Osaka, known as the 'Nation's Kitchen,' is renowned for its culinary excellence. With a strong emphasis on food, Osaka boasts not only great flavors but also innovative ingredients, creative presentation, and excellent value for money. Among the plethora of dining options, there are hidden gems that stand out. Here are five particularly recommended restaurants where you can savor the best of Japanese cuisine in the gourmet town of Osaka.
Sumibi Yakitori Sakomori Kitashinchi Hondoori Branch
Indulge in premium yakitori paired with a selection of fine wine and whiskey, all-you-can-eat style.
Sakamori Kitashinchi Hondori, located a 3-minute walk from JR Kitashinchi Station and a short distance west from Midosuji Avenue on the 4th floor of a building, offers all-you-can-eat yakitori paired with all-you-can-drink wine, whiskey, and more for a fixed two-hour rate. Their fresh 'Kyoto Akadachitori,' sourced in the morning, boasts excellent flavor and texture, while classics like 'negima' and 'tsukune' offer elevated taste. Rare cuts like 'harami' and 'shirokimo' ensure a comprehensive yakitori experience.
The interior is styled with shades of gray and wood, creating a chic atmosphere. Alongside the lively cooking scenes visible from the counter seats, there are also calm and relaxed table seats available. Another highlight of the restaurant, besides the yakitori, is the option for over 100 varieties of all-you-can-drink beverages. Guests can enjoy any of the 35 wines handpicked by the wine expert owner, served by the glass. With a selection of 35 premium whiskies for highball cocktails, the drink menu is truly impressive.
Sumibi Yakitori Sakomori Kitashinchi Hondoori Branch
Open:
[Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
SundayAverage price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station on Osaka Metro Yotsubashi LineAddress:
4F, Tanaka Bldg., Sonezaki-shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details Reservation SAKE BAR CHOCO CHOCO
Experience Japanese food culture with carefully selected sake and meticulously chosen appetizers.
Located a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Daikokucho Station is SAKE BAR CHOCO CHOCO. This unique bar offers a wide variety of Japanese sake paired with dried seafood snacks. The seasonal dried seafood, sourced directly from Numazu fishing port, is crafted by the 'Hyper Dried Seafood Creator.' Finished under the sun and natural breeze, these delicacies boast exceptional texture and aroma. Indulge in the perfect pairing of exquisite Japanese sake and these carefully crafted dried seafood delights.
Nestled in a simple and pristine white-themed space, you'll find only a counter here. The cozy and intimate ambiance welcomes even first-time visitors, allowing them to relax. Enjoying the elegance of sparkling champagne glasses, you can explore approximately 20 varieties of Japanese sake. For those interested in discerning the differences in flavor and aroma, tasting flights are also available. It's a chance to experience Japan's traditional culinary culture, which attracts guests from all over the world.
SAKE BAR CHOCO CHOCO
Open:
Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)Closed:
TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 4,000 JPYAccess:
5-minute walk from Daikokucho Station on the Osaka Metro Lines / 10-minute walk from Nankai Namba StationAddress:
1-5-3, Shikitsu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details Reservation Shinsaibashi Sushi Tvern Oyaji Saigo no Nigiri
Enjoy casually luxurious sushi and small dishes in a Japanese-style, emotionally rich atmosphere.
Nestled just a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station is Oyaji Saigo no Nigiri, a sushi izakaya renowned for offering sushi of course-level quality at affordable prices, known to those in the know. Their 'Assorted Nigiri Sushi' allows you to fully enjoy fresh seafood with smaller-sized shari, making it a perfect accompaniment to drinks. Other recommended dishes include the 'Oyaji Maki,' topped with a mountain of premium ingredients, and the 'Sakura Matasahi,' a combination of three types of tuna: lean, marbled, and fatty tuna.
The interior exudes the warmth of wood, creating a cozy atmosphere. Both the counter and table seats adopt a sunken kotatsu style, inviting you to relax comfortably while taking off your shoes. For those who wish to immerse themselves further in the ambiance of traditional Japan, there are meticulously designed private rooms available. Operating until 3 a.m., with some courses available without reservation, it's a convenient spot for satisfying sudden sushi cravings. The flexibility in accommodating culinary requests is also a delightful feature.
Shinsaibashi Sushi Tvern Oyaji Saigo no Nigiri
Open:
Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 8,000 JPYAccess:
From Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station, go out the south 9 stairs of Crysta Nagahori and turn left on Unagidani Minami Dori Street. It's across from HOTEL THE FLAG.Address:
1F, NIPPO Promenade Bldg., 1-19-8, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details Reservation Nikusho Kakurega Yakiniku Sosomon Bettei
Indulge in top-quality selected beef at a hidden gem of a yakiniku restaurant.
Located just a 2-minute walk from JR Tsuruhashi Station, you'll find the prominent black sign marking the yakiniku restaurant, Nikusho Izakaya Yakiniku Sosomon Bettei. While it operates as a fully member-only and reservation-only establishment in the evenings, non-members can also make reservations for lunch, making it a destination for a special midday meal. Indulge in the natural flavors of meat with options like the 'Premium Beef Wooden Box Course' and seasonal offerings like the Sukiyaki for a limited time.' Featuring primarily Yamagata beef alongside carefully selected beef from across Japan, immerse yourself in the exquisite taste of premium beef.
With only 5 counter seats, the ambiance is fittingly described as a secret hideaway. In this unpretentious space, you can relax comfortably without worrying about your surroundings. They even offer a glamorous 'Anniversary Plate,' perfect for birthdays or private parties. Indulge in exceptional yakiniku while sharing travel memories over dinner—it's a delightful idea. Rumor has it there's a surprise waiting behind the door of the restaurant, adding an extra element of excitement to your visit.
Nikusho Kakurega Yakiniku Sosomon Bettei
Open:
[Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / [Tuesday-Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,500 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk from JR Tsuruhashi Station / 2-minute walk from Exit 2, 5, or 7 of Tsuruhashi Station on the Sennichimae LineAddress:
1F, MaisonDePiaf, 19-19, Funahashi-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
More Details Reservation 3-second All-you-can-drink Yakiniku Sakaba Nankai Honsen Sakaieki Main Branch
A cozy and inviting yakiniku izakaya with a homely atmosphere.
Just a 1-minute walk from Nankai Sakai Station, you'll find the convenient 3-second all-you-can-drink Yakiniku Sakaba, located at the Nankai Main Line Sakai Station Main Store. This is a cozy space where you can casually enjoy yakiniku. They carefully select their meat, focusing on quality and freshness, with a preference for Hokkaido Black Wagyu. Each cut is prepared using different techniques to bring out the best flavor of each part. Feel free to quickly sear the surface with high-temperature gas to seal in the umami and moisture.
The two-floor establishment offers a tranquil atmosphere with a sense of privacy. The first floor's counter seats provide a relaxed setting where guests can engage in conversations with the staff. On the second floor, lined with table seats, groups of up to nine people can reserve the space for private use. They offer a self-service all-you-can-drink option, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of drinks freely, akin to being at home. With operating hours extended until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it's also a recommended spot for a late-night gathering.
3-second All-you-can-drink Yakiniku Sakaba Nankai Honsen Sakaieki Main Branch
Open:
[Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Friday, Saturday] 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPYAccess:
1-minute walk from East Exit of Sakai Station on the Nankai Main Line / 7-minute drive from West Exit of the Sakaihigashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line / 7-minute walk from Oshoji Tram Stop of the Hankai TramwayAddress:
1-9-5, Sakaebashi-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka MapMore Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.