Okonomi Asian Grill — Restaurant in Fairfax

Can confidently say this is one of the worst restaurants in Fairfax. Not even Keith Lee could save this place, which is crazy considering most restaurants that Keith Lee showcases, they blow up. But this place even after getting the best shout out is still empty days on end. And you can’t blame the location either because there are places in worse spots that do just fine. For example one that’s extremely similar to this concept is HawaU in manassas. Their location is not posh at all it’s in a run down mechanics park but they’re killing it.

Here’s the issues with Okonomi: The restaurant: when you walk in you’re greeted with a wall, the colors are generic and off putting, random partitions in the space, and barely any decor. The menu is far from where you order and it also is difficult to understand it just looks like a whole bunch of words jumbled together.

Service: don’t expect any, leave it at that, teenagers with airpods in their ears, they don’t seem happy to be there so why should I as a consumer?

Food: I’d gladly snap a pic of my trash can and post it on google but I’d rather not. The mac salad is horrendous, it’s literally terrible, it’s mushy tastes spoiled, and has no credibility at all. It was so so so so so so so soooooo bad. The rest of the bowl is just random veggies that no one truly wants to eat but it makes it look instagrammable. Protein and rice were whatever just extremely average.

Overall: this place needs a concept and menu change, the food doesn’t look appetizing online nor is it good when you get it. The restaurant is huge, but I doubt families come in, I can see them being a lunch spot or fast casual dinner, but there was no one there at 12pm on a Monday prime lunch time. There’s just nothing that makes you desire this food, id recommend ditching the whole health vibe, seriously fix the mac salad, and maybe do better bowl style foods like Bebop down the street, or HawaU. You have a grill throw some sandwiches in there, not sure but I and a lot of others probably would try this spot once and that’s it.

Also the owner doesn’t respond to reviews whether good or bad, and someone posted on Facebook saying their opening time is inconsistent. I fear okonomi may not last unless some big changes are made.

And to preface I don’t like leaving bad reviews but come on the food was literally terrible, Luke warm, and...

I hope you're not planning to dine in because this place has like 4 or 5 tables inside! It's more of a take-out place and it's a good one at that. If Asians sell KBBQ Chipotle-style, this would be it. I ordered everything on their menu for a big family dinner and I liked almost all of them. The ginger chicken with garlic rice combination takes the crown for me. It tasted super delicious and made me feel like I'm getting all the good nutrients. It's very light and healthy. The corn salsa is also another ingredient I recommend. I thought bibimbap would taste good but unfortunately, that one is at the bottom of my list.

I like that touch of fresh mint leaves with the grilled meat. The smell and taste were heightened by it. I live 20 minutes away and placed the order online before heading out. When I got there, all my food was ready. Parking can be a challenge as there aren't that many spots but people aren't there for too long because this place is signed to be taken out. There isn't much décor or staff for you to experience. Food would be your...

Have been here several times since they opened at the end of July and I'm addicted! I haven't had garlic fried rice before even its such a simple concept and it goes great with all of their meats. My favorite is the lemongrass pork, which is marinated with actual lemongrass so dont be surprised if you see some lemongrass fibers in your dish - it doesn't affect the texture at all. Also, don't sleep on the mixed herbs - they add a fantastic burst of flavor. From what i can tell theres cilantro, shiso, scallions, and thai basic.

I also tried the Vietnamese cold brew and it comes in a fairly small container but its VERY strong! I took it home with me and was able to stretch it out with some more ice. The cremsicle milk tea is also very unique and not too sweet so you really get the hints of vanilla and orange.

Every meal comes with a side of pineapple fish sauce and sriracha mayo. I cant wait for them to start providing bread as an option because those are going...