Oko - Fun Okonomiyaki Bar

Love this quirky little okonomiyaki place where the drinks are ridiculously cheap with many alcoholic options and there are lots a vegan options (you select your favourite 5 toppings) for the okonomiyaki here. Soy flour is used so it's supposed to be healthier. The vegan gyoza was absolutely amazing with the just the right amount of fillings and the right balance of soft and crispy for the outer layer. Loved the vegan cheese option that can be added to the vegan okonomiyaki too! My only gripe was just how huge the portions are so I felt a little sad for not finishing my food. Good vibes and the lady running it is an absolute joy.

This is such a FUN experience!! The restaurant is well-named. At first you kind of don’t know what’s happening as you walk in. There’s so many signs everywhere. But you basically walk in up to the little order window and wait until Shiho has a moment to take your order. She is running the entire place on her own, so be patient!! She is cooking and taking orders at the same time. Once you order, you get a number and you can go find a spot to sit somewhere upstairs. There are tv monitors upstairs so you can watch Shiho and once she has finished your order she will loudly call out your number. You will have to go and collect it yourself. Another fun quirk at this place is that you get to make your own drinks!! You squeeze the squeaky chicken once for every drink you want, and you place the money for it in the bucket. There are cameras, so be honest!! You can then grab cups, ice and make whatever drink you want, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. All drinks are the same price. Upstairs in the seating area you can leave a message on the wall. We had so much fun - I highly recommend this to everyone. They have vegan okonomiyaki so I was happy to be able to try the Osaka classic food.

Obviously I can’t say I’ve rated everywhere but I think this has to be in an elite group of restaurants in the world with true soul. It’s a serious one woman show and you can see how much hard work she has put in to this place. I hope it stays open for a long long time. The food is spectacular and the vibe in here is incredibly fun and exciting. Don’t miss this place if you’re looking for gluten free or vegan food in Osaka. Even if you don’t need either of those things (I don’t but my partner does) the food is spectacular! P.S. the portions are huge and we should have realized that but I’m not mad we got to try so much and had leftovers for the hotel room later. One last thing, the build your own drink is crazy and so fun. I have never had self serve alcohol anywhere in my life and it’s so beautiful to me that people seem to treat the space responsibly and pay for their drinks. If you come here be sure to do the same. Keep this sacred place holy.