Tabelog ratingAt LOPEZ (ロペズ), chef Fernando López, who trained at the famous okonomiyaki restaurant Hassho, serves a masterful version of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with his own distinct, Latin-inspired twist. The small, bustling restaurant is built around the iron griddle, where guests seated at the counter can watch their meal being prepared with precision.
Diners consistently praise the dish's texture and balance: crispy fried soba noodles, sweet steamed cabbage, and a light hand with the sauce. The signature 'harapeño' (jalapeño) topping is a near-universal recommendation, adding a welcome kick that many call a revelation. The small menu of Central and South American side dishes, like a rich tan (beef tongue) stew or chorizo, are also highly regarded and set LOPEZ apart from other okonomiyaki specialists.
The main drawbacks are practical ones. The counter-only room is small, and waits of 20–40 minutes are common during peak evening hours. When busy, the service can feel slow, and the space near the grill can get hot and smoky, especially in summer. A few reviewers also noted that some side dish portions felt small for their price.
Most guests find it to be excellent value, with a typical dinner costing between ¥2,000 and ¥2,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,080 for a standard 'soba-niku-tama' okonomiyaki, with the popular jalapeño topping costing an additional ¥150. A serving of the tan stew was about ¥700.
- Reservations: Bookings are not accepted. To get a seat, write your name, party size, and phone number on the list at the door and wait to be called. It's best to wait nearby.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Yokokawa Station.
- Seating: There are 17 counter seats only. Private rooms are not available.
- Payment: American Express and QR code payments are accepted. Other credit cards and electronic money are not. Note that a service charge will be added to your bill.
- Atmosphere: The owner is multilingual (English/Spanish/Japanese) and an English menu is available. The interior is non-smoking. Children are welcome. Two parking spots are available.
