Osaka is a vibrant city where food isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Known as Japan’s “kitchen,” this city overflows with culinary treasures that capture the essence of Japanese flavours. From cosy hidden gems to bustling dining spots, each restaurant on this list serves dishes that reflect Osaka’s unique food culture. In this guide, you’ll find 15 of the city’s must-visit restaurants, handpicked for their authenticity, creativity, and unforgettable flavours. Get ready to savour the heart of Japanese cuisine in every bite and discover why Osaka is a top destination for food lovers everywhere.
Our Selection of 15 Best Restaurants in Osaka
Discover Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene with our handpicked selection of 15 must-visit restaurants. From sizzling street food to refined dining experiences, these spots showcase the city’s rich flavours and culinary creativity.
1. Nishishinsaibashi Yuno
Nishishinsaibashi Yuno truly celebrates Osaka’s culinary heritage, blending tradition with creative flair in every dish. Chef Katsuyuki Yuno, who apprenticed at the renowned Osaka restaurant Kigawa, brings his passion for local ingredients to life, with a special love for rare and traditional vegetables. Inspired by his chef father, Chef Yuno crafts each dish as a tribute to Osaka’s rich flavours, using kombu-rich dashi and artisanal sauces that elevate the umami essence. Diners are treated not only to the freshest seasonal ingredients but also to Chef Yuno’s warmth, as he lightens the atmosphere with his friendly, engaging presence.
The ambience at Nishishinsaibashi Yuno is an art form in itself. Designed in the Sukiya style, the restaurant exudes timeless elegance with antique tableware and pieces of art collected by Chef Yuno over the years. The serene eight-seat counter and private dining rooms offer an intimate experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the meticulous artistry of each course. With exquisite ceramics that change seasonally and thoughtful touches like Washi-paper windows, every detail invites guests to slow down and savour the essence of Naniwa kaiseki in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Nishishinsaibashi Yuno
Operating Hours: 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 1-10-35 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
2. Oribe
Oribe offers an inventive twist on traditional teppanyaki, blending Japanese and French techniques under the skilful hands of Chef Hirotaka Uzaki. Known for his “teppan bistro” style, Chef Uzaki crafts unique dishes like the signature “Cabbage Steak,” a fresh cabbage seared to perfection and drizzled with gorgonzola cheese and white dashi sauce. True to Osaka’s food culture, Oribe also features local favourites like okonomiyaki and yakisoba, enhanced by Chef Uzaki’s refined approach. His dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients makes each dish a memorable fusion of flavours that’s bound to surprise and delight.
With just 11 counter-seats and a few tables, Oribe’s intimate setup ensures a close connection to the cooking experience. The warm, inviting atmosphere draws in diners for dishes like the teppanyaki shrimp with homemade tartar and the exquisite wagyu sirloin steak. The bistro-style decor adds a casual elegance, creating the perfect backdrop for Chef Uzaki’s culinary artistry. From the seafood Negi-salt yakisoba to the richly flavoured wagyu tendon garlic rice, Oribe offers an escape into a world where Japanese tradition and French finesse come together seamlessly.
Oribe
Operating Hours: 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 1-6-18 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0013, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. The New World
The New World redefines the izakaya experience with its vibrant atmosphere and genre-bending cuisine. Welcomed with cool lights and a sitting area bathed in pink neon lights and sparkling mirror balls, this playful space invites diners into an exciting, unconventional setting where Japanese izakaya meets a pop-art vibe. Here, the chef takes a daring approach to flavour, blending unexpected ingredients like canned mackerel with seasonal fruits and mascarpone for a refreshing take on traditional Japanese salads. Each dish is crafted with a touch of whimsy, creating a menu that feels as innovative as it is delightful.
