Okonomi House is a small Japanese restaurant on Charles Street, near Yonge and Bloor, known for okonomiyaki, the savoury cabbage pancake cooked with your choice of toppings. Beef, chicken, pork, bacon, seafood and vegetable versions are among the options. The yakisoba, teriyaki dishes and curry give you alternatives, while bar seating lets you watch the cooking. The cozy room has limited seats, so booking ahead or allowing for a wait is sensible. Expect kitchen aromas to cling to clothing.
A Toronto address for okonomiyaki
Okonomi House is at 23 Charles St W, close to the Yonge and Bloor intersection. The restaurant has served Japanese savoury pancakes in Toronto since 1978, and its long-running menu also includes noodles, curry and teriyaki dishes.
Okonomiyaki is built around a batter mixed with shredded cabbage, then cooked with a chosen filling and topped with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Options listed include beef, chicken, squid, vegetables, bacon and scallops. Seafood Deluxe combines cabbage with crab stick, tiger shrimp, scallop, squid and green onions, finished with house sauce and mayo. Bonito flakes are available, and can be left off if needed.
Choosing what to order
The okonomiyaki is the natural place to start, with different fillings letting you tailor the pancake to your table. Bacon, pork and beef versions are among the choices people return to, while seafood brings together several types of seafood in one order. The pancakes work well for sharing, so a group can order more than one filling; if you are especially hungry, consider adding another dish rather than relying on a single pancake.
Yakisoba is another popular pick. Other menu options include miso soup, curry, chicken teriyaki and stir-fried dishes. The menu also lists bulgogi, Mongolian beef, noodles and flan. There is room to try something beyond the restaurant’s signature pancake, including curry, which diners have chosen alongside the Japanese dishes.
A compact dining room and open kitchen
The restaurant is small, with limited tables and seating close to the kitchen. At the bar, you can watch the cook prepare the food, including the precise movements involved in making the pancakes. That close-up view is part of the meal, but the kitchen’s proximity also means cooking smells can linger on your clothes. Leave bulky sweaters and leather jackets at home if you would rather avoid that.
The compact room can mean a wait at busy times. Reservations are worth considering, and the whole party should arrive before sitting down. If you are dining with five or more people, plan to pay without splitting the bill. The restaurant is casual, with dine-in and takeout among the available options.
FAQ
What is Okonomi House known for?
It is known for okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake made with cabbage and a choice of fillings, topped with sauce and mayonnaise.
What should I order at Okonomi House?
Try an okonomiyaki with your preferred filling, or order yakisoba, curry, chicken teriyaki or miso soup. The pancakes can be shared.
Can you watch the food being cooked?
Yes. Bar seating gives you a view of the cook preparing the dishes.
Should I make a reservation?
Consider booking ahead or allowing time for a wait, since the restaurant has limited seating and can be busy.
