Reviews of Abeno. (Museum) in London (London).
Description
Information of Abeno, Museum in London (London)
On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.
We don’t have any review or comment on this place.
Map
Open hours of Abeno
Sunday
12–9pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4:30–9:30pm
Wednesday
12–9:30pm
Thursday
12–9:30pm
Friday
12–9:30pm
Saturday
12–9:30pm
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Reviews of Abeno
A. B.
I don't know from where to start.
The staff it's amazing, everyone very nice, professional and helpful.
The food it's incredibly good, I feel like my mouth was in paradise.
The atmosphere it's perfect as the decorations.
I will suggest it to everyone I know, one of the best experiences I've ever had.
A. T.
Chanced upon this gem and made a last min dinner reservation while we were in the vicinity. The food was absolutely oishii - in fact, the okonomiyaki and om-soba were the best we’ve had outside Japan so far! We also ordered a hot plate aubergine as a starter and it was soft and tasty. We had the homemade matcha ice cream with Azuki bean as dessert and we really love the rich matcha taste. The servers were really knowledgeable about the food on the menu, made really good recommendations and provided really great service 👍🏼 Will definitely be back again 😊
R. S.
Very tasty food. The okonomiyaki was excellent, fresh made in front of you. Staff is very friendly as well.
E. B.
I love this place, I’ve been twice this month already. They prepare everything in front of you, and it’s all delicious! The service is great, too. Obviously the okonomiyaki is the star of the menu, but everything I’ve tried so far has been amazing.
R. W.
Expensive but good Japanese place. The okonomiyaki is great for sharing, with lots of good tasting meat and vegetarian options. The chicken karaage is delicious, as are the sundaes and drinks.
S. T.
My goodness it was just excellent. The waiter asked if everything was ok and my friend said, 'Yes, we already know we'll be back' and we hadn't even finished the food, it was so tasty. Fantastic food and service. Only tried the okonomiyaki but keen to try more things in future.
T. L.
Unbelievably friendly and accommodating staff; delicious, fresh & authentic food; an overwhelming sense of pride & care in everything that they do. Couldn’t have had a better experience - we will be back!
s.
Really fun place to eat okonomiyaki where they cook it right in front of you. I've eaten okonomiyaki before and have made it at home plenty of times too, but this is the first time I've ever had it cooked by staff on a table top griddle. It was super enjoyable to watch and the inside environment was nice and cozy. As a big foodie, this is probably the first place I've eaten throughout my week in the UK that I would be willing to revisit.
W. t. E.
If you are looking for an authentic Japanese place and not for just the plane old sushi then this is a mast visit for you!
The service was probably the best I have ever witnessed in my life. Our waitress/cook really helped and guided us through the menu. As it was our first time tasting this side of the Japanese cuisine, the lady suggested us exactly on what we should try.
The prices are pretty up there and the dishes are between small and medium sizes BUT the taste and experience is so unique that on my opinion it's totally worth to try at least once.
In summary, great food, great service and great experience. Will be visiting again in the future
R. H.
Awesome experience, service and food. It was my first Okonomiyaki dinner and definitely not the last one. Will definitely come back.
C. D.
I haven't been in Abeno in a loooooong time but it was a glorious experience! Visited spontaneously with a friend. No waiting time, our waiter (didn't get his name but a male with dark hair in his 20's) was amazing, friendly and approachable and made our visit all the more memorable. Will definitely come back and won't wait years this time :)
C. H.
A yummy okonomiyaki restaurant in the heart of London. Perfect place to eat after visiting the British museum.
Loved everything we ate and the agedashi tofu was super tasty with a chewy-ish skin and tasty sauce! Loved! :)
N. M.
I visited here around 2010 and enjoyed it. I have since lived in Japan for over 4 years and had my fair share of Okonomiyaki. I recently revisited the restaurant with my wife.
Abeno does a great job of serving up authentic tasting okonomiyaki, although they have a few unusual inventions on the menu if you're feeling like going off-piste.
The staff are very helpful and friendly and will happily talk you through okonomiyaki if you've never had it before.
Okonomiyaki served here all seem to be Osaka style, though you can add noodles to make it more like Hiroshima style if you wish.
Only real negative is the price. Compared to what you'd pay in Japan, this is a bit much and I wouldn't say it represents true value for money.
When all is said and done though, it was very tasty and an enjoyable experience.
L. H.
An amazing experience for an amazing meal. Being my first time trying okonomiyaki I had a great time, extremely friendly staff, good food and a comfortabe environment. Just be sure to book your time slot, as we hadn't and so had to wait around the local area for a couple hours, but was definitely worth it.
E. m. (.
This place is one of the best for Okonomi-yaki!
I tried the kiso mix which was so tasty, also love the fact that they are making it in front of you on the table, such a nice experience and service! I couldn’t conclude without a strawberry roll, also made in front of us! High recommend
G. M.
Beautiful food, fantastic atmosphere, and the most delightful staff. 7/5 would recommend
S. M.
Amazing staff and service. Food is delicious n is served n cooked at your table. Gives you good value for the taste and the experience.
N. C.
Happy with the service and food. I was a bit indecisive and decided to order the mochi, bacon and cheese okonomiyaki. Glad I did because the mochi added a nice glutinous texture. Very tasty, very umami.
The okonomiyaki was cooked and garnished by a staff member. Be careful about oil spatter on your clothes—you’re sitting close to a hot plate, so some spatter is bound to happen. Also, I presume the condiments weren’t left at the table because of COVID, but the okonomiyaki was very flavourful and I don’t think I would’ve added anything else.
I found the price to be a bit high, which is really my only critique.
This is the first restaurant my husband and I visited post-lockdown. They’re still taking precautions, which is good. They’ve placed a table at the entrance where you can sanitise your hands, scan the QR code to get the menu on your phone and voluntarily participate in the NHS Track and Trace. Staff are wearing masks. Seating is a bit cramped, however, and you can be in close proximity with other patrons—just FYI if you are concerned about this.
A. C.
Walked in after visiting British Museum, Okonomiyaki cooked at the table, done well, as authentic as it gets this side of Osaka, not too expensive.
R. T.
I was really missing okonomiyaki I had in Hiroshima. And this place definitely helps me to remedy that. Love the dishes!
V. M.
I completely forgot to give these guys the feedback they deserve, but me and my partner went around our anniversary time during the pandemic to get some takeaway okonomiyaki. Not only was the staff very nice, and the food absolutely delicious, but they also made our food heart shaped which I thought was absolutely adorable! Definitely reccomend!
T. S.
If you're looking for authentic Japanese food, then look no further. Great service, reasonably priced, and 懐かしい flavors of Osaka. Best place to get your okonomiyaki and yakisoba fix.
S. M.
This place will make you feel like being in a little Japan. The excellent and very caring service of people working there is much admirable. Food is delicious and prepared with love. I absolutely loved the expierience. The only thing is that if you want to go out somewhere else after this restaurant take in an account that you will smell like food haha due to the high intensity of smells and cooking at the table 😊 that doesn't bother me but just saying.. I highly recommend this amazing opportunity to feel the Japanese cuisine ☺️😊
M. F.
First time visiting Abeno and I was thoroughly impressed with the food and service. Beef soba-rice was especially excellent. My friends and I will definitely visit this restaurant again.
N. Y.
It felt like we were back in Japan! Delicious food, good range of okonomiyaki and other dishes. Fresh food cooked at your tablet, staff was lovely and really attentive. Will recommend and come back.
H. C.
Went there today with two of my friends. So so impressed! They cooked most food at the table and it all tasted amazing!!! Service was excellent. Price was reasonable, Japanese beer was so good. Overall had such a good experience. Will be going back very soon!
D. K.
Just go!
Family run, food is amazing, service is next level.
We spend a bunch of time in Japan and this is really up there. Plus it’s cooked and served on your table = super fun.
Casual place with lovely people, serving great food and sake. What more is their to life 😜.
S. M.
Really liked this small but excellent Okonomi-yaki restaurant which will make some dishes on the table hot plate. Lovely food with japanese beer, served with good cheer from staff, all family I was told. What more could you want. Definitely on the return too list.
R. T.
Such a delightful experience at Abeno tonight. Wonderful tastes and flavours that transported me back to Osaka. Really reasonably priced and really family friendly (with my two noisy infants)
V. S.
Brilliant food and service. Most dishes are made in front of you by experienced staff who talk you through the process. Very enjoyable experience. Love it and will definitely come back. Also try the strawberry roll dessert
O. Y.
I had my first Okonomiyaki at Abeno Too.
I recommend Tokyo mix, modern yaki, super delux!
R. L.
One of the best and authentic Japanese restaurants in central London.
Wonderful service and food made me remember my days visiting Japan.
Abeno serves the traditional Osaka food - Okonomiyaki in fresh and prepares it in front of the customer, what a great experience.
J. s.
Delicious food. Great yaki soba, okonomiyaki and karaage. Good service. For those who are new to teppanyaki, they do all the cooking for you on the tables. I will note that the food does take a decent amount of time to fully cook and so starters and drinks are recommended. It is also quite expensive but it's worth it for special occasions or if you're curious about the food. I wouldn't go in groups any larger than 4. It will be difficult to get full.
M. V.
Absolutely loved the experience. The most authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki in London! Customise them your own way. Yummy, filling, highly recommended. The staff is very welcoming and attentive. Arigato!
