Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolis after Tokyo. Due to its proximity to Kyoto, the former capital, and its role as a port, Osaka became a hub for ingredients from all over Japan. The excellent logistics and the development of commerce and economy led to a heightened awareness of food, earning Osaka the nickname "The Nation's Kitchen."
With its unique food culture, Osaka attracts high-level restaurants from all over the country. It ranks fourth in the number of Michelin-listed establishments, following Tokyo, Paris, and Kyoto. Not only restaurants but also various types of cafes and coffee shops make Osaka famous as a gourmet city that can be enjoyed alongside sightseeing.
In this article, we'll introduce recommended cafes and coffee shops in Osaka for 2024, including those convenient for tourists and those with a retro atmosphere!
Osaka Boasts Authentic Cafes and Traditional Japanese Coffee Shops
As the center of the Kansai region, Osaka is home to many eateries. One of its characteristics is the abundance of trendy cafes perfect for social media photos and stylish cafes where you can enjoy the latest trends.
At the same time, there are many retro-atmosphere coffee shops that make Japanese people feel as if they've traveled back in time. You can enjoy drinks and light meals in completely different atmospheres.
Both styles are uniquely Japanese, so please be sure to experience them.
What's the Difference Between Cafes and Coffee Shops?
A coffee shop, or "kissaten" in Japanese, is a Japanese-style cafe. Many coffee shops are particular about their coffee.
In addition to coffee, a distinctive feature is that you can also enjoy Western-style food and desserts. In these retro Japanese coffee shops, locals have long enjoyed not only coffee but also breakfast.
Osaka has the highest number of coffee shops among all Japanese prefectures. During your trip, be sure to experience an authentic "kissaten."
3 Recommended Retro Coffee Shops to Experience Japan's Nostalgic Atmosphere
Junkissa American
Source: Official website
At Junkissa American, you can enjoy traditional menus such as carefully home-roasted coffee, Western-style dishes, and desserts. The charm lies in experiencing "Japanese Western food," including various types of sandwiches, smooth and creamy pudding, and melon soda with a perfect combination of ice cream and syrup.
My recommendation is the "Omurice" (Omelette Rice), a Japanese Western dish where chicken rice is wrapped in a thin layer of cooked egg. You can taste the unique deliciousness of a coffee shop that's different from homemade versions.
Be sure to try the popular menu items at "American," which have been loved for generations.
Address: 1-7-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, American Building
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Closed: About 3 Thursdays per month, 12/31
Phone: 06-6211-2100
Official Website
Arabiya Coffee
Source: Official website
Arabiya Coffee, established in 1951, is a must-visit shop for coffee lovers. They carefully roast coffee beans daily and extract them using the nel drip method.
Their signature Arabiya blend coffee, made from coarsely ground South American coffee beans, is the shop's flagship menu. You can taste a strong, rich flavor that will make you want another cup.
My recommendation is the "homemade pudding" with a firm texture perfectly matched with a slightly bitter caramel sauce. The "coffee jelly" made with Arabiya coffee in the base is also recommended.
The interior is decorated with a roasting machine, giving a nostalgic atmosphere. Please come and taste the deliciousness of coffee that has been inherited and built up over many years.
Address: 1-6-7 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-18:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 10:00-19:00
Closed: Wednesdays (irregular)
Phone: 06-6211-8048
Official Website
Madura Coffee Shop
Source:Hot Pepper Gourmet
Madura, established in 1947, has continued to operate without changing much of its interior, menu, or prices. This coffee shop, loved throughout the ages, still carries on the philosophy of its founder, who greeted customers at the storefront even at over 95 years old.
The hot coffee, ordered by almost everyone who visits, has little acidity or bitterness, allowing you to taste the richness and umami of the beans.
Please also try the "Napolitan," a Japanese-origin dish where boiled pasta is stir-fried with vegetables and bacon in ketchup. It's a delicious dish where the noodles are coated with ketchup.
The interior, said to be inspired by a spaceship, is surrounded by many mirrors, making it an attractively unique point. Please take your time to feel the retro atmosphere of this quintessentially Japanese coffee shop while enjoying the food and drinks.
Address: Osaka Station Front First Building B1, 1-3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 8:30-20:30
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 06-6345-3400
Official Instagram
3 Recommended Cafes Convenient for Breaks Near Tourist Spots
R Baker
Source:PR TIMES
R Baker Osaka Castle Park Store is recommended when visiting Osaka Castle. Located in the fountain plaza within Osaka Castle Park, it's convenient for breaks during sightseeing. There are terrace seats, so you can enjoy your meal while appreciating the park's nature on nice days.
The bread, made with homemade yeast and rice flour, has a chewy texture. The most popular menu item is the "German Sausage," which offers a satisfying combination of juicy sausage and chewy bread. The croissant, known for its crispy texture and stretchy dough, is also a popular item.
My recommendation is the curry bread. Please try this bread filled with curry that allows you to enjoy the texture of the ingredients in a thick dough. If you want to use it for breakfast, check out the morning set, which comes with a salad and drink at a good value.
Address: 3-9 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 7:00-18:00 (17:00 on weekdays)
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 06-6926-4950
Official Instagram
GARB weeks
Source: Official website
GARB weeks is a cafe-restaurant in a detached house within Nakanoshima Park, which is full of lush nature despite being in the center of Osaka. During the day, you can enjoy meals and drinks while appreciating the greenery of Nakanoshima Park and the pleasant riverside atmosphere. At night, you can admire the illumination of Osaka City Central Public Hall, designated as a national important cultural property.
