Osaka's Culinary Haven: Traditional Cuisine and Easy Reservations

Osaka’s Beautiful Cohabitation of Casual and Luxury Restaurants

Casual konamon (flour-based food) loved by the locals

Second to Tokyo, Osaka is undoubtedly an attractive urban city with a vibrant history and a unique casual food culture. Many eateries welcome walk-in guests in a relaxed ambience, and many of them serve konamon (flour-based food), Osaka’s culinary specialty.

Okonomiyaki

Japanese savory pancake, okonomiyaki, is made by grilling a batter of flour and soup stock on an iron griddle, then topping it with sauce and bonito flakes. Most okonomiyaki eateries are casual and reasonably priced, but some high-end establishments offer exceptional versions of this beloved dish.

Takoyaki

A bite-sized, ball-shaped octopus snack, takoyaki, is made by grilling batter with a piece of octopus in a special half-sphere griddle. It is traditionally eaten with a toothpick and is a classic, popular street food in Osaka.

Both okonomiyaki and takoyaki are well-loved across Japan and are commonly served at home and parties. However, when enjoyed in Osaka, the birthplace of konamon, people agree that they taste exceptional, attracting many tourists to the city.

Kushiage

Kushiage, literally translated as “deep-fried skewers,” is made by skewering tasty ingredients such as beef, pork, shrimp, or other seafood, as well as vegetables such as asparagus and eggplants, coating them with a crust, and deep-frying them to perfection. The famous Kushikatsu Daruma is said to be the birthplace of this local specialty, gaining popularity from all over the country. The common way to eat kushiage in Osaka is as a quick meal at a reasonable price, often accompanied by alcoholic beverages. Recently, however, many tranquil establishments have started offering this Osaka specialty as well.

Kasu udon

Udon is Japanese noodles made with flour, usually served in a soup stock made from kelp and bonito. It’s a fast food loved by people across Japan, but the soup stock slightly differs in western and eastern Japan, with the western version being lighter.

In the southern part of Osaka, people add “kasu” (short for aburakasu), deep-fried beef intestines with condensed umami flavor, as a topping for their udon. Osaka has many walk-in udon eateries specializing in kasu udon at a reasonable price.

Yakisoba

Yakisoba is made with Chinese noodles, grilled with ingredients such as pork and cabbage, and seasoned with a Japanese salty-sweet sauce. It is enjoyed across Japan, and Osaka is one of the renowned places for these special noodles. Since this type of sauce is popular in Osaka and yakisoba noodles are a type of konamon (flour-based food), many foodies order yakisoba along with their okonomiyaki at casual restaurants.

Ramen

Ramen is popular across Japan, and Osaka is no exception. The city features both well-known ramen chain restaurants and individually owned ones, offering a variety of ramen styles.

Osaka, a City that Boasts the Fourth-Highest Number of Restaurants Listed in the Michelin Guide

Though Osaka may give a casual, inviting image, the second-largest city in Japan actually has the fourth-highest number of restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide worldwide. The city features many fine dining venues that will be the highlight of your trip to Japan while offering the following advantages that Tokyo and Kyoto do not.

Recommended Points of Fine Dining in Osaka

1. Numerous restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, offering many categories to choose from.
2. Michelin-starred restaurants at cheaper prices compared to those in Tokyo.
3. Easier reservations for three-star restaurants, while securing reservations for two- and three-star restaurants in Tokyo is often difficult.

Three restaurants in Osaka have earned three stars in the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2024, all of which can be reserved through OMAKASE.

1. 7. Taian (太庵) /Japanese & Kaiseki Cuisine
2. 12. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama (柏屋 大阪千里山) /Japanese & Kaiseki Cuisine
3. 27. Hajime (ハジメ) - Innovative

Fine Dining Genre in Osaka

1. Sushi

　Numerous establishments ranging from traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi to unique Osaka styles

1. Japanese and kaiseki cuisine

Boasting numerous establishments, rivaling Kyoto

1. Izakaya

Offering many Japanese-style casual drinking venues, including the first izakaya to earn a Michelin star

1. Yakitori

Serving local chicken from all over Japan

1. Yakiniku

Renowned for its excellence across Japan

1. Tempura

Offering many establishments away from the hustle and bustle of the city

1. French

Featuring many starred establishments, rivaling Tokyo

1. Italian

Featuring many starred establishments, rivaling Tokyo

1. Innovative

Offering a wide range of establishments, from reasonably priced venues to three-starred ones

