FAQ

Have a question about Gaijin? Here are some common ones we get, along with what we hope are helpful answers. If you have a question that’s not addressed below, please email us at info@gaijinchicago.com or call the restaurant. Thank you!

WHAT IS OKONOMIYAKI?
Okonomiyaki (okonomi = have it your way / yaki = griddled) is a savory Japanese pancake, griddled and customizable with everything from cabbage, noodles and veggies, to pork, shrimp, fried eggs and “dancing” bonito flakes, plus lots of tasty toppings. Okonomiyaki is a very traditional Japanese comfort food.

At Gaijin, we offer three different styles of okonomiyaki:

• Osaka-style: All the components are mixed together.

• Hiroshima-style: In this variation, the ingredients are layered (rather than mixed), with the addition of yakisoba noodles.

• Negiyaki: Instead of cabbage, scallions are used in this savory pancake, plus bacon, egg and ponzu sauce.

WHAT IS KAKIGORI?
Kakigori is a Japanese shaved-ice dessert flavored with sweet sauces and syrups.

I'M VEGAN. CAN I EAT AT GAIJIN?
Gaijin has vegan options available, including a selection of appetizers and a modified okonomiyaki preparation. Your server can walk you through the options, or give us a call if you'd like to go over specifics beforehand.

I'M GLUTEN-FREE. CAN I EAT AT GAIJIN?
We have a number of items made without gluten on the menu, including many appetizers, okonomiyaki (GF flour) options, kakigori with any gluten-containing components left off, and mochi donuts. Your server can walk you through the options, or give us a call if you'd like to go over specifics beforehand.

IS THERE PARKING?
Gaijin does not have a parking lot/area and currently does not offer valet (but we are looking into it for the future). Limited street parking is available around the restaurant; be aware of loading zone signs in the area when parking. Some of our guests recommend using an online parking reservations service, such as SpotHero. When possible, we suggest public transportation – the Morgan stop is right at our door, or taking a taxi or ride share service.

DO YOU TAKE RESERVATIONS?
Yes! Reserve a table or chef's counter seat via Resy, or you can call us at 312.265.1348. The chef's counter offers guests a lively, up-close look at our open kitchen – you can see the culinary team at work and watch the okonomiyaki and other dishes being prepared.

DO I NEED A RESERVATION?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on the weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome!

CAN I MAKE A RESERVATION FOR A LARGE GROUP? DO YOU DO PRIVATE PARTIES?
For reservations for six or more people, and for private event inquiries, please email info@gaijinchicago.com or call us.

WHAT'S ON TOP OF THE TABLES?
Each table in the dining room has a teppan unit from Hiroshima built right into the table, to keep your okonomiyaki nice and warm and crisp. Note that the okonomiyaki is cooked on the kitchen griddle and then delivered to you at your table; the table teppans are for warming, not cooking.

DO YOU HAVE A CORKAGE FEE?
Yes, there is a $25 corkage fee, and the maximum amount of bottles you can bring in is two.

CAN I BRING IN A SPECIAL CAKE FOR A CELEBRATION?
You are welcome to bring in your own cake. We do have a cake-cutting fee of $3 per person. For more information, please give us a call.

IS GAIJIN KID-FRIENDLY? DO YOU HAVE HIGHCHAIRS?
We love families at Gaijin! Our menu is made for the adventurous little one, but includes kid-favorites like noodles and rice. For the best dining experience and for safety reasons, we ask that all children either sit in an adult chair or be held by an adult. We do have highchairs, but do not recommend sitting at a table with a small child who can reach a hot plate or glassware. Please call the restaurant for any specific concerns.

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND GAIJIN?
Gaijin at its heart is a love letter from Chef Paul to his wife, Jennifer. From her time spent studying in Japan, Jennifer fell in love with okonomiyaki and introduced it to Chef Paul. Okonomiyaki became a staple in their home and it inspired the concept for Gaijin. After years of pickling the concept, the Virants met Lance Richards, who partnered with the couple to help bring Gaijin to fruition.

WHAT DOES THE NAME MEAN?
Gai-jin literally translates to outside (外) person (人). We are outsiders with lots to learn, paying homage, with utmost respect, to Japanese food culture. Gaijin may not be 100% traditional, but we are striving to be authentic in our presentation and representation of okonomiyaki for all to enjoy. Chef Paul says: "It's a tongue-in-cheek name, but what it's saying is that I'm not trying to do it any better. We just love the country, and we love the food."

WHO DID THE MURAL AND WHAT IS IT?
Our very talented mural artist is Ceasar Perez of Ava Grey Designs. The mural depicts a samurai/chef/wanderer traveling through the land and is based on traditional Japanese block print Edo-period art.