The New World is designed to be versatile and welcoming, perfect for a lively night out with friends, a unique date, or even a solo dining adventure. With every bite, diners get a taste of the chef’s inventive spirit, whose creations bring originality and fun to the table. Whether you’re in for the imaginative shiraae or the izakaya’s unexpected dishes, this energetic spot promises a culinary journey full of surprises.
The New World
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday) | 11:00 am – 02:00 pm, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: B2F, Shinsaibashi PARCO, 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram | X
4. Ajikitcho Horieten
Ajikitcho Horieten offers a journey into the heart of Japanese tradition, where every element—culinary, architectural, and cultural—reflects the soul of Kamigata Ryori. Founded with a deep commitment to preserving traditional Osaka and Kyoto flavours, the restaurant creates an immersive experience in a rustic setting inspired by the tea ceremony room style. The simple decor, with calligraphy by Teiichi Yuki and a bicycle that once belonged to the chef, adds a nostalgic charm. Each dish captures the seasons, from the beautifully plated appetisers adorned with fresh leaves to the omakase-style menu, reflecting the chef’s choices for that day.
Located in Osaka’s Kitahorie district, this serene escape feels like a hidden gem amid the city’s modern landscape. Private tatami rooms are available for those seeking a quieter experience, and the seating arrangement changes with each season to provide guests with a fresh ambience. With every visit, Ajikitcho Horieten invites you to savour authentic flavours and take in the essence of Japanese culture, from taste to atmosphere, designed to engage all five senses in harmony.
Ajikitcho Horieten
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 03:00 pm, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 1-22-6 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0014, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website
5. Sui Okazaki
Sui Okazaki, helmed by Chef Naoya Okazaki, offers a distinctive approach to traditional Japanese cuisine while preserving its authentic roots. Drawing inspiration from his Kyoto culinary background, Chef Okazaki expertly balances multi-course meals with his creative flair. His dishes, such as pickled mackerel paired with seasonal fruit, beautifully highlight the interplay of tartness and freshness, while the carefully prepared soup stock made from ma-kombu and Rishiri kombu exemplifies his commitment to quality ingredients.
The restaurant provides an intimate setting where guests can enjoy meticulously crafted courses made with fresh fish and seasonal produce sourced directly from farms. With completely private rooms available, Sui Okazaki caters to various occasions, from special celebrations to quiet dinners. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with the chef’s dedication to harmonising traditional flavours with modern influences, ensures a memorable dining experience that showcases the essence of Japanese gastronomy.
Sui Okazaki
Operating Hours: 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) | 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday) | Closed on Wednesdays
Address: 2F, 1-16-20 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
6. Ajikitcho Bumbuan
At Ajikitcho Bunbuan, the culinary artistry of second-generation owner-chef Ryusuke Nakatani brings a sense of heritage to each dish. Named in gratitude to his parents for the traditions he upholds, Chef Nakatani showcases Japan’s seasons in his stunning hassun platters, adorned with leaves and flowers to reflect nature’s rhythms. The meal often concludes with takikomi-gohan, a delicate rice dish prepared in a wide-brimmed hagama pot. Inspired by his father, Chef Nakatani’s cooking style achieves a gentle balance between soft-cooked rice and seasonal ingredients, creating harmony with every bite.
The restaurant’s ambience transports guests to ancient Japan with its Sukiya-zukuri architecture and serene garden. Traditional Tatami rooms and a natural garden setting—complete with a stone alley, bamboo fences, and Aji stone walls—combine for a tranquil experience amidst the city’s bustle. Handcrafted Japanese paper partitions and the subtle blend of moss, stones, and woodwork bring Ajikitcho Bunbuan’s refined, timeless charm to life.