W. H. L.
Their takeaway DIY okonomiyaki is great! Definitely worth it for cooking with friends/family. Great service and sweet staff too
N. M.
The staff and customer service here is great! I found the food a little bit overpriced, I understand a big part of the cost is someone cooking on hotplate at your table which is a nice experience. However found it a bit pricey for what it is. My friend had the Tokyo special and said it was pretty good. I had the tofu option, which was a quite bland (I know it's tofu), but as a vegetarian I am limited with my options. The tofu agadashi was great! The sake cocktails are yum, but small, I'd recommend beer.
J. F.
Delicious okonomiyaki cooked on the hot plate in front of you. A mix of traditional okonomiyaki and their own twists available. The staff were very friendly.
R. H.
Lovely, quaint spot. Perfect for food before going to see a show! We loved Okonomiyaki when we visited Japan and have been hunting for it ever since. Finally we have found a place that creates the real authentic experience!
A. S. A. T.
Allright! I have to first confess it was the very first time I ever tried Japanese cuisine and I can't compare it.
I find it surprisingly amazing to watch how they cook it for you at your table( you might be thinking "Oh! I will smell all over" but trust me This is so worthy, plus your mates will be same so no embarrassment there👍🏻)
You should definitely try Okonomi-yaki ... is a combination suitable for every taste... I went for spinach and cheese, And shared a bite from my friends of mushroom combination and one another with chicken and broccoli wich all are great... top up with too sauces ... yummy ( there are options of sea weed and fish flakes, but Don.t add them unless you are a big fan of sea food)
The PLUM whine is Insanely tasty, sweet and delicate ( ladies go for it, but not only ... Mans, if you appreciate liquor kind taste, treat yourself)
Finishing with pancakes (hot-cakes with chocolate chips) and chocolate Ice Cream is the Perfect dot to end the experience.
I loved to celebrate with my friends here a Birthday girl.
Thanks a lot to our hosts.
I. J.
My favourite restaurant anywhere so far! Okonomiyaki is the food of the gods.
E. G.
A fantastic little restaurant. Okonomiyaki is not common over here, making this an extra special treat to have it authentically cooked on a hot plate in the centre of the table. Interesting mix of flavours, and side dishes are very tasty and generous - the prawn & vegetable tempura is especially good. Lovely range of drinks, apricot soda makes a nice accompaniment. Booking ahead is recommended but easy to do.
C. D.
The friendliest restaurant I have been to. All proud and enthusiastic about the delicious food served in a colourful theatrical way. Will definitely go again. Perfect post Hokusai experience.
X. Z.
Excellent lunch spot. It is not very busy at lunch time.
We ordered the Osaka lunch set and Om soba lunch set. Both was delicious. The pancake was cooked in front of us which was interesting to watch. We also had the hot cake for dessert which tastes very similar to pancakes.
The service is excellent as it is expected from a Japanese restaurant.
L. N.
Real okonomiyaki. Not Japanese cuisine adjusted for British taste (i.e. no chicken to replace pork, everywhere)
J. W.
Went twice and both time had good food! The deco is pretty simple but sufficient. The staff were really nice but quite slow and you really need to try hard to draw their attention! But the main event, the okonomiyaki was really tasty! You have to have it with all the sauce! And liked a few other starters too! Not a big fan for natto though... guess this is quite personal.. Really recommend this place! Kyoto sundae was really yummy!!
A. M.
The best Japanese food I have had in London. Okonomiyaki is as good as I've had in Japan, excellent service, reasonably priced and lovely atmosphere. Will definitely return.
J. M.
Such a lovely dining experience. The food tasted really nice and just like you would get in Japan.
S. C.
Amazing service, food and prices, will definitely come again!
Service was very friendly and helpful.
o.
Very nice place and lovely staff.
The waiters are all very kind and knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients - they also cook the okonomiyaki in front of you and explain what are the ingredients. They greet you in Japanese and treat you very gently.
We ordered an okonomiyaki and omusoba both with pork, squid and shrimps, and both amazing. As if we were in Japan. Also we got tuna and pork nigiri, and a creme mochi dessert with fruits, all from the season and only japanese. The bill was fair.
We will definitely go back :D
N. V.
So excited I found this place in London, the authentic and super tasty okonomiyaki. Brought back memories of Japan!
T. M.
Great experience at Abeno ! Service and staff are really great, super friendly and helpful. You do great job guys, thumbs up !
I liked the concept of having the food prepared in front of you. It brings relax and casual atmosphere. Definitely a place to go with few friends to catch up.
No let’s talk about the food. I got a mix feeling. I really like the vegetables Tempura. Very light and the batter is just right and not oily at all. Must order !
Ordered
- 2 okonomi yaki : Tokyo and Osaka. I liked the lightness of the dish but still try to taste the difference between both. One is supposed to have Kimchi (haven’t tasted it at all) ...
- Mix Soba noodles (scallops, pork, prawns) didn’t like the dish. Too dry and heavy ... missing some sauce...
- chicken Soba Rice: fried rice was well done but flavourless due to lack of seasoning ... and still wonder if the chicken stayed in the kitchen ...
- gobu salad with burdock: liked it but very simple dish with more salad leaves than the main ingredient...
- seasonal vegetables with sesame sauce: very tasty and well seasoned but too small portion ...
To conclude I really enjoyed place, the experience and the staff but food wise it’s a disappointment especially for the price asked.
Total bill £77 (no dessert and drinks)
N. K.
Very friendly staff and great tasty dishes! Aubergine grill was super nice! Okonomiyaki was tasty. I wish I could eat there everyday. Made me miss Japan.
A. K.
Amazing food! It brings back nice memories of visiting Japan. There’s a very good selection of okonomi-yaki and other Japanese dishes and drinks. The sake cocktails are just perfect. The place is usually busy, so you have to be very lucky to get a table without booking. Therefore reservations are recommended!
J. L.
Always enjoy the food and service at Abeno. Okonomiyaki is one of my favourite Japanese food. The menu at Abeno is wide and lets you enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes like Yakisoba, and Omsoba too. The desserts are authentically Japanese too. What's not to love about this place? I will always recommend to friends who are interested in Japanese cuisine to give this place a try.
N. H.
Abeno is like being in Osaka while being in London!!!
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful! Think this may just become our new favourite restaurant in the whole of London!
Suggestion: if you want to go definitely book as there can be a long wait. It will be worth it just depends on how hungry you are when you get there 🙌🏻🙌🏻
M. P.
Always amazing Japense food here, cooked right at your table. Our first time to this branch having previously always gone to Covent Garden. Needs a bit of TLC to decoration inside but this did not distract from the fantastic food.
R. F.
An amazing dining experience with friendly staff who cook wonderful food on hot plates at your table. If you like Japenese food this place is an absolute must.
M. H.
Cozy Japanese restaurant tucked south of the British Museum. They cook the okonomiyaki and other dishes on the hot steel griddle in front of you. They staff is super nice and friendly helping you navigate the menu and telling you about the different ingredients. Food is great and a unique experience.
E. K.
Had the pleasure of finally trying out some okinomiyaki which I missed out on while I was in Japan. The service was really great and timely, all of the food was delicious and beautifully presented in true Japanese style. The okinnomiyaki is prepared on the table in front of you which really adds to the experience, I will say though that you may want to dress in light clothing as it will get pretty hot. The okinomiyaki was delicious and I very much enjoyed eating it with the mini spatula. The dessert was great with something new to discover with every layer. Highly recommended to visit if you can, word of advice you do need to book a table in advance and you will have 2 hours for your meal which they are fairly strict about. Will most definitely be back to try some more options.
S. S.
OMG! It was so so delicious! Best steak in my life! And the staff is so lovely! The whole experience was beyond a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!
B. T.
I was waiting to be served for 45 minutes despite they told me when I arrived to wait only 15 minutes. By the time I got my table I was starving. They didn’t allowed me to drink my own water, and they haven’t proposed to me any water or tea while I was waiting to be served for 45 minutes. They didn’t proposed any small snacks. It is ridicules forcing a customer to wait that long and do not provide any drinks or at least water. Okonomiyaki pancakes were delicious, however they don’t have Japanese cooks. They have black chefs and white servants. SO, IT IS NOT REAL JAPANESE RESTAURANT. Their miso soup was good, but they don’t have sushi. They have rolls with cooked salmon, but it is not delicious at all. They serve tea in small coups, and for each cup you must to pay an additional price. In the end, it is built up a high price.
C. D.
This is like my third time now. Amazing stuff… always so friendly, informative, great food and the booze is sick. We rang up last minute and they were like yeah fine come over. I’d recommend the Okonomi-yaki which is the savoury pancake thing cooked in front of you on a hot plate built into your table… I’m a super fussy eater and am pretty boring when it comes to food but I had the Shinshu Okonomi-yaki and it was fit as balls. Have that with some warm Sake and you’re golden. They also have Japanese gin and whiskey. There’s this one whiskey that’s aged under the sea and if you don’t want to try that then you’re dead inside. All I’m saying is if you have friends over in London and you’re trying to show off like you do this stuff all the time then this is actually it. You’re welcome. Goodbye.
