27 March 2015

Eat Me. Abeno, Bloomsbury

Okonomi-yaki [ok-o-nom-i-ya-ki] noun. A Japanese savoury pancake.

How I went 24 years without knowing this one I’ll never know. Okonomi-yaki = delectably delicious.

Abeno is a Japanese restaurant specialising in Okonomi-yaki. With two locations in London and the rest in their home country of Japan, Abeno claims to be “Europe’s only specialist Okonomi-yaki restaurant” – and I can concur that these guys know what they're doing.


Not usually one to enjoy pancakes I was a little sceptical but thought I’d give it a go and I’m so glad I did. If you’re trying this cuisine for the first time then Abeno is the place to do it. Their specialist interior is designed with teppan hot plates on every table so your delicacy can be cooked right there in front of you.

A mixture of eggs, flour, cabbage, vegetables and your chosen protein; your Okonomi-yaki comes together before your eyes in a matter of minutes – just like a pancake! When it’s nice and golden brown, it’s topped with seaweed, Japanese mayo and a special Okonomi-yaki sauce (this stuff is ridiculously good) in a swirl and a flourish. Ta-da!

These are flippin' good. 5/5

Where: 47 Museum Street, WC1A 1LY London
Bookings: recommended, although you can try your luck
Phone: 020 7405 3211

Pictures by Krissie.

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