Ovo
Japanese
Fast food
Beer/Wine
Gluten-free
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Okonomiyaki place where the staff can speak English. There is a vegan okonomiyaki on the menu as well as vegan yakisoba. Okonomiyaki is gluten-free. Reported to serve meat December 2023. Open Mon-Sun 6:00pm-11:00pm. Limited supply. Closes when sold out.
320 Reviews
First Review by TonyBailey
the_rusty_knight
Points +243
Unique food spot with vegan options - Edit
OKO was definitely one of the most unique places I’ve eaten. Shiho who runs the whole place by herself is truly amazing. It was an interesting communal experience as everything was self service. The drinks work on a honour system where you can make your own drink and pay for it at a little box near the cash register. The vegan okonomiyaki was very tasty. It was a dish I really wanted to try and was happy to find a tasty vegan option. I highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting Osaka. Be warned, there might be a bit of a wait to get a seat but it’s definitely worth it! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Interesting dining experience , Okonomiyaki
Cons: The use of disposable plastic plates and cutlery
Guest
larkycharms
Points +31
Wish I Could Go Here Everyday - Edit
I love this place! They have both vegan and vegetarian okonomiyaki and gyoza. All so delicious! But best of all is Shiho!! ❤️❤️
Read moreGuest
vheegan2
Points +1128
One of the best - Edit
I wish, I wish, I WISH I could give Oko 5 stars. I went here when I was last in Osaka and LOVED it and I went again this trip and it was just as good. This trip, I had the okonomiyaki, veg gyoza and the pickles as a side and it was delicious and filling. I love the concept of all patrons being able to decorate and draw on the interior walls. It’s so much fun to read and then add your own contribution. It always amazes me how the owner is able to do so much on her own and to such a high standard.
Read more⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Guest
Briekimchi
Points +2252
One Of Osaka's Unique Eating Experiences - Edit
First and foremost, there's a lot of discussion over the serving of meat at this establishment. Before going here, we were under the impression that it was a vegetarian place, but upon writing this review, it seems that it is not. Well, from our experience, there was no signs of meat or a meat menu when we arrived, but we did so fairly early on a weekday evening. As a result, we were initially the only customers there, so, there's a chance that there is a meat menu promoted at busier times, but my experience cannot attest to that. There is non-vegan cheese on the menu and non-vegan mayonnaise available alongside the vegan versions for sure though.
Read moreSimilarly, a lot of the service issues that might be discussed in the reviews of others were not relevant to our time there. It was a cool ordering system, we liked the announcing across floors that happened when our order was ready to pick up, the self-service drink system was a nice touch and Shiho completing all the restaurant tasks herself was still impressive, even without the crowds. The interior is very cozy, hipstery and relaxed, which works for the borderline fast(ish) food feel of the place.
It's also worth noting that they do not make the commonly-held perception of okonomiyaki here (there are explanations on the wall and on the menu about the health reasons behind their choices etc.) and what you'll get is less of a pancake and more of an abundance of vegetables, packed together and divided up with bubbly batter. It's probably quite divisive but I really enjoyed it, and it was definitely more to my taste than a carb-y, flour-y pancake. The portion didn't look huge but it was actually my only meal in Osaka that I had to pack up and take away (they provide takeout materials) as I was that full.
Please research this place before visiting and decide if it's for you. Our experience was very positive and we really enjoyed it!
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-26
Pros: Unique eating experience, Relaxed, appropriate atmosphere and vibe, Lots of personal touches and a likeable owner
Cons: Vegetarian/vegan status is unclear at best, Very focused menu so fewer options than elsewhere
Guest
bake
Points +38
Fast okonomyaki - Edit
Great food. A bit to crowded and full of tourists. I was there in the evening and hat to wait a few minutes. Was definitely worth going there. A plate inside says it doesn’t taste lake other okonomyaki.
Read moreGuest
Riximus
Points +32
Five Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Edit
The vibe, the owner, the concept, the food. Everything melts perfectly together. Definitely a must to visit if you are around. Went two times and will miss it so much. Definitely worth visiting again on my next visit.
Read morePros: Food, Owner, Vibe
Guest
shadolinku
Points +30
5 STARS!!!! - Edit
We love Shiho! She runs this place all alone, and does a great job at that. Her food is so good we went there twice and are still thinking about the okonomiyaki there. Favourite food from our entire japan trip!
Read morePros: Great vegan okonomiyaki, Cute very colorful and fun place, Can mix your own cocktail!
Guest
colleen48
Points +293
Local Japanese food - Edit
One of my favorites this trip. We came a few minutes before they opened and ended up waiting more than 2 hours to order and get our food because the shop is so popular and run by one woman. The okononiyaki was delicious though and I’ll definitely go back
Read moreGuest
GlauciaMonteiro
Points +267
Great good - Edit
Honestly the best vegan dumplings I’ve had in Japan.
Read moreThe gluten free okonomiyaki was also delicious, but my favorite was the dumplings.
Pros: The food , Location , Price
Guest
hagi
Points +749
Not fully vegan anymore - Edit
Disappointed that they added meat to the menu. Not the same anymore. Lines can be long and not worth it, in my opinion. There are lots of vegan options nearby.
Read moreGuest
vegetariannick
Points +40
SUCH A GREAT PLACE - Edit
Food takes a while to get ready, BUT everything about this place is GREAT - even the wait, and you will understand once your there!
Read moreThe Vegan Okonomiyaki is so DELICIOUS, I wish I could eat more, but the medium size got me so full, it is BIG!
The host, Shiho-san, is a CHAMPION! She runs the whole thing by herself, and is super sweet.
GREAT FOOD, GREAT VIBES, GREAT HOST!
ps: you will love their drinks system.
Guest
MantaRay
Points +27
Fun quirky place. Tasty food. - Edit
You have to come before opening or wait in line which is normal for good affordable food places in Japan.
Read moreFood was super tasty. Place was fun.
Updated from previous review on 2024-11-09
Guest
jalapenohands
Points +652
Come early, come hungry - Edit
A one-woman operation with a limited menu. At time of order, she confirms whether vegan or vegetarian and I don’t recall seeing meat on the menu. I was there about 20 minutes early and was fifth in line, by the time it opened, the line was about 40 deep.
Read moreThe large was the biggest portion of food I’ve had in Japan and I struggled to finish the whole thing (but powered through). Taste-wise, some bites were better than others due to it being a mish-mash of random vegetables and okara, but most were pretty good.
Honestly impressive operation considering what it is. Could probably use another staff member though!
Guest
madsblack
Points +142
Would give 5 stars! - Edit
We had to wait a little while to place our order (recommend lining up before it opens) but once we ordered, our meals were prepared so fast! Shiho (owner) does everything herself and is amazing. I got the vegan okonomiyaki with vegan cheese and some gyozas. So filling and delicious! There is also a make-your-own drink station for extremely cheap. You can draw all over the walls and Shiho speaks to you through the microphones throughout the restaurant! It is also great to have peace of mind that she knows about veganism😄
Read morePros: Atmosphere and set-up is so cool, Food was absolutely delicious and so filling, Drink station was so cool and also very cheap!
Cons: Not accessible for wheelchair users
Guest
Lee_A
Points +1236
07/10/24 - Edit
Serves meat. Of course, as it does serve meat, it rightly can't score top marks. However, for the quality of the food and the vibe alone, it gets 5 from me. Our most enjoyable dining experience from our trip in Japan. It's not for everyone (a reminder, it does serve meat), it's quite rustic and unconventional (help yourself to drinks, clear your own table, communicate through a microphone with the owner) with a communal eating layout and you could be queuing for an hour to get in (which speaks volumes for how cool it is) but all in all it's a lot of fun, managed by one lovely person, which is incredible. At point of order, she carefully ensures you get the vegan and vegetarian options.
Read moreAs I say, the queues can be long. We got here at 5:20pm on a Monday (opens at 6) and we were first. By the time we left, around 45-60 minutes later, there was a queue 40 people deep. Believe the hype, this place is worth it. If it was vegan it would get six stars.
Amongst all the writing on the walls from like-minded people across the world, there's a note that says "Shiho is a queen and must be protected at all costs". I wholeheartedly concur.
Come on Shiho, go vegan!!
Guest
f0urwalls
Points +90
Worth the wait!! - Edit
We waited for almost an hour to get in, and I’m so glad we stuck it out. I think some people get annoyed about the wait but it all adds to the experience in my opinion! The security guard even offered me his umbrella when it rained!
Read moreThe vibe was so cool, a one-woman show just whirlwinding her way through all of the orders. We got the vegan okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and the gyoza, and they were all fantastic. Well worth the wait.
The drinks are serve-yourself and so cheap.
The recipe base is even painted on the wall on level 3!!
Guest
PlantChomper
Points +157
A wild experience - Edit
I was first hesitant to order something as the place looks very wild and the kitchen a little bit dirty to be honest.
Read moreBut I trusted the other reviews and was not disappointed. The vegan okonomiyaki are great! Lots of sauce and many veggies you can choose as your toppings. Also Shio (the cook) actually thought about how to create a a delicious tasting vegan okonomiyaki with vegan alternative ingredients instead of just removing every non vegan ingredient till the okonomiyaki is vegan. (This was my experience at a different okonomiyaki place in Hiroshima called Nagata Ya.)
As the place is run by only one person keep in mind that you might have to wait a while. Drinks are self service. Vegan Gyoza were also very good.
Pros: Great vegab gyoza and okonomiyaki, Wild location, Fair prices
Cons: Kitchen looked a little bit dirty
Guest
angii
Points +230
Non male - Edit
Prima di tornare a casa volevo assolutamente mangiare l’okonomiyaki e all’ultimo avevo trovato questo locale. È gestito da una ragazza che fa tutto da sola. Al piano terra c’è la cucina, la cassa e il frigo con le bevande. Ai piani superiori invece ci sono i posti per sedersi e mangiare. Poiché ci lavora solo una persona non c’è nessuno che pulisce i tavoli, sono i clienti che, dopo la consumazione, ripuliscono i tavoli e buttano piatti e posate nei cestini. Molto carina l’idea di tappezzare l’intero locale di scritte lasciate dai clienti. Per quanto riguarda l’okonomiyaki, sinceramente non mi è sembrato un granché.
Read moreGuest
egst
Points +41
The vibes were so bad, my friends didn't want to eat with me anymore - Edit
Disclaimer: we were not able to get food.
Read moreHowever, in order to get food, you have to wait in line right next to the grill. There's a system where tables can use microphones to talk to the lone cook, which means that the whole time we were waiting, we were being loudly serenaded by a kid who just wanted to hear themselves on the speaker. If you have sensory or mobility issues, this place will be pretty impossible for you.
Edit: also, if you're going to have a lot of holier-than-thou signs about how unlike the other places, your product is healthy, it might be better for your brand if you don't have everyone stand by the grill, watching how much oil and occasionally pork sausage you're cooking with
Updated from previous review on 2024-09-24
Guest
AmyWoods-Ryan
Points +392
Lives rent free in my mind - Edit
Visited October 2019. One of the best meals I’ve had. Granted we were jet lagged but it was so memorable and the Asahi was also cheap and cold! Thankfully lovely lady sat next to us advised us only one Large was needed between two. So happy that vegan mayo was available. I keep advising all my friends who visit Japan to go to Osaka just so they can go here. Will be making a stop in Osaka on our next visit just so we can go here again ❤️❤️❤️
Read moreGuest
vojvodics
Points +294
Interesting place - Edit
The food was okay, and the place is nice
Read moreGuest
marcbs
Points +35
Best veggie okonomiyaki in town! - Edit
Amazing place, with some punk style and really nice food. The staff is super kind!
Read moreGuest
KevinErhart
Points +73
A one-woman-show you need to see and taste - Edit
Lovely Vegan and Vegetarian Japanese Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) based on a soy bean dough. You can choose from various vegetables as toppings. We also had the Gyozas. Drinks can be mixed on your own for 200yen. There might be a queue, but they offer chairs and complimentary water and peanuts.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-09-01
Guest
hannahandzachmakefood
Points +63
A must go for Vegetarian/Vegans!! - Edit
I wish I could give 5 starts because it’s so vegetarian/vegan friendly. Amazing vibe and food all made by one person, can’t recommend enough!!
Read moreGuest
elinerenne_
Points +729
Unique. Definitely recommend! - Edit
Restaurant is entirely managed by one women. The food is amazing, a lot of vegan and vegetarian option. You can make your own drinks and also cocktails or wine for only 200 yen! The restaurant has also a really nice interior and good vibe. Would definitely recommend!
Read moreGuest
JordanCuff
Points +13
Incredible experience, food and hospitality - Edit
This was an excellent experience trying something that we might not have been able to try anywhere else as vegetarians. The food was incredible, and the atmosphere enchanting, clearly being somewhere deeply loved by all of its visitors. The okonomiyaki was fresh and flavourful and the recommendations we were given when we weren't sure what combinations to go with were perfect. Really glad we went, even if there was a little wait (which felt like part of the experience)!
Read morePros: Enthusiasm of the hostess, Fresh, wholesome food, Enchanting decor and design
Cons: A bit of a wait, but worth it and accommodated for
Guest
Elsinore
Points +45
Delicious okinomiyaki - Edit
We loved this place! Best okinomiyaki I had, filled with veggies. This place is a one-woman show: the owner is also the chef and she has perfected not only the food but also the organisation. A must-go in Osaka!
Read moreGuest
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