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.

- Kathy Xu -

A fully vegan, gluten-free okonomiyaki spot run by Shiho, a true one-woman show. Solo, effortless, super cool, and bursting with character. Because she does everything herself, Shiho leaves handwritten notes around the shop reminding customers to self-service and clear tables — so she can stay focused on the grill. Respect! We ordered the “roast beef” and “chicken & bacon” okonomiyaki — and honestly, the food service was reasonably quick, considering she is managing alone. Drinks including beer are at only 200 yen per pax. OKO okonomiyaki is definitely a must-eat if you’re in the Dotonbori area. Friendly, colourful, fun vibes, great food, and a lovely atmosphere all rolled into one.

- Edmund Phang -

Fantastic food, shiho is very consciois of people's allergies and is a friendly host. The seating area is bright and pleasant to hang out in if you can get a seat ;) the dumplings and yakisoba were great. I'm coeliac and had no reactions. Cannot recommend it enough such a fun place and delicious food!

- Greta R -

Talk about girl power! This entire restaurant is run by one individual young woman. She takes the orders, cooks the food, serves the food, supplies the drinks based on a trust system and is very friendly while doing so. The restaurant is decorated in her own style with writing on the walls by people from all over the world. The menu offers options for all diets which was nice for us being vegetarian. The food was flavorful and quite big portions for a very affordable price. The wait was pretty long but worth every second to experience the delicious food. If you're in Osaka you need to go stand in line and support this girl boss in her awesome restaurant!

- James Of all trades -

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.

- Amy Willemsen -

This place is absolute amazing! It has a very fun vibe with great music and stylish decoration. It also has wonderful vegan and glutenfree options! Not to mention that the owner is just the best! Shiho runs the place by herself, taking orders and cooking, but she still has a great energy and is super friendly! Absolute power woman! And even the wait is made fun by being able to get some drinks for a cheap price in the meantime and some free snacks too. Absolutely recommendable and amazing!

- dawei wang -

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.

- Diego - -

This place is adorable, eclectic and awesome! And the fact that Shiho runs it by herself is just amazing! Really yummy okonomiyaki and so awesome that Shiho makes it so such a wide variety of people can enjoy it!! And such cheap drinks and great free water station! Fun that you can make your own cocktails too! Such a fun and unique experience eating here! I especially loved all the signs and small activities. :) Amazing place!

- Laura Nicholson -