CONCEPT of the Selection
Dear friends, Konnichiwa!
Osaka has so many restaurants that even we locals find it hard to choose our favorites. Therefore, in this article, recommendation will focus on the dining spots in the Minami (South center mainly “Namba”, including ‘Dotonbori’) area, one of the must-visits for travelers from abroad with some local tips and advices to help you enjoy the dining in Osaka!
Selection criteria:
- Popular with locals
- Accessible for international visitors (location, availability of English information, type of cuisine, etc.)
Local tips!
Managing crowds at popular restaurants:
- Try to make a reservation whenever possible.
- Popular restaurants without reservations often have long waiting times. To avoid crowds, try visiting on weekdays, during off-peak hours outside the general lunch/dinner times, or arriving before opening time, etc.
*It depends on the restaurant and the situation.
Hope you enjoy discovering Osaka’s foodie culture known for “KUIDAORE“!🍚🥢🏯✨
- OKONOMIYAKI | Osaka-Namba area
- TAKOYAKI | Osaka Namba area
- IZAKAYA | Osaka Namba area
- SEAFOOD cuisine | Osaka Namba area
- SUSHI | Osaka Namba area
- YAKINIKU (BBQ) | Osaka Namba area
- KUSHIKATSU | Osaka SINSEKAI area
- RAMEN | Osaka Namba area
- Japanese SWEETS | Osaka Namba area
- COFFEE & SWEETS | Osaka Namba area
- [Overview] Hozenji-Yokocho District | Dining MAP
- [Overview] KUROMON Market | MAP & Shop Links
- Osaka’s “KUIDAORE” Food Culture and Its Symbolic Character
OKONOMIYAKI | Osaka-Namba area
- OKONOMIYAKI is one of the Osaka’s specialties. So, it is very popular with tourists, and long lines are likely.
- OKONOMIYAKI restaurants also offer YAKISOBA and other grilled dishes, so be sure to check them out!
FUKUTARO main restaurant （福太郎 本店）
FUKUTARO main restaurant << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
One of the most popular Okonomiyaki restaurants, dedicated to using high-quality ingredients. The top-grade pork and beef are sourced from the renowned Oi Meat Shop in Kagoshima, and fresh octopus, scallops, and oysters are directly from the Osaka Central Market.
🌙 17:00-24:00 (Mon-Fri)🌞🌙 12:00-24:00 (Sat-Sun,Holidays) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 2,000yen+
Reservations: Not available
Payment by Credit card: Available
MIZUNO （美津の）
MIZUNO << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A 70-year long-standing popular Okonomiyaki restaurant that continues to source its finest ingredients from specialty shops in Kuromon Market, known as the “Kitchen of Osaka.”
🌞🌙 11:00-22:00 (L.O.21pm / Closed: Thurday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English Menu: Available
Budget: 2,000yen+
Reservations: Not available
Payment by Credit card: Available
Local Tips!
The usual waiting time is at least 30 minutes, but it’s likely to be less crowded between 3 PM and 5 PM!*It depends on the situation.
YAKIZEN Hozenji-Yokocho （やき然 法善寺横丁）
YAKIZEN << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A popular Okonomiyaki restaurant located in a corner of Hozenji Yokocho. Their specialty is “Modern-yaki”. (Modern-yaki is okonomiyaki with yakisoba layered inside.)
🌞11:30-14:45 (L.O.14:00) 🌙 17:00-22:00(L.O.21:15) , Closed: Wednesday *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 2,000yen+
Reservations: Available (only by phone call from a mobile phone)
Payment by Credit card: Available
TAKOYAKI | Osaka Namba area
- TAKOYAKI is also one of Osaka’s specialties and most of the shops are good enoght. However, if you’re near any of the following places, be sure to stop by!
WANAKA main shop （わなか 本店）
WANAKA main shop << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
🌞🌙 10:30-21:00 (hours might differ) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
Payment by Credit card: Not available
Local Tips!
You can choose your sause, such as standard Takoyaki Sauce, Salt, Soy Sauce based, etc.!!
KANKAN | SHINSEKAI area
KANKAN main stoll << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
*SHINSEKAI is located south of Namba and is also a popular turistic area. KANKAN is a very popular Takoyaki shop there. If you have a chance to visit, be sure to check it out!
🌞🌙 10:00-19:30 (Closed: Monday, Tuesday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
Payment by Credit card: Not available
IZAKAYA | Osaka Namba area
- IZAKAYA is a type of Japanese bar that serves a variety of small dishes and drinks. It is a casual place where people gather to eat, drink, and socialize.
Taishu-Sakaba GEORGE（大衆酒場ジョージ）
GEORGE << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」「Google」
A hidden small spot in Dotonbori, this friendly izakaya specializes in skewers and charcoal-grilled dishes, along with a variety of small plates similar to Tapas. It’s perfect for when you want to try a little bit of everything!
Local Tips!
Be sure to try the YAKI-ONIGIRI (grilled rice balls); refer to the photo above! If you do not like raw egg on top, let them know so they will serve it without!
🌙 16:00-23:00 (Closed: Wednesday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English mene: Available
Budget: 3,000yen+
Reservations: Available
Payment by Credit card: Available
SEAFOOD cuisine | Osaka Namba area
GINPEI Dotonbori（銀平 道頓堀）(for lunch)
GINPEI Dobonbori << more photos! 引用元URL「Google」
A restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine made with fresh seasonal seafood sourced primarily from nearby waters.
Local Tips!
The “Lunch Set Menu” is highly recommended for visitors from abroad, as an English menu is only available for lunch, and set menes might make ordering easier and offer a bit of variety of fish dishes and Japanese-style cuisine.
Ex: the Sashimi Lunch Set Menu includes starter, sashimi, miso soup, pickles, and rice. (Ref. the photo in the top left corner). Other options: Tempra set menu, Grilled fish set menu, etc.
Add: 1st Floor, RITZ building, 2-2-20 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka
🌞 11:00-14:00 (Closed: Sunday)🌙 17:00-22:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available only for Lunch
Budget: 2,000yen+
Reservations: Not available for Lunch
Credit Card Payment: Available
SUSHI | Osaka Namba area
Sushi UCHIYAMA – Hozenji-Yokocho（鮨 うちやま）
UCHIYAMA Hozenji-Yokocho << more photos! 引用元URL「HP」「Google」
Authentic Sushi restaurant in the midst of Namba’s bustling streets, a serene Japanese-style space with a courtyard. High-quality sushi cuisine at reasonable prices for a city of Osaka.
Local Tips!
Two recommended ways to order for visitors from abroad: One is to order your favorite type of fish for sushi individually if you know it.
Alternatively, if you’re not familiar with sushi toppings (Sushi-Neta), you can order a Chef’s choice course (“Omakase” course), priced around 13,000 yen, which includes 9 pieces of sushi and some small dishes.
In any case, it’s best to communicate with the staff about your preferences regarding fish you prefer or prefer not to eat.
A counter seat with a relaxing view of the courtyard is recommended!
Add: 4th Floor, Hozonji Town Building, 1-5-23 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
🌙 17:00-23:00 (Closed: Sunday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: English speaking staff Available (English menu: Not Available)
Budget: 15,000yen+
Reservations: Available directly or by phone
Credit Card Payment: Available
Kaiten-zushi(sushi) CHOJIRO – Hozenji Yokocho（にぎり長次郎）
CHOJIRO Hozenji-Yokocho << more photos! 引用元URL「Google」
A good quality chain conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the Kansai area, where you can casually enjoy a variety of sushi and other Japanese dishes (fried items, noodles, sweets, etc.). You can order via a touch panel (English available)!
Local Tips!
Although you can take sushi directly from the conveyor belt, the chef will make fresh ones if you order via the touch panel or directly to the chef.
🌞🌙11:00-15:00 / 17:00-23:00 (Mon-Fri) , 11:00-23:00 (Sat-San) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: As you eat.
Reservations: Available directly or by phone (if there are availability)
Payment by Credit carad: Available
YAKINIKU (BBQ) | Osaka Namba area
TAHEI（多平）
TAHEI << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A small yakiniku restaurant tucked away in an alley in Namba, is a very popular spot known for offering high-quality meats at reasonable prices. It offers a YAKINIKU dining experience in the traditional style of Yakiniku shops!
🌞🌙11:30-22 (Closed: Wednesday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: English speaking staff Available (English menu: Not Available)
Budget: 6,000yen+
Reservations: Available directly or by phone
Payment: Cash Ony
KUSHIKATSU | Osaka SINSEKAI area
- KUSHIKATSU is also one of Osaka’s specialties, and the famous area for it is SHINSEKAI, which is located just south of Namba. It’s also one of popular touristic destination.
YAEKATSU （八重勝）| Osaka SINSEKAI area
YAEKATSU << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
The most popular Kushikatsu restaurants often have long waiting times. Note the following local tips to manage crowds!
Local Tips!
To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays or avoid usual lunch hours (around 12:00-14:00) and dinner hours (around 18:30-20:30). *It depends on the situation.
In the same area, there are other popular kushikatsu restaurants like “Tengu“ and “Daruma main shop“ If this restaurant is too crowded, it’s also good to try those as well!
🌞🌙10:30-22:30 (Closed: Wednesday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 3,000yen+
Reservations: Not Available
Payment: Cash Ony
RAMEN | Osaka Namba area
- RAMEN has many types, such as Soy sauce-based, Salt-based, Tonkotsu, Chuka-soba, and more. Here, highlighting three popular restaurants that specialize in Soy sauce Ramen, Salt Ramen, and Chuka-soba.
- Be sure to check out the side dishes as well, such as GYOZA, YAKIMESHI, and KARAAGE, as Ramen restaurants often offer these kinds of dishes alongside Ramen.
