Osaka, also known as "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenka no daidokoro) and "The City of Kuidaore" (a place where people eat until they drop), has developed a unique food culture, notably featuring flour-based dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
One reason Osaka is called "The Nation's Kitchen" is that it had the closest port to Kyoto, Japan's former capital, making it a hub for high-quality ingredients from all over Japan. With the development of culinary techniques to handle these fine ingredients and the refined palates of those who savor them, Osaka has become an area known for its gourmands.
As Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, Osaka continues to attract high-level restaurants from across the country. It boasts numerous Michelin-listed establishments, ranking fourth after Tokyo, Paris, and Kyoto.
In this article, we'll introduce some of the best restaurants in Osaka for dinner, categorized by genre. As we look forward to the evolving culinary scene, these recommendations will give you a taste of what to expect from Osaka restaurants in 2024 and beyond.
Osaka offers a wide range of dining options, from high-end to reasonable
Osaka specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu are often available at reasonable prices in casual eateries. While prices vary by restaurant, you can typically enjoy a box of 8-10 takoyaki for around 700 yen, or kushikatsu for 100-300 yen per skewer.
On the other hand, Osaka also boasts many high-end establishments, including Michelin-listed Japanese restaurants and sushi bars. These offer the opportunity to experience the finest cuisine that symbolizes Osaka's reputation as a gourmet city, along with the refined techniques of first-class chefs.
The Michelin-recognized flavors and popular gourmet experiences are sure to create unforgettable memories of Osaka. As we look ahead to Osaka restaurants in 2024, we can expect these culinary traditions to continue evolving and delighting visitors.
Michelin-listed! Introducing top-class restaurants by genre where you can enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine
Sushi
Matsusushi
Source:Tabelog
"Matsusushi," with over 50 years of history, uses red vinegar (akazu) in their shari (sushi rice) to enhance the umami of their fresh fish toppings.
When you put it in your mouth, you not only taste the fish's umami, but the rice, gently and carefully pressed, spreads in your mouth. The sushi, placed one by one on plates on the counter, is also visually appealing, like delicate art.
The toppings vary by season, but I can't forget the deliciously chewy katsuo (bonito) I ate when I visited "Matsusushi." Be sure to enjoy the seasonal flavors that are only available at that time.
Address: 3-13-6 Oji-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka
Hours: Wed-Sat Lunch 11:30-L.O. / Dinner 18:00-L.O.
Tue Dinner only 18:00-L.O.
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Phone: 06-6622-5723
Sushi Roku
Source:MICHELIN
The basic menu at "Sushi Roku" is omakase (chef's choice) nigiri sushi. "Omakase" is a uniquely Japanese ordering style where you leave the selection of sushi toppings to the sushi chef. You'll be served sushi featuring the chef's recommended fresh fish of the day.
The restaurant is known for its delicate flavors, with each piece thoughtfully prepared, including changing condiments to match different toppings. One of my favorites was the innovation of wrapping nori (seaweed) around the side of the marinated tuna nigiri. The nori adds a toasty flavor, elevating the already top-quality sushi to another level.
The owner of "Sushi Roku" is rather quiet, creating a calm atmosphere where you can focus on enjoying the fresh sushi. However, English communication is possible, so foreign visitors can comfortably experience the "omakase" style of sushi.
Address: 4-12-22 Nishi-Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00
Sat & Holidays 17:00-22:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 06-6367-5040
Ramen
Ramen Hayato
source:Tabelog
The popular menu item at "Ramen Hayato" is their miso ramen, featuring a rich broth based on pork and chicken stock. Despite its fatty and rich appearance, the refreshing accents of Japanese spices like yuzu and sansho prevent it from feeling heavy. The addictive umami is even more delicious when eaten with white rice.
Also noteworthy is the secret menu item, Ura Shoyu Ramen. It has a more refined, crisp taste than regular shoyu ramen, with an umami that spreads in your mouth, far beyond what you might expect from its brown, translucent appearance. You can luxuriously enjoy the savory aroma of soy sauce.
Among the countless ramen shops across Japan, Ramen Hayato is one of the few recognized by Michelin. Why not create unforgettable memories with their top-class ramen? As we anticipate the evolution of Osaka restaurants in 2024, establishments like Ramen Hayato are sure to continue pushing the boundaries of ramen craftsmanship.
Address: 1-2-2 Minami-morimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 11:00 until ingredients run out
Closed: 1st Monday and Tuesday of the month, 2nd to 5th Sundays, and other irregular holidays
Phone: 06-6312-8276
Official Twitter
Mugito Mensuke (Nakatsu)
source:Tabelog
The signature dish at "Mugito Mensuke" is their special Kuradashi Shoyu Soba. Using a broth made from their homemade chicken and guinea fowl, they create a light soup. It's an exquisite bowl where the chicken broth fills your mouth, perfectly complementing the thin, straight noodles.
Another specialty is the limited-quantity special Iriko Soba. Iriko is a seasoning made by boiling and drying seafood, commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It concentrates the umami of seafood, creating a deep, flavorful taste that contrasts with its clear appearance.
At "Mugito Mensuke," you can appreciate the attention to detail not only in the soup but also in the toppings, such as three types of chashu using pork from Kagoshima, a famous pork-producing region, and wonton wrapped around wagyu beef.
Many foreign tourists visit, and the staff is accustomed to English communication, making it easy for first-time ramen eaters to enjoy their experience. As we look ahead to Osaka restaurants in 2024, places like Mugito Mensuke are likely to continue offering innovative takes on traditional ramen.
Address: 3-4-12 Toyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 11:00-15:30 / Sat, Sun 11:00-16:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: Unknown
Official Twitter
Official Instagram
Japanese Cuisine
Yugen
Source:Hitosara
At "Yugen," you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine that brings out the flavors of seasonal ingredients, primarily from local Osaka sources, through the use of dashi (soup stock).
One dish you must try at "Yugen" is the "owan" (soup dish) served as part of the course meal. When I experienced it, the ingredients were seasonal hamo (pike conger) shinjo (seafood paste mixed with yam or wheat flour and shaped) and zuiki (a seasonal vegetable).
The subtle seasoning allows you to taste the ingredients themselves, creating a perfect harmony with the delicate dashi made from kombu. It's a dish to enjoy both the aroma and the dashi.
Another attractive point is that you can finish your course meal with traditional Japanese matcha. If you want to fully indulge in delicate Japanese cuisine from start to finish, be sure to visit. As we anticipate the culinary scene of Osaka restaurants in 2024, establishments like Yugen are expected to continue refining their craft and showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine.
Address: Zeni-ya Honpo West Building 1F, 14-14 Ishigatsuji-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Hours: Lunch 12:00-14:30 / Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last entry 20:00) *Thursday dinner only
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 050-3628-4385
Official Website
Official Instagram
Kashiwaya Osaka Kitashinchi
Source: Official website
At "Kashiwaya Osaka Kitashinchi," you can not only taste the fundamental dashi of Japanese cuisine but also enjoy the beautiful presentation that highlights the colors of the ingredients.
For example, when I visited in March, I experienced a soft-simmered abalone dish. It featured a large slice of abalone topped with vibrant purple myoga and tsukushi (horsetail shoots), which are considered harbingers of spring in Japan. I remember being thrilled not only by the top-quality abalone that released more umami with each bite but also by the adorable presentation that made me want to take a photo.
They offer pairings with drinks that complement the food, including famous sake from various parts of Japan, as well as wine and champagne. Why not indulge in the perfect harmony created by traditional Japanese cuisine and drinks? As we look forward to Osaka restaurants in 2024, Kashiwaya Osaka Kitashinchi is likely to continue setting high standards for innovative Japanese cuisine.
Address: YAMANA K-2 BLDG 5F, 1-7-4 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 18:00- (exit by 20:15) / 20:45- (exit by 23:00)
Closed: Sundays, holidays, and other irregular days
Phone: 080-6103-0979
Official Website
Official Instagram
Michelin Regulars! 4 Recommended Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Osaka Gourmet
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a dish made by mixing cabbage, flour, eggs, and other ingredients, and cooking them flat on an iron plate. It's typically enjoyed with a rich sauce based on various vegetables. In Osaka, the birthplace of okonomiyaki, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy excellent okonomiyaki.
Jibundoki
Source:MICHELIN
"Jibundoki" is famous as "Japan's most difficult-to-reserve okonomiyaki restaurant." Their signature okonomiyaki, which includes pork, squid, shrimp, and other seafood ingredients, is particularly popular. While it has a simple taste with plenty of cabbage, each okonomiyaki is carefully cooked, resulting in a fluffy texture. It's no wonder reservations are hard to get for this exquisite dish.
Another specialty of "Jibundoki" that you must try is the 5-piece assortment of small teppanyaki skewers from their teppanyaki menu. It features creative combinations that seem almost French, such as prosciutto and chestnuts, or mushrooms and foie gras. The small size of each teppanyaki piece is perfect for those who want to try various types of skewers.
The charm of Jibundoki lies in being able to luxuriously enjoy both the Osaka specialty of okonomiyaki and teppanyaki using seasonal ingredients at the same time. As we look ahead to Osaka restaurants in 2024, places like Jibundoki are expected to continue innovating while preserving traditional flavors.
Address: Lions Mansion Midouhonmachi 1F, 4-5-11 Minami Kyuhoji-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: 17:00-23:00
Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and holidays
Phone: 06-6253-1661
Tanpopo
Source:Tabelog
"Tanpopo" offers a unique concept where you can experience the collaboration of Osaka's famous okonomiyaki with a variety of Italian wines.
Their okonomiyaki, which allows you to choose ingredients from pork and several types of seafood, offers a perfect balance of fluffy and chewy textures. The sauce and mayonnaise seasoning, combined with the rich-flavored bonito flakes, create an exquisite taste.
I also recommend their homemade satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake). At "Tanpopo," they make satsuma-age by hand, incorporating seasonal ingredients like fukinoto (butterbur sprouts) and nanohana (rapeseed blossoms) in spring, or corn in summer. By using ingredients known as seasonal delicacies in Japan, you can experience the four seasons of Japan.
In addition to okonomiyaki, you can also enjoy other Osaka specialties like yakisoba and ikayaki. Be sure to try these with the carefully selected wines chosen by the owner. As we anticipate the culinary landscape of Osaka restaurants in 2024, Tanpopo is likely to continue offering innovative pairings of traditional Osaka cuisine with international flavors.
Address: Eiraku Building 6F, 1-10-16 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 18:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: Sundays, holidays (irregular)
Phone: 06-6344-2888
Official Website
Official Instagram
Kushiage
Kushiage is a dish where various ingredients such as meat, fish, and vegetables are skewered, coated in batter, and deep-fried.
Kushiage is typically eaten dipped in a sauce made by simmering vegetables and fruits with seasonings. In Osaka, the birthplace of kushiage, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy authentic kushiage.
Kushikatsu Bon
Source: Official website
"Kushikatsu Bon" is a kushiage specialty restaurant where you can enjoy the highest-grade kushiage course meals, even among the many kushiage restaurants in Osaka. It's popular for its kushiage that generously uses high-end ingredients such as Chateaubriand, foie gras, and caviar.
To better enjoy the variety of ingredients, multiple dipping sauces are prepared, including salt, sauce, soy sauce, and ume paste (plum paste). This attention to detail reflects the commitment of "Kushikatsu Bon" to handling high-end ingredients.
Furthermore, another attractive point is that you can enjoy kushiage made with seasonal vegetables like broad beans and asparagus. The bamboo shoot kushiage I ate in spring left the strongest impression on me. It wasn't just fried bamboo shoots; the batter included bonito flakes, allowing you to enjoy the umami of dashi along with it.