1. Steak and teppanyaki

Serving high-quality wagyu (Japanese beef) 

1. Kushiage

Featuring high-end, creative kushiage restaurants

1. Fugu (pufferfish)

Boasting the highest consumption of fugu in Japan

Average budget at restaurants in Osaka

Osaka boasts a wide variety of options in terms of both categories and prices when it comes to restaurants:

1.  Local fast food, like udon and takoyaki, is usually under 1,000 JPY.
2. Okonomiyaki and kushiage typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 JPY.
3. Dinner at izakaya and various restaurants costs around 3,000 to 10,000 JPY, including alcoholic beverages.
4. Fine dining establishments, such as Michelin-listed venues, serve meals at prices over 15,000 JPY.

Making a reservation at one of the fine dining restaurants in Osaka

Though fine dining restaurants in Osaka are generally friendlier and more accessible compared to those in Tokyo and Kyoto, making advance reservations is still preferable. While many tourists from overseas typically make reservations through their hotels, this article provides a comprehensive list of fine-dining restaurants that you can reserve online.

Sushi

1. Sushi Yuden (鮨 悠伝)

Gastronomy fans gather at Sushi Yuden for its unparalleled balance of freshly sourced toppings and rice in Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi. Expertly prepared by owner-chef Nishimura, Sushi Yuden has earned one Michelin star for its remarkable sushi. Chef Nishimura honed his skills at Fukuki Zushi, a prestigious sushi establishment with over a century of tradition, and at Sushi Mizuki within The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, before opening Sushi Yuden. Their warm hospitality ensures that overseas guests can comfortably enjoy a memorable dining experience.

2. Sushiroku (鮨ろく)

The perfect blend of Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi and Kansai (western Japan) style sets Sushiroku apart, earning it one Michelin star. Besides their exceptionally prepared omakase course, you have the option of ordering individual dishes. The tranquil ambience at Sushiroku allows its patrons to immerse themselves in a sushi journey featuring fresh ingredients directly sourced from across Japan, complemented by a selection of fine Japanese sake.

3. Sushi Haku (鮨 白)

Enjoy a luxurious sushi meal at Sushi Haku, a Michelin-listed establishment. Their seasonal dishes and sushi provide a stunning dining experience that satisfies both your eyes and your taste buds. A lunch course is also available. The second floor features a bar where you can enjoy a selection of fine wines and whiskeys from around the world, as well as Japanese sake.

4. Sushiya Yohei (鮨屋 与兵衛)

The temperature of each ingredient is meticulously managed to maximize the flavor of the rice and toppings at Sushiya Yohee, with temperatures mentioned on their menu. The head chef of Sushiya Yohee trained at the renowned Saeki, a destination for many gastronomic enthusiasts, before opening Sushiya Yohei in 2023.

5. Sushi Hoshiyama (鮨 ほしやま)

Awarded one Michelin star for 12 consecutive years, Sushi Hoshiyama serves long-loved authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi, despite its location in Osaka. Continuing the legacy of the renowned sushi restaurant Shimizu, where sushi enthusiasts gather from across Japan, Sushi Hoshiyama offers distinctive rice mixed with special red vinegar, setting it apart from other sushi establishments.

6. Sushidokoro Kaihara (寿司処 かい原)

・Japanese Sushi West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

What attracts many sushi enthusiasts to Kaihara is the highest-quality sushi offered at an exceptionally reasonable price of under 10,000 JPY for sushi served at the counter. Sushidokoro Kaihara has earned a spot in the Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years. Many overseas guests visit for an unforgettable dining experience.

Checking the list of Sushi restaurants in Osaka

Japanese & Kaiseki Cuisine

7. Taian (太庵)

Taian offers Japanese cuisine deeply rooted in tradition while incorporating Western ingredients like Iberian pork. For those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine with an innovative twist in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Osaka, Taian is the perfect choice. The signature dishes feature specialty grilled delicacies. Taian also offers a rich selection of beverages, including French wines, Japanese sake, and shochu, with over 200 varieties. These drinks are served in beautifully crafted Japanese glasses, with over 100 varieties available.

