Tradition Meets High-Tech at Boulder’s Next Japanese Eatery | Eater Denver

"I visited a Japanese eatery at 2460 Canyon Boulevard that blends cultures, tastes, and genres; Koji Tamura conceived the concept more than 40 years ago to introduce okonomiyaki to the American market and invented the Osaka burger, which uses two soft okonomiyaki as buns with fillings like sukiyaki beef or fried cod. The sleek, unpretentious space — once a salon — seats 98 indoors with a zen-like private room holding 18 cushions and an enclosed patio with about 20 seats; wraparound windows and flower arrangements brighten the room. Staff in kimonos bow when greeting and serving, while subtle Noodoe blocks on each table let you request water, order, or the check, blending tradition with tech. The expansive menu is grouped into categories such as “Agemono – fried dishes” and “Yakimono, from our Teppan grill,” featuring flower-shaped Hana Shumai filled with pork and veggies, teriyaki chicken, and Japanese barbecue; beverages include cold-roast Silver Canyon Coffee and more than 15 wines, shōchūs, Japanese whiskies, and bottled beers, and handmade desserts range from sweet waffles to Japanese pudding. A sustainability theme runs through the operation — from omitted straws to biodegradable takeout containers — and the team is already eyeing expansion; Osaka’s will open daily starting November 7 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner." - Gigi Sukin