Since the Edo period (1603-1868), all manner of produce from across Japan have passed through the hub of Osaka, and over time, the city has accumulated a rich trove of Japanese cuisine. Even today, the city's wealth of food selection is extremely popular among both Japanese natives and visitors from abroad. One of Osaka’s many genres of Japanese cuisine is called kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course cuisine). The following is an introduction to 10 restaurants which serve it in exemplary fashion.
1. Ajikitcho Bunbuan (Honmachi)
Ajikitcho Bunbuan is located a 1 minute walk from Honmachi Station. In the Sukiya-zukuri architecture (a traditional Japanese tearoom-style architecture), there are private rooms with zashiki seating (low tables on tatami flooring) as well a table seating area circumscribed by a rock wall accentuating the tranquil, refined ambiance. The various dishes are prepared using fresh, seasonal produce that are not only seasoned with a deft touch, but are also arranged in a manner that aesthetically represents the complexion of the season. There are 3 different courses you can choose from: the [Wakasai] (8,000 JPY (plus tax)), [Miyabi] (12,000 JPY (plus tax)), and [Fuku] (20,000 JPY (plus tax)) courses. The [Fuku] course will require a prior reservation. It's drastically easier to appreciate a dish when you're not lost trying to figure out what’s in it, and the English menu eliminates any concerns in that regard.
Ajikitcho Bunbuan
Open:
[Tuesday - Sunday, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:00 - 14:30 (last order 14:00) / 17:00 - 20:30 (last order 20:00)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 18,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPYAccess:
Directly connected to Exit 7 of Hommachi Station (Osaka Municipal Subway, Midosuji Line).Address:
B1F Hommachi Garden City, 3-6-4 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka (
Map)
More Details Reservation 2. Kitazuien (Kitashinchi)
Kitazuien is a restaurant run by a longstanding ryokan (traditional Japanese lodging) located at the hot spring resort, Arima Onsen. The first thing you’ll see upon stepping out of the elevator is a quaint Japanese garden - a visual welcome that sets the tone for an experience completely unique to a traditional ryokan. There are 4 different types of different seating arrangements that are available, including tables and private rooms. The various courses allow you to make a choice depending on how acquainted you are with kaiseki cuisine, from a [Mini Kaiseki] course (5,000 JPY (plus tax)) if you're looking to try traditional kaiseki for the first time, to the reservation-only [Zuiun] course (30,000 JPY (plus tax)).
Kitazuien
Open:
[Weekdays, Saturday] Normal hours: 11:00 - 22:00 (Break: 15:00 - 17:00) [Sunday, National Holidays] Normal hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Break: 15:00 - 17:00)Closed:
WednesdaysAverage price:
[Dinner] 8,000 JPYAccess:
A one minute walk from Nishi Umeda Station Exit 9.Address:
ax Bldg. 3F, 2-3-21 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka MapMore Details Reservation 3. Japanese Cuisine Yuki New restaurant (Kitashinchi)
The culinary philosophy at Yuri is to serve “Japanese cuisine that profoundly reflects the beauty and flavors of the seasons”, and their kaiseki cuisine is rooted in the traditions of Japanese tea ceremony dishes. The refined atmosphere of the restaurant is furnished with sleek, aesthetic counter seats and luxurious private rooms. A relative of Yuki's current owner was the founder of Kitcho, a famous Japanese ryotei (high-end Japanese restaurant). Accordingly, Yuki has inherited the traditions and flavors from an established history of sincere hospitality, fine dining expertise, and a serene atmosphere to captivate every sense in a one-of-a-kind experience. Recommendations include the [Authentic Kaiseki Kame Course] (13,000 JPY (plus tax)) and the extravagant assortment of seasonal flavors in the 10-dish kaiseki [Yuki Course] (16,000 JPY (plus tax)).
Japanese Cuisine Yuki New restaurant
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Address: 1F, Maruta Bldg., 1-5-39, Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
MapMore Details 4. Oimatsu Kitagawa (Minami-morimachi)
Oimatsu Kitagawa is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine centered on fish dishes. It is nestled away like a little unassuming hideout on a quaint and old street. Upon entering this restaurant, you’ll find a tranquil and elegant ambiance exuding an air of class. The counter seats offer a front-row view of the chef deftly preparing the various dishes. Dashi (broth) is one of the fundamental aspects of Japanese cuisine, and Oimatsu’s exquisite dashi is prepared by gradually simmering kombu (kelp) and katsuo (bonito) flakes. The [Omakase Chef Special Course] is 8,000 JPY (plus tax) for lunch, and 15,000 JPY (plus tax) for dinner. Their wide selection of Japanese sake (Japanese alcohol) is the ideal complement to the Japanese cuisine.
Oimatsu Kitagawa
Open: Lunch from 12:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
*Reservations required in advance
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Shoei Bldg. Nankan, 4-1-11, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
MapMore Details 5. Kitashinchi Kimishima (Kitashinchi)
Kimishima's kappo cuisine (Japanese-style cooking) is prepared strictly with domestic ingredients shipped in directly from their place of production. The elegant interior space consists of cypress counters and rooms with zashiki flooring and a relaxing horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table). Ingredients like freshly caught fish and locally picked vegetables are brought in fresh daily, and the various Japanese dishes maximize the flavors of the quality ingredients. There are a total of 4 different courses that feature both exceptionally fresh sashimi and a soup made with kombu dashi. There is also a bountiful selection of different sake that form a staple combination in conjunction with the flavors of the foods.
