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Omurice might look simple at first glance, but few Japanese comfort foods are quite as satisfying as a plate of warm seasoned rice covered with soft, silky eggs and plenty of sauce. A combination of the words “omelette” and “rice,” omurice is one of Japan’s best-known examples of yōshoku—Western-influenced dishes that evolved into something distinctly Japanese.
Traditionally, omurice consists of ketchup-seasoned rice wrapped inside a thin omelette, often finished with even more ketchup on top. Over the years, however, the dish has evolved considerably. Modern restaurants may serve omurice with Japanese curry, demi-glace, garlic rice or an incredibly soft omelette that is sliced open to reveal a creamy, runny centre.
The latter style has become particularly famous on social media thanks to the viral videos of Kichi Kichi Omurice in Kyoto, Japan.
Fortunately, you don't necessarily need to fly to Japan to satisfy your omurice cravings. From New York City to Southern California, there are several Japanese restaurants in the United States serving excellent versions of this beloved comfort food.
Whether you prefer traditional ketchup omurice or the Instagram-famous fluffy omelette covered in demi-glace, here are 10 of the best omurice restaurants in the USA to add to your food bucket list.
1. Bar Moga – New York City, New York
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Address: 128 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday, 5 pm–12 am | Friday, 5 pm–12:30 am | Saturday, 12–3 pm, 5 pm–12:30 am | Sunday, 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
When it comes to finding some of the best omurice in New York City, Bar Moga is easily one of the first restaurants worth considering.
Located at 128 West Houston Street in Greenwich Village, Bar Moga specialises in Japanese yōshoku dishes alongside Japanese-inspired cocktails. Its stylish concept draws inspiration from Japan's moga, or “modern girl,” culture of the 1920s.
The restaurant's Signature Omu Rice is one of its signature dishes and features an omelette served over chicken rice with a rich veal-based demi-glace sauce. Bar Moga also offers Garlic Omurice, which swaps the chicken rice and demi-glace for garlic rice and house-made ketchup sauce.
What makes the signature version especially appealing is its presentation. The soft omelette is sliced open, allowing the creamy egg inside to spread across the rice before the sauce brings everything together. The Infatuation also highlights the Omu Rice as one of the restaurant's must-order dishes.
If the dramatic, runny style of omurice you've seen all over social media is what you're looking for, Bar Moga is one of the strongest options in the USA.
What to order: Signature Omu Rice
2. Hi-Collar – New York City, New York
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Address: 231 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday, 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5:30–10 pm
For something closer to the nostalgic Japanese café experience, head to Hi-Collar in New York's East Village.
Hi-Collar takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese kissaten. During the daytime, it operates as a Western-inspired Japanese café specialising in siphon coffee and kissaten-style dishes before transforming into an izakaya-style bar at night.
Its lunch menu currently features two different takes on omurice.
The Original Tomato Sauce Omurice consists of a Japanese-style omelette served over tomato rice with chicken soboro. Those who prefer something richer can instead order the Hayashi Omurice, which pairs omelette and rice with a Western-influenced beef, onion and mushroom stew in demi-glace sauce.
Unlike some of the ultra-runny omurice that dominates Instagram, Hi-Collar is an especially interesting stop if you're interested in the broader tradition of Japanese Western-style café food.
Complete the experience with one of its siphon coffees or Japanese hot cakes.
What to order: Original Tomato Sauce Omurice or Hayashi Omurice
3. Kyuramen – Multiple Locations
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Address: 210 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday, 11 am–1 am
Kyuramen might be primarily known for ramen, but don't overlook its Omurice.
The Japanese ramen chain has expanded to numerous locations around the United States, making it one of the more accessible places to experience the modern fluffy style of omurice without travelling to Japan.
Kyuramen's current menu describes its classic version as chicken fried rice topped with a fluffy omelette. Diners can then choose between Japanese curry sauce or demi-glace, with the latter containing beef and pork.
Want to make things even more indulgent?
There's also Tonkatsu Omurice, which adds a crispy pork cutlet to the combination of chicken fried rice, egg and sauce.
The presentation at selected locations is particularly fun for anyone chasing the viral omurice experience. Diners at its Arcadia location have reported the omelette being sliced open tableside so that the soft interior spills over the rice.
