Okonomi

Such a cozy and unique brunch experience. The deceptively filling traditional Japanese breakfast had a simple flavors that allowed the quality of the ingredients to shine through. The ambience is calm and intimate due to the small size of the restaurant and ability to watch the food being cooked. Make sure you make a reservation about 2 weeks in advance!

Had a delightful breakfast at Okonomi + Yuji Ramen in Brooklyn, NYC last week! By day, the venue serves a Japanese breakfast and seamlessly transitions into a ramen shop come evening. At Okonomi, they offer the traditional Japanese set breakfast called Ichiju Sansai, translating to "One Soup Three Dishes". This set includes your choice of roasted fish of the day, seven-grain rice, miso soup, tamagoyaki, tsukemono, and seasonal vegetables. I also added some extra touches: onsen tamago, ikura, and uni sourced from Maine. The ambiance of the restaurant is intimate, featuring several bar seats and a few tables. Upon ordering, I was greeted with a soothing cup of tea, which was quite welcoming given the chilly weather that day. It didn’t take long for the beautifully presented dishes to arrive. I chose a fatty, miso-marinated white fish, which was cooked to perfection. I was guided to mix the onsen tamago, ikura, and uni with the seven-grain rice. The combination was a burst of umami and freshness. The soft-boiled egg added a silky texture to the rice, while the ikura offered a delightful pop with each bite. What I adore about Japanese breakfasts is their deceptive simplicity. They might appear basic, but the intricate preparation underscores the genuine flavors of each ingredient. My meal was harmonious and wholly satisfying, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. I left feeling truly contented.

If you are a looking for a heartwarming authentic Japanese breakfast then this is it !! The food was Delicious , my favorite was the rice with the eggs and masago, as well as the sweet tamago. This place is absolutely delicious, it’s so good !!! The vibe was great- it’s a very small restaurant and you need a reservation, the chefs were super nice and there was some great reggae playing in the background. Congrats to these guys and wish them all the best. I will be back !!

While the food tastes fine, the portion is too small for American sensibilities. It needs a bigger helping of rice and vegetables, especially since Okonomi only has one item on the menu and no option for shared appetizers. Sure, in Japan this might be the perfect portion. In the US people go to brunch to get stuffed. It shouldn’t break the restaurant’s philosophy to increase portions, as a meal can be both balanced *and* filling. Everyone walked away feeling a bit hungry and we found more food elsewhere.

Flavor: The hot ramen with yuzu and Tuna kasu. It is delicious and surprisingly not too hot due to the yuzu flavour. The portion is a bit small compared to the other ramen places just to be aware. After tax is around 30-35 USD. Vibe: small and cozy wooden cabin like with 4 counter seats and 2 window tables. Wait: A hot but breezy Saturday night in July, I went there when they open at 6 and is able to be seated at the counter immediately. But suggest you to make reservations if you’re a party of 2 or more or you arrive at prime time.