Since my arrival, I’ve been craving Okonomiyaki, and Mizuno was a popular choice due to its Michelin star. It was also recommended by a few friends who had visited Osaka as well as a number of locals who I spoke with. It was not surprising that there was a lengthy queue when I arrived for lunch.

What’s Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake that originated in the Kansai region of Japan. The name “okonomiyaki” can be roughly translated to “grilled as you like it” or “what you like, grilled”. It’s a versatile dish made primarily with a batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, shredded cabbage, and dashi (Japanese soup stock). Ingredients such as meat (usually thinly sliced pork belly or seafood), vegetables, and sometimes cheese or noodles are mixed into the batter before cooking.

Once the batter is mixed, it’s poured onto a hot grill or griddle, forming a large pancake. The okonomiyaki is cooked on both sides until golden brown and crispy. It’s then typically topped with okonomiyaki sauce (similar to a sweet and savory Worcestershire sauce), mayonnaise, dried seaweed flakes (aonori), and bonito flakes (katsuobushi), which “dance” due to the heat of the pancake.

There are regional variations of okonomiyaki, with the two main styles being Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style. Osaka-style okonomiyaki has all the ingredients mixed together before cooking, while Hiroshima-style layers its ingredients, including noodles, on the grill.

Okonomiyaki is often enjoyed as a casual street food or cooked at home on a hotplate or teppan grill, and it’s a popular dish in Japan, as well as in many Japanese restaurants worldwide.

Ambiance at Mizuno

A staff member then takes your order while you wait in line to speed up the process. I waited approximately 15 minutes before being seated, though it could have been much longer. This is one of the perks of solo traveling: You get to skip lines!

If you’ve never had Okonomiyaki before, the menu may appear overwhelming. There are different varieties of Okonomiyaki, sauces, and meats that can be added, but thankfully the menu suggests the “most popular” options.

As soon as you walk in, you’re enveloped by the inviting scent of sizzling ingredients and the comforting hum of chatter. It’s bustling with energy, yet there’s this cozy vibe that makes you feel instantly at ease.

You’ll be guided to the counter facing the grill, where all the delicious action happens. It’s like having a front-row seat to a culinary show. Before you know it, one of the friendly cooks will come right up to you, ready to whip up your meal. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about creating an experience right in front of your eyes! Which, I think is amazing!

If you’re rolling with a crew, no worries. There tables available to accommodate everyone. But if it’s just you flying solo, like I was, snagging a spot by the counter is where it’s at. It’s cozy and lets you soak in all the action up close.

Food

I went for the Mizuno-yaki, which they say means “mixed grill” and comes in at 1,450 JPY. It’s a delicious combo of pork belly, minced meat, squid, shrimp, scallop, and octopus, all cooked up to perfection. And oh boy, the toppings! Mayonnaise, brown sauce, and Mizuno’s special seaweed powder make it a real treat. No wonder it’s their second most popular dish.

Let me tell you, that dish was just what I needed. It was savory and cooked exactly how I wanted it. Talk about comfort food at its finest. And let’s not forget the portion size—it was super generous!

Service

The service here is quick and efficient. Once you’re seated, a friendly cook will come right over to your table and start whipping up your Okonomiyaki on the grill right in front of you. Despite the cozy size of the place, folks don’t tend to hang around for too long. They pop in, savor their delicious Okonomiyaki, and then head out.

Now, I have to be honest, there was a bit of a hiccup with one of the cooks (not the cool guy in the photo). I’m not sure if he was just having an off day, but he seemed a bit grumpy with some other customers. Thankfully, he was somewhat polite with me while making my Okonomiyaki, but I couldn’t just let that slide.

Rating

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