Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Prior to the very last week of December 2025, fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes weren’t impossible to find in Orange County – Burnt Crumbs in Newport Beach has offered a fine version for years – but multiple restaurants focusing on them have either permanently closed (Baum, Sweethoney) or at least temporarily pulled them from their menus (Basilur). Between their delicately aerated batter and tendency to contract during cooling, these jiggly pancakes typically take extra time to make and serve, and unless they’re topped with interesting ingredients can easily inspire “so what?” reactions when tasted. Yet since their visual appeal is high, they’re perfectly suited to Instagram, and have become enticements to visit cafes, fairs, and street food vendors across the world.

Roughly six years after these pancakes were invented – apparently at The Cream Pot in Hawaii around 2008 – the first location of Gram Cafe & Pancakes opened in Japan, expanding into a chain that has popularized the recipe elsewhere in Asia and North America. In 2019, Gram opened its first U.S. location in San Francisco (since closed), and on December 30, 2025, the first Orange County outpost opened at Irvine’s Culver Plaza near Junbi, Nick the Greek, and 99 Ranch. With seating for roughly 30 people, the new restaurant was well-staffed and running smoothly after its first week of operation, though operating with limited hours and a “soft opening” menu. On our first attempt to visit mid-morning, we were warned to expect a two-hour wait for a table, but we had no issue securing a spot after showing up for opening time on the next day.

Gram visitors can choose from two versions of the souffle pancake: Hot Premium ($15 to $18) stacks three freshly made, fully inflated pancakes under maple syrup and butter, strawberry mascarpone, creme brulee, or matcha creme brulee; Cold Premium ($6 each or $18 for four) includes a single sliced, refrigerated pancake with a mascarpone-style cream inside, with flavor choices including matcha, strawberry, cookies and cream, seasonal (such as ube), and “original” custard. Gram also offers three takes on French toast ($18 to $18.50 each: mixed berries, matcha brulee, or prosciutto/havarti), three types of savory pancakes ($21 to $24 each: wagyu burger, smoked salmon, or eggs benedict with bacon, avocado, or smoked salmon), classic Japanese appetizers ($7 to $9), and cafe drinks ranging from coffees and dalgonas to juices and sodas ($3.50 to $7.50). In our experience, while it’s technically possible to eat and drink here for $15 per person, budgeting closer to $25 or $30 is advisable for a more filling meal.

Our meal started strong with a chicken karaage ($9) appetizer – a small but perfectly made bowl of boneless fried chicken pieces combining moderate crispy breading with tender, juicy chicken, an ample lemon slice, spicy mayo, and a single cooked pepper. All of Gram’s appetizer options are authentically Japanese and classic crowd pleasers (initially shrimp croquettes, takoyaki balls, and veggie kakiage tempura bites), so although the soft opening options are all fried, we’d be willing to try others on a future visit.