Osaka, known as "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenka no daidokoro) and "The City of Kuidaore" (Kuidaore no machi), has developed its unique food culture, including dashi, which is the foundation of Japanese cuisine, takoyaki (small, round dumplings with octopus inside), and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake cooked on an iron griddle with various ingredients).
Osaka was called "The Nation's Kitchen" because it was the region where ingredients from all over Japan converged, as it had the nearest port to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Naturally, with access to high-quality ingredients, cooking techniques and food culture developed to a high level to match.
Currently, Osaka, as Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, is home to about 7% of Japan's total population. Additionally, attracted by the outgoing personality of Osaka's people and the appeal of unique gourmet experiences, about 10% of foreigners living in Japan reside in Osaka.
Osaka, with its large population, is a city where Japanese cuisine and top-notch restaurants from all over the country converge. In this article, we'll introduce spots where you can enjoy breakfast in this culinary mecca.
Enjoy Osaka to the fullest by starting with exquisite gourmet experiences!
Osaka is packed with many attractive tourist spots, including Osaka Castle with its traditional and dynamic keep, and Universal Studios Japan, which is popular among foreigners.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, it's also a gourmet city where you can enjoy high-level cuisine even within Japan, known for its delicious food. If you're visiting Osaka, it would be a shame not to enjoy exquisite gourmet experiences from breakfast onward!
In fact, Osaka has many establishments that open early, perfect for breakfast, such as bakeries and stylish restaurants. When I, a travel enthusiast, visit Osaka, my routine is to leave the hotel early and enjoy breakfast and coffee at a special cafe I've researched in advance.
I'll introduce options by popular tourist areas for foreigners, so please use this as a reference when you want to enjoy delicious gourmet experiences from morning in Osaka.
Three restaurants & cafes where you can enjoy breakfast at Osaka 2024 in the Namba area
Table 36
Source:Official website
At "Table 36," you can enjoy a Japanese-Western fusion buffet from early morning on the top floor (36th floor) of the hotel, overlooking the city of Osaka.
One attractive point is the healthy dishes that use seasonal ingredients, including vegetables grown in the Senshu area known for cultivating traditional Osaka vegetables.
Additionally, the salad made with pesticide-free vegetables hydroponically grown in the hotel features fresh greens like lettuce and arugula, perfect for morning meals.
In addition to Japanese foods like ramen, udon, and makisushi, there's a wide variety of Western options like bread and bacon to choose from, making it easy for foreigners who may not be accustomed to Japanese cuisine to enjoy their breakfast at Osaka 2024.
"Table 36" is directly connected to Nankai Electric Railway's Namba Station, making it convenient when you want to head straight to the airport or tourist spots after breakfast.
Address: 36F Swissotel Nankai Osaka, 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Breakfast 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Last entry 10:00 AM)
Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner Sun-Fri 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Sat 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Brunch + Sweets Buffet Sat, Sun, Holidays 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6646-5125
Official Website
Jun Kissa American
Source: Official website
At "Jun Kissa American," you can enjoy classic menu items from long-established Japanese coffee shops.
Especially, the Ogura Hot Cake, which is a pancake (Japanese hot cake) topped with anko (sweet red bean paste), has a gentle sweetness that's perfect for breakfast. It pairs perfectly with a hot black coffee.
Other items include omurice (rice with tomato ketchup wrapped in an omelet), a Western-style dish invented in Japan, and cream soda (a drink with vanilla ice cream on top of melon soda), which is very popular in coffee shops. The menu is full of items unique to Japanese coffee shops.
Dotonbori, where "Jun Kissa American" is located, is a street where you can fully enjoy the iconic streetscape and gourmet experiences of Osaka. After breakfast, please enjoy sightseeing in Osaka to your heart's content.
Address: American Building, 1-7-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Closed: 12/31, other irregular closures
Phone: 06-6211-2100
Official Website
West Wood Bakers
Source: Official website
At the stylish bakery "West Wood Bakers," you can enjoy sandwiches and hamburgers made with carefully selected ingredients like wheat and meticulous preparation.
My recommendation is the Smoked Bacon Cheese Burger. The patty made from coarsely ground meat retaining its texture, crispy bacon, and the mildness of rich cheese match perfectly, spreading umami with every bite. The bun is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, creating a well-balanced masterpiece.