E. N.
Cool okonomiyaki experience in London, but don't expect it to be like Japan. Prices are on the higher side (£15 for a super deluxe) and will get you satisfied but not full. The food itself was tasty, but it took a long time (part of the experience) for the whole process of gathering the ingredients into bowl and cooking it - don't come on a lunch break. Service was very friendly, however just not a place I would go back to unless you loveeeeee okonomiyaki.
J. F.
Very traditional okonomiyaki, just like the ones in Osaka and Tokyo where the trained waiters and waitresses cook the okonomiyaki right in front of you! We ordered the Tokyo mix and the miso beef with extra noodle and loved both! They may not look like much but they're extremely filling and satisfying. The croquet really surprised us — it was light but fills your mouth with a nice umami taste every bite you take! Definitely recommend! I was too full to try their desserts, but my friend's sundae was very very delicious! Really high quality matcha ice cream!
D. K.
One of the best okonomiyaki in London - it’s delicious and not too oily.
Things I‘ll recommend:
- generally all food cooked in front of you on the teppan
- okonomiyaki- we recommend having all sauces and add pork to your selection
- the Japanese hot cake we had is pretty good - we particularly like the matcha ice cream
We didn’t get a chance to try their gyoza and tempura but they seems delicious.
Make sure you reserve before going as it can get really busy.
G. F.
Probably one of the best Japanese restaurants in London. The place is small and cosy and the waiters are incredibly friendly and polite. If you order teppanyaki, it will be masterfully cooked right in front of you on an iron griddle. I absolutely loved the food! Definitely recommend Abeno to anyone and will visit it more in the future.
N. B.
This is the best place to get Okonimiyaki. The staff here is Japanese but very friendly. They consult you very well for your dietary preferences. I am a vegetarian and they have clear markings and ingredients on the menu. It saves you from egg and fish flakes if you don't eat them. Avocado gyoza were definitely a must. I tried spinach and cheese okonimiyaki and it was so filling and worth it.
S. C.
If you're looking for Okonomiyaki in London there really isn't anything comparable. The staff are extremely friendly and offer both an authentic take on Osaka-style Okonomiyaki as well as mixtures that suit the western palate.
A. S.
I came to Abeno Restaurant as It had been recommended to me as a place that serves real Japanese food. I was surprised to find out that Japanese cuisine isn’t just sushi. I’m fact, we didn’t have any rice at all. Instead, we ordered a number of very interesting sounding meals. It was all fantastic. A series of small meals led the way to the star of the evening- okonomyaki ( I guess it’s like a Japanese omlet) . All the food was prepared from freshly chopped ingredients and fried in front of us on the hot tables ( just like in the movies). The people preparing the food would accompany the process with a small story of each meal’s origin....it was truly entertaining. I had never learned so much about food in a restaurant. Not to mention the deliciousness of that! What I really liked as well is how they use seasonal ingrendients in their menu- something that the waitress was very proud to mention. I never been to Japan but after the visit to Abeno, I have another reason to put the country on my bucket list- fantastic cuisine. 5 stars from me!
D. V.
Abeno is a really good restaurant, the interior design is really minimal and you won't judge it as a 4 star restaurant but as soon as you try their food experience you will love it.
The staff is friendly and reserved so I can suggest it if you like to have an oriental relaxing dinner with your beloved.
They serve proper Japanese food which is not the classic "sushi" so don't expect to have a bunch of rice and raw fish, instead, you should try their okonomiyaki which is so tasty.
I will definitely return from time to time :-)
A. C.
This place is the one I always prefer. I go to many restaurants but to this one I keep coming back again and again. The crew is very professional and the food they cook is so good. I would always prefer to have a good dinner in this place. I recommend this place with pleasure.
C. G. G.
It's a really authetic Japanese place. The staff are mostly Japanese and you could feel the Japanese hospitality and service in this small yet cosy spot in Holborn. Has been serving Japanese food lovers in London for the past 25 years. That speaks volume considering how the food scene in London is constantly evolving. Most of the food are made on the hotplate in front of you, even the dessert wafu (crispy yet fluffy pancake stuffed with mochi and red bean paste). Quite an experience I would say and the food was all amazing with fresh and organic ingredients too! Not overpriced as well. Definitely give it a try if you are craving for Japanese food and just happen to be around Holborn area.
A. M.
Came here spontaneously with a friend. We had the spinach and cheese okonomiyaki with extra prawn and the salmon teppan-yaki. The okonomiyaki was flavoursome, but the teppan-yaki was lacking in taste and quite expensive for what we got (nearly £20). Although the food was alright, I don't think I'd come here again considering the many food choices in the area.
M.
Absolutely brilliant, the staff were really friendly and explained what they were doing while they made our okonomiyaki. The food was incredible and reasonably priced. Had a great time would definitely go back again, great for couples and groups!
L.
A small but lovely restaurant. Tried okonomiyaki and om-soba, both are nice. Portion is not big so if you’re hungry go for luxury deluxe of okonomiyaki
T. M. M.
I love Abeno! Not only is their okonomiyaki delicious, but the desserts are too. What’s not to love?! They also do hot cakes!
C. P.
The service was superb and the food was excellent! Will definitely be back again.
B. C.
Honestly, took me right back to being in Japan and eating awesome okonomiyaki. Lovely staff and gorgeous food. I'll be back for sure.
J. C.
このレストランは素晴らしい。とても美味しかったです!
Amazing authentic Japanese restaurant. The staff are so helpful, friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and so interesting to watch being cooked Infront of you. Would definitely recommend.
R. M.
Have visited Abenaki a couple of times now and I’m always very impressed with everything, from the range of options on offer, to the incredible service, and - of course - the absolutely amazing food.
A great, authentic okonomiyaki restaurant with generous portions, expertly cooked and served. A really fun place for a delicious laid-back meal.
L. A.
Best okonomi-yaki so far in London. You have lot of choices possible.
Also took some beefs tataki as started very tasty.
The okonomi-yaki are cooked in from of you with an expert hands. Almost the same taste than in Japan !
Better to book your seat before as it is full quite often.
The service is quite quick and everyone was very nice.
Loved the dessert as well with fresh fruits an some roasted green tea. Definitely my favourite Japanese in London.
X. P.
Very niche place to eat okonomyake in London. You must try it! Reservation advised.
We tried the degustation option with 5 different taste in smaller portions (see the pics). Easy to share.
Not the cheapest option but it is worth it as someone cook for you, in front of you.
Losing 1 star on the "hot cakes cooked in front of you". They are just expensive pancakes with ice cream, not worth a try.
M. C.
Such an amazing experience. Authentic (and some Western twists) Okonomiyaki cooked at your table. Service is excellent and it's a pleasure to watch the food being prepared. Not the showboating you get at some table-cooking restaurants, just simple quality cooking.
For someone with an appetite I'd say go for the regular okonomiyaki with a few sides, or go for a supersize one. Some desserts are cooked on the hot plate too and worth ordering.
E. P.
The avocada tofu gyoza was really good!! We had the pancake with pork and noodles on top of it, it was really satisfying to see how they bake the pancake. The staff was really friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back.
B. O.
Our favourite okonomiyaki in town, though finding a place is really challenging here! Service is friendly and delightful too. Highly reccomended.
G. S.
Amazing experience in unique themed restaurant in london. Super friendly staff relaxed atmosphere and top quality ingredients. A true gem in a touristy district
N. W.
Authentic, really well done food. Excellent staff. Brownie points for extensive traditional Japanese dessert menu which is rare in London.
y. b.
Osaka in London yay!
Nice place to eat some okonomyaki, sorry if the spelling is wrong, the taste is good.
The staff is helpful and efficient in general. They'll take time to explain how it works and will help you make your choice.
Now for me, the choice was quite limited as the meat was not halal and all is cooked on the same "sheet" on the table, my colleagues had taken one with bacon and although I pushed it from mine and I told her, the waitress pushed it back so I couldn't eat it all.
Moreover the portion seemed to me small and I was still hungry after.
What I ate though was good. I loved eating natto again!
F. J.
Great experience and delicious food! Really recommend, and definitely get the apple cake desert that they cook on the hot plate in front of you!
D. E.
MUST VISIT! This is a family run Japanese restaurant focusing on okonomiyaki, and it's up there with with best okonomiyaki I've had including in Japan!!! The service is phonomenal, not intrusive but personal with some of the food cooked on the table in front of you! The family and staff were so good at service, this place is a must try if in the area, let's support small businesses that care!
R. G.
The people and service are amazing. This place has been in operation for over 20 years and, armored with this knowledge, blew away my expectations.
Stand out dishes were the Chicken Karaage and the Ozomoyaki (give slight preference on the osaka mix over the tofu mix I had). The yakisoba, gyoza were good.
Everything finished before your eyes on your table, Great experience.
For everything we had, the bill was superb value for money. Will 100% visit again.
R. S.
Super good okonomiyaki in London. Very close to what I had while I was living in Japan. My favorite thing about the place is that every worker, Japanese or not, speaks Japanese to one another. It really adds to the entire experience.
M. K.
We hadn't booked in advance but I would recommend doing so as the venue is fairly small. However the food was really good and worth the price! Tastes similar to the okonomiyaki I ate in Japan.
C. B.
Exceptional food, the best I have had in ages. Cooked freshly and expertly in front of you as the chef talks you through the process. Excellent welcoming and accommodating service (thank you for treating my grandma like a queen!!!) We will definitely back. Great for any occasion and with any group of people!