Even the dessert ice cream is made into kushiage. Be sure to fully enjoy the Osaka specialty of kushiage from start to finish. As we look forward to Osaka restaurants in 2024, Kushikatsu Bon is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of kushiage cuisine with its innovative approach and high-quality ingredients.
Address: Dojima Merry Center Building B1, 1-3-16 Dojima
Hours: 18:00-24:30 (Last entry 22:30 due to course-style dining)
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 06-6344-0400
Official Website
Official Instagram
kushiage 010
Source:Tabelog
At "kushiage 010," you can experience unique, creative kushiage using seasonal ingredients.
For example, you can enjoy dishes like juicy zucchini kushiage topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese, or melty Camembert cheese kushiage topped with sweet blueberry sauce. I was particularly impressed by the mini hamburger that sandwiched eel kushiage and cucumber. It's a unique dish that defies the typical concept of kushiage on a skewer, and can only be enjoyed here.
While kushiage is often thought to be heavy on the digestive system due to the use of oil, "kushiage 010" uses a healthier original blend of oil based on rice oil. As a result, you can enjoy the kushiage without feeling much heaviness.
Why not indulge in an unforgettable dinner with these exceptional and unique kushiage dishes? As we look ahead to Osaka restaurants in 2024, innovative places like kushiage 010 are likely to continue pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
Address: Tanaka Building 4F, 1-1-41 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 06-6131-8878
Official Instagram
For those who want to enjoy Osaka's famous "takoyaki," "TAKOPA" is recommended
Source: Official website
"TAKOPA" is located in the large shopping complex "Universal City Walk Osaka," adjacent to Universal Studios Japan, which is popular among foreign visitors.
Short for Takoyaki Park, it's a spot where six representative takoyaki shops from Osaka, the birthplace of takoyaki, have gathered. It's popular for allowing visitors to compare different styles, from orthodox takoyaki that even Osaka locals approve of, to unique creative takoyaki.
There are various types available, including the standard sauce flavor, salt flavor that allows you to taste the original takoyaki flavor, and refreshing green onion ponzu flavor. Some shops even offer Akashiyaki, which is eaten dipped in hot kelp dashi.
Why not casually enjoy Osaka's famous takoyaki along with your visit to Universal Studios Japan? As we consider the future of Osaka restaurants in 2024, places like TAKOPA are likely to continue offering diverse and innovative takes on traditional street foods.
Address: 6-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (TAKOPA area)
Closed: Open all year round
Phone: 06-6464-3080
Official Website
If you want to enjoy shops popular among locals, tours where you can explore with locals are recommended!
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
The "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" allows you to enjoy famous restaurants that only locals know about, thanks to local guides. You can indulge in Osaka's delicious gourmet foods such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushiage.
The 3-hour tour includes not only meals at famous restaurants but also explanations about Osaka's food culture by the guide and visits to traditional shrines and temples. It's sure to be a valuable experience that you can't get through individual sightseeing.
The "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" is held three times a day, timed with lunch and dinner hours. Why not enjoy the special Osaka gourmet experience that can only be savored on this tour? As we look forward to Osaka restaurants in 2024, these types of local-guided food tours are likely to become even more popular, offering visitors authentic and insider experiences.
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
On the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba," you can enjoy Osaka's delicious gourmet food and drinks at hidden izakaya gems known only to local guides. Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki pair well with beer, while Japanese dishes like kushiage, yakitori, and oden (a Japanese hot pot dish with various ingredients simmered in broth) go well with sake.
At the famous restaurants introduced by local guides, you can experience not only standard Osaka gourmet foods but also unique Japanese dishes. Another attractive point is the opportunity to interact with guides and locals on this small-group tour led by friendly guides.
The tour is held during dinner hours, so you can easily participate without worrying about finding and reserving a restaurant for dinner.