Even foreigners who might be tired of rice-centered Japanese food during a long stay will surely be satisfied.
It's also conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Namba Station, in the heart of Osaka's bustling area. There are many restaurants around the station, including Osaka's famous takoyaki, so why not make it a day of enjoying gourmet experiences?
Address: 1-16-9 Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6538-0022
Official Website
Official Instagram
Three restaurants & cafes where you can enjoy breakfast at Osaka 2024 in the Umeda area
Onigiri Gorichan Nakazaki Ten
Source:Rurubu
"Onigiri Gorichan Nakazaki Ten" is a specialty shop where you can choose from over 40 types of fillings for your onigiri (rice balls).
When it comes to a typical Japanese breakfast, it's a set of rice and miso soup. Onigiri, which is rice shaped into a triangle with filling in the center and wrapped in nori (seaweed), is perfect for savoring Japan's unique food culture.
While ume (pickled plum) and sake (salmon) are standard onigiri fillings, I often order a combination of karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe) topped with shirasu (whitebait). The sea flavor and spicy punch of the karashi mentaiko, along with the refined sweetness of shirasu, enhance each other's flavors.
"Onigiri Gorichan" also has a Namba branch. It's convenient for those sightseeing in the Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi areas.
[Nakazaki Main Store]
Address: 1-5-20 Nakazaki-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM *Closes when sold out
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 06-6147-6607
Official Instagram
[Namba Store]
Address: 1F Fuji Building Minami-Senba, 3-5-28 Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM *Closes when sold out
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 06-6484-8325
Official Instagram
bills Osaka
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
"bills Osaka," which is attracting attention even in Osaka, one of Japan's premier gourmet cities, is a casual dining restaurant originating from Sydney.
For breakfast, I recommend the "Full Aussie Breakfast," a staple Australian breakfast. The scrambled eggs, served on a plate alongside toast, bacon, and roasted tomatoes, are full of butter flavor with a melty texture. You're sure to have a luxurious moment starting your day with this breakfast at Osaka 2024!
Furthermore, bills Osaka's signature Honeycomb Ricotta Pancakes are a must-try dish. The richness of butter and ricotta cheese, combined with the natural sweetness of honey and maple syrup, creates the perfect harmony.
"bills Osaka" is located within a commercial facility (a complex with restaurants and fashion shops) directly connected to Osaka Station, so you can enjoy shopping after your meal.
Address: 7F LUCUA 1100, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM (L.O. food 9:00 PM / drink 9:30 PM)
Closed: 1/1
Phone: 06-6456-2500
Official website
AMADEUS
Source: Official website
"AMADEUS" is a French restaurant located in the Westin Hotel Osaka, one of Osaka's most luxurious hotels.
You can enjoy a first-class hotel buffet for breakfast, featuring the hotel's famous spicy curry and the Triple Truffle Omelet, which lavishly uses truffle salt in both the eggs and sauce.
Another attractive point is the abundance of menu items that allow you to fully savor Japanese flavors, such as ohitashi (vegetables soaked in dashi, a basic element of Japanese cuisine) and miso soup. Please try the Okonomiyaki arranged in French style and Kushikatsu, where various vegetables and meats are deep-fried and dipped in sauce - both specialties of Osaka cuisine.
"AMADEUS" is within walking distance of JR Osaka Station and Osaka Metro's Umeda Station, making it perfect as a base for sightseeing around Osaka.
Address: 1F The Westin Osaka, 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: Breakfast 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:00 PM)
Cafe 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (L.O. 4:30 PM)
Closed: Unknown
Phone: 06-6440-1062
Official Website
Two recommended breakfast spots to visit before going to Osaka Castle
R Baker
Source:PR TIMES
"R Baker" is a bakery where you can enjoy your meal in an interior with the warmth of wood or on terrace seats surrounded by nature.
Their specialty shokupan (milk bread) is made using health-conscious methods. Particularly, the shokupan kneaded with lactic acid fermented bran has a stomach-friendly taste perfect for breakfast. My favorite way to spend time here is to order a set with soup and a drink, and then take a leisurely walk after the meal with coffee in hand.
