15 Exceptional Lunches in Osaka for Under 1,000 JPY Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 05 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Osaka

15 Exceptional Lunches in Osaka for Under 1,000 JPY

Osaka has long been called "the town where people eat until they drop". It’s known for its plethora of affordable shops boasting delicious food. Here is an introduction of 15 fun and popular restaurants serving delicious food for under 1,000 JPY!

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Osaka.

1. 15 Exceptional Lunches in Osaka for Under 1,000 JPY

When talking about Osaka's local foods, okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is the first dish that people think of. It's made by mixing flour with various ingredients, and then grilling the mixture on an iron plate. Okonomiyaki can be eaten as a meal, or as a snack, making it one of Osaka’s soul foods! You can enjoy this dish to your heart’s content at Fukutaro, which is about 5 minutes on foot from Namba Station. On the shop's signboard, you'll find the [Suji Negi Yaki] (980 JPY), which has been featured on television many times. This dish consists of strips of beef and negi (welsh onions) that are engulfed in fluffy dough, and if desired, you can sprinkle some Shichimi or Ichimi chili powder on top.

Fukutaro [Namba]

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 00:30 am
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 12:00 pm - 00:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 1,001 JPY - 1,500 JPY
Address: 2-3-17, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

2. Ryori-ya San [Settsu Tonda]

This is the set meal that changes every month.

You can feel good about eating the delicious Japanese dishes at Ryori-ya San, thanks to their commitment to use only domestic meats and produce from local farmers. The chef-owner has 22 years of experience in making food from various cuisines, so while there are traditional Japanese dishes, warm, home-style dishes are also served. For lunch, you must try and order the monthly rotating set meals, [Ho] and [Ha], each of which costs 900 JPY. [Ho] is meat-based, while [Ha] has seafood as the main entree. Both come with rice and soup, and are completed with the [Shun Mori Plate], which incorporates the flavors of the season.

Ryori-ya San [Settsu Tonda]

Open: [Weekdays, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
[Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday and the 20th of each month
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Abuno Daiichi Mansion, 5-34-1, Kami Hamuro, Takatsuki-shi, Osaka Map
More Details

3. Jimpachi [Yodoya-bashi]

Generally speaking, an izakaya refers to a pub that serves food and alcohol in the evening. However, many izakaya often offer lunch menus. One of these is a popular izakaya in Yodoya-bashi - the heart of downtown Osaka - called "Jimpachi". One item on the lunch menu, the [Sushi Mori Set] (800 JPY), is nearly always sold out. It's made by the owner, who honed their skills in sushi-making for 15 years! Please enjoy the delicious seasonal seafood paired with light and exquisite sushi rice that just melts in your mouth.

Jimpachi [Yodoya-bashi]

Open: [Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Smoking prohibited between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm / Evening trading only, on Saturdays [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Last order: 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Osaka City Subway's Yodoyabashi station, Midosuji line. 5-minute walk from Osaka City Subway's Kitahama station, Sakaisuji line.
Address: Nippo Yodoyabashi Bldg. B1F, 3-1-11 Koraibashi , Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka (Map)
More Details Reservation

4. Taimeshiya Hanabi [Osaka Castle Area]

Maguro (tuna) is often used in Japanese cuisine or sushi. However, for traditional Japanese food, sea bream is actually more treasured for being delicious and of higher quality. Taimeshiya Hanabi is famous for using sea bream, such as in its [Tai Meshi] (Minced Sea Bream Rice Dish). Top quality natural sea bream is taken from the coastal waters of Akashi, and then the bones are made into dashi (broth). Rice is soaked in this dashi to make the [Meibutsu Bekkaku Tai-meshi (For 2 People)], which is available for dinner at 1,800 JPY. However, if you are able to order one of the limited [Hanabi Gozen] for lunch, you can savor as many helpings of sea bream rice as you like for just 1,000 JPY.

Taimeshiya Hanabi [Osaka Castle Area]

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (Minced Sea Bream Rice Dish L.O. 10:00 pm; Other Dishes L.O. 10:30 pm) *Can make reservations
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY - 1,200 JPY
Address: B1F, F-Base Radolf Bldg., 2-5-4, Tani-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

5. Irodori Chuka Take [Ibaraki]

People of all ages can be satisfied with this Chinese restaurant. With dishes like Gomoku Cha-han (680 JPY) or Ebi Chili (580 JPY), this restaurant has an established reputation for its Chinese-based creative cuisine. Among these is [Made from Fushimiya-san's Tofu Red Mapo Dofu (small)] (480 JPY). The tofu is bought every morning from a local tofu shop. Make no mistake - you will definitely become addicted to its spicy flavor! If you are there during lunchtime, please try the special [Honjitsu no Mapo Dofu Lunch], which includes a small bowl of mapo tofu, soup, rice, and a dessert... all for just 880 JPY!