Y. l.
The taste is good, unfortunately we were told by one lady staff that we should not come at the lunch time if we want to order just a few plates. Quite disappointed
G. J. I.
Delectable okinominyaki in a fun setting. The wait staff are very friendly and accommodating. They have a large whisky menu, as well.
K. A.
Brilliant birthday meal for a friend. Amazing food, great team who come and cook for you at your table. They were fantastic about letting us bring a special cake as well :) Despite it being a busy Saturday we were not rushed in any way.
J. F.
Great experience to have, with Japanese pancakes cooked in front of you which were delicious.
A small place, so if you are a large group book in advance, but accommodating staff.
A.
Absolutely delicious and authentic. I was back to Japan. I took the Tokyo mix okonomiyaki and it was really tasty. The deluxe version is just for 1 person. I highly recommend!
Y. S.
This is very different from any Japanese place I’ve been to. Absolute treat!
D. G.
Different food, tasted good as well but too pricy.. liked their combination of green tea ice cream and a red bean paste kinda thing.. got the smell of cooking in my coat and very difficult to get that out which I hated. They should probably provide some cloak room facility.
S. D.
Delicious Japanese food. Very good customer service too. Loved it!
Y. W.
Great service, decent food. The matcha dessert was a pleasant surprise.
N. L.
Amazing food and service. Would definitely come back!!
S. G.
Really good restaurant and quite original. The Sapporo okonomiyaki was amazing and the gyozas too! Make sure you book as it is quite small and it is always busy!
P. H.
An excellent foray into something new for me, lunch with a bit of theatre prepared and served in front of you on the embedded hot plate within the table. Very friendly staff, patient and accommodating with the newbie! Recommended.
A.
If you are hungry make sure to ask which are the quick side dishes! It's lovely to see delicious food being cooked in front of you with a very polite and respectful staff; right after spending a day in the British Museum is a perfect way to finish
E. A.
Great Okonomiyaki restaurant in London. I’ve been missing Okonomiyaki since moved to UK from Japan but i was completely satisfied here! Matcha ice cream is also delicious.
L. B.
This is the only place I've found outside of Japan that has authentic and tasty Okonomiyaki. The place has a nice atmosphere, very polite staff and great Okonomiyaki! There's also a sister location that's a little more lively and busy if you prefer that vibe.
L. N.
Went here for lunch and was lucky to get a table right away.
Got classic pork okonomiyaki and kitsune udon. As good as in Japan!
I love extra sauce so I appreciate they leave the mayo and sauce on the table so you can add more if necessary.
Also got the chance to speak some Japanese with the staff ^^
R. G. V.
The Best place to eat Okonimyaki in London. Really nice personal, and really delicious food. My favorite dessert is ichigo roll. We'll be back again for my next birthday. 😊❤️️
B. B.
First time we tried okonomiyaki after we had heard so much about it. The staff was very friendly, explaining everything enthusiastically and with patience. The okonomiyaki was excellent. Our visit was a perfect introduction to this wonderful dish. We will definitely come back for more!
0.
staff here are so nice, food is amazing and authentic
H. B.
The place to come for authentic okonomiyaki in London.
Many tourists come expecting other Japanese food and there are few on the menu but you should only come if you are expecting to eat okonomiyaki.
The staff makes the okonomiyaki in front of you and the taste is second to none.
P. V.
Delicious food and tasty drinks, bit more on the pricy side but something very different to your usual dinner experience with the hot table. Staff take great pride in their work.
J. D.
Fantastic okonomiyaki made at your table by friendly staff. Not exactly cheap, but well worth the money. Nice range of saki to accompany.
E. C.
Nice place in London to try Japanese pancakes. The food was tasty and well made. Service was friendly. It is a busy little restaurant.
Т. Х.
Most authentic Japanese restaurant I’ve seen in London. Great okonomiyaki.
N. P. J.
Amazing okonomiyaki, and great service. Try the Kobe if you like meet and you will not be disappointed. Great experience!
R. V.
Didn’t have a reservation but the staff was more than accommodating. Outstanding customer service and hospitality 👏🏼
J. S.
This is a lovely Japanese restaurant where you can try delicious dishes which are cooked just in front of you.
We tried Okonomiyaki Tokyo and loved it!
Service was really good as well, as waiters were nice and helpful. Very clean as well.
S.
It was delicious. I recommend Tokyo-Mix plus Modern-Yaki.
ד. ג.
Everything is so tasty! Get all the topping, don't be afraid of the fish
C. M.
Ah, for those times when you crave a concoction of egg, cabbage and sundry meats pan fried with a dash of mirin and dashi. Mmmm!
Sure you could cook something as simple as this yourself, but the occasional whimsy wouldn't justify buying the authentic ingredients and the immediacy of satisfying a craving.
G. W.
I've ordered from Abeno before and was so impressed but the full restaurant experience is a different story. They make the okinomiyaki in front of you, its such an art and feels like a proper event, nice place to come for a birthday. The food was delicious, highly recommend sharing large deluxe size Okinomiyakis and trying a few. Plus a few starters.The macha ice cream is also a v good shout for desert. Lovely family run restaurant, lovely people. Would definitely come again!
J. P.
Freshly made okonomiyaki and hotcakes for dessert. Really good!
p. V. G.
Very good and tasty !
S. H.
This place is amazing. We went to their sister restaurant for many years, and finally went to the original after a trip the the British Museum. It’s a very particular kind of cuisine; savoury pancake/ omelettes with a variety of delicious ingredients including fresh seafood, or pork, with veggie options too. Service from Matthew was so polite, and warm, and professional. We drilled him for information about Japanese culture and cuisine between every visit to the table and he duly obliged! Delicious, memorable food, with authentic Japanese drinks, at a really reasonable price point. Thank you!
A. Z.
Amazing service and food.
The staff were very hospitable and knowledgeable as well.
We loved everything and will definitely come back.
E. B.
I've been a few times and I absolutely love this place. The staff are engaging and they love to educate you about Japanese language and culture, I could not recommend this lovely restaurant enough!
T. B.
Had a Pork, Squid and prawn Okonomiyaki and cucumber and seaweed sunomono which really reminded me of when I went to Japan for the first time. It was so lovely. Staff were fantastic cooking this at my table.
A.
One of my favourite restaurants to go in London. Having the food cooked in front of you is an experience I enjoy every single time - and I've been here probably around a dozen times by now. Staff are very friendly, Covid measures are in place. Look forward to going again.
J. K.
Really great food, and the staff were amazing. Vegetarian options were available.
J. C.
Yup, the real deal. Super tasty okonomiyaki (cooked in front of you), very friendly staff, clean, welcoming. Just an amazing experience overall.
J. D.
Very unusual but very tasty Japanese food
V. P.
Japanese managers and authentic food. Really recommend to see how they cook in front of you!
W. M.
This place never disappoints. They serve awesome food for fair prices, there are no long waits even when the place is full.
P. V.
Delicious food and tasty drinks, bit more on the pricy side but something very different to your usual dinner experience with the hot table. Staff take great pride in their work.
J. S.
Staff are soooo kind, amazing organic food and great atmosphere. Would recommend!
R. P.
Nice food and a beautiful place.
L. Z.
Great food with reasonable price. And good beer.
C.
The food was delicious and the portion sizes were really good. Friendly service and the tables were nicely spaced out so it felt covid secure. Will definitely be going back.
J. F.
Great experience to have, with Japanese pancakes cooked in front of you which were delicious.
A small place, so if you are a large group book in advance, but accommodating staff.
B. B.
First time we tried okonomiyaki after we had heard so much about it. The staff was very friendly, explaining everything enthusiastically and with patience. The okonomiyaki was excellent. Our visit was a perfect introduction to this wonderful dish. We will definitely come back for more!
M. K.
Good okonomiyaki at a reasonable price for London. Friendly staff and clean and positive environment
L. A.
Best okonomi-yaki so far in London. You have lot of choices possible.
Also took some beefs tataki as started very tasty.
The okonomi-yaki are cooked in from of you with an expert hands. Almost the same …
L. S.
It's not a meal it's a full experience. Great food, friendly staff, nice interior.
M. I.
Solid food with very skilled staff. Would very much come back again
E. C.
A great place to try Japanese traditional food!
F. B.
I love this place. Food is amazing and they prepare most of them in front of you (okonomiyaki)
R. P. T.
Everything was delicious and the staff friendly and helpful. Definitely worth going
D. C.
Probably the best okonomiyaki I’ve had outside of Osaka
E. C.
Broad okonomiyaki selection. Tasty and washes down well with a glass of iced mugicha.
M. R. (.
The best Japanese food I've had in London. Enough said :)
L. S.
It's not a meal it's a full experience. Great food, friendly staff, nice interior.
M. M.
I'd been curious to try okonomiyaki for a while and decided to pop into Abeno for a meal before heading to the theatre. They were quite busy but could give us a table for an hour, which was more than sufficient.
The service was fast, friendly and did a good job explaining things. The food was all good but didn't really amaze me. We went for a large Tokyo mix and some noodles to share. We didn't try the desserts but some of them sounded good.
O. M.
Had the super deluxe Kobe mix and soba pancake. It was excellent and the service was great.
J.
Very good service...staff very helpful with the menu for first timers...good food
B. P.
I love this place! Every time I go to London I go there and eat an okonomiyaki and nattō! People are very nice and friendly! There are always a lot of people so maybe you should reserve a table! Medium-high prices, but it is worth it!
y. b.