You can also enjoy various types of bread, including melon pan (a sweet bun with a cookie-like topping) originating in Japan, and curry bread that won a gold medal in a grand prix competition.
"R Baker" is located in Osaka Castle Park, a 3-minute walk from Morinomiya Station. After enjoying delicious bread, why not experience Japanese history and culture at Osaka Castle?
Address: 3-9 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Weekdays 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 06-6926-4950
Official Website
Official Instagram
ASAKARA GOOD STORE
Source: Official website
"ASAKARA GOOD STORE" is a cafe within walking distance of Osaka Castle Park where you can enjoy breakfast made with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Particularly popular is the Acai Bowl topped with plenty of fruits like berries and bananas. It's so popular that it sometimes sells out, and some people come back just to eat the Acai Bowl. The mildly sweet acai pairs well with the natural sweetness of honey and fruits.
Healthy sandwiches using plenty of fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes are also perfect for breakfast. The MBLT (Maple Butter) Sandwich, with its combination of maple syrup sweetness and smoked bacon saltiness, stimulates your appetite from the morning.
The menu includes English descriptions of ingredients, so vegetarians and vegans can enjoy their meals with peace of mind.
Address: 1F Hoenkai Heights, 1-4-6 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (L.O. 5:30 PM)
Weekends 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (L.O. 5:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays and other irregular closures
Phone: 06-6467-4009
Official Website
Official Instagram
If you want to enjoy food hopping from the morning, "Kuromon Market" is recommended!
Source: Official website
"Kuromon Market" is Osaka's premier shopping street that has been bustling near Nipponbashi Station for a long time. It originated when local merchants opened a market in front of the black-painted gate of nearby Enmyoji Temple.
With about 150 shops crowded together, "Kuromon Market" is a spot where you can enjoy food hopping, including skewered grilled seafood like fresh oysters and scallops, and fresh fruits from produce stores. Of course, you can also enjoy Osaka specialties like takoyaki and kushikatsu.
Business hours vary by shop, but most open around 9:00 AM. Enjoy Osaka's gourmet offerings to your heart's content from the morning.
If you want to efficiently experience the must-try delicacies at "Kuromon Market," participating in a gourmet tour is one option.
Address: [Office] 2-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: Varies by shop
Phone: [Office] 06-6631-0007
Official Website
Official Instagram
Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka
If you want to fully enjoy Osaka's specialty dishes but are unsure which shops are good due to the overwhelming variety, we recommend the "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka."
An English-speaking local guide will introduce you to the perfect shops for foreigners to enjoy Osaka gourmet, including takoyaki and kushikatsu originating from Osaka, and oden (a hot pot dish where vegetables,eggs, and other ingredients are simmered in dashi, a fundamental element of Japanese cuisine).
After savoring the gourmet experiences, you'll visit a kitchenware store. Osaka, being a city of fine cuisine since ancient times, also boasts excellent cooking utensils essential for preparing high-quality dishes. Why not choose some unique and convenient kitchen items that can only be bought in Japan as souvenirs?
This tour is an excellent way to experience breakfast at Osaka 2024, allowing you to sample a variety of local specialties while learning about their cultural significance from a knowledgeable guide.
Nakanoshima Park is perfect for enjoying nature in central Osaka in the morning!
Source: Osaka City Official website
"Nakanoshima Park" is a park where you can experience nature with greenery and flowers in the center of the urban city of Osaka. Surrounded by tall buildings, the park, nestled between the Dojima River and Tosabori River, is spacious and open, feeling like an oasis in the city.
One of the attractive points is the view from the park, which combines retro buildings like the Osaka City Central Public Hall and Nakanoshima Library with modern buildings and nature. It's a spot where time flows quietly, unbelievably so for being in the middle of a city.
The park is popular for its changing atmosphere with each season, including illumination art during the Christmas season and a rose garden that reaches its peak in May and October every year.
Such a "Nakanoshima Park" is perfect for spending a peaceful morning. There are stylish cafes and local bakeries within walking distance, so on a nice day, it feels great to get takeout sandwiches, bread, and coffee to eat in the park. This could be an ideal start to your day of breakfast at Osaka 2024, combining nature and local flavors.
Address: 1-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours and Closed days: Open all the time
Phone: 06-6312-8121
Official Website