I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to a lot of Japan over the last 10 years.
In my previous job, I had a few clients there so would visit at least 3 or 4 times a year.
I fell in love with the cuisine there. It’s a real foodies paradise!
Osaka is situated in western Japan and is the second largest city.
Since the Edo period, it’s been known as the “Kitchen of the Nation” so is a natural choice for food lovers who visit Japan.
As with the rest of the country, Osaka boasts plenty of Michelin star restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall style joints.
There’s plenty to try here and I’ve rounded up my essential list of Osaka restaurants you have to try on your trip there.
1. Kuma Kafe
Pizza, Cafe | $$$$
Now, this is not the place to come for any kind of Japanese food.
But hear me out on why this is top of my list.
This literally has one of the best burgers I’ve ever tried!
Their pizzas are definitely worth trying as well.
And even though Japan is very welcoming, the Australian owner gives some of the friendliest service around.
The interior is also laid out really well – oozing a comfy, laid-back feel.
NEAREST STATION: Osakako (4 minute walk) | 4-4-15 Chikko, Minato-ku, Osaka | Google Maps
2. Fujiya 1935
Italian, European | $$$$
This Michelin star restaurant should be on your bucket list for Osaka.
The owner, after spending a few years in Spain, returned to his family’s restaurant.
His innovative dishes have been wowing diners for over 15 years.
Seasonal ingredients are at the heart of every dish and the flavors will astound you.
This cosy establishment only seats 19 people, which really concentrates the experience on the food.
Reservations must be made 5 days in advance but are easily made via their website.
NEAREST STATION: Tanimachiyonchome (6 minute walk) | 2-4-14 Yariyamachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps | fujiya1935.com
3. Asai
Japanese, Asian | $$$$
My favorite part of this restaurant is the Chef’s commitment to the freshest ingredients.
He personally goes to Kuromon Market every morning to choose his produce.
That’s a sign of a true Chef who is committed to creating the very best dishes.
The focus cuisine of the restaurant is Kaiseki – a traditional small plate multi-course meal.
I would recommend trying to get counter seating to see the Chefs at work.
NEAREST STATION: Nagahoribashi (5 minute walk) | 1-6-19 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps | ichicore.co.jp
4. Hajime
Japanese, Contemporary | $$$$
The dishes here are nothing short of artistic masterpieces.
It only took the Head Chef here 1 year and 5 months to earn his three Michelin stars.
And this is reflected in his menu.
An interesting French twist is brought to the dishes, which invigorates the senses.
This is definitely a more special meal to have on your trip.
NEAREST STATION: Higobashi (2 minute walk) | 1-9-11 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka | Google Maps | hajime-artistes.com
5. Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten
Japanese, Sushi, Seafood | $$$$
You can’t miss this restaurant – a very large, bright red crab is crawling up the front outside!
This Japanese restaurant serves mainly crab.
It’s their speciality and they’re very well known for it.
Make sure not to miss their famous white soy sauce – it’s delicious!
I would recommend reserving a table as it gets quite busy.
NEAREST STATION: Osaka-Namba (5 minute walk) | 1-6-18 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps | douraku.co.jp
6. Yotaro Honten
Japanese | $$$$
This is the place to visit for the best tempura in town!
And in terms of being a Michelin star restaurant, it’s by far the most affordable.
Most people when they think of tempura is deep fried shrimp topped on a bowl of noodles.
This is so much more than this.
Tempura, when done well, is deliciously delicate and tasty.
NEAREST STATION: Kitahama (2 minute walk) | 2-3-14 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps
7. Kushikatsu Daruma
Japanese | $$$$
Now, deep fried things on sticks generally don’t make up a meal for me.
That was until I tried Kushiage – deep fried skewered meats and vegetables.
This is a classic Osaka street food and well worth trying.
The most important thing to remember is to not DOUBLE DIP!
It’s a cardinal sin here.
I love this place because it has the feeling of an Izakaya (Japanese pub).
NEAREST STATION: Dobutsuen-Mae (5 minute walk) | 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka | Google Maps
8. Takama
Japanese | $$$$
This is another affordable Michelin star restaurant in the Osaka area.
It’s well known around for their unbelievable broths.
Broths that have been passed down generations within the family who own the restaurant.
Talk about culinary heritage!
Their dishes are simple yet tasty, and well worth the visit.
NEAREST STATION: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome (6 minute walk) | 7-12-14 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka | Google Maps
9. Daiki Suisan
Japanese, Sushi, Seafood | $$$$
No list would be complete without a sushi restaurant.
And I love this style of the conveyor belt when the sushi is of a good quality.
You’ll find that here.
The restaurant is owned by a local fishery so you know you will always be served the freshest seafood.
I love the flexibility of the style as well.
Just grab what looks good as it goes by!
NEAREST STATION: Kintetsu-Nippombashi (6 minute walk) | 1-7-24 Dotomburi, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps
10. Chibo
Japanese, Asian | $$$$
This is one of Osaka’s most popular Okonomiyaki restaurants.
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake that is often referred to as ‘Japanese Pizza’.
This really is a treat to eat and every mouthful is a welcome flavor surprise.
You won’t leave this place unsatisfied.
There is no shortage of Okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka but this one is the best by far!
NEAREST STATION: Kintetsu-Nippombashi (5 minute walk) | 1-5-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka | Google Maps
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