki (original Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki), you can also enjoy menu items made with Hiroshima ingredients, such as Miyajima-san kaki butter (butter-grilled oysters from Miyajima).

Photograph:mas@

The “Usagi Special” includes ikaten (crispy fried squid), a classic ingredient in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), and reviews say it is a popular dish that lets you enjoy an authentic local taste.

This okonomiyaki is made with plenty of Hiroshima-grown Takarajima negi (green onions), giving it a great texture and flavor.

Photograph:もへじい

It is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, in an area known as Ura-Harajuku (the backstreets of Harajuku), which is home to many unique shops and vintage clothing stores.

This restaurant sits next to the art-focused Design Festa Gallery. Another draw is its stylish and exciting interior, surrounded by paintings by young artists.

Photograph:0681e4

The style here is that you grill it yourself while looking at the how-to manual. Everyone can gather around the Teppan-yaki grill and have a fun, lively time.

The menu offers a wide variety of Teppan-yaki dishes, and the most popular is the okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) called "Sakura-yaki," which contains 7 ingredients including sakura ebi (small dried cherry shrimp) and pork belly.

Photograph:かえるとかえる

The Japanese style Yamatoimo no Tororoyaki (grilled yamatoimo topped with grated Japanese mountain yam) is also recommended, finished with a sticky tororo made by combining grated yamatoimo (Japanese mountain yam) with dashi.

This restaurant also offers completely pesticide free wild herbs as toppings, and their unique flavor adds a nice accent that makes it even better.

Photograph:マッハのオススメごはん

In Shibuya, where there is a wide variety of places to eat and drink, this is a well-known restaurant for Hiroshima okonomiyaki that has been going for more than 20 years.

It is in a hidden away location on the third floor of a building. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy well-reviewed dishes such as okonomiyaki, kaki (oysters), and basashi (horse sashimi).

Photograph:TAKU

The okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) that the pros cook on a large Teppan-yaki griddle has an authentic taste and texture you just can’t get at home.

The "[Standard] Nikutama Soba" made with fresh noodles delivered from Hiroshima is said to have nice chewy noodles. You can choose either soba or thick Japanese udon noodles made with wheat flour.

Photograph:きのぴちゃん

They also serve "Kansai-yaki," a mixed style okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) made with agedama (tempura bits) and ika-ten (fried squid tempura).

The "Kansai-yaki Special" is a rich okonomiyaki topped with popular additions like mentaiko (spicy cod roe), mochi, and cheese.

Photograph:大江戸2010

This okonomiyaki restaurant is located inside an antenna shop in Fuchu, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its specialty is Bingo Fuchu-yaki (Bingo Fuchu-style okonomiyaki), an okonomiyaki made with ground meat.

Processed local foods, wooden goods, and other local specialties are sold next door, so you can enjoy both shopping and dining.

Photograph:Manjar

Bingo-Fuchu-yaki (Bingo-Fuchu-style okonomiyaki) is a local specialty of Fuchu City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Instead of pork belly, it uses ground meat, and the rendered fat makes the noodles turn out crispy.

The “NEKI” Yaki 1 (Bingo-Fuchu-yaki (Bingo-Fuchu-style okonomiyaki)) is said to have the crisp texture and rich flavor of ika-ten (fried squid tempura flakes) as a nice accent.

Photograph:schmitt14

At this restaurant, which many people visit for lunch, the recommended choice is the "[Classic!] Nikutama Soba (Bingo Fuchu-yaki-style okonomiyaki)" and a half-size okonomiyaki selected from the list.

People like the good value of this lunch, which lets them enjoy popular menu items all at once.

Photograph:茶柱健之助

The Yurakucho area is home to a wide range of facilities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

This restaurant is a standalone house-style restaurant with a modern exterior, set a little away from the busy area. Inside, it has a lively yet stylish atmosphere.

Photograph:Love Meat Tenderloin

The interior is decorated with autographs and photos of celebrities, and this popular restaurant draws many customers.

The okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) is cooked on a thick Teppan-yaki grill and is said to recreate the taste of Osaka. They are particular about ingredient selection and dashi (Japanese soup stock), and cook it slowly over low heat for about 20 minutes.