Irodori Chuka Take [Ibaraki]

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
*Only Sunday is from 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Lunch] 900 JPY
Address: 2F, Kaeru no Ie Ibaraki Bldg., 4-35, Nishi Ekimae-cho, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka Map
More Details

6. Tajima [Kitahama/Naniwa Bridge]

Since this restaurant uses fresh vegetables and seasonal seafood sourced locally in Osaka, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine that's both colorful and delicious. What you should definitely try to order during lunchtime is the [Tai Chazuke Gozen] (1,000 JPY). The menu's main dish is [Tai Chazuke], which is made by mixing extraordinary sea bream sashimi with a special sesame dressing, and then placing the mixture on top of a bowl of rice. Special dashi is then poured on top of everything. This is a substantial meal, coming with seasonal Kuzu-dofu, 2 small sides, a salad, and dessert. Also, don't miss the [Tamago-kake Gohan Gozen], which uses 2 types of eggs that were specially selected that day, with various small sides included for 920 JPY.

Tajima [Kitahama/Naniwa Bridge]

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 3-10-4, Nishi Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

7. Meat and Wine Quattro Gobu [Kitashinchi]

Enjoy delicious and dynamic meat dishes here, such as the incredibly filling [Meibutsu Sirloin Steak (200g)] (980 JPY), or the wagyu beef and Nichinan pork in the [Teppan Gobu Hamburg Steak] (880 JPY). Due to the flavor of the restaurant’s original sauce, the lunch recommendation is the [Tokusei Harami-don] (780 JPY). The umami (Japanese savory taste) of the meat and the sweetness of the onions are mixed together in a searing hot fry pan, creating a nice, deep flavor. Adding the oyster sauce-based original sauce deepens the flavor of the dish. To make it a little more extraordinary, it’s then topped with a hot spring egg!

Meat and Wine Quattro Gobu [Kitashinchi]

Open: [Weekdays, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30)
[Saturday] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 1F-45, Osaka Eki-mae Daiichi Bldg., 1-3-1-100, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

8. DINING&CAFE SOLVIVA Umeda [Umeda]

Inside Umeda Arts Theater, the origin of the culture in Umeda, lies this restaurant. The deliciousness of the potatoes and minced meat in the [Jikasei Meat Croquette] (980 JPY) makes it highly recommended for lunchtime. A very popular dish is the [Tegone Tofu Hamburg Steak] (980 JPY). It is limited to only 20 servings per day. It's made in-house using chicken and tofu, which are then topped with the sauce of the day. All the lunch menu dishes include a buffet, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread, 18-grain millet rice, the soup of the day, and free drinks!

DINING&CAFE SOLVIVA Umeda [Umeda]

Open: [Weekdays] 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
*Business hours may change by 1 hour due to theatrical performances
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Lunch] 980 JPY
Address: 1F, Umeda Arts Theater, 19-1, Chaya-machi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details

9. Ushigatari [Fukushima]

Ushigatari is a popular yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant that uses the highest quality Mogami beef in Yamagata Prefecture from the owner’s home, Yamaguchi Livestock. It is famous among yakiniku lovers as one of the only 10% of restaurants in Japan where you can taste rare domestically sourced offal. Recommended for lunch is the 1,000 JPY [Jyukusei Gyutan Teishoku], where you can taste the finest quality gyu-tan (beef tongue) for a reasonable price. As you chew the gyu-tan, the deliciousness of the meat spreads throughout your mouth. It's a flavor that you can only get at expert meat restaurants like this!

Ushigatari [Fukushima]

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY - 1,480 JPY
Address: 1-6-18, Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details

10. Oishii Jikan [Shinsaibashi]

This cafe in Shinsaibashi is popular for its sandwiches, both hot and cold. Lunchtime is from 11:00 am, and the menu is full of hot sandwiches. Among them, the [Volume Lettuce and Cream Cheese Sandwich Set] (870 JPY) is highly recommended. The crisp texture of the lettuce matches with the flavor of the cream cheese. This special set also comes with steamed vegetables, a drink, scrambled eggs, fries, and pudding. With 3 different fillings - Asparagus, Bacon, and Egg - and plenty of homemade hollandaise sauce on top is the piping hot [Asparagus Egg] (500 JPY), which is also worth a try.