8. Oryori Miyamoto (お料理 宮本)

・Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017,2018,2020,2021,2023,2024)

・Japan Food West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

Japanese cuisine served at Oryori Miyamoto is prepared to bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients, enhanced with the chef’s creative twist. The owner-chef has trained his skills at top kaiseki restaurants in Osaka. Awarded two Michelin stars, Oryori Miyamoto welcomes guests with antique plates from the 1600s and beautifully crafted plates by modern artists, all in an elegant and classy ambiance akin to a tea house.

9. Masuda (桝田)

・Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2018,2019)

The course menu at Masuda changes every two weeks to make the best use of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan. With the owner-chef’s technique and traditions of Japanese cuisine, every dish at Masuda is crafted gorgeously to satisfy both your eyes and palate. Once awarded two Michelin stars for ten consecutive years, Masuda continues to serve exceptional Japanese cuisine that respects tradition while incorporating innovative creativity.

10. Sui Okazaki (翠 岡﨑)

The omakase course at Sui Okazaki represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovative creativity in Japanese cuisine. Chef Okazaki’s deep understanding of the history and background of Japanese cuisine allows him to add such creative twists. Listed in the Michelin Guide, Sui Okazaki offers an omakase course for both lunch and dinner. The course includes a soup dish, followed by a grilled dish, hassun (an appetizer sampler that beautifully represents one of the four seasons), and a meat dish.

11. Doshincho Washoku Zui (同心町 和食 瑞)

What attracts customers to Doshincho Washoku Zui is its delicately prepared Japanese cuisine that enhances the umami of each seasonal ingredient. The head chef's experience at renowned Japanese cuisine establishments in Kyoto enables him to create exquisitely delicate simmered dishes. Most notable is their signature dish, kamameshi, made with the highest quality rice and other ingredients cooked in soup stock. They usually offer over seven varieties of this dish.

12. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama (柏屋 大阪千里山)

・Michelin (2010 - 24)：★★★

Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama is one of Osaka's most prestigious historic Japanese cuisine restaurants, offering traditional Japanese dishes with a creative twist. The restaurant’s menu highlights the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese calendar, making the most of seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy an immersive experience in Japanese culture, from the building's 400-year-old tea room aesthetic and elegantly decorated Japanese rooms to the warm hospitality provided by staff dressed in kimono.

Make a reservation

Checking the list of Kaiseki restaurants in Osaka

Izakaya (Japanese-style casual drinking restaurants)

13. Shokudo Akari (食堂 燈)

The freedom to order from an à la carte menu is what makes izakaya like Shokudo Akari special. What sets Shokudo Akari apart even more is its precisely prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients, which change every day according to what is available on the day, and a rich selection of alcoholic beverages. With its stylish interior featuring cedarwood decorations, you can curate your own course with their creative seasonal Japanese dishes, including meat, fish, vegetables, and charcoal-grilled items. Selected as a Bib Gourmand, Shokudo Akari is noted for its remarkable cooking at great value.

14. Nagahori (ながほり)

・MICHELIN (2010 - 2019): ★

・Japanese Izakaya Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

As the first izakaya to earn a Michelin star in 2010, Nagahori has maintained one Michelin star for ten consecutive years for its creative Japanese dishes. The owner-chef personally sources seasonal ingredients to curate à la carte delicacies such as fried dishes, sashimi, and inventive seasonal items. Catering to patrons who appreciate Nagahori's izakaya vibe, the dishes are crafted to pair well with alcoholic beverages.

15. Kasane (かさね)

With its highlight being oden, Kasane serves a wide variety of Japanese-style à la carte dishes using seasonal seafood, wagyu (Japanese beef), and grilled vegetables, as well as other side dishes. The oden at Kasane is salty and light, typical for Osaka, and pairs well with alcoholic beverages. Kasane has been listed in the Michelin Guide for many years.

Checking the list of Izakaya restaurants in Osaka

Yakitori

16. Kitashinchi Shien (北新地 しえん)

Specializing in chicken and focused on providing Japanese hospitality through cuisine, Kitashinchi Shien strives to forge bonds among people, chicken, and the culinary experience. The omakase course at Kitashinchi Shien starts at 5,500 JPY, which is exceptionally budget-friendly for a high-end restaurant listed as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. The chef demonstrates his skills by cooking high-quality chicken in various ways and creating other Japanese dishes to complement your meal.