What to order: Omurice with Demi-Glace or Tonkatsu Omurice
4. Foo Foo Tei – Hacienda Heights, California
Address: 15018 Clark Ave, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, United States
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:30 am–2 pm, 5:30–9 pm | Monday and Tuesday, Closed
If you're hunting for omurice in Los Angeles, it's worth travelling east to Hacienda Heights for Foo Foo Tei.
This Japanese restaurant has developed something of a cult following among Southern California diners for its extensive menu of Japanese comfort food.
Its omurice is particularly appealing if you favour a soft and fluffy omelette rather than ordering the dish purely for its tableside theatrics.
In discussions among Los Angeles food lovers looking for good omurice, Foo Foo Tei is repeatedly singled out as a favourite, including by longtime customers who have been eating its version for years.
Come hungry—the restaurant's huge selection of Japanese comfort dishes makes it very easy to order more food than originally planned.
What to order: Omurice
5. Midoh Japanese Kitchen – California
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Address: 1380 Fullerton Rd #106, Rowland Heights, CA 91748, United States
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11:30 am–9 pm | Monday, Closed
Midoh is another name that regularly appears when Southern California diners discuss Japanese comfort food.
Rather than concentrating primarily on sushi, the restaurant specialises in the sort of Western-influenced Japanese dishes you might encounter at a casual restaurant in Japan.
That naturally makes omurice a good fit.
Midoh is particularly worth considering if you're dining with a group because you can explore other yōshoku favourites alongside your omelette rice.
Among Los Angeles omurice fans, Midoh and Foo Foo Tei are both frequently mentioned as destinations for the dish, although preferences between the two vary.
Try both and decide which camp you're in.
What to order: Omurice
6. Red Rock – Torrance, California
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Address: 2141 W 182nd St, Torrance, CA 90504, United States
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday, 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm
Torrance is one of Southern California's best areas for Japanese food, and Red Rock gives omurice lovers another reason to visit.
Its version is particularly appealing for diners who want to customise their plate rather than sticking with one fixed combination.
Local diners recommend combinations including pork cutlet omurice with demi-glace, with curry also available as an alternative. Diners have also highlighted the option of choosing between ketchup rice and garlic rice.
That opens up plenty of possibilities.
For maximum comfort-food territory, pair the pork cutlet with garlic rice and demi-glace. For something closer to Japanese curry rice, choose the curry sauce instead.
What to order: Pork Cutlet Omurice with Demi-Glace
7. Izakaya MEW – New York City, New York
Address: 53 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday, 12–2:15 pm, 5–10:30 pm | Friday, 12–2:15 pm, 5 pm–2 am | Saturday, 12–2:15 pm, 4:30 pm–2 am | Sunday, 12–2:15 pm, 4:30–10:30 pm
Hidden below street level in Midtown Manhattan, Izakaya MEW is another name to keep on your radar when searching for Japanese comfort food in NYC.
The lively Japanese izakaya serves an extensive selection of small plates and heartier dishes, making it a particularly convenient choice if you're dining with friends who aren't quite as obsessed with omurice as you are.
More importantly, Izakaya MEW continues to crop up in recommendations from New Yorkers looking for old-school Japanese omelette rice.
Compared with the theatrical split-open style, this is the sort of restaurant to consider when your priority is Japanese comfort food rather than simply getting the perfect slow-motion Instagram video.
What to order: Omusoba
8. Kyuramen Arcadia – Arcadia, California
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Address: 7 Las Tunas Dr Ste B, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 am–10 pm | Friday - Saturday, 11 am–10:30 pm
Yes, Kyuramen already appears on this list—but its Arcadia restaurant deserves a separate mention for Los Angeles omurice hunters.
The location's current menu offers a fluffy omelette over chicken fried rice with a choice of curry or demi-glace. You can also upgrade to Tonkatsu Omurice, adding a pork cutlet to the plate.
But there's another reason to visit.
The Arcadia restaurant has become notable among LA food lovers looking specifically for the dramatic Kichi Kichi-style omurice experience, with diners reporting that the omelette is cut open tableside to reveal its flowing centre.
If your idea of the perfect omurice involves getting your phone ready before anyone touches the egg, this should be high on your list.
What to order: Demi-Glace Omurice
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