Oishii Jikan [Shinsaibashi]

Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 600 JPY / [Lunch] 660 JPY - 900 JPY
Address: 2F, Shinsaibashi Motomura Bldg., 3-8-11, Minami Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

11. FRENCH, TAPAS&WINE SOUTH PARADISE [Hom-machi/Yodoyabashi]

FRENCH, TAPAS&WINE SOUTH PARADISE is famous, even in the highly competitive gourmet area of Hom-machi. Experienced chefs from top class hotel restaurants, such as The Westin Miyako Kyoto and Ritz-Carlton Osaka, mainly use seasonal vegetables to make French tapas, which are gaining popularity. The appeal of lunchtime is that you can taste these dishes at reasonable prices! For [Today's Pasta Lunch Set (Selectable Pasta)], you can choose either tomato-based, oil-based, or cream-based pasta from the daily selection. Salad and soup are included, as well as all-you-can-eat bread, for a mere 1,000 JPY, making this a great deal!

FRENCH, TAPAS&WINE SOUTH PARADISE [Hom-machi/Yodoyabashi]

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm), Cafe 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, (L.O. 3:30 pm), Cafe 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm/ Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 900JPY - 1,200 JPY
Address: 1F, Pasona Osaka Head Office Bldg., 4-2-15, Awaji-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

12. Mangyu Nihonbashi [Namba]

Mangyu Nihonbashi is a famous yakiniku restaurant in Osaka Minami. It's mainly known for its all-you-can-eat yakiniku, but lunch is perfect for being able to taste their reasonably priced yakiniku sets. There are plenty of types and combinations of meat, such as [Shabu Kalbi, Loin, Pork Rib, Wiener] or [Loin, Skirt Steak, Fatty Pork, Wiener] (980 JPY each), or [Loin, Fatty Pork, Chicken] for 920 JPY. Moreover, they offer unlimited salad, soup, and rice with pickles, so there is no doubt that even those with insatiable appetites can get full for around 1,000 JPY!

Mangyu Nihonbashi [Namba]

Open: 11:00 am - 1:00 am (L.O. 00:30 am) *Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Closed: Irregular *Open until 3:00 pm on December 31. Closed until January 3.
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 2-5-5, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

13. Uotaro Mikunigaoka Branch [Mikunigaoka]

Sashimi, sushi, tempura, shabu shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables), sukiyaki (hot pot stew) - you can taste a plethora of Japanese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients at the popular Uotaro Mikunigaoka Branch. The most popular lunch choice is the [Tairyo Hiru Gozen] (1,000 JPY), which consists of delicious small dishes and extraordinarily fresh fish that's in season. Starting with the freshest sashimi, the menu offers dishes like the a la carte fish of the day, tempura, small dishes, and chawan-mushi (egg custard), so there are plenty of options. What's even better is that you can take as many helpings of white rice as you want! The [Nigiri Sushi Gozen] (980 JPY), composed of 8 pieces of nigiri sushi and tempura, is also recommended.

Uotaro Mikunigaoka Branch [Mikunigaoka]

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 4-3-3, Koryonishi-machi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka

14. Banchina [Kita Shinchi]

Banchina is an Italian restaurant in Kita Shinchi that is popular for the female owner's care and attention to delicate flavors. By using fresh vegetables taken directly from farmers and low-carb pasta, the food is not only delicious, but also healthy. The [Pasta of the Day] on the lunch menu is a bargain at 850 JPY, as it includes the chef's pasta recommendation, salad, appetizers, and bread. If you pay an additional 150 JPY, you can get low-carb pasta instead. You cannot miss out on the [Pizza Lunch] (1,000 JPY), which is only available on Saturday, or the [Genmai Risotto Lunch] (900 JPY), which is only available on weekdays.

Banchina [Kita Shinchi]

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday] Lunch 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) *Dinner by reservation only (5 or more people)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Lunch] 850 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 2F-A, Kita Shinchi Bldg., 1-3-19, Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

15. Thee Food Rest Garage [Toyonaka]

The restaurant's chic, black, and minimalistic appearance gives it a sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant's Italian lunch dishes, evening cocktails, and dishes incorporating plenty of locally grown vegetables, have been gaining popularity. The owner's top recommendation is the [Lunch Plate of the Day]. For 900 JPY, you can try fish sashimi, salad, the special of the day, croquette, karaage (deep-fried chicken), and even millet rice and soup! The [Jukusei Roast Beef Ju (with soup)] (1,000 JPY) and [Chicken Nanban Set (with salad and soup)] (900 JPY) also have great reputations.

Thee Food Rest Garage [Toyonaka]

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-9-19, Tamai-cho, Toyonaka-shi, Osaka

Source:Hitosara（Japannese）

Apart from the restaurants introduced in this article, there are countless other famous places in Osaka, the "town where people eat until they drop". Enjoy the food culture of Osaka, and eat as much as you want!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.