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

72 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

20:00

Booked 36 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Innovative

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!

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Okonomiyaki, Asian
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 16:00–22:00 Sat, Sun 11:00–22:00 Happy Hour Mon–Thu 16:00–18:00
Phone number
(312) 265-1348
Website
https://gaijinchicago.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

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

Gift card

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Offers

Try Our Happy Hour Specials Starting At $5!
Multiple dates available
Mon - Thu - 16:00 - 18:00
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 72 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 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.

72 Reviews

T
Taylor
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
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
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
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 6 days ago
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 6 days ago
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 7 days ago
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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S
Shannon
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I am coming back for that Sesame Yuzu ice cream dish. Incredible.
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D
Daniel
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Overall experience was phenomenal! Will definitely come again.
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S
Samantha
London
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic meal and experience. Menu was so innovative and delicious. Staff super friendly, space was fun. I can't say enough good things- everyone in our party loved every dish. Have never had preparations or combinations like this-amazing. We are excited to get back soon. Great drink and dessert menus, also.
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T
Timothy
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have eaten at Gaijin many times and each time has been exceptional. Paul Virant and his team provide quality food that complements all aspects of the meal. I look forward to visiting all of Paul's restaurants, as I know I'm going to enjoy the food, atmosphere and the staff. This restaurant is a JEM and don't be afraid to venture out to his suburban locations. Enjoy
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The BEST: incredible food served by the most kind and thoughtful people, and a lively, fun atmosphere! We adore Gaijin!
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FAQs

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

Gaijin is rated 4.7 stars by 72 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.

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

20:00

Booked 36 times today