17. Yakitori Torisen (焼鳥 とり泉)

Awarded one Michelin star, Yakitori Torisen offers a unique yakitori course using every part of premium Matsukaze local chicken, a type of Nagoya Cochin, one of Japan’s top three local chicken varieties. These chickens are raised in a stress-free, safe environment, resulting in rich texture, sweet fat, and delightful aroma.

18. Sumibiyakitori Ikoka (炭火焼鳥 いこか)

・Japanese Yakitori Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

The owner-chef at Sumibiyakitori Ikoka encourages chicken lovers to taste different parts of their carefully selected local chicken with a five or seven-skewer omakase plate. You can enhance your unforgettable yakitori meal by ordering from the à la carte menu. Selected as a Bib Gourmand, Sumibiyakitori Ikoka offers high-quality, fresh chicken dishes at affordable prices in a sophisticated ambiance decorated with wine glasses.

Checking the list of Yakitori restaurants in Osaka

Yakiniku

19. Kyoshoran MainStore (京松蘭 本店)

・Japanese Yakiniku West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2020 - 2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

With the owner-chef’s expertise in wagyu (Japanese beef), Kyoshoran sources whole cattle, enabling them to offer high-quality cuts such as chateaubriand and sirloin steak at reasonable prices. Ranked among the Best 100 Restaurants in Japan, Kyoshoran features an extensive selection of wines and whiskies from around the world, along with non-alcoholic beverages typically served at Michelin restaurants, to complement your grilled beef experience.

20. Wagyu no Kiraku (和牛の紀楽)

・Japanese Yakiniku West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2018,2020,2022,2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

Many meat enthusiasts gather at Wagyu no Kiraku for their specialty, yaki-shabu (grilled shabu shabu), which features thin slices of the highest-quality sirloin grilled and dipped in ponzu sauce. Using kuroge wagyu (black Japanese beef), mostly Saga beef, Wagyu no Kiraku is ranked among the Best 100 Restaurants in Japan and enhances its dishes with a signature wine sauce and a rare type of Koshihikari rice.

Checking the list of Yakiniku restaurants in Osaka

Tempura

21. Oimatsu Tempura Suzuki (OIMATSU てんぷら 鈴木)

At Oimatsu Tempura Suzuki, the highest quality ingredients, such as seasonal delicacies and kuroge wagyu (black Japanese beef) filet and chateaubriand, are crafted into light, thin-battered tempura using safflower oil. The chef intentionally chooses safflower oil for its health benefits and ability to enhance the genuine flavor of the ingredients. With extensive experience at renowned Japanese cuisine establishments, the chef creates remarkable dishes.

22. Tempura Osakaya Sotetsu (天ぷら 大坂屋 草哲)

・Japanese Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

Guests at Tempura Osakaya Sotetsu are treated to an explanation of the day's ingredients before the chef begins preparing their tempura. Ranked among the Best 100 Tempura Restaurants on Japan's largest restaurant review website, the chef at Tempura Osakaya Sotetsu is highly skilled at crafting light, crispy tempura from carefully selected natural, seasonal ingredients. Their signature dishes include kuroge wagyu filet tempura with sea urchin on top and wild tiger prawn tempura.

Checking the list of Tempura restaurants in Osaka

French

23. Agnel d'Or (アニエルドール)

・Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017 - 2021,2024)

・Japanese French West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

With over four years of training in France, the owner-chef of Agnel d’Or presents classical French dishes infused with modern creativity, enhancing umami and aroma while keeping saltiness to a minimum. The chef carefully sources seasonal ingredients from Japan and abroad, maintaining trusted relationships with suppliers. Awarded one Michelin star, the cave-like restaurant interior creates an adventurous ambiance for your culinary experience, featuring artistically crafted dishes. Lunch courses start at 8,000 JPY, a budget-friendly price for a starred restaurant.

24. LIAISON (リエゾン)

・Japanese French West Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2023 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

While making the most of Japanese seasonal ingredients, the chef at Liaison is a strong believer in traditional French cuisine. With the open kitchen as his stage, sounds and aromas fill the restaurant, inviting guests to a distinctive culinary experience. Accompanied by a Michelin star, the lunch course is priced at 8,800 JPY, offering exceptional value for a restaurant of its caliber.

