Okonomi Brooklyn

Overview

If you're looking for a cozy spot in Brooklyn with an inviting atmosphere and a mouthwatering menu, Okonomi Brooklyn at 150 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, is a must-visit. This hidden gem offers a unique dining experience that fuses traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, creating a memorable meal every time. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Okonomi’s blend of creativity and authenticity makes it a standout in Brooklyn’s vibrant food scene.

The charm of Okonomi lies in its intimate, minimalist setting, which makes every visit feel like a special occasion. The space is simple yet welcoming, with wooden accents and a clean, modern design that puts the focus on the food. It's easy to feel at home here, and whether you’re dining solo, with friends, or on a date, the vibe is always relaxed and comfortable.

One of the key highlights of Okonomi Brooklyn is its commitment to serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is built around the concept of "Okonomi," which translates to “as you like it,” offering guests a variety of customizable options. This is evident in their choice of traditional Japanese breakfast and lunch offerings, alongside more modern and inventive dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you're craving a hearty bowl of rice topped with delicate fish, or a creative vegetable-based dish, the team at Okonomi takes pride in crafting every meal with precision and passion.

For first-timers, the breakfast menu is an absolute delight. The "Morning Set" features a beautifully balanced assortment of small dishes, including grilled fish, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and rice. It’s a perfect introduction to the restaurant's dedication to authenticity and flavor. If you're a fan of Japanese comfort food, the "Chirashi Don" - a rice bowl topped with fresh, delicate slices of sashimi - is a must-try. It’s light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it one of the restaurant’s most popular offerings.

For lunch or dinner, the menu expands to include heartier options, such as the "Katsu Curry," which features crispy breaded pork cutlet served with a rich and savory curry sauce. There’s also the "Oyakodon," a comforting rice bowl topped with tender chicken, egg, and a savory broth. These dishes are comforting yet sophisticated, offering a true taste of Japanese cuisine with a Brooklyn twist.

What sets Okonomi apart is its dedication to sustainability. They work closely with local farmers and purveyors to ensure that everything on the menu is as fresh as possible. This commitment not only supports the community but also guarantees that the flavors remain vibrant and true to the season. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options, making it an excellent choice for anyone with dietary preferences or restrictions.

When it comes to customer service, Okonomi Brooklyn excels in every aspect. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to offer recommendations or explain the details of a dish. Their passion for the food they serve is evident, and they go out of their way to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. Whether it’s suggesting the perfect drink pairing or sharing the story behind a particular dish, the service here elevates the dining experience.

What really sets Okonomi apart, however, is the sense of community it fosters. The restaurant has a loyal following of locals who return time and time again, not only for the delicious food but for the welcoming environment. The intimate setting and personal service make it feel like a second home to many, and it’s not uncommon to see regulars chatting with the staff like old friends. It’s this sense of connection that makes Okonomi more than just a restaurant - it’s a place where you can truly feel at ease while enjoying a fantastic meal.

In terms of pricing, Okonomi strikes a balance between affordable and high-quality dining. While it’s not a budget spot, the price point is fair for the level of craftsmanship and care put into every dish. The portion sizes are generous, and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch, making it well worth the price.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out Okonomi’s social media pages or website for updates on seasonal specials and events. The restaurant frequently features new dishes that showcase their creativity and highlight different regional Japanese ingredients, so there’s always something new to try.

Whether you're a foodie in search of a unique dining experience or just someone looking for a great meal in Brooklyn, Okonomi Brooklyn is sure to impress. Its dedication to quality, authenticity, and sustainability makes it a standout destination for anyone looking to indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine with a modern twist.

Good to know

Service options

✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in

Highlights

✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selection

Popular for

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo dining

Accessibility

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

Offerings

✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Organic dishes

Dining options

✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table service

Amenities

✓ Toilet

Atmosphere

✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Trendy

Crowd

✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space

Planning

✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a wait

Payments

✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cards

Parking

✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 1343 reviews
Amazing 1025
Great 193
Okay 73
Not Great 26
Terrible 61
Charlotte Bae

Finally got to try this spot. Truly enjoyed food, service, and the atmosphere. They serve Japanese home cooked meal that makes you feel cozy inside. We went for a dinner on a Sunday evening. Reservation is definitely hard to get since they have small dining space. But it felt intimate and it was nice not yelling across the table to talk to people. My husband and I felt satisfied after the meal—we got the large breakfast. The choice of winter greens on this plate was complementary to the fish they served that evening (miso marinated mackerel). Miso soup had a pleasant note of smokiness. They give you good amount of soup and rice too. We’ll be returning in the future for sure.

Sangho Kim

Amazing hidden gem. As someone grew up in Busan, KR, which is pretty close to Japan and is having lots of high quality Japanese restaurants. I can say this place serves a very authentic Japanese comfort food. Never expected, but surprisingly satisfied after having a long day.

Deniz Sonmez-Alpan

Literally writing this before we’ve even left. DO NOT MISS WHEN A RES POPS UP HERE. Unbelievably delightful, start to finish. No decision fatigue, you get to watch things being made (sit at the counter ), great sake, and service attentive and kind but nowhere near overdone. If you’re hungry, do the large platter. And if they have a sashimi app, DO IT. You won’t regret it. Some of the freshest, cleanest fish I’ve had in a while. Such a beautiful experience in the chaos of a rapidly changing Williamsburg. 12/10!!!

Jacob Dockery

Absolute JOY eating here. Most authentic Japanese meal I’ve had since being in Japan. Extremely fresh, unreal flavor, impeccable vibes. I cannot wait to return asap!!!

Cecilia Lee

Food 4/5 Service 3.5/5 Ambiance 3.5/5 Okonomi serves a traditional Japanese breakfast for $30-$38. The experience is intimate, with only 12 seats, so reservations are a must. Don't expect to leave completely full, as the portions are on the smaller side, but it's definitely a unique experience. I enjoyed the miso salmon, but found the pollock a bit dry and underseasoned. It seems the fish quality can vary, as my friend's pollock was juicier.

SM H

This cosy restaurant is a gem. The food was simple, fresh and prepared beautifully. Every details was well thought out - from the tea leaves to the different wasabi for the appetizer (sashimi that melted in our mouth), to the exquisite black cod. We could have asked for their playlist as well, which added to the cosy vibes, great service. My friend described it as being a guest in someone’s house and being pampered with delicious food. The chef threw in a slice of cantaloupe and a zesty, refreshing iced ‘thingy’ at the end, on the house. Though the place was small, it wasn’t loud or too quiet. Just really comfortable … we’ll be back.

Amy Wu

Both the breakfast sets and the ramen are delicious and also authentic. Our fave Japanese spot in the neighborhood. Vibes also you need a reservation here typically

Xin

This place is so special. It's definitely one of my favorite in the city. Okonomi serves traditional Japanese breakfast. The fish is fresh and flavorful. So much care goes into each plate. Everything is delicious and well portioned. Highly recommended.

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