The Top 13 Dining Gems in Tennoji & Abeno

Tennoji & Abeno: The Heart of Osaka’s Local Flavor

Osaka has two main districts: the "Kita" area (meaning "North," including Umeda and Kitashinchi) and the "Minami" area (meaning "South," covering Namba and Shinsaibashi). Slightly east of the Minami area are the Tennoji and Abeno areas, which offer a quintessential Osakan atmosphere. These down-to-earth neighborhoods truly embody the local character of Osaka. They are the only parts of the city with a streetcar line, adding to their unique charm. With numerous shopping centers, local markets, cultural spots, and natural areas, there’s plenty to discover. While the number of fine dining establishments in these areas is limited, there are still plenty of standout options. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and eateries featured among Japan’s top 100 on popular gourmet review sites—making the Tennoji and Abeno areas perfect for a memorable dining experience.

The Top 13 Dining Gems in Tennoji & Abeno

1. Yugen (幽玄) / Japanese

Yugen, a two Michelin star restaurant featured in the “2024 Kyoto & Osaka Guide”, specializes in Japanese cuisine. Chef Keisuke Mifune trained for 13 years at a long-established Japanese restaurant before honing his craft at Yugen. The kaiseki cuisine (traditional multi-course Japanese meal) uses seasonal ingredients sourced from Osaka and Kyushu, beautifully highlighting the natural flavors and seasons. Even the tableware is carefully selected to match the dishes and the time of year. After the meal, guests are treated to matcha, a finely ground green tea powder whisked into hot water, offering an authentic taste of Japanese culture. The restaurant also provides English menus. Please note that it’s reservation-only, so book early to secure your spot.

2. Sushi Yuden (鮨 悠伝) / Sushi

Sushi Yuden is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant that has held its star for four consecutive years, showcasing its exceptional quality and dedication to the craft. The head chef, Yuya Nishimura, refined his skills at prestigious hotels in Kyoto. Seated at the counter made from a single slab of 160-year-old hinoki wood, you can watch the chef’s refined techniques perfected over many years. All the fresh seasonal fish and the vinegar used for the shari (sushi rice) are carefully selected by the chef himself. Every morning, he visits the local market to source the freshest ingredients in the best condition. The meticulously crafted nigiri, made from hand-picked toppings and rice, is truly a showcase of culinary craftsmanship.

3. Yasuke (弥助) / Sushi

Founded in 1938, Yasuke is the oldest sushi restaurant in Sakai, with an 80-year history. It has received the Bronze award from the "Japan Restaurant Award" for four consecutive years. The third-generation owner, Atsuyuki Oga, trained at the kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meal) restaurant "Gion Kawakami" before returning to his family’s business and taking over in his 40s. Yasuke places great emphasis on natural, high-quality ingredients sourced from across Japan, adjusting the shari (sushi rice) to match each topping. The use of seasonal ingredients makes each bite of sushi a refined and memorable experience. While maintaining long-standing traditions, the restaurant is constantly embracing new challenges.

4. Matasaburo (又三郎) / Yakiniku

Matasaburo, a restaurant specializing in aged meat and authentic charcoal-grilled yakiniku, has received the Bronze award in the "Japan Restaurant Award Best 100" for five consecutive years. Head chef Yoshinobu Omori refined his craft at renowned establishments both in Japan and abroad. The beef, sourced by owner Setsuko Arai from trusted farmers, is aged for 2 to 8 weeks depending on the cut. The aged meat is grilled right in front of guests for over 30 minutes, bringing out its rich and concentrated flavors.

5. Matsusushi (松寿司) / Sushi

Matsusushi, a Michelin-starred restaurant featured in the "Kyoto & Osaka 2024 Guide," has been serving sushi for over 50 years. The current chef, Yohei Tanigawa, is the second generation to carry on the flavors and traditions established by his predecessor. The chef hand-picks fresh seafood, skillfully preparing each piece to be enjoyed at its best. The restaurant’s attention to quality extends beyond just the seafood, with carefully selected rice, nori (seaweed), and vinegar. The best seats are at the pale wood counter, where you can watch the chef’s craftsmanship up close. Enjoy a course meal that reflects the chef’s dedication to every detail.

6. Shunten Shin (旬天 伸) / Tempura

Awarded "Michelin Selected" status in 2024, Shunten Shin offers an authentic tempura experience. The restaurant is a hidden gem run by Chef Shin Hiraoka, who trained in Kitashinchi, Osaka’s upscale dining and nightlife district. The tempura, made from seasonal ingredients, is fried to perfection using a fresh blend of sesame and corn oils. Attention is not only given to the tempura itself but also to the seasonings, such as salt and sudachi (a type of Japanese citrus). Guests can enjoy the chef’s meticulously prepared tempura paired with sake, wine, and more.

