Okonomiyaki? Okono-Me-Like-y!

Our first contender is Kiji! Take a seat at the counter, ask for the Modanyaki (モダン焼き, a Yakisoba-filled pancake), and grab a beer to ease your restless hunger while waiting. The third generation of chefs in Kiji wield their spatulas on the griddle, flipping the pancakes right in front of you. The sizzle and scent of beef, shrimp, and pork from all the orders tempt everyone nearby. The Okonomiyaki is served fresh from the grill—as it should be. The flavors of the Yakisoba and special brown sauce, matched by the crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside textures make a powerful combo. Take another swig of your beer and you have a knockout!

• +81 6 6361 5804

• 9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
  大阪市北区角田町9-26

• https://shinume.com/shop/%E3%81%8D%E3%81%98/

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In the other corner, Fukutaro brings its toughest champion: their Negi-yaki (ねぎ焼き, a green onion-filled pancake)! Instead of cabbage, Fukutaro pours out a pile of green onion on the grill in between two layers of batter. The dough is firm and not too fluffy, while their sauce is thinner but very pungent. Even skeptics who stay miles away from the smell of onions can enjoy their Negi-yaki because of the quality of Fukutaro’s ingredients—there’s no unpleasant smell!

• +81 6 6634 2951

• 2 Chome-3-17 Sennichimae, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
  〒542-0074 大阪市中央区千日前2-3-17

• http://2951.jp/en/

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Yamamoto also serves a Negi-yaki that leaves only a refreshing aftertaste. Their secret solution is a lot of soy sauce and a hint of lemon! Stuff your face with as much as you want because of how much lighter Negi-yaki is than ordinary Okonomiyaki. They sprinkle in a little meat to make things more interesting, along with the green onions and shredded yams. When you finally get full, you can just order a bit more and take it home with you!

• +81 6 6308 4625

• 1 Chome-8-4, Jusohommachi, Yodogawa-Ku, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府大阪市淀川区十三本町1-8-4

• http://www.negiyaki-yamamoto.com/

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When your home is too far away, Ajinoya will be there for you. Founded in 1965, the restaurant has been in the family for four generations. They serve their Okonomiyaki extra fluffy and with extra love—that’s because Ajinoya is a play on two Japanese words, “taste” and “house” with the “mother’s taste” in mind. Ajinoya has a lot to offer for the hungry wanderer, but shoot straight for a mix of Okonomiyaki (the seafood or pork is a must), Modanyaki, and Negi-yaki! It’s also loads of fun to watch the servers make the Okonomiyaki at the table. Their fluffy pancakes are due to the whopping pile of cabbage and lack of touching the pancake while it fries. A sweet, spicy sauce finds an opposite tang in the mayonnaise. Bring your friends with you and don’t be shy to scarf everything down together!

• +81 6 6211 0713

• 1-7-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府大阪市中央区難波1-7-16

• http://ajinoya-okonomiyaki.com/top/

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At this point you’ve tasted Yakisoba-, Scallion-, and meat-filled Okonomiyaki. Mizuno amps up the yam factor with their Yamaimo-yaki (山芋焼き), served with pork and scallops. They’ve been serving people at their counter for 60 years. Only ten people at a time are fortunate enough for a seat at Mizuno’s counter so lines can get pretty long. Brave it, and you will be thoroughly rewarded with a tummy-full of “Osaka soul food” (a.k.a. fluffy Okonomiyaki)!

• +81 6 6212 6360

• 1-4-15 Dohtonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
  〒542-0071大阪府大阪市中央区道頓堀1-4-15

• http://www.mizuno-osaka.com/index2.html

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Just as hard to book—if not harder—Jibundoki is a coveted table to dine at in the city. Their grills are always busy with Steaks, Teppanyaki (iron-plate grilled) and Okonomiyaki. There’s also a lot of booze around to go with your feast, whether you’re a beer buff or wine lover! Start off with the Ebi Pan, little baguettes topped with shrimp, to prepare for the star of the meal: their Okonomiyaki. Jibundoki’s pancakes puff up like soufflés, and their steak is ideal for the heavy eater who wants something heftier. All-in-all, the three go together perfectly.

• +81 6 6253 1661

• 4-5-11 Minamikyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

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Tucked in Korea Town, Omoni serves up some Japanese goodness. Their Okonomiyaki is moist and smoky, with plenty of chopped cabbage, pork, shrimp, and squid. Even with all the meaty stuffing, their batter isn’t weighed down and manages to stay light and fluffy. Drown your Okonomiyaki creation with all the special sauce your heart desires!

• +81 6 6485 7662

• 4-20 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
  〒530-0011 大阪府大阪市北区大深町4-20 グランフロント大阪 南館

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It’s your turn to take the spatulas and make your own Okonomiyaki at Hatsuse! They rent out private rooms to patrons looking for a little more alone time with their nearest and dearest crew. The restaurant has been in business for 60 years, letting patrons D.I.Y. their meal. The menu offers a clear explanation. This means you can add as much sauce as you want! Their special potion is a concoction of Worcestershire sauce and sweet sake.

• +81 6 6632 2267

• Second Floor, Hatsuse Building, 11-25 Sennichimae, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
  大阪市中央区難波千日前11-25 はつせ ビル2F

• http://www.hatsuse.net/

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Vin Ju Tei elevates the dining experience by inviting a wine sommelier to pair their Okonomiyaki with some fine wine. With a dish as adaptable and versatile as Okonomiyaki, the wine list must keep up—that’s why they have more than 30 kinds of wine to choose from. Savor their cheese fondue-Okonomiyaki creation with a special glass of Vin Ju Tei’s finest bottle.

• +81 6 6347 1017

• 1-2-24 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府大阪市北区曽根崎新地1-2-24 ニューウメダビル1F

• http://www.vin-jutei.com/

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From the elegant to the fanciful, Yukari places all its creativity on the griddle. Creamy cheese overflows over their Cheddar Cheese and Mochi Okonomiyaki. Kimchi gives a kick of spice and sumptuous pork belly. Their Indian Okonomiyaki is packed five different sausages and earthy curry flavors. Take a taste on the wild side where your taste buds will be tingled, Yukari’s guarantee.

• +81 6 6311 0214

• 2-14-13, Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
  〒530-0057 大阪市北区曾根崎2-14-13 (お初天神通り)

• https://www.yukarichan.co.jp/

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Osaka’s working force all meet at Shin Umeda’s own Okonomiyaki restaurant, Sakura. Their hearty Okonomiyaki has everything in it: yam in its dough, and shrimp, squid, octopus, and egg mixed in with the cabbage. Sakura keeps it simple, knowing that the perfect way to unwind after a long day is in the little things—like a big mug of cold beer and a hot snack to go with it.

• +81 6 6364 7521

• ９-10 Kakudacho, Kita, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府大阪市北区角田町9-26 新梅田食道街

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Somewhere between Umeda Station and Osaka-Uehonmachi Station, locals draw to the shops, working up an appetite. Mifune offers a post-shopping, drop-after-you-shop spot. Their Okonomiyaki is quick, tasty, and an utter bang for your buck—a blessing to those bled dry by their armful of bags. Their Modanyaki is the carb-overload that pumps a new round of energy. Skip the mayonnaise on this one, Mifune’s owner recommends.

• +81 6 6361 2603

• Hankyu Higashi-dori Shotengai,1-17 Komatsubaracho, Kita, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府大阪市北区小松原町1-17

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Those scrapped for time to explore Mifune can just stay at Osaka-Uehonmachi Station, where Madoka keeps busy from open to close. From the moment their doors let patrons in, the seven seats inside the shop are occupied. Classics like Pork, Shrimp, or Squid Okonomiyaki are a quick filler for the sudden cravings. On the other hand, their Mystery Okonomiyaki offers an extra thrill for the adventurous commuter looking for an equally risky choice.

• +81 6 6773 3937

• 6-3-31 Uehonmachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Japan
  大阪府 大阪市天王寺区 上本町 6-3-31

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