My recommendation is the Pizza baked in the in-house stone oven. Neapolitan pizza is their specialty, with a chewy dough that's delicious and can be enjoyed piping hot straight from the oven. Other Italian menu items like pasta and dessert menus like parfaits are also available.
On nice days, why not spend time on the terrace seats, enjoying the natural scenery during breaks from sightseeing?
Address: 1-1-29 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City (Inside Nakanoshima Park)
Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00, Dinner 17:30-21:30, Cafe drinks 11:30-21:30 (Last order for each), Close 22:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 050-3627-9872
Official Website
Blue Bottle Coffee Umeda Chayamachi Cafe
Source: Official website
Blue Bottle Coffee, with a store in the center of Osaka, is an easily accessible cafe with good public transport connections. The charm point is enjoying coffee dripped by baristas right before your eyes in a stylish space.
I also love the deliciousness of Blue Bottle Coffee, which is particular about coffee beans, and its stylish space.
My top recommendation is the "Cold Brew." It's a popular menu item where you can enjoy the taste and aroma of high-quality coffee extracted with water.
Other cafe menu items include waffles with rich flavors, desserts like tiramisu, and brunch plates with waffles and salad on one plate.
Please drop by when you want to take a break in a stylish space during your sightseeing.
Address: Urban Terrace Chayamachi Building A, 15-22 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00-21:00
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6225-8185
Official Website
Cafes Where You Can Also Eat! 3 Recommended Cafes Perfect for Satisfying Small Appetites
bills Osaka
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
bills Osaka, directly connected to JR Osaka Station, is recommended for convenient access during your stay or when you want to relax. The signature ricotta pancakes and scrambled eggs & toast, dubbed "the world's best egg dish," are perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
There's also a wide range of menu items to satisfy small appetites, including sweets like scones and one-plate meals.
The shop is located within LUCUA, a large commercial facility with about 500 shops and restaurants, making it easy to use during shopping breaks.
Address: LUCUA 1100 7F, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 8:30-22:00
Closed: January 1st
Phone: 06-6456-2500
Official Website
TABLES CAFE
Source:Tripadvisor
If you want to leisurely enjoy cafe menus, TABLES CAFE is recommended. It's conveniently located near the subway and Kintetsu stations. On the first floor of Cross Hotel Osaka, you can enjoy coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. It's easy to use even for solo visitors, and the sofa-centered seating allows for a comfortable relaxation.
The most popular item is the cream cheese pancake, where the sweetness of comb honey and fruits perfectly matches the fluffy dough. If you're feeling a bit hungry, savory pancakes with bacon or ham are also recommended.
Roast beef rice is perfect for brunch or a light meal, while limited-time sweets menus are ideal for teatime. Please use it when you want to eat sweets or light meals.
Address: Cross Hotel Osaka 1F, 2-5-15 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (L.O. food 19:00, drink 19:30)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 06-6214-2001
Official Instagram
Micasadeco&Cafe
Source:Tabelog
Micasadeco&Cafe, a 3-minute walk from Namba Station on various train lines, is also recommended for its convenient access. The popular pancakes, which became a topic as "dancing pancakes," offer a fluffy texture to enjoy. Not only are there pancake menus with a variety of flavors and sauces, but there are also plenty of light meal menus like eggs benedict and omurice. There's also a morning menu exclusive to Osaka.
The healthy and trendy menus and the atmosphere inside the shop also make for photogenic pictures. Please experience this cute, urban-style cafe.
Address: 1-2-8 Saiwaicho, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, 1F
Hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:00 (L.O.16:00) Weekends 9:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:00)
Closed: 12/31-1/3
Phone: 06-6561-1191
Official Website
2 Recommended Cafes Where You Can Enjoy Japanese-style Sweets
Japanese Macaron Specialty Store Waka
Source:Rurubu
For those who want to experience sweets that can only be eaten in Japan, we recommend "Waka," a shop where you can enjoy Japanese-Western fusion sweets with both your eyes and taste buds. Their new sweets, which allow you to eat "dorayaki" (a Japanese confection of pancakes with red bean paste filling) like a macaron, are visually cute and have become a topic of conversation.
There are unique menu items filled with matcha or milk-flavored mousse, or fruit-based cream cheese. In addition to Japanese tea, you can also enjoy flavors that pair well with champagne and wine. There are four counter seats, so feel free to eat in.
You can enjoy a tea time that's comforting in both appearance and taste.
Address: 1-11-6 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 06-6533-5050
Official Website
Ujien Kissaten Shinsaibashi Store
Source:Tabelog
For those who want to enjoy Japanese-style tea and sweets, we recommend "Ujien," a long-established tea shop founded in 1869. The shop is located in the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, allowing you to enjoy a traditional Japanese shopping street while visiting.
My top recommendation is the Mont Blanc, where cream with chopped chestnuts is placed on a sponge base, and then tea-flavored Japanese-style Mont Blanc paste is squeezed on top right before serving. You'll definitely be impressed by the deliciousness of the freshly squeezed Mont Blanc.
Other Japanese-style sweets using famous Uji matcha, such as matcha tiramisu and matcha parfait, can be enjoyed. You can also casually experience Japanese food culture through matcha tasting.
Address: 1-4-20 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Hours: 11:00-19:45 (L.O.19:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 06-6252-7800
Official Website