Okonomiyaki Junior

Overview

Located in the heart of Hiroshima’s bustling Naka Ward, Okonomiyaki Junior has become a must-visit destination for food lovers who crave authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled at 3-21 Tatemachi, this vibrant diner brings the classic comfort food of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to life with a twist, combining tradition with innovation in every bite.

One of the first things that stands out about Okonomiyaki Junior is its cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the friendly staff make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. The inviting aroma of freshly cooked okonomiyaki greets you, and the warm ambiance promises a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the charm of this diner never fades.

The star of the show here is, of course, the okonomiyaki. For those unfamiliar, okonomiyaki is often referred to as a Japanese savory pancake, but it’s much more than that. It’s a unique blend of flour, cabbage, pork or seafood, and a variety of other ingredients that are griddled together and topped with a delicious, tangy sauce. At Okonomiyaki Junior, the dish is expertly crafted, using only the freshest ingredients. What sets this place apart is their use of high-quality pork, tender shrimp, and a special blend of sauces that give the okonomiyaki a perfect balance of flavor.

The menu is diverse, offering several variations of okonomiyaki to satisfy different tastes. Whether you prefer a classic version with pork and cabbage or a more adventurous one with seafood, there’s something for everyone. The Junior Special, a house favorite, combines the rich flavors of pork, shrimp, and cheese, making it a hit with regulars. If you’re unsure about what to try, the staff is more than happy to recommend their most popular options, ensuring you get the best experience.

In addition to okonomiyaki, Okonomiyaki Junior also offers a range of side dishes that complement the main course perfectly. Try the crispy tempura or the tender yakisoba (fried noodles) for a delightful side that adds more depth to your meal. The drink menu features an excellent selection of beverages, from local beers to refreshing iced teas, making it easy to unwind as you savor your food.

What truly elevates the dining experience here is the customer service. The staff is attentive and personable, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have a fantastic meal. They take pride in their food, and it’s evident in how they interact with guests, explaining the menu and making personalized suggestions based on your preferences. It’s this level of care that makes dining at Okonomiyaki Junior feel like a special event, not just a meal.

The restaurant also stands out for its transparency and commitment to quality. They source their ingredients from local markets in Hiroshima, ensuring the freshness and authenticity of their dishes. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail that goes into every plate. It’s no wonder that Okonomiyaki Junior has received glowing reviews from visitors and locals alike, with many praising both the flavor and the welcoming vibe of the diner.

If you’re planning to visit Hiroshima, stopping by Okonomiyaki Junior should be at the top of your list. The combination of delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and outstanding service makes it a top contender for anyone craving authentic Japanese comfort food. Whether you’re new to okonomiyaki or a seasoned fan, you’ll find a dish that suits your taste perfectly. So, next time you’re in Hiroshima, make sure to head over to 3-21 Tatemachi and enjoy a meal that you’ll remember for years to come.

Good to know

Service options

✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ Delivery

Popular for

✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo dining

Accessibility

✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates

Dining options

✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Table service

Amenities

✓ Toilet

Atmosphere

✓ Casual

Crowd

✓ Tourists

Payments

✓ PayPay ✓ au PAY ✓ dBarai ✓ Rakuten Pay ✓ Transit IC cards ✓ V-Money

Parking

✓ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 776 reviews
Amazing 736
Great 74
Okay 22
Not Great 4
Terrible 20
Ines

Fist time eating in Hiroshima and very lovely experience! The owner was so nice and made us such a good okonomiyaki.. I would recommend this small restaurant to anyone who wants to experience real Hiroshima okonomiyaki. He also made us kimchi with beef which was amazing. We ordered drinks, tried sake for the first time, and other sours. Such a nice visit here, the owner/chef even had a book where he had written phrases in other languages and thanked us in Slovene! 5/5⭐

DaChang

What a fantastic introduction to Hiroshima. I can focus on a lot of things, the food is great, that’s a given, but the man that runs the shop is probably the hardest working person I’ve seen in Japan. Let’s also make no mistake here, this is late night food, food that you want a nice cold beer to drink while you eat. Come and watch the master of Okonomiyaki and enjoy his food.

Mary Jane Butvilas (Maj Butvilas)

Highly Recommend this place, a must visit one! The best okonomiyaki I’ve tried, basically most of the food he serves are delicious. My husband found this place so we tried and the next day, we again came back for dinner. That’s how good it is Best Regards to the owner, he is friendly and accommodating.

Julie Pope

A small but authentic experience. Such yummy food cooked right in front of you. We enjoyed a traditional Okonomiyaki and some beef brisket cooked to perfection. Shuji was an excellent chef and host for our family of 4.

Ericia Saku

I will come back to Hiroshima just to taste this delicacy again We were travelling from Kyushu,so was expecting the owner to speak or engage with customers a bit, at least that's one of the charms of this types of business. However, it was quite different, he welcomed calmly and was doing his own work silently..very zen. Went there around 9 pm, and ordered hiroshima style okonomiyaki, stir fried veggies & sour drinks. The food making process is smth worth watching and the food tasted better than the okonomiyaki museum (wood egg), which surprised me a lot! Finally, during check out he asked us some very basic questions and gave a nice farewell. Overall, this was a very unique experience.

Ricky

Definitely worth the wait. From taking orders, cooking and serving dishes, everything is done by one person! Out of all the restaurants I’ve been to in Japan, this was by far the most memorable. The Okonomiyaki is a must try and definitely worth visiting, if you’re after authentic Japanese food cooked right in front of you. It was a pleasure watching Junior cook and will definitely visit again on future trips!

Joseph Stockwell

Delicious Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima! Arrived just before opening time and the owner kindly asked us to just wait a moment as he prepared the restaurant. The food was delicious and sitting at the counter up close to the action while he cooked was great. Would definitely recommend. Very reasonably priced as well.

OzShotzPhotography

Watch this culinary masterpiece be constructed right in front of your eyes. Shuji has owned this restaurant for 14 years. In a 3m x 5m space he has a hotplate and 8 seats.... I am not sure how he works in this space but he is a simply a master at work. It can be a bit tricky to find ... look for the small sign and little wooden door

Write a review