YUAITEI（友愛亭）
YUAITEI << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A very popular Ramen restaurant in the area, specialized in Soy sauce Ramen.
🌞🌙11:00-17:30 (L.O 17:00 Closed: Monday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Reservations: Not Available
Payment: Cash Ony
SHODOTEN（小洞天）
SHODOTEN << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A very popular ramen restaurant in the area specializes in Salt ramen. The menu is simple, offering only Ramen, Wonton noodles, and Gyoza, which are all their specialities.
🌞🌙18:00-00:00 (Closed: Sunday/Holiday) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Reservations: Not Available
Payment: Cash Ony
Chuka-soba FUJII（中華そば ふじい）
Chuka-soba FUJII << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
🌞🌙11:30-23:30 (Closed: Tuesday *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu:
Budget: 1,000yen+
Reservations: Not Available
Payment: Cash Ony
Japanese SWEETS | Osaka Namba area
- If you want to enjoy Japanese sweets, such as sweet red bean pastries and matcha-flavored treats, Kyoto is a better choice as it offers more options..
- However, here are some spots in this area just in case you feel like taking a break with Japanese sweets!
HOKKYOKU ICE CANDIES（北極アイスキャンディー）
For over half a century, “Hokkyoku’s Ice Candies” have preserved the unchanging nostalgic taste of Osaka. Each candy is carefully handmade using traditional methods, with heart put into every single one.
HOKKYOKU ICE CANDIES << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
🌞🌙11:00-20:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
Budget: Around 200yen/candy
Payment: Cash Ony
MEOTO ZENZAI（夫婦善哉）
MEOTO ZENZAI << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
This sweet shop, with a history of over 130 years, specializes in Zenzai (a traditional Japanese sweet consisting of sweet red bean soup and paste). However, their KAKIGORI (Shaved ice/Granita) with Matcha or Milk flavors is highly recommended for hot summer!
🌞🌙10:00-22:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Reservations: Not available
Payment by Credit card: Available
NARUTO TAIYAKI HOMPO （鳴門鯛焼本舗 千日前点）
NARUTO TAIYAKI HOMPO << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
It’s a nationwide chain of TAIYAKI shops. If you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to give it a try!
🌞🌙11:00-02:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
Budget: around 300yen/Taiyaki
Payment: Cash Ony
COFFEE & SWEETS | Osaka Namba area
- Highlighting an authentic Japanese coffee shop along with international coffee places, in case good coffee, espresso, sandwiches, and sweets are needed along the way!
ARABIYA COFFEE | Hozenji-Yokocho（アラビヤコーヒー）
ARABIYA COFFEE << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
A Japanese athentic coffee shop offers good coffee, food and sweets.
🌞🌙10:00-18:00 (Closed: Irregular) *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Payment by Credit card: Available
STURDAYS NYC
SATURDAYS NYC << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」「Google」
🌞🌙9:00-20:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Payment by Credit card: Available
Brooklyn Roasting Company Namba
Brooklyn Roasting Company Namba << more photos! 引用元URL「食べログ」
🌞🌙11:00-20:00 *Pls double-check the updated hours on Google Maps!
English menu: Available
Budget: 1,000yen+
Payment by Credit card: Available
[Overview] Hozenji-Yokocho District | Dining MAP
Hozenji-Yokocho is a narrow cobblestone street located on the north side of Hozenji Temple. Despite being in the bustling Namba district, it offers a distinct Japanese atmosphere with the nostalgic charm of old Osaka. The alley is lined with over 50 restaurants, bars, etc.. It might be nice to enjoy a meal while exploring the alleys!
OKONOMIYAKI | Hozenji-Yokocho
SUSHI | Hozenji-Yokocho
SWEETS | Hozenji-Yokocho
COFFEE | Hozenji-Yokocho
[Overview] KUROMON Market | MAP & Shop Links
Kuromon Market is a shopping street about 580 meters long, lined with over 100 shops. Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” for its fresh, carefully selected ingredients from all over Japan. It is very popular for eating while walking around, not only with locals but also with tourists.
GOURMET & FOOD Links | KUROMON Market
Fresh Seafood | KUROMON Market
MEAT / EGGS | KUROMON Market
SNACKS / SWEETS | KUROMON Market
FRUITS & VEGGIES | KUROMON Market
OTHER FOOD | KUROMON Market
Restaurant | KUROMON Market
EAT-IN | KUROMON Market
Osaka’s “KUIDAORE” Food Culture and Its Symbolic Character
“KUIDAORE” = “food culture of eating to the point of collapse”
Osaka’s “KUIDAORE” food culture and its symbolic character, KUIDAORE Taro (born in 1950), represent the city’s love for eating and enjoying meals to the fullest.
The character, depicted in a colorful, Western-style outfit with a drum, embodies the spirit of Osaka’s famous food culture, where indulging in delicious food is a significant part of life.🍚🍣🥢🏯✨