7. Sushi Harasho (鮨 原正) / Sushi

1. MICHELIN (2010 - 24): Two Stars

Sushi Harasho, a sushi restaurant that has maintained its two Michelin stars for over 10 years, is dedicated to showcasing the true essence of sushi. The chef carefully manages the temperature, preparation, and aging of each topping to bring out its full flavor and depth. The rice is sourced from a contracted farm in the Omi region, offering a perfect balance that melts delicately in your mouth. The omakase (chef’s choice) course is especially popular, crafted to leave you wanting more with every bite. Prepare to experience flavors and sensations like never before.

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8. Terada (寺田) / Japanese

1. MICHELIN (2017 - 24): One Star

For eight consecutive years, Terada has held a Michelin star, serving Japanese cuisine that beautifully blends tradition with elegance and creativity. Chef Shigeru Terada honed his skills for 15 years at the renowned restaurant "Masuda" in Shinsaibashi. Every dish is crafted to be an exquisite delight, preserving time-honored traditions while adding a touch of creativity. The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of drinks to perfectly complement the cuisine. Attention is given not only to the food but also to the tableware, atmosphere, presentation, and seasonality—making each visit a captivating experience.

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9. Hozan (庖山) / Japanese

1. MICHELIN (2024): Selected

Awarded "Michelin Selected" status in 2024, Hozan is a Japanese restaurant known for its diverse fish dishes, prepared using seasonal ingredients in different ways—either served fresh or aged for maximum flavor. The chef skilfully employs all five traditional Japanese cooking techniques (cutting, grilling, simmering, steaming, and frying) to create a variety of dishes. The signature clay pot rice, cooked in a traditional okudosan (wood-fired stove), uses organic Koshihikari rice from Niigata Prefecture and is served either plain or mixed with seafood. The restaurant provides an English menu, making it accessible for non-Japanese speakers.

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10. TAVERNETTA da KITAYAMA (タヴェルネッタ ダ キタヤマ) / Italian

1. MICHELIN (2024): Selected
2. MICHELIN (2017 - 23): Bib Gourmand

TAVERNETTA da KITAYAMA is an Italian restaurant awarded "Michelin Selected" status. After honing his skills in Italy, Chef Shinya Kitayama went on to showcase his talents at a notable restaurant in Shinsaibashi. Now, at TAVERNETTA da KITAYAMA, he offers a diverse menu featuring authentic Italian dishes, from traditional favorites to hearty meat specialties. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, focusing on Italian varieties to pair perfectly with the cuisine. The name “TAVERNETTA,” meaning "tavern" in Italian, reflects a welcoming space suitable for any occasion, whether a casual meal or a special dinner with loved ones.

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11. au soleil couchant (オー ソレイユ クーシャン) / French

1. MICHELIN (2019 - 24): Bib Gourmand

Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years, au soleil couchant is a French bistro celebrated for its thoughtfully crafted dishes. The restaurant is run by the husband-and-wife team, the Shimadas, who refined their culinary skills in France. They bring a touch of authentic French flair to every course, from appetizers to desserts, all made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Dishes like smoked salmon and roasted pork offer a true taste of classic French cuisine, perfectly paired with a curated wine list. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy wine and gourmet dishes at any time of day.

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12. Kamigata Rainbow (上方レインボー) / Ramen

1. MICHELIN (2023 - 24): Bib Gourmand

Featured in the "Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka 2024" as a Bib Gourmand selection, Kamigata Rainbow is a ramen shop that stands out for its house-made noodles. Their most popular dish is the original curry ramen, best enjoyed with a special chashu (braised pork) topping made specifically for this dish. The shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and shio (salt) ramen each have their own specially prepared pork topping, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to flavor. Alongside ramen, the menu also offers a variety of donburi (rice bowl) dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

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13. Shitennoji Hayauchi (四天王寺 はやうち) / Soba

1. MICHELIN (2020 - 24): Bib Gourmand

Shitennoji Hayauchi is a soba restaurant that has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand award four years in a row. The owner personally visits the farms to select only the best buckwheat grains, ensuring top-quality soba. Diners can choose between two types of noodles: coarse-ground or fine-ground. The dipping sauce for cold soba and the broth for hot soba are each made using different types of dried fish, creating a perfect balance when mixed with soba-yu (the hot water used to boil the noodles). The menu includes a variety of side dishes, with the sobazen set (soba paired with appetizers) being a standout choice.

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