しらかわ (Shirakawa)

On Point Okonomiyaki

A little way from the madness of Osu's main shopping arcade, you'll find Shirakawa. Serving not only okonomiyaki, but yakisoba and monjayaki too, it's an excellent place to head to for a cosy group meal, as it serves a range of tastes and fancies. On entering, as is the same with many Japanese restaurants, shoes must be removed before being led through what feels like a maze of submerged tables to get to your seat. Most tables are set aside in smaller rooms where there are 2 or 3 at most, which makes it feel more private. Having headed there for a last minute farewell party, my group were most impressed with both the service and the menu. There were many choices for meat eaters, pescatarians and vegetarians alike, and there was also a decent drinks menu, including the standards of beer and cocktails (which were very tasty). The option to cook your own food is also given, which always adds an element of extra excitement to your dinner and helps make the atmosphere all the more enjoyable. Staff were also more than willing to exchange our friend's meal, as she hadn't realised it contained meat, to different option at no extra cost. Be aware that this is a popular spot in the evening and it would be best (providing you or someone you know can speak Japanese) to give them a call before hand to make a booking. If not, then please be prepared to wait a while outside for a table to become free. All food options are written in English which is handy, however if my memory serves me correctly, the drinks menu was mainly katakana, but isn't difficult to decipher. So if you're in the area and are in the mood for a reasonably priced, but delicious, okonomiyaki experience, don't hesitate to check Shirakawa out!