Checking the list of French restaurants in Osaka

Italian

25. YUNiCO (ユニコ)

The concept of Japanese Italian cuisine shines at Yunico, where the chef meticulously crafts unique, exceptional dishes using carefully selected domestic ingredients, such as vegetables from Kyoto and fresh fish from Awaji Island. The restaurant features a sophisticated and unified interior with counter seating only. A wide selection of wine, curated by the owner-chef, is also available to complement your meal at Yunico.

Checking the list of Italian restaurants in Osaka

Innovative

26. Bistro des Chenapans (ビストロ デ シュナパン)

・Japanese Bistro Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021 (on a Japanese famous gourmet site)

At Bistro des Chenapans, patrons can enjoy casual yet high-quality French bistro-style dishes, such as ribeye steak and pâté de campagne, expertly crafted by a chef who honed his skills in France. The signature dish is steak frites, served with French fries. To complement the bistro-style meat dishes, a wide selection of natural wines is also available.

27. HAJIME (ハジメ)

・Japan Restaurant Award,Bronze (2017,2024)

・Japan Restaurant Award,Silver (2018 - 2023)

The French-based innovative cuisine restaurant Hajime earned three Michelin stars just a year and a half after its opening, making it the fastest restaurant in history to achieve this distinction in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is known for presenting dishes that resemble masterpieces of art, conveying themes of beautiful Earth, life, and hope. The course is designed to be enjoyed with all five senses, making the experience exceptional and one-of-a-kind.

Checking the list of iInnovative restaurants in Osaka

Steak & Teppanyaki

28. Wagyu Washoku GETUKASUIMOKUKINNDONITI

At Wagyu Washoku Getsukasuimokukindonichi, you can enjoy dishes crafted with Japanese seasonal ingredients and wagyu (Japanese beef) seven days a week. The standout dish in the course is wagyu beef shabu suki (hotpot with sukiyaki sauce) with egg yolk. Other notable dishes include black beef sea urchin shabu-shabu and rice with salmon roe.

29. tanpopo (タンポポ)

Teppanyaki performed right in front of the guests at the open kitchen is what draws food enthusiasts to Tanpopo. Here, Osaka’s specialties such as okonomiyaki and yakisoba are served alongside typical fish and meat teppanyaki. Recognized as a Bib Gourmand, Tanpopo also offers a wide selection of Italian wines and recommends using the venue as a wine bar as well.

Checking the list of Steak restaurants in Osaka

Tonkatsu

30. New babe Toyosaki (ニューベイブ豊崎)

Only high-brand, carefully raised pork is used to craft the tonkatsu at New Babe Toyosaki. The brands include Tokyo X, a breed born in Tokyo; Saddlebag, a rare breed from Europe; and Mangalica, one of Hungary’s national culinary treasures. The thick-cut tonkatsu is deep-fried at a low temperature, resulting in a beautiful pink and white finish. They also use highly selected rice, oil, and bread crumbs.

Checking the list of Tonkatsu restaurants in Osaka

Kushiage

31. Kushiage 010 (クシアゲ 010)

The izakaya-style kushiage restaurant, Kushiage 010, offers creative kushiage that incorporates elements of cuisines from different countries, such as Korea and India. The restaurant fries seasonal ingredients in its unique blend of oils to create delicious kushiage, which is available in both course meals and à la carte options. Selected as a Bib Gourmand for its exceptional dining experience at a reasonable price, Kushiage 010 allows guests to enjoy Osaka’s food culture in a stylish fine dining environment.

32. Kushiage Uemura (串揚げ うえむら)

At Osaka’s Kushiage Uemura, casual kushiage is elevated to a luxurious delicacy with the high skills of Kushiage Uemura’s original venue in Kobe and the touch of an expert sushi chef from Kyoto. At Kushiage Uemura, seasonal vegetables and seafood are painstakingly prepared and finished to be light and flavorful. The omakase course includes 12 types of kushikatsu and six additional dishes, including dessert, allowing guests to enjoy a wide range of ingredients, from casual and typical to luxurious.

Fugu (Pufferfish)

33. Yoshiko (よし光)

Formerly a sushi restaurant, Yoshiko started specializing in fugu dishes when the second-generation chef, who honed his culinary skills in Yamaguchi, a region famous for high-quality fugu, took over. He beautifully arranges wild Japanese pufferfish sashimi like petals on a celadon plate. Other exceptional specialties include pufferfish hotpot, pufferfish skin, and stone-grilled pufferfish. These meticulously prepared dishes have earned Yoshiko one Michelin star for 15 consecutive years.