Umeda Okonomiyaki Izakaya Fuwatoro — Restaurant in Osaka

I arrived as a hungry solo eater (traveller) craving an Okonomiyaki - after having two amazing ones already in Osaka (all under ¥1500), I assumed that this would be another delicious, quick, & great-value dinner. But, sadly, it was not. Hear me out, so you can see through the hype and decide.

I can only assume that this place has such great reviews because of the novelty decor, music, instagram instructions in English (which, when you look through the dazzle, are just used to avoid hiring any other staff - I had to have a random guy change the beer pump for me), as well as the really enthusiastic owner - but the Okonomiyaki was simply not good. And I came for good food.

I feel like the other reviews here are all from foreigners trying an Okonomiyaki for the first time and not knowing any better (it’s also next to two big hotels & comes up highly reviewed, which simply means more people flock), but, seeing as it’s in the name of the restaurant, it’s crazy that it was so mediocre.

Maybe the other food is delicious, but I tried TWO Okonomiyaki’s from this place (my own and one given to me by another table, as they ordered too much), and BOTH were under- seasoned & particularly UNDERCOOKED (no light fluffiness at all - see pic); basically plain and a raw texture. Yes, you can add sauce & seasoning yourself, but the core mix was simply bland - and you can’t cook it more yourself (other places it sits on a hot plate, so it DOES cook more). Again, I’m comparing to the two other places which were delicious WITHOUT any addition.

As a foreigner, I had to Google to check if it’s normal to be so undercooked (only warm in the middle & still doughy/eggy), and this was NOT the case - nor what I experienced with the two other places. If I hadn’t been so hungry, I would have left half. I took the second one home in case my partner was starving come home late at night. But the food needed up just being filling for a hungry stomach and NOT a Japanese culinary experience.

Even the novelty of your topping neon cooked separate and putting it on top yourself for me just doesn’t work - you basically get the basic Okonomiyaki, and just pour stuff on top. Also, I ordered the “beef ribs” which were just beef slices which, again, seemed undercooked (warm, not hot) & tough. Not great for the amount of great beef there is around.

Beyond the food, for some reason I waited 45mins for my order whilst two more tables who came after me, including a table with FOUR Okonomiyaki (the ones who gave me one more in the end) were served before me. It seems that groups get priority here, and solo eaters get less attention. Just my experience. I’m y order card was also forgotten, so I waited even longer trying to figure out how to order.

I hate to leave such a contrary review, but if you’re looking for a really GOOD Okonomiyaki, this is simply NOT the place. You’ll find others without gimmicks - just good food. He said ”hope to see you tomorrow” and, upon entering, I did really expect to come back with my girlfriend. But, after the food, sadly I won’t. I wish you all the best in keeping you 4.9 star review, but to do so you’ll need to improve your...

I went to this restaurant without knowing anything about it: I didn't know what I was in for and I ended up loving it so much! The owner/manager runs everything by himself and is an absolute legend. He's super friendly, energetic and cheerful. I wasn't aware that this restaurant had gluten free okonomiyaki and I told him I was allergic and couldn't eat it. He very kindly explained to me that it was in fact gluten free and was very patient listening to the little Japanese that I can speak. He also speaks a little bit of English, thanks to that the communication wasn't a problem at all.

I don't know how to describe the restaurant except for chaotic in the best way possible. On the wall next to my table there was a hate comment that the manager printed and it made me laugh so much. The restaurant is full of little details like that which makes it so special. I didn't drink alcohol but the system seemed fun. The food is great but the portions are HUGE! When in doubt, go for the small size. My group made the mistake of ordering an okonomiyaki for each of us. We had to ask the manager to keep the remaing one, it was impossible for us to eat it (he wraps it for takeout if you prefer).

It's so rare to see a restaurant with 4.9 in Japan, but now that I went here I can understand why this one is so highly rated. I want to come back when I visit Japan again, I wish this restaurant all the success in the world. Thank you so much for the experience, manager! Wishing you...

Food was great - tasty with large portions

Tips for fellow travellers: restaurant is located on the 2nd floor. Watch around for signs. dining space is tight and may not be comfortable for some people this place is run by 1 guy who does the seating, cleaning and cooking - this guy's energy is electric! this restaurant is self serve - when you are seated, he'll tell you to scan a QR code which leads to his Instagram page and tells you how his restaurant works. I'll save you some time by outlining it for you: Food - you order food at the front (there is an English option on the machine with pictures of the food). You will get a ticket and you give it to the restaurant owner. He will call you once your food is ready. Yes, you have to pick up the food at the counter yourself. Drinks - you get your own drinks at the drink station. Make sure you use the appropriate mug/cup for the drink that you want (signs are found at the drink station). All drinks are the same price whether you get beer, pop or cocktails (you make your own). When you get a drink, you also grab a ping pong ball for each drink and place it on the egg carton you have on your table. You pay for drinks before you leave by giving the egg carton (with ping pong balls) to the owner. You'll pay via machine again (same machine as with the food).

There's an inside joke in the restaurant about the owner being ugly - He is not...