Ajikitcho Bumbuan
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 03:00 pm, 05:30 pm – 09:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: B1F, Hommachi Garden City, 3-6-4 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0053, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website
7. Taian
Taian, helmed by Chef Hitoshi Takahata, redefines traditional Kaiseki dining with an accessible, welcoming approach. Honouring his upbringing and early culinary training under a renowned Kaiseki master, Takahata presents an omakase menu that empowers guests to make selections, including grilled main courses—an uncommon twist in Japanese haute cuisine. His signature dishes, like grilled spareribs marinated in soy sauce, honey, and red wine, reflect a modern interpretation of Kaiseki that retains a deep respect for tradition. Every detail, from his father’s calligraphed wall scroll to ceramic dishes crafted by his daughter, is a testament to the family’s love and artistry behind Taian’s experience.
Located on a quiet street in Osaka’s Nagahoribashi, Taian’s interior harmonises simplicity with elegance, allowing guests to immerse in the culinary journey. The intimate counter seating lets diners witness the open charcoal grill, heightening anticipation as the rich aromas of roasting meats fill the air. Takahata’s sourcing philosophy emphasises trust and consistency, working closely with brokers at Kuromon Market to ensure only the finest seasonal ingredients. Here, the familiar yet artfully reimagined flavours and textures, from creamy yuba and vibrant sashimi to persimmon and strawberry compote soaked in pear liqueur, celebrate Japan’s natural beauty and culinary heritage, made approachable to all.
Taian
Operating Hours: 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 1-21-2 Shimanouchi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0082, Japan
Visit Them Via: Facebook
8. Tonkatsu Daiki
Tonkatsu Daiki, a Bib Gourmand gem, has transformed from a family-run teishoku restaurant into a celebrated tonkatsu specialist, helmed by a second-generation owner-chef. Daiki’s tonkatsu is crafted from premium Kagoshima pork, fried in salad oil to achieve the perfect golden crispiness. Drawing on his background in Chinese cuisine, the chef brings a unique twist with a piquant mustard sauce, enhancing the already tender, juicy cutlets. Each order, whether you opt for the rich, fatty rosu katsu (pork loin) or the lean, tender hire katsu (pork tenderloin), is fried to order, ensuring every bite has the ideal crunch-to-juiciness balance.
Beyond the classic tonkatsu, Daiki offers inventive variations like rosu katsu toji—a comforting dish simmered with a saucy omelette—or negikatsu nabe, topped with chopped scallions. For added richness, try their cheese-stuffed cutlet or seasonal specialities like kaki-furai, breaded Hiroshima oysters available in winter. An array of sauces, including oroshi ponzu and plum-flavoured daikon, elevates each dish with unique flavours. Daiki’s menu is affordable, especially at lunch, with sets including rice and miso soup starting from JPY1080, making this cosy Osaka eatery a must-visit for tonkatsu lovers.
Tonkatsu Daiki
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 02:30 pm, 05:30 pm – 09:30pm (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 1-6-2 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
9. Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo
Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded izakaya, is a sanctuary for sake lovers in Osaka. With a name translating to “Is this a dream or reality?”, this sake speciality spot crafts an enchanting experience with an impressive variety of local brews. Led by sake guru Fujii Akihiro, the izakaya offers a journey through Japan’s finest sakes, sourced from regions such as Tohoku, Kansai, and Shikoku. For newcomers, the tasting set is a perfect introduction, letting you sample rare and exceptional brews. Each sip pairs beautifully with the izakaya’s carefully curated appetisers, starting with artfully arranged sashimi.
From the kitchen, a team of skilled chefs serves unique drinking snacks that add rich flavour to each sake. Try the miso-marinated tofu, beef tendon stew, or even Western-inspired bites like sweetfish confit. The vibe here is lively and welcoming, where guests can laugh freely, linger over drinks, and savour every pairing. Reservations are highly sought-after, and each visit feels like a personal exploration of sake and Japanese culinary tradition. For an Osaka dining experience where sake reigns supreme, Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo is a must-visit.
Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo
Operating Hours: 05:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 2F, 3-2-1 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0053, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
10. Konoha
Konoha is a Michelin-starred gem in Osaka that offers a rare twist on traditional Japanese kaiseki dining with tempura as its main highlight. Chef Masami Tanaka, who trained for 16 years at the esteemed Osaka Tsuruya, brings a refined touch to seasonal dishes, showcasing the freshest ingredients in both flavour and presentation. The kaiseki menu is an ode to Japanese cuisine, featuring appetisers, delicate soups, and meticulously plated sashimi. But it’s the tempura, lightly coated and fried in white sesame oil, that steals the show. Each piece, especially the root vegetables and negi (Welsh onion), has a distinct sweetness and crispness, elevating the flavours of each bite.
Inside, Konoha’s atmosphere is serene, centred around a main counter where guests can watch Chef Tanaka’s precise movements. The dining experience is enhanced by thoughtful details, like the semi-private room that welcomes younger children during Saturday lunch hours. With its intimate 14-seat setup, Konoha is an ideal spot for business gatherings or a special meal. From the elegantly served dishes to a delightful Japanese dessert paired with matcha, Konoha offers an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of washoku with a tempura twist.
Konoha
Operating Hours: 05:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 2-6-22 Minamihommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0054, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website
11. Utsubohommachi Gaku
Utsubohommachi Gaku in Osaka is a Michelin-starred kappo-style restaurant where Chef Gaku Imagawa showcases the subtle balance of seasonal Japanese flavours. Trained under a respected kappo chef, Imagawa applies his expertise to create dishes that celebrate freshness and simplicity while introducing inventive touches. Dishes such as char-grilled sawara with apple sauce and fried barracuda with black vinegar reflect his skill in layering flavours without overshadowing the natural taste of each ingredient. The takikomi-gohan, made from rice sourced directly from his family farm, provides a comforting conclusion to the meal.
Located near Utsubo Park, this 18-seat restaurant offers an intimate setting with counter seating, private rooms, and a serene, welcoming ambience. Guests can enjoy set-course meals or select from an a la carte menu, including delicacies like prime wagyu rump steak and seasonal wild game. Imagawa’s commitment to traditional cooking techniques, such as straw and charcoal grilling, enhances the flavours and makes each dish memorable. With the added experience of pairing dishes with “Natchur” sake, Utsubohommachi Gaku promises a refined, authentic dining experience focused on harmony and natural flavours.
Utsubohommachi Gaku
Operating Hours: 05:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 1-14-15 Utsubohommachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0004, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. Sushi Harasho
Sushi Harasho in Osaka offers an intimate yet refined omakase experience rooted in the principles of Edomae sushi. Chef Ko Ishikawa’s minimalist approach is all about bringing out the natural essence of each fish without overpowering flavours. With sushi crafted to be “gentle,” each nigiri piece is designed for an effortless dining experience, emphasising quality over quantity. Using rice polished to seasonal perfection and a single, pure vinegar blend, Ishikawa enhances the fish’s flavour profile without unnecessary embellishments. Ingredients are carefully sourced from the Tsuruhashi market, allowing him to adapt selections daily for optimal freshness.
The tranquil tea-ceremony-inspired setting, with its hinoki wood counter and serene sukiya architecture, welcomes guests into an authentic Japanese dining atmosphere. The centrepiece, a flower-shaped Iro-Nabeshima plate, reflects Ishikawa’s dedication to artistry and heritage, with the chef drawing inspiration from international guests and his responsibility to pass on his craft to future sushi chefs. His commitment to excellence has earned Harasho two Michelin stars, making it a destination for sushi enthusiasts worldwide.
Sushi Harasho
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 08:30 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 3-30 Uenomiyacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0037, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website
13. Tonkatsu KATSU Hana
Tonkatsu KATSU Hana, a family-run gem in Osaka’s Kitakyuhojimachi area, elevates the classic breaded pork cutlet experience. Chef Koga, inspired by the nuances of tonkatsu, offers diners a choice from up to 14 Japan-grown pork breeds, each boasting unique flavours and textures. Signature cuts include the rich, tender rosu katsu from premium breeds like Chiba’s Diamond pork, and the leaner, nearly fat-free hire katsu, featuring varieties like Tokyo X and Miyazaki’s Kinako pork. Each cutlet is fried to golden perfection, locking in flavour while remaining tender and juicy.
