1. HAJIME

The first restaurant on our list is HAJIME. This innovative restaurant in Osaka, just a 2-minute walk from Higobashi Station, has rapidly earned acclaim, including three Michelin stars, and recognition on both “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” and the “Foodie Top 100” lists. The owner-chef, Hajime Yoneda, brings a unique approach to cuisine, blending his background in design engineering with culinary artistry. He believes food helps us understand life’s meaning.

HAJIME’s signature dish, “Planet Earth,” is a masterpiece of over 110 vegetables, herbs, and grains arranged around shellfish foam to represent Earth. This dish, crafted with technological precision, invites diners to contemplate life and nature.

The restaurant offers a fusion of French and Japanese techniques, ensuring a memorable tasting menu prepared daily. HAJIME caters to all dietary needs and allergies, ensuring a personalized dining experience for each guest. Chef Hajime’s vision and culinary prowess make HAJIME a must-visit for thoughtful, exceptional dining in Osaka.

▶ Make a reservation at HAJIME

View InformationHide

Information

Access	2-minutes walk from Higobashi Station (Yotsubashi Subway Line)
Genre	Innovative
Official Website	https://www.hajime-artistes.com/

4. Osaka Cuisine Asai

Osaka Cuisine Asai (おおさか料理 淺井), a Michelin-starred restaurant in Osaka, offers an extensive menu of around 150 dishes. The chef hand-selects fresh, seasonal ingredients daily from Osaka’s largest wholesale market, Kuromon Market, crafting a menu that reflects the day’s best offerings.

The restaurant features a variety of course meals and a la carte options, including the recommended “Omakase” courses, or chef’s choice, ideal for sampling traditional Japanese dishes. For a unique experience, guests can pre-book a special course. The Nabe course, a popular choice, varies seasonally with options like summer Shabu Shabu with Pike conger and Snappers, and winter’s “Tecchiri”, a Pufferfish hot pot. Accommodating up to 10 people, the restaurant offers counter seating for a view of the chefs in action, and large tables for groups.

English-speaking staff are available to assist international guests. Located near Shinsaibashi, it’s a culinary destination for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

6. Okonomiyaki Chitose

In Osaka, we can not ignore their glorious local dish, Okonomiyaki. Chitose (お好み焼き ちとせ) is one of the most popular Okonomiyaki restaurants in the town.

Tucked away in a small alley, it’s a hidden gem where locals and visitors often queue for a taste. The menu boasts a wide variety of Okonomiyaki with toppings ranging from meat to seafood and vegetables. If you’re unsure what to choose, the English-speaking owner is more than happy to offer recommendations.

For first-timers, the “Butatama,” a classic Okonomiyaki with pork belly, is highly recommended, especially when paired with a mug of beer. Guests can also watch the fascinating preparation at the counter. More seasoned Okonomiyaki fans should try the “Takasuga-yaki,” a unique dish combining Sobameshi (fried noodles and rice) and Negi-yaki (a thinner, leek-based variant of Okonomiyaki), often lauded by locals as a superior choice.

Situated near Osaka Tennoji Zoo, Okonomiyaki Chitose offers a delightful culinary experience, showcasing both traditional and unique interpretations of this beloved Japanese dish.

8. Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten

Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten (かに道楽 道頓堀本店), easily recognizable by its iconic giant moving crab display, stands as the most famous crab restaurant in Japan, with over 40 branches nationwide. Its main branch is nestled in Osaka’s culinary heart, Dotonbori.

This restaurant offers an extensive range of crab dishes, including Sashimi (raw), Sushi, Shabu Shabu, Steak, Tempura, and Soup. Various course meals, priced between 5,000 and 10,000 yen, also cater to different budgets.

For a more affordable option, the storefront sells charcoal-grilled crab sticks for under 1,000 yen, an ideal snack for exploring the streets of Dotonbori. Additionally, a crab sushi box is available for takeaway at 1,600 yen.

Kanidouraku Dotombori-Honten is a culinary landmark in Osaka, inviting visitors to indulge in the rich flavors of crab in various forms. Locating it is a breeze – just look for the massive crab display! The restaurant’s proximity to the popular Dotonbori tourist site makes it an unmissable stop for seafood enthusiasts.

