Vegan
Japanese

Small Japanese restaurant, primarily centered around soy meats. Dishes include yakitori (Japanese skewers), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), Japanese curry, casserole, carbonara udon and more. Owner speaks little English and is serving entirely by himself, so if busy, serving times may take longer. Max four people at a time. Previously listed as vegetarian, but reported to be fully vegan December 2025. Open Tue-Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm, Wed-Sun 11:30am-1:30pm. Closed Mon. Hours are subject to change. Please check website.


Venue map for Aju
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48 Reviews

First Review by Vegeiko

tofucourtney

Points +438

Vegan
08 Oct 2023

Delicious fake meat

It was a little pricy but definitely tasty and I think worth it for soy meats. We had the yakitori skewers which were based off of different meats/ kinds of meat e.g gizzard which was made from konjac. We also had the okonomiyaki which was delightful! Relatively quick service for only one guy doing everything

HelenS02

Points +210

Vegan
06 Oct 2023

Nice lunch

We had lunch here and tried the yakatori sticks and some other bits. It tasted good and was interesting to try different 'chicken' cuts. It didn't blow me away but it was tasty none-the-less and he served us quickly. It's a small place so you may have to wait.

EmiliaLouers

Points +1247

Vegan
05 Oct 2023

Good meal

it was good, especially the miso soup but the portions are quite small

medus

Points +1040

Vegan
26 Jul 2023

Worth a visit

The food was delicious but considering the portion size, it wasn't a very good deal. It's worth a visit nonetheless, especially considering that the dishes are quite original.

Pros: Vegan friendly , Interesting dishes

Cons: A bit expensive

FaustoChou

Points +316

Vegetarian
22 Jun 2023

vegetarian okonomiyaki

It's a small vegetarian restaurant with an owner/chef/waiter, and can only accommodate up to four groups (12 people) at a time. This is the first time in my life that I have eaten vegetarian okonomiyaki, and yummy😋

lemonukuk

Points +57

Vegan
14 Jun 2023

Quick service, but not the most exciting

A good selection of vegan proteins, we enjoyed the yakitori platter, but not the most exciting menu. The okonomiyaki was very quick, almost suspiciously so, most places I've been they cook it in front of you and takes time, this came out in about 2 minutes so maybe he is microwaving it?
The beer was also off, couldn't drink it, smelt of feet even across the table.

Updated from previous review on 2023-06-14

Pros: Many vegan proteins , Fast service

Cons: Not so fresh?

AngelaUK

Points +114

Vegan
27 May 2023

Great small business

Went on a Friday evening & was there at exactly 5.30 opening. We were able to get a seat immediately. Lots of vegan options (some items said vegetarian) and owner manages everything by himself. We had Yakitori, a Mexican dish and fried shiitake mushrooms (loved and ordered another portion).

Pros: Plenty of vegan options , Small personal business

ASierra

Points +857

Vegan
21 May 2023

Lovely lunch

Vegan menu with lots to offer, from traditional Osaka food to more funky meals. It will not disappoint!

Pros: Inexpensive, Lots of vegan options

Iñaki72

Points +358

Vegan
21 May 2023

Very tasty and typical Japanese food.

The food was very nice. Traditional Japanese. Very quite place

Pros: Quick service even though there was only 1 person, Very tasty food, Good price

Cons: No very extensive menu but adécuate , Small place , No windows

mariesi

Points +206

Vegan
18 May 2023

Very cozy place

Vegetarien restaurant with many vegan options. The food is traditional. Combined with the fact that the owner handles the place alone, it is a great experience. Plus the food is very good.

Pros: Quality of the food

Cons: Only 4 people at a time

MarkoKorhonen

Points +15

Vegetarian
14 May 2023

Excellent Japanese food with vegan proteins!

Really recommend this place. Authentic Japanese food.

livelyflower

Points +19

Vegetarian
11 May 2023

Cozy café with a nice owner

Restaurant is completely vegetarian with many vegan options. Great Japanese experience, the food was really nice!

Pros: Completely vegetarian, many vegan options, Nice man

Cons: Groups of maximum 4 people allowed

LudmilaZurdo

Points +27

Vegetarian
10 May 2023

Bento boxes to go

Cozy small place with veggie japanese food. It's really nice to have the possibility to buy a bento box or some traditional dishes in a veggie version.

Pros: Variety, Take away options, Taste

Cons: Lot of plastic for the packaging

willemijnv

Points +731

Vegetarian
30 Apr 2023

Great food!

The owner was nice, and the food was great! The atmosphere was a little strange at first, as the restaurant is apparently also part stationary store that also sells some of the soy 'meats' they serve, but with vegan Japanese food this good, who can complain? :))

Pros: Only vegan/vegetarian options, Nice owner, Sells vegan products (and stationary?)

Evrinomi

Points +736

Vegan
19 Apr 2023

Lovely restaurant

The meat alternatives were great (all meat alternatives had their own taste and consistency). The okonomiyaki was also really tasty. We went there at 6PM and we were the only ones in the restaurant so we had a fast service (the owner works alone)

Updated from previous review on 2023-04-19

VegoChouffe

Points +876

Vegan
09 Apr 2023

Damn this place is fine

Incredible okonomiyaki and yakitori. Super low key vibes, reasonable prices, and a mostly vegan menu. Plus ample booze choices. Highly recommend and will probably go again during my
Stay.

LucasFG

Points +274

Vegan
01 Apr 2023

Delicious food, great owner/chef

Great vegan okonomiyaki, yakitori, and fried chick’n. Ice cold beer. Lovely owner. Would definitely come back.

mclaire

Points +16

Vegan
25 Mar 2023

Friendly and delicious

I highly recommend this entirely vegan restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, you feel at the owner's home.
But above all, cooking based on soy meat is delicious, you will be able to eat vegan karaage and vegan okonomiyaki. This is my favorite place to eat in Osaka Kita-ku!

Pros: friendly, delicious karaage, casual, ideal as a regular canteen

ErikvH.

Points +1694

Vegan
18 Mar 2023

Sympathetic little restaurant

Really small but endearing restaurant with plenty of vegan options. The food was alright. The yakitori was really nice.

Updated from previous review on 2023-03-17

sagarak

Points +678

Vegan
19 Jan 2023

Tasty vegan yakitori!

After seeing all the chicken yakitori from the street vendors in Osaka, I was hoping to find a vegan version, and Aju has it! The yakitori comes with 5 skewers of different faux meats, all were super tasty and hit the spot. Very happy to dined here! There’s also a nice selection of cat statues, soy meats, and other things to buy near the entrance.

Pros: Lots of options, Authentic

Vegeiko

Points +3433

Vegetarian
15 Jan 2023

My absolute favorite !!

One of the best in Osaka !! I knew he was re-opened the place but the owner was asking me to wait to post it on HappyCow he was concerned that since his place is so small he would not be able to handle many guests.. so here’s some of owner chef’s ONEGAI (request) 1. Please come up to 4 people (max.) 2. He speaks very little English so sometimes communication will be a bit difficult. Lunch time sells Bento Box you can eat it with an additional price with rice and vegan miso soup!




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