In true teishoku style, meals are accompanied by freshly shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup. Diners can enhance their meal with sauces, including a tomato and cumin blend inspired by Koga’s Italian culinary background, and two salts: Maldon and Awaji Island sea salt. Recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2024, Tonkatsu KATSU Hana combines tradition, quality, and exceptional flavours, offering a refined yet approachable tonkatsu experience.
Tonkatsu KATSU Hana
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 03:00 pm (Monday, Thursday, Sunday) | 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday, Thursday, Friday)
Address: 2-2-11 Kitakyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0057, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
14. Fushimimachi Kakoiyama
Fushimimachi Kakoiyama, a Michelin-starred establishment in Osaka’s historic Kitahama district, beautifully embodies the serenity of a traditional Japanese teahouse. Chef Kazuki Kakoiyama, inspired by his father and the discipline of tea ceremony, crafts an exquisite dining experience that honours Japan’s Kamigata culture. The minimalist yet refined interior features a lowered iron-oxide counter, enabling diners to intimately view each dish, all set within the calming ambience of a sukiya-style design. Here, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere where culinary art and cultural reverence intersect, reflecting the ethos of a traditional tea ceremony.
Chef Kakoiyama’s dishes capture seasonal flavours and traditional Japanese aesthetics with refined simplicity, creating a menu rooted in Japanese literature, seasonal events, and a deep respect for ingredients. Specialities like the chakaiseki-style rice and the delicately flavoured sembajiru fish soup reflect his appreciation for Osaka’s land and culinary heritage. More than just a meal, Fushimimachi Kakoiyama offers an immersive journey that celebrates the quiet elegance and timeless spirit of Japanese culture.
Fushimimachi Kakoiyama
Operating Hours: 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday) | 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: 2-4-12 Fushimimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0044, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
15. Koryu
Koryu, led by Chef Shintaro Matsuo, presents a deeply rooted Osaka culinary experience, embodying the flexibility and elegance symbolised by its name, which translates to “willow tree bending in an arc.” Renowned for its sashimi, Koryu showcases an array of seasonal fish, enhanced by Chef Matsuo’s innovative flavour techniques, like seawater and egg yolk soy sauce, that highlight each fish’s unique character. The restaurant’s cultural richness extends to its serving vessels, with each one crafted by celebrated artisans, adding a layer of Japanese heritage to the dining experience.
Koryu offers both counter seating and private rooms, creating an inviting space for guests to experience its celebrated omakase courses. Chef Matsuo’s cuisine draws on Osaka’s legacy as “the kitchen of the world,” using premium local ingredients that celebrate the city’s heritage and seasonality. Diners are immersed in an experience where every detail—from the sound and aroma of the charcoal fire to the precise timing of each dish—combines to fulfil both body and soul, capturing the spirit of Naniwa kappo and Matsuo’s devotion to culinary art.
Koryu
Operating Hours: 06:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Monday – Friday) | 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Saturday) | Closed on Mondays
Address: 3-3-3 Uchiawajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0038, Japan
Visit Them Via: Website | Instagram
Conclusion
From traditional flavours steeped in history to innovative twists on Japanese classics, Osaka’s culinary scene promises unforgettable experiences for every palate. The 15 restaurants highlighted here capture the heart and soul of Osaka, showcasing the city’s love for exceptional ingredients, meticulous technique, and warm hospitality. Each spot invites diners to taste Osaka’s rich flavours, from comforting street food to elegant kaiseki. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, these dining experiences offer a delicious journey through Japan’s “kitchen of the world.” Osaka awaits with flavours you simply can’t miss—so dive in and savour every bite!