Kitashinchi Kimishima
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
[Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, New Umeda Bldg., 1-2-24, Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
6. Shunsaiten Tsuchiya (Esaka)
Tsuchiya is a Japanese restaurant tucked away in a location a little ways from the train station and the bustle of busy streets. The restaurant owner personally handles the selection of the ingredients brought in, and the tempura here is especially incredible. The 3 types of salt (kobushio, rock salt, and mineral salt) and a citrus-infused tempura dipping sauce go extremely well with the dish. To top it off, precise proportions of 3 oils are used to fry the crunchy coating of the tempura to a crisp, golden finish. At Tsuchiya, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine starting at 3,500 JPY at lunch, and from 8,640 JPY during dinner hours.
Shunsaiten Tsuchiya
Open:
[Tuesday - Saturday, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 [Weekdays, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Dinner 18:00 - 21:00 [Saturday] Dinner 17:30 - 21:00Closed:
SundayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPYAccess:
Fifteen-minute walk from Esaka Station on multiple lines.Address:
41-4 Toyotsu-cho, Suita, Osaka MapMore Details 7. Washoku Ishizu (Nishiohashi)
Washoku Ishizu is a great option for enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine on an economical budget. The interior was designed down to the finer details by the restaurant owner, whose choice of natural wood creates an elegant but warm atmosphere. If you make a reservation for one of the 2 different seasonal courses (an 8,000 JPY course and a 10,000 JPY course), you’ll have a chance to try an exclusive dish known as the [Takitate Donabe Gohan], a rice dish cooked in an earthenware pot with exotic seasonal seafoods like sawara (Spanish mackerel), salmon roe, and snow crab. The choice of a delicious sake, selected by the restaurant manager who is a licensed sake expert, is the finishing touch to a wholly satisfying meal.
Washoku Ishizu
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from [Nishi Ohashi Station] on Osaka Metro Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line and [Yotsubashi Station] on Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line
Address: 1F, Kiei Bldg., 1-15-9 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka city, Osaka
8. Kiichi (Kawachinagano / Japanese Cuisine & Kaiseki)
Kiichi is a highly distinguished restaurant that has received an accolade from a prestigious culinary publication for 4 years in a row. Subdued, warm undertones of traditional Japanese furnishing adorn the interior of the 2-story restaurant, and the dining atmosphere is both serene and refined. A wide range of courses include everything from budget-friendly options like the [Shokado Course] (3,800 JPY), to choices like the extravagant reservation-only [Charcoal Grilled Wagyu Beef Course] (12,000 JPY (plus tax)). The chef is also a sommelier, so you'll be able to indulge in the exquisite combination of food with their selection of 80 different wines.
Kiichi
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,800 JPY
Address: 11-30, Honmachi, Kawachinagano-shi, Osaka
MapMore Details 9. Suigetsu (Hirakata)
Suigetsu incorporates Western ingredients and cooking practices to prepare their kaiseki cuisine. The counter seats are lined along a gently sloping cypress counter, and the private rooms are furnished in a minimalistic, but luxurious manner. Between beautiful tableware and immaculate arrangement, the aesthetic presentation is also a significant aspect of the dining experience at Suigetsu, where the various dishes are both visually appealing and delicious. The [Kuzushi Kaiseki] (5,800 JPY) and the [Shunsai Course] (3,800 JPY) (exclusive to parties of women) are highly recommended. They even offer a [Shidashi Bento] (From 2,000 JPY) as a takeout option.
Suigetsu
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Take Three Bldg., 1-2-10, Shinmachi, Hirakata-shi, Osaka
MapMore Details 10. Kyomachibori Rikyu (Higobashi)
Kyomachibori Rikyu offers its selection of enjoyable a la carte and course options. The seating arrangement within the restaurant is centered on counter seats, and the interior is pervaded by a relaxing, fragrant smell of tea leaves. Dishes like the [Shiroamadai (white tilefish) Steamed with Okra and Grated Yam Served with Wasabi An] (2,000 JPY) head a selection of over 80 a la carte menu that changes daily. There are also 3 omakase (chef's special) courses available for 5,000 JPY, 7,500 JPY, and 10,000 JPY. From sake to wine and shochu (Japanese alcohol), there are plenty of drinks to choose from as well.
Kyomachibori Rikyu
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Reservations required for lunch
Closed: Monday
Lunch hours on Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Kyomachibori Partners Bldg., 1-7-12, Kyomachibori, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
MapMore Details
This selection of 10 restaurants has included both high-end establishments and economical options to try kaiseki cuisine! Although Osaka's takoyaki (battered balls filled with octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) are undoubtedly delicious choices as well, kaiseki cuisine is an entirely different kind of dining experience you should definitely consider trying.
11. Kita-Shinchi Okurano
At Kita-Shinchi Okurano, enjoy Original Kaiseki Cuisine using the highest quality ingredients in a relaxing, Japanese-style space. Okurano is a restaurant that provides outstanding customer service with Kaiseki Cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients and refined techniques by a chef with experience at long standing Japanese restaurants. The Earthenware Pot Rice, packed with the sweetness of the rice and the delicious flavors of the seasonal ingredients, is especially recommended among the diverse cuisine offered. They have a lineup of local sake and wine in addition to the food, letting guests enjoy a combination of wine or Japanese sake that goes best with the food. These drinks are provided by a sommelier who has the Sommelier Excellence qualification.
Kita-Shinchi Okurano
Open:
[Monday - Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) [Monday - Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
Average price:
[Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPYAccess:
2 minutes walk from Kita-Shinchi Station on JR Tozai Line Address:
3F, Kitashinchi FOODEAR Bldg., 1-3-23, Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details Reservation This selection of 10 restaurants has included both high-end establishments and economical options to try kaiseki cuisine! Although Osaka's takoyaki (battered balls filled with octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) are undoubtedly delicious choices as well, kaiseki cuisine is an entirely different kind of dining experience you should definitely consider trying.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.