Osaka in London yay!
Nice place to eat some okonomyaki, sorry if the spelling is wrong, the taste is good. …
j. b.
Might be the best Japanese food I have had in London, not to expensive either..
V. S.
Really great experience. They cook in front of you and the food is delicious. Really nice staff.
O. M.
Had the super deluxe Kobe mix and soba pancake. It was excellent and the service was great.
R. B.
Love this place, the staff are all amazing and very skilled - the food is incredible
M. I.
Always great food and service. Love coming here
H. S.
Delicious okanomiyaki cooked fresh at the table. Great service.
T. B.
Had a Pork, Squid and prawn Okonomiyaki and cucumber and seaweed sunomono which really reminded me of when I went to Japan for the first time. It was so lovely. Staff were fantastic cooking this at my table.
S. W.
I would've love to give it a 5 star review but the inconsistency in service is what prompts me to give it a 3 star.
I've been to Abeno twice - the first time for a reservation at 8:30 which we only got seated at 9:15p.m, which though we had an amazing time and service was great and it was overall a great experience despite the long wait when we had made a reservation.
We raved about our first experience to our friends and invited them for dinner there again. Yet the second time wasn't a great experience. We had an earlier reservation this time for 6:30p.m to 8:30p.m, which by 7:50p.m we were already rushed to make our 'last orders' and the bill sent straight to us at 8p.m as we are finishing the last sips for our drinks.
It sucks being the victim of both sides of their reservation system when we had to wait a long time for our table for our last reserved table, while being rushed out early for our second reservation.
I would've love to give it a 5 star but this just isn't the right way to treat customers, let alone demonstrate great Japanese hospitality ( which we did experience on the first time but definitely not the second visit.) I urge Abeno to have better time management and perhaps more consistent hospitality towards their customers.
J. S.
Staff are soooo kind, amazing organic food and great atmosphere. Would recommend!
s. g.
Best okonomiyaki outside of Japan! Excellent service.
T. E.
Delicious food. The staff is very friendly and welcoming - it was a great experience overall.
M. T.
I love Abeno! Book in advance, because I’m not the only one. The food is fresh, carefully prepared, and delicious. The menu has lovely seasonal options.
It’s a family-owned business (so rare), and the the service is wonderful. It’s always a warm, friendly experience.
J. T.
Really delicious - and unusual as a way of eating. All cooked in front of you. Fabulous night out
C. G.
Cozy restaurant with great customer service and delicious food. Absolutely worth it.
B.
So good!! Really fun + nice waiters. Decor is cute and service is fast. Fantastic okonomiyaki!! Avocado & tofu dumplings are good too. Rice balls with plum & salmon were okay. Would recommend for sure!
t. a.
I love Japanese food but never tried okonomiyaki before stumbling apon this little gem. It was so rich and delicious i wasnt dissapointed. it was very busy so we had to share a table with another couple. but we didnt mind. The menu is very extensive lots of Japanese drinks and a specials menu. The food is cooked on the table for a touch of theater to your dinning experience as is traditional with this kind of food. the staff are really nice. i would go back again . lovely!
j. b.
Might be the best Japanese food I have had in London, not to expensive either..
E. Z.
Really authentic and delicious food! Great customer service. Highly recommend!
유.
Fantastic okonomiyaki that reminded me of Tokyo (had the Osaka and London mix). The dessert special was very tasty too and service was friendly and informative. Very affordable. Would recommend highly and very convenient if you're around the British Museum.
S. M.
The food is good, and different from what most expect of Japanese cooking. Also it is prepared in front of you. That makes a meal here something special. But booking in advance is best. Also the tables generally work with groups of four people.
L. C.
Despite a decor that could do with a refresh and cramped conditions. This highly in-demand restaurant ticks many boxes. The niche aspect is why people visit, which is for the meal being cooked in front of you. This restaurant requires reservations due to its size limitations. You may be lucky to get seated if there is a gap in the schedule.
This visit is for the savory Japanese pancakes and they are of excellent quality. There is great care when they are sizzling in front of you and it takes around 10/15 minutes to prepare. It is reminiscent of watching your mum cook and impatiently feeling hungry by the second. There is an array of fillings to complement the pancakes and there is a comfort food feel to the proceedings.
Definitely worth a visit if you can get a booking for some simple but very tasty food.
C. C.
Great authentic family run restaurant - such friendly service and amazing food made in front of you! First time trying Okonomiyaki and was a lovely and delicious experience - won’t be the last 😊. Thanks for having us x
S. M.
The food being cooked on our own table was lovely and fun! Staff is friendly and the food is very good quality. Athmosphere is cozy and chilled!
As I booked the table but was running late I called them to let them know and the lady kindly postponed the booking for us!
I highly recommend it!
C. H.
tldr : food and atmosphere fantatic, must book
Went there on a monday night, and we still had to wait for a table a long while so I would reccomend booking in advance. It felt like a very authentic place many of the people dining were native Japanese.
I had a lovely chat with my server (who turned out to be the restaurant owner) as he was cooking the okonomiyaki in the griddle infront of us. He was patient and explained everything that was in the food and entertained my questions about his work and life.
The food itself was brilliant, I has a Tokyo style okonomiyaki (bacon, shrimp and squid) and it was truly delicious. If you haven't tried it before you definitly should!
L. C. B.
I liked the experience, the fact that they cook the food in front of you, including the pancakes for dessert.
J. W.
Delicious food and very friendly service. Also the experience of having the food cooked at your table is cool.
B. G.
I came here a few months ago (but Google just asked me to review it today so hopefully my review is still correct) we went here to get okonomiyaki as we were craving since Japan. It was good fun and we will be back. Staff were friendly and we booked a table no problem
a. s.
Excellent food and service. The only cons is the number of tables but next time we will book one in advance. Me and my partner had lunch last sunday and we are both well impressed by staff and food. Dishes are not preparred in advance but at the moment, we could watch the chef making our gyoza and of course our okonomiyaki straight on our table. Staff is nice and they will explain and give suggestions on the menu if it is the first time for you. Moreover, my partner is vegetarian and they made all the efforts and paid attention avoiding any contact between our food, even using to different pairs of spatula to prepare or flip the okonomiyakis. We are both very satisfied and surely we will go again to try different mixes and specialities.
A. G. W.
Every single thing about this little piece of Osaka in London is perfection. To experience the Okonomi-yaki being prepared in front of you is simply beautiful and the taste is even better. Yet, the passionate, knowledgeable and skilful staff cooking/serving are as a important part of the experience as the food itself. I couldn’t wait to go back even before I left on my first visit, so I definitely will.
R. M.
Amazing okonomiyaki, fantastic staff, great quality of food. Service is a little slow because they cook everything in front of you, but it pays off because it is absolutely DELICIOUS. Cannot wait to go back again and again! Book in advance, this place gets busy!
N. S. P.
Lovely small resteraunt with tepenyaki grills on every table where the okonomiyaki are cooked in front of you. Have had the Abeno Special it was delicious.
They also have a large selection of enjoyable sake served chilled or hot to your preference.
E. P.
Loved every bit of it. Lovely staff, very helpful, they explained everything as newcomers and first time experience.
Will definitely return for more.
V. C.
Very tasty and atmospheric. I really like the concept of cooking food in your presence. Portions are not large so you can order a bit of everything and share. Slightly more expensive than average ££ restaurant. The only downside it's often crowded, so I recommend booking beforehand.
U. M.
Authentic clean and delicious and respecting Japanese restaurant with a simple, tasty and original menu, prepared in front of you, that is relaxing comfort of a way to spend midday / evenings :)
a. l.
I had a lovely time with my girlfriend's on Sunday Eve . We had amazing arrive from a gentleman who had been working there for over 25 years (I believe his name was Paul but I may be wrong)
He was so patient with us and explained the menu as we had so many questions. The food was also wonderfully prepared by him, right on the hotplate Infront of us which was so entertaining. Will will defiantly be back 🙏
J.
When I came here after hearing they sell pancakes I wasn't expecting much, but boy was I wrong.
The food was absolutely amazing we had the abeno special which was beautiful and literally had my mouth watering, I think I fell in love and the negi-yaki which was still very nice but nowhere near as good as the abeno special. I would definitely recommend it.
Also had an om-soba which was also really nice and cooked to perfection.
The plum wine was soooo tasty and complimented the food well and having the choccie and Kyoto sundae for dessert just continued to add to the beauty of the meal.
Personally I'd skip out on starters hear as they are nowhere near as nice as the mains, and why get them when you could get another pancake or an om-soba.
The staff were all very friendly and really helpful and our server cheffed everything up to perfection and was very professional. He made the meal that much better with the flipping and constant adding of layers to the abeno special, it was quite literally a work of art.
But 100,000% would recommend this place you won't be disappointed 🙃
A. L. C.
Abeno is still one of my favourite restaurants in London. Everything is delicious, all of the staff are very friendly and speak Japanese, and it offers a fun, different culinary experience. Book in advance if you're more than two people.
C.
As always a lovely experience.
The food is amazing and the staff is simply the best.
Absolutely recommended!
t.
Excellent Osaka style お好み焼き。 Abeno is always busy and needs booking ahead. Expect a 2hr leisurely meal. If you're eating as a pair expect to share a table.
D. L.
Thoroughly enjoyed our Okonomiyaki experience!