10. Tsuki no Odori Chicken Dining

Tsuki no Odori Chicken Dining  (月のおどり), a “Muslim-Friendly” Yakitori restaurant (grilled chicken skewers) in Osaka, stands as a welcoming haven for foreign visitors, especially those seeking Halal options. It proudly holds halal certification from Kobe Mosque, making it a rare find in Japan.

Understanding the challenges foreigners often face with unfamiliar Japanese menus, Tsuki no Odori ensures its menu is foreigner-friendly, making it easy for guests to choose dishes confidently.

This establishment boasts a rich history, having been founded 80 years ago by the current owner’s grandfather. It specializes in a variety of chicken dishes, primarily grilled skewers. Among its top-selling items are the “Fried Chicken with tartar sauce” and “Smoked chicken skewers”, both hugely popular with international patrons. Additionally, the restaurant offers unique and affordable delicacies like foie gras skewers.

Located in the bustling Dotonbori area, a central hub for tourism in Osaka, Tsuki no Odori Chicken Dining is an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy traditional Japanese Yakitori in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

View InformationHide

Information

Access	6 mins walk from Namba station (Midosuji line)
Business Hours	16:00–24:00
Closed	Thursdays
Price	3,000–4,000 JPY
Genre	Yakitori

12. Kitamura

Kitamura (北むら), nestled in the Shinsaibashi area since 1881, is renowned for its authentic Kansai Style Sukiyaki and has earned a Michelin star for its culinary excellence. Unlike Tokyo’s soup-based Sukiyaki, Kitamura’s version is distinguished by its simplicity, using soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (sweet sake) to accentuate the natural flavors of the ingredients, with raw egg for dipping—a style that originated here.

The restaurant takes pride in its selection of top-quality Wagyu beef from various regions of Japan, served in thick slices and cooked in a special iron pan tailored for Sukiyaki. Additionally, Kitamura offers versatile ways to enjoy Wagyu, including ShabuShabu with ponzu sauce and pan-fried with batter and vegetables, with chefs ready to accommodate custom cooking requests.

Reflecting classic Japanese elegance, Kitamura’s setting features tatami rooms, a serene courtyard garden, and a distinctive large willow tree at its front, marking it as a timeless culinary destination in Osaka.

▶ Make a reservation at Kitamura

14. Menya Douton Dotonbori

Menya Douton Dotonbori (麺屋道頓 道頓堀本店), a new tsukemen (dipping noodle) specialty shop, has recently opened in the bustling Dotonbori district, a spin-off from the well-known Doutonbori Kamukura brand. This establishment, located in the heart of one of Osaka’s most vibrant areas, aims to build on the legacy of Doutonbori Kamukura by enhancing its hidden gem, tsukemen, and offering a more refined flavor.

The restaurant has developed its unique noodles from scratch, using carefully selected Hokkaido wheat. Paired with a distinctive white cabbage-based soup, they create a fresh genre of “light tsukemen,” a novel experience even for seasoned ramen enthusiasts.

While ramen is a popular dish in both Tokyo and Osaka, with many famous franchised shops, Menya Douton’s tsukemen offers a unique taste that can only be found in Osaka. If you’re looking to explore beyond traditional ramen, this Osaka-born restaurant provides a deliciously different noodle experience.

16. Yotaro Honten

Yotaro Honten (与太呂本店), a revered Tempura restaurant in Osaka, has been serving authentic Kansai-style tempura since 1921 and has earned 2 Michelin stars for its culinary excellence. This style is unique, using cottonseed oil for a lighter flavor and a thinner batter, ensuring the natural taste of the ingredients shines through. Committed to freshness, Yotaro Honten uses only daily sourced ingredients, serving each tempura dish straight from the fryer.

Apart from tempura, the restaurant is famous for its “Taimeshi” (snapper rice), a dish featuring whole wild snapper with rice cooked in an earthenware pot, infusing the rice with the delicate flavor of the fish. Generous portions are offered, with the option to take leftovers home.

The dining area combines modern design with nostalgic elements from the Taisho era. Counter seating is available for those interested in observing the chefs’ techniques. Located near Osaka Castle, Yotaro Honten is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Japanese tempura experience.

18. Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma

In Osaka, Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma (元祖串かつ だるま) is a must-visit restaurant, especially famous for its pioneering role in Kushiage, a deep-fried skewer dish. