Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. A self-described gaijin, or “outsider” in Japanese, Virant playfully embraces this perspective and honors traditional preparations and techniques, as well as his well-known passion for pickling and preserving. Designed to deliver a lively and interactive culinary experience, the 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service.The dessert menu features kakigori, a shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue-Gaijin collaboration house lager, sake, Japanese whisky, and wine.We can’t wait to see you at Gaijin!
Tsukiji is a family owned Latin Japanese restaurant. The owners Sam and Jessy are 100% involved in running the restaurant. Their goal is to serve you the best sushi in town and make you feel at home when you dine in at Tsukiji.A thorough process starts with the freshest seafood and the best ingredients. Our experienced chefs transform these ingredients into the best dishes with new and refreshing flavors and textures.Since we took over Tsukiji, we have introduced a number of fusion rolls where we combine Japanese and Latin flavors. Ask us for Lime Fusion, Spicy Fusion, Hamachi Fusion, Tuna Jalapeno and Guacamole Fusion. We also have Tropical, a delicious roll with fried plantains.We are also known for our authentic Japanese cuisine where we aim to serve the freshest fish. At Tsukiji you can enjoy dishes like Okonomiyaki (Traditional Japanese Seafood Pancake), Ikebukuro, Ramen and Udon.We invite you to visit us to experience our warm atmosphere and our unique art of cooking.