R. B.
Love this place, the staff are all amazing and very skilled - the food is incredible
H. I.
Been here multiple times, one of the best teppanyaki restaurants in London! The customer service is absolutely brilliant, good variety of vegeterian options as well.
D. L. L. G.
Delicious. Everything was superb and the staff was very friendly and well trained. BUT they told us our reservation was from 17:30-18:45 and they were extremely annoyingly and unreasonably precise about this. At 18:36 we tried to get some dessert and they said no because there was not enough time. We asked for the bill and were left waiting for 10+ minutes. In sum, good place but I had never felt so unwelcome at any restaurant in my entire life.
M. A. L.
Great culinary experience, with friendly staff. The special okonomiyaki with everything, may be too much for some people, but you should try at least to share it with someone.
The only down sides are you will need a reservation, and you may take more than hour to finish your meal.
L. S.
The food was excellent and really authentic. It would be nice to be able to cook it yourself, but it's a small critique for a policy that I'm sure is out of the restaurant's control. We had beef kara-age, edamame, miso and gyoza to start, and then I had you Osaka okonomiyaki (not to be confused with Osaka style!). The staff were knowledgeable and courteous and I'll definitely be going back.
E. C.
We had to wait 30 minutes to be seated (we should have made a reservation!) mid-week, so we had gone for a drink to a nearby pub. There aren’t many tables so I would recommend booking ahead. We were impressed with the food, it looked so simple yet it was of a good taste. It’s not a romantic place, nor it can fit a large group but it’s good food-wise, not pretentious or upmarket. Staff were friendly too.
J. S.
Couldn't get a table late notice on Friday but managed to squeeze in on a Saturday night.
Okonomi-yaki was a new experience for us and we will be back. Very informative staff who described the different types of dishes well. Food was full of different flavours and smells produced right in front of us. No theatre.... just great food. Recommend a visit.
M.
Not authentic okonomiyaki. The pancake is not crispy and crumbles easily when you cut it. Service is ok but one of the servers kept repeating “gratuity not included” so overall not an impressive experience.
S. P.
Went here to try something new and in that sense was left very satisfied although it was not just a gimmick food as the dish was very tasty. The waitress was very helpful in explaining the range of choices available and was skilled in cooking the dish. However, I found the price to be too high for the amount and quality of food.
C. F.
Absolutely love this restaurant! The food was amazing (had the osaka mix okonomiyaki and a hot cake for dessert with delicious matcha ice cream). Also the staff are so so lovely. Will be going here again for sure
L. H.
Delicious okonomiyaki, best I've had in London! Lovely staff too.
S. G.
Great Okonomiyaki, very professional and quick service. Will be back to try more soon!
Excellent second visit. Nothing to fault at all on the food or service fronts. If anything can be improved at all I would say it is the lighting.
L. Z.
Great food with reasonable price. And good beer.
G. V.
Huge menu with great variety, tasty, and quite! The Okonomiyaki was good of course but the dessert I had was more than amazing! I felt like I am back in Japan, that real the taste was. Homemade macha ice cream was heavenly. The whole balance was just perfect, being not too sweet. Exactly how Japanese desserts should be.
C. C.
Very authentic Japanese okonomiyaki experience, and a great place to go with friends who are keen to share. The menu has lots of interesting combinations for the adventurous foodies, and the staff are very attentive to special requests. Would recommend the Wafu dessert - the overall preparation, presentation, and taste was delightful.
C. B. (.
Really great customer service, and even more delicious okonomoyaki. If you want a good okonomoyaki this is the best place to go!
B. J.
Okonomiyaki in the heart of London - what's not to like? Authentic, too. Staff are really nice, and they make a big fuss of the theatre of hotplate cooking, which is quite fun. Good spot for lunch – but if you have an appetite or it's dinner time, you should definitely get the larger sized okonomiyaki.
J. J.
Is okonomiyaki the greatest of all foods?
What I do know is that if this place ever closes, I may just cry.
Also the staff are some of the loveliest in London.
A real treat.
E.
Abeno has been this year’s highlight for me when it comes to eating out in London. The Japanese quality of service that I experienced there with my fiancée is unique. To give an example, my fiancée had ordered a red rice beer. A waiter noticed that she was waiting for the dish to be served and offered to keep the beer in the fridge so that it would be chilled when her okonomiyaki arrived. It might seem trivial but normally you get this kind of attention to customers only in luxury (and overpriced) restaurants. The okonomiyaki and yakisoba were fabulous, as were the desserts. Moreover, it was great to be able to exchange a few words in Japanese with the staff and owner who were so welcoming and whom I thank for the wonderful evening we had at Abeno.
M. S.
The food is delicious however their payment and tip policy for groups is atrocious, as you have to pay together in cash or one person has to pay by card. There is also a mandatory service charge which is odd considering Japanese restaurants usually don’t expect tips. Service was polite but again, payment was so stressful and spoiled the experience.
K. Z.
Good Japanese food cooked and served at your table in cases where this is possible.
T. S.
Best coffee jelly I've had! Great service with the employees cooking certain food for you, which is great to watch. You may have to share a grill if it's busy and you have not booked a table.
I. O.
Okonomiyaki was delicious and the staff was very friendly. A very interesting experience to see the food cooked on the hot plate in front of you. Beware your clothes will smell accordingly when you leave
S. L.
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine this is a great place to visit while in London. It offers a personal touch to your food - you can make the pancake yourself or ask the staff for help. They have a varied choice of different flavours and I believe everyone would find something they love. Considering it's London, the price is ok, but not the cheapest option out there.
A. W.
First time having okonomiyaki. Loved it. Had with delicious warm sake. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Will most certainly be back
I. G.
Japanese comfort food: cabbage pancake (okonomiyake) cooked at your table, with a good variety of toppings. If you haven't tried it, it's much better than it sounds! Good place for a fun evening with a small group.
C. P.
If you want fancy decor and for example are on a first date maybe don't come here. However if you want very friendly service, superb tasting food and a great experience, come here. They serve, amongst other things, Japanese pancakes (which is their speciality so I'd recommend it) which are cooked in front of you on the hot plate on your table. A unique experience in London as well as fantastic food, recommended.
D. G.
My favourite okonomiyaki place in London.
The place is small but cozy and the staff very helpful.
Very tasteful dishes.
Apart from the okonomi-yaki I would recommend their gyozas (cooked on the spot) and very tasty and from dessert I would recommend Choccie.
Nice selection of sake.
If there is anything negative, is probably the prices being a touch too high.
G. H.
Great food but dining experience is very rushed. It’s not like I’m gonna spend 2 hours eating okonomiyaki but I prefer not to be pressured for time.
C. W.
Went to Abeno for 3 times, and i absolutely love okonomi-yaki as it is one of my favorite dishes. The restaurant can be really hot when its summer since they do not have any air conditioning. The ambience is clean and simple yet sophisticated. The staff immediately cooks the okonomi-yaki in front of you giving you another rightful experience. The restaurant is rather small and could be packing with a lot of people at the same time. But overall the experience is amazing.
J.
Very good service...staff very helpful with the menu for first timers...good food
A. C.
Traditional Okonomiyakes and Japanese Street food. We tried the pork and Tokyo ones, as well as a couple of entries and barley and green teas. Everything was very tasty and it resembled flavours of Japan. The only downside was the long wait, I think the place is understaffed considering the waiters have to clean, serve, bill and cook..
H. S.
Delicious okanomiyaki cooked fresh at the table. Great service.
S. V. S.
Abeno has become my go-to with visiting friends and family. It never seizes to surprise with its tepanyaki experience and wonderful flavours. It’s a little gem nestled right behind the British Museum. I love the pancakes, but I also highly recommend it for dessert!
a. g.
Amazing food and great service. This will certainly be one of our go-to’s when in town.
S. S.
Excellent okonomi yaki. Tasty and moderately proved compared to similar restaurants. Portion size was medium. I would recommend going for a special and sharing it. The hot cake was just a pancake which was not worth the money. Would recommend
A. G.
Very tasty food and great service. Cooking at your table feels very much like part of the process rather than showmanship or a gimmick - it is necessary for the dish. It is not cheap, but it is worth it for a treat.
J. Z.
Very authentic okonomikayi!
J. D.
A delightful place with a friendly service and delicious okonomiyaki!
P. H.
Very nice service, great staff and delicious food. Some meals are prepared at your table, in a traditional japanese fashion. Menu provides excellent and easy to understand description of the meals.
B. L.
Never know there's such a gooooood Okonomi-yaki place in London! Although might be a bit pricey but definitely worth the money! Wide range of traditional Japanese beverages for you to choose as well.
s. c.
My first Okonomiyaki in London, and very good quality. Be prepared to wait if you've not booked, and bear in mind you'll leave smelling of grilled food. But brilliant grilled food.
M. G.
One of my favourite Japanese restaurants in London. Definitely worth a visit. The food is always consistently good and the Okonomi-yaki is amazing. Personally, I like the Tokyo mix when ordering okonomi-yaki, but my better half prefers the London mix. The black tiger prawn gyoza is also fantastic and cooked right in front of you, as most of the food is.
P. N.
Excellent Japanese okonomiyakis. Strongly recommend it!
Y. D.
The waiter was extremely friendly and talkative. While preparing our food, he explained a lot about the food, as well as other subjects such as recommendations for places to visit in Japan.