Photograph:モリ食べログ

The signature item is Pachipachi-yaki (original savory pancake), an original okonomiyaki made with a batter of chicken bone broth and bonito dashi, mixed with potatoes and tenkasu (tempura bits), which are made from bits of batter left over when frying tempura.

It is topped with a house-made sauce containing plum paste, and it is said to have no strong distinctive flavor and be easy to eat.

Photograph:ともりん24924

Located inside Ueno Onshi Koen (Ueno Park), known for its zoo, museums, and the views of Shinobazu no Ike (Shinobazu Pond). It is on the second floor of Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace, which houses cafes and restaurants.

That makes it a good pick for lunch while sightseeing or dinner on the way back.

Photograph:HISEKI

With the careful grilling technique of skilled artisans, they make Osaka okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) that is crisp on the outside and light on the inside.

The sauce, an essential part of okonomiyaki, is said to be a slightly sweet original sauce.

Photograph:ともりん24924

From standard options like butatama (pork okonomiyaki) and ikatama (squid okonomiyaki) to creative choices like the “Tomato Okonomiyaki,” the lineup makes choosing part of the fun.

The visually striking “Mentaiko Cheese Okonomi” uses mentaiko (spicy cod roe) from a famous shop founded in Hakata.

Photograph:blakely

Near Tokyo Daijingu (Tokyo Grand Shrine), known as a power spot for enmusubi (matchmaking) and love fulfillment, is Hiroshima-fu Okonomiyaki Momijiya.

This is the Honten of a popular okonomiyaki restaurant with several locations across Tokyo. The interior is dotted with touches that give it a traditional Japanese feel.

Photograph:mackeytblg

Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) grilled by experienced staff. They also place importance on ingredient selection, such as changing the production region and variety of cabbage depending on the season.

In addition to okonomiyaki, they offer appetizers such as Teppan-yaki and Hiroshima-na (Hiroshima traditional leafy greens), which you should definitely enjoy with sake from Hiroshima.

Photograph:令和クインテット

The okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) called "Momijiya Special," which gets great reviews, is packed with ingredients like shrimp, squid, and pork.

The soba noodles use original custom made thin noodles with a chewy texture, and they are said to balance well with the thin batter and chunky ingredients.

Photograph:miyu1013

At the L-shaped counter with the Teppan-yaki grill right in front of you, you can watch okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) and Teppan-yaki come together.

The smell and sizzle rising from the Teppan-yaki grill really whet your appetite, and the authentic local feel is hard to resist.

They bring in many ingredients from Hiroshima, including vegetables such as negi (green onion), noodles, and sauce, in pursuit of authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake).

In addition to the standard okonomiyaki, they also offer options such as the "Nebaneba-yaki," made with natto (fermented soybeans), a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food, and yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam).

Photograph:ちま｜グルメ記録簿

The "Kurahashi Special" is a popular okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) filled with several ingredients including shrimp, squid tempura, and meat, with melted cheese that stretches nicely.

The soba noodles are grilled until crisp and fragrant, making it very satisfying to eat.

Photograph:サンチェス3460

Hanako Iidabashi Ten has counter seats and tables suited for groups, so it works well for many kinds of occasions.

The menu is wide ranging, with Hiroshimafu okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style savory pancake), dishes unique to Hiroshima, and local sake from Hiroshima and Yamaguchi.

Photograph:r i n a_

The okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) uses Domestic pork with a clean, not overly rich fat, and the batter is carefully made with the flavors of dashi from kombu powder and kezuri-bushi powder.

Even with the hearty volume from the noodles, it is said to stay tasty all the way to the last bite.

Photograph:n.maeda624

"Kokutaiji-yaki" is this restaurant's original menu item, popular for how the juicy flavor of pork jowl goes well with the sweetness of cabbage.

It pairs noodles fragrantly cooked with spicy lard and sauce from Hiroshima. They also offer the "Kaiware Tappuri Kokutaiji," which adds shiso leaves and ginger for a fresh, easy-to-eat finish.