Okonomiyaki Kiji — Restaurant in Osaka

I do not usually leave reviews, but I was appalled at the abysmal service that I am inclined to share my experience so others may make an informed decision.

I chose to eat here because of the high rating and good reviews - pictures taken with the owner made it even more credible and I felt a sense of assurance that I would be welcomed despite being a foreigner. My mother and I entered the store around 4.20 p.m on a Tuesday, and there was no queue. We were directed to our seats, and we sat down without issue. The owner (the one that appears in the pictures) was very, very friendly, even trying to accomodate us by using some english. As a foreigner in Japan, I was very thankful for that.

Afterwards, I asked in Japanese whether there was an English menu. The other staff simply shook his head. We were okay with this, but were confused as to how to order because the menu shown on the walls only listed ingredients. Maybe that's normal, but no one approached us to ask for our order, and we waited foolishly at the counter for 15 mins. We tried to call for their attention, but was also ignored. At this point, we both wanted to walk out, but felt it was inappropriate to after they both served us complimentary tea. Both of us were trying our best to google translate the menu on the wall when we saw a pair (they were tourists as well) on the left show the owner pictures of what they wanted. When we decided to do the same, the staff pretended not the hear us, looked away and continued preparing orders for the other table. The owner was occupied with orders for other tables at this point of time.

Finally, we managed to get someones attention and just pointed to whatever they were already frying so that we could just eat already. Honestly, I think some of the kitchen staff were not able to speak Japanese or English. That's okay too, but isn't it rude to not respond after I thanked them (in Japanese!) at every point of their service? Moreover, two of the staff kept giving me the side-eye and snickering and muttering under their breath. We were very uncomfortable and just wanted to leave quickly.

As such, we were severely disappointed by the whole situtation. I wouldn't attribute it to the fact that I'm a foreigner, since there were a couple of other groups of tourists that seemed they were having a decent time. Food was quite good as well. However, I would advise avoiding this place unless you are being served by the owner. We truly loved him and his energy, but I couldn't say the same for the...

We were looking forward to this experience as it had overwhelming reviews all around.

The wait- tremendously long. We waited around 1.5h, however we expected it from other reviews mentioning this and thought it would be worth it. Very surprised to see an elderly man coming all alone to wait just as long to eat at this establishment. Part of the reason why we thought the wait would be worth the food.

The service itself was decent. I could tell that the workers and the owners were caring. I am not giving the two stars out of five based on the service. Perhaps that night was an overwhelming for the restaurant because I felt that the workers - while trying to provide proper service, looked stressed and swamped. But based on the number of reviews I would have imagined that this is something that they were used to…

I would not recommend coming to this place with a large group. They only have two ‘big’ tables that will only seat four people. If you have 4 or more, you may be waiting extra longer if that spot is still taken by a group…. Which is exactly what I have witnessed.

I saw a group of 6 wait in line ahead of us (around 4-5 groups ahead). When we got in to sit down, I realized that the big group were still waiting inside watching everyone eat, to be seated while smaller groups after them would be seated first. The tragedy in this was for me and my friend to be seated at a 4 person table first before the large group got seated. I believe the owner should have considered other options to seat the party or something - the group ended up waiting probably around 2 hours in total, only to leave in frustration, hungry and smelling like grilled food.

Because of all this chaos, I can’t even remember the taste of the food.

I am sure if I came in early on another day, my experience would have been different and the food worth it… but based on my experience … not worth it.

If I had the option of going back or trying out another okonomiyaki restaurant, I would choose trying a different place.

Not here to throw shade at the restaurant - just sharing my experience for others looking through all the reviews and seeing only overwhelmingly positive ratings and expecting...

Went to the one in Shinumeda Food City. Thought the food was okay, but certainly not worth the 1.5hrs wait. Wish we went to the other location under Sky Building, which is larger and less wait.

The reason for the wait lies in the tiny hole in this wall establishment that is nested in the upper corner of the real estate. The restaurant only seats 16 tops, and waits to fill all the seats, takes orders and cooks up all at once. No additional food orders can be made after initial order and food is served on hot plates. Then they wait for all 16 to clear the space before they bring in the next lot. If you have a curious group of foreigners who will take a long time to savor their meals, you’ll likely to wait longer. Our group was all Japanese, and they unceremoniously ate swiftly, paid up and left. We were the slower eaters but even then, it was about a 30 min dining experience for 1.5hrs wait.

Menu is basic Okonomiyaki, but pretty sure the chain restaurant we had the Hiroshima Yaki style did a better job, faster service and memorable meal than this one, which felt a bit like a touristy attraction. Almost waited for the restaurant to start moving on wheels, it was so small. I think the lines help create the mystery and draw, but not sure if I’d do that again.

Steep stairs and cash only, a very old establishment which has its charm but def not kid friendly and where they make you wait is out in the distant corridor, as they can’t have people wait outside...