A. H.
Specialises in okomomiyaki, Japanese pancakes cooked in front of you on a giant hot platr. Also serves noodles. Good experience for small groups and couples. Your clothes will become very smoky though. Also the portions are quite small, so be prepared to order a lot or go home hungry!
K. I.
Lovely first London Okonomiyaki experience
R. B.
Excellent food, Great Staff and fair price
S. M.
Really enjoyed the meal here yesterday. The waitress had superb cooking skills and the meal was really tasty and well cooked. Asahi beer is a great accompaniment . 5 Stars for taste, ambience and good value.
J. Y.
Visiting Abeno is a fun and interactive way to introduce others to Oknomiyaki, which is essentially a cabbage pizza/pancake with a selection of fillings and sauces. The layout is very minimalist and clean, and if you want to try your hand at cooking the pancake you can.
Ultimately, I do find this restaurant quite expensive, considering cabbage is the main ingredient and it is not very filling. However, I would recommend it as an interesting restaurant for those looking for something different to do.
F. F.
One of the best food experience in London!
M. G.
Ate here a few years ago but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with the Okonomiyaki. It lacked the full flavour. We were still hungry afterwards so ate elsewhere afterwards. I'd like to think things have improved since then.
I. G.
Was my first time in the restaurant, really enjoyed it.
L. M.
One of the best Okonomiyaki that you can get probably in Europe. They prepare them in front of you and the service is good. TIP - Don´t bring your best clothes, they will smell afterwards because of the smoke
S.
Fantastic authentic Japanese food with excellent service, friendly staff with lovely ethically sourced ingredients which makes up for the price. Best to book for peak times in the evenings and big groups.
N. M.
Delicious food and warm and welcoming service
D. H.
Very authentic Japanese style restaurant. The Okonomiyaki is delicious. It will be cooked by the friendly staff direct at your table.
S. K.
Delicious starters and dessert, pancakes were ok - we got 3 with totally different fillings but all seemed to taste the same. Great ambience but not cheap and nothing special, doubt I'd go back
S. M.
Excellent Japanese restaurant at a reasonable price! Nice and friendly stuff.
The food is fresh and is prepared at your table. A minor drawback is that your clothes might smell a little bit after your visit to Abeno, especially if the place is busy.
D. E. S.
Brilliant staff, food, and experience!
K. S.
Fantastic unique dining experience with an authentic Japanese feel and menu, made by very talented staff. Only downside is it's too expensive to eat here regularly. Otherwise fantastic. Book ahead.
L. D.
There's a great variety of okonomiyaki mixes to choose from- the Osaka mix is superb. Definitely one of the best Japanese spots in London.
P. B.
Compact Japanese restaurant. Walk ins unlikely to get a seat so book ahead. Realistic Japanese cuisine. Lovely atmosphere. Lovely staff. Good washroom facilities. Good Japanese cuisine experience.
Y. S.
You can find proper Japanese pancake 'Okonomi-yaki' here. Friendly stuff make Okonomi-yak ati front of you. It's small restaurant, I recommend you make reservation.
A. J.
Cozy Japanese restaurant with pleasant staff. Authentic and filling okonomiyaki cooked at a hot plate on your table, with a decently priced set menu at lunchtimes.
B. S.
Incredibly good food and lovely little restaurant with great atmosphere. Prices are what is to be expected for a central London restaurant. I will come back very soon !!
F.
Nestling snugly near the British Museum lies this small sliver of the Land of the Rising Sun, specialising in Japanese Okonomiyaki cooking.
I guess it’s best to think of this cooking as a kind of pizza or a glorified savoury pancake. There are many different well established fillings or toppings that reflect different cities and areas in Japan.
The word Okonomiyaki splits down literally into two words meaning “what you want” (Okonomi) and “cooked” (yaki) and is predominantly made up of Japanese batter, with eggs, yam and shredded cabbage. It is then mixed with other ingredients but the original Okonomiyaki from the Osaka Kansai region contains green onion, thin pork belly, octopus, shrimp, vegetables and cheese. It is then topped off with a thick Worcester-like sauce or Mayonnaise.
Lots of variations of the dish have been made over time, and you can add or subtract toppings and fillings to your heart’s content, giving it that pizza like feeling. Once cooked the Okonomiyaki’s are roughly 6-9 inches across, and dependent on what version you go for can be quite thin or nearly two inches thick.
Our meal started off with Edamame, Agedashi Tofu and then some Gyoza dumplings that were griddled right in front of us, all of which were really delicious. For the Okonomiyaki themselves we went for the Tokyo Mix and the London Mix, whilst imagining the London mix isn’t something you’d quite find in the deepest depths of Japan, the filling of bacon, pork, salmon and cheese sounded too good to turn down.
The impressive cooking process itself was performed by the waitress or ‘table chef’ who with a dab hand mixed the batter, added the choice extras and poured onto the griddle flipping once and finally covering with sauces – all of which is a really nice bit of theatre to add to the experience. When the eating of the Okonomiyaki finally came they were without doubt surprisingly filling, and very, very tasty indeed.
For the restaurant itself the atmosphere isn’t that great to be honest, and besides the Japanese pictures hanging off the walls, it could just be any other restaurants surroundings.
But the food and service are definitely where it is at.
That minor point aside, it was a new experience for me and if you want a place that is just that bit different, especially with regards to Japanese cuisine then it is highly recommended.
A. O.
This restaurant is the master of okonomiyaki; a form of Japanese pizza. If you think of a cross between a pizza, an omelette and Japanese flavours you're probably starting to get closer to the idea. They cook it on a grill in front of you too so the meal is a real (sweaty) experience!
W. C.
Abeno offers authentic Japanese pancakes. Okonomiyaki is quite a cheap food in Japan, so your Japanese friends may balk at the price, but it's all tasty and the service is good.
n.
Great place for okonomiyaki. Fantastic coffee jelly
S. B.
Third time going and the staff and food are as amazing as ever. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and don't rush you to eat and go, they encourage you to take your time and enjoy your meal...which is always tasty!
R. F.
Probably one of top three restaurants I have visited the most in London.
They server okonomi yaki which are sort of fat Japanese omelette-pancake type things which are made of fresh ingredients at your table and fried straight onto a hotplate embedded in your table.
They are awesome and it is a great, reasonably priced, fun place to take both friends and clients alike.
However, if you are Japanese you may get disappointed as I can understand okonimi yaki in Japan are cheapish fast food which is not the case in London.
A.
Excellent okonomiyaki for a reasonable price.
C. P.
Great food, amazing experience! Fully recommended!
R. D.
Abeno is a great place to try okonomiyaki. Cooked just in front of you, it's a real show with a delicious finish. The staff is also very friendly.
A. S.
Cool okonomiyaki experience in London!
Nice sake selection. Delicious food and very friendly staff.
T. H.
very special, good, succulent food served by a fantastic team.
A. T.
A must for Japanese food lovers.
Fresh products served by lovely people.
The okonomiyaki is probably the best you can find in London.
Highly recommended.
C. B.
Awesome gyoza and okonomiyaki. Cooked with lots of love. Must go!
W.
Can I just say service was tremendous. Our waiter was super animated, answered any of our questions and made it look so effortless! Food was great and a lovely experience!
J. W.
Incredibly friendly staff who are more than happy to chat whilst preparing meals
Our server was very professional but still fun!
On the pricey side, but worth the money and fun for a group
T. R.
Amazing!! Must try and go back and again :)
M. I.
Always great food and service. Love coming here
M. G.
I absolutely loved everything about this place. The people were lovely. The food was more than a meal, but an experience that I will always treasure. I cannot overstate my recommendation for this place!
D. K.
Food is cooked on table in front of you. VG indeed. Main course about £15 as and sides £5. Relaxed atmosphere and service is excellent.
N. P.
good but expensive for a lunch okonomiyaki
O. A.
Unique dining experience, you have to try the okonomi yaki. Very friendly staff. Would definitely return again and again and again!
H. P.
Excellent food and great warm and professional customer service!
The seasonals are a great delight to look out for too!
If you can make a reservation then you should, because the place is filled with customers who come back.
W. M.
Okonomiyaki is excellent, although the restaurant is small (and often very busy). Definitely not a place to go with many people as the long tables make it hard to speak to each other.
P. R. M. (.
I'm fan of Okonomiyaki and Abeno in London _always_ delivers. Great place to enjoy this Japanese dish. They take reservations, which is great.
J. T.
Okonomiyaki cooked in front of you, even though you don't really get to participate! The food is good. The place is rather quiet, which is part of its charm to me.
R. M. D. S.
Very warm service and absolutely excellent food! Reservation also really recommended, but it's very much worth it. I'll be visiting again that's for sure.
S. K.
Absolutely delicious and authentic Japanese food! Love that it’s non GMO, plus all the fresh produce is organically sourced. Worth every penny!
P. B.
The best restaurant in London! Staff is amazing and quality very high! Make sure to try the okonomiaki negi style (with oignons)
C. W.
tasty and entertaining. great for a quick bite and they've got plenty of storage for your bag or shopping but be warned the aromas from all that tableside cooking will follow you home!
P. P.
Cozy Japanese restaurant with hot plates (teppanyaki) on the tables. We had soba wrapped in an omollete with prawns, the asparagus and prawn gyozas and a Pork okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is their speciality and it was really good.
D. H.
For a place so close to the tourist attractions, this place has some good food for decent prices. Skip the appetizers and go straight for the okonomiyaki.
P. Y. -. J.
Loyal customer from 5 years 🥰
M. d. G.
Amazing japanese food!!! They make okonomiyaki and gyoza right in front of you. Super fresh & delicious! (Not your sushi kind of place). To go in small groups.
H. R.
A wonderful small restaurant with just 7-8 tables that keeps the real japanese food culture! Lovely atmosphere and delicious fresh made okonomiyaki.
I. R.
Amazing food and great staff! LOVE okonomi-yaki so I really enjoyed this ! Would deffinately recommend!
S. A.
A must try, and and must have frequently. Small restaurant, but be patient and get to know the people for future trips. Service is very good, food is delicious.
D. G. (.
The restaurant is SO GOOOOOD! to all that want a Japanese food, this is highly recommended. A bit pricey, but very goooood!
K. Z.
Everything was good!That's what I missed.
B. K.
it's an omelette; it's a pancake; it's...okonomi-yaki (and scrumptious)! cheerful and kind servers grill up your pancake filled with any number of tasty filling combinations before your eyes. the secret is out, so expect a wait during dinner hours. the covent garden location is bigger than it looks, thanks to cleverly designed hollow benches where you can stash your coat and case. the green tea ice cream is to die for.
R.
Best okonomiyakis in London. Try the Sapporo one !!
V. S.
So delicious, comes very very close to okonomi-yaki we had in Japan. Friendly staff and fair prices
Z. R.
Amazing food, as good as I remembered when I had it in Hiroshima, highly recommend
R. C.
Great place for okonomiyaki. Good for special occasions. Okonomiyaki cooked at your table. Nice family feeling Japanese restaurant. A few other non okonomiyaki options too.
G. G.
Been going to Abeno and it’s sister restaurant Abeno too - was sad to learn the other has closed. Abeno is brilliant however - thoroughly enjoyed the food, service and ambiance. I will come back - certainly!
F. P.
Food is excellent here: after you order a cook comes to your table and, right in front of you, starts mixing up all the ingredients and prepares your meal, which is then cooked on the hot slab on your own table.
R. J.
Service and food are absolutely amazing, explained everything along the way, a spectacle to watch as well as eat.
Also very covid secure
L. B.
If you want Okonomiyaki - a traditional Kansai dish - this is the place to go. Very popular so bookings necessary.
S. D.
Authentic Japanese cuisine at a very central location. The okonomiyaki is amazing. Bit expensive but worth it
R. P.
Nice food and a beautiful place.
S. P.
Got taken here for my birthday. The staff were lovely as was the good and wine! Definitely recommended and will go again
J. L.
Delicious okonomyaki. Expect smelly clothes after eating there though, as they are cooked on the table's hot plate itself and there isn't much of a ventilation.
A. J.
Great food and lots of vegetarian options. Nice experience to have the food cooked right in front of you and to eat it straight from there.
X. C.
Loved this place, excellent service
A. T.
Been going to abeno for many years now
Amazing food and great service as always
Can not recommend this place enough, what I would say is try and get reservations because can get booked up most days
S. X.
The only Abeno currently, providing amazing okonomiyaki and would definitely recommend that as the dish to get if it's your first visit.
J. H.
Haven't been for a while as I tend to prefer Abeno Too (for the atmosphere mainly, I think the menu is more or less the same)... but still a good choice if you happen to be in the area.
N. K.
A real Japanese restaurant! Very good food and service was very nice too. Will definitely go back.
R. K.
Haven't stopped thinking about this place since going a few weeks ago! This is a great place for a date as the food on your table takes centre stage. The staff and friendly and I can't get enough of those savoury pancakes
E. P.
Nice service, but the food itself was a disappointment , especially considering the price.
The starters and dessert were particularly overpriced for the actual content, unfortunately!
V. B.
Love it. Great food and service
C. R.
Worth the journey to London just to eat here. Food is excellent and service superb
n. p.
We had the speciality Okonomiyaki (Japanese omelette). Excellent service and all round experience, immediately recommended to hungry tourists outside.
C. B.
Family owned and run business. Amazing service and delicious food.
K.
Great tasting okonomiyaki and staff were really friendly.
R. S.
The most delicious Okonomiyaki in London. Cooked right at your table by very friendly staff, this is one of my favourite restaurants
F. A.
Good food but a bit expensive for the portions they serve. It is possible to book a table in advance. After being there your clothes become really smelly.
L. M.
Seriously tasty, freshly made right in front of you. Just don't be in a hurry as it took a little longer than expected to eat once sat. Staff are really welcoming and funny too.
N. S.
One of the best okonomiyakis I've ever eaten, with a great and truly kind staff.
t. h.
Great food and service. Try it
M. D.
Great experience and tasty food. Very good choice for anyone who wants to try Okonomi-yakis, the Japanese pancake.
D. C.
Good place to have okonomiyaki prepared on your table! Your clothes will smell like food for a few hours ! ;)
S. G.
Excellent service and authentic Japanese food .
S. Y.
You have to try the okonomiyaki here. It is probably the best shop for it in London. The tofu salad and miso soup is also worth a try.
A. P.
Simply the best Kansai-style Okonomiyaki since I left Japan - over 10 years of looking for a proper, authentic Japanese restaurant in London but now I need look no longer.
M. B.
Third time and the food is still amazing. This time I tried a Sunday desert and it was delicious! 100% recommend this place .
C.
Experience is nice, the food is good with nothing special. I don't think the live demonstration itself can justify the price tag.
D. K.
Great experience both food and service. it is a different twist on Japanese food but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
C. C.
In my top places to eat on the city. Fantastic food and really friendly service. Authentic cuisine too.
F. B.
I love okonomiyaki. Best Japanese restaurant in London. Brilliant staff and gorgeous food.
B. R.
An authentic Kansai style okonomiyaki restaurant. Excellent service and a good variety of ingredients. I recommend the Tokyo mix.
M. S.
Very good food - tasty, different... simple and kind staff ... if you are in the area - go! 👍
A. L.
Authentic japanese restaurant specialised in Okonomiyaki (but not just that).
Friendly service, quiet setting.
D. P.
Loved the Okonomi-yaki cooked on the hot plate in front of me. I only wish the staff could be a bit more chatty and friendly.
L. W.
Have wanted to try this dish for a while, didn't disappoint. Really tasty and filling and a fun dining experience.
S. P.
The best okonomiyaki restaurant in London. An absolute landmark - booking essential at any time of day.
A. B.
Having never been to a Japanese restaurant I enjoyed the food.
The deep fried fillet steak was very tasty.
H. L.
Not bad. But we have to wait their staff to do everything in front of us, such cooking, cleaning. That's neither efficient nor interesting.
J. B.
The food here took me back to my visit to Japan, very very good! Not to mention the Matcha Ice cream, I will be coming back!
I. B.
Absolutely fantastic, food is cooked in front of you, delicious.
R. P.
Very good Japanese restaurant. Reservation necessary. packed with Japanese customers which speaks for its quality.
T. Z.
Place is amazing
Food simply delicious
Over five stars
Thanks for the experience
Highly recommend
A. L.
Great service, good and authentic okonomiyaki. Will definitely visit again.
C.
delicious especially with the sauces. quite a high price. the staff are incredibly friendly
G. T.
Authentic okonomiyaki with great service. Surprisingly child friendly for a place with a hotplate in the middle of the table!
L. S.
Food cooked in front if you and great advice on portions and choices if you need it. Save room for the hotcakes for pudding!!!
j. d.
Delicious, and great service
G. G.
it's quite fun eating okonimiyaki even in this anonimous and noisy venue, close to the theatre area. suggested for pre and after theatre, better if it's we will rock you or mamma mia
A. B.
Food here is wonderful! And the staff are so friendly and attentive. Wonderful experience
B. M.
Yum. Love the food. A bit pricey for the ingredients but not served in many places in London...
A. A.
Great service and food was amazing
B. G.
5 stars because I believe Abeno is one of the very few places that do Okonomiyaki and alao does at a high level for somewhere out of Japan...
Dedinetly a must try!
I. K.
Food was delicious and a fun experience to see okonomiyaki made in front of you.
R. T.
Excellent food, excellent service
S.
Lovely
F. S.
One of the best restaurant close to the British Museum, recommended even if you don't like Japanese food.
L. V.
Really fun experience with authentic Japanese flavours and wonderfully attentive staff.
S. D.
Very small intimate atmosphere. Very friendly helpful staff and great food well worth the price.
A. A.
I've never been to a restaurant where the service and the food is this great, must visit, don't miss out!
V. A.
Great food and wonderful service to match. Can't wait for my next visit!!!
C. M.
Super delicious and fresh okonomiyaki.
K.
The service was great and the food was excellent!
M. D.
Amazing food, amazing service. Couldn't have asked for anything more!!!!
C. M.
First okonomiyakis I have ever had, and I will not forget them. Prepared at the moment with amazing skill
K. S.
Really nice food. Okonomi yaki was great🧇
G. B.
Great food and great service. The workers were really kind and the food was amazing!!!
J. H.
Very good okonomiyaki. Service is slow but the food is really good.
E. O.
Really well made and very nice staff. Okonomiyaki cooked before your eyes.
E. D.
Delicious food and good service. Something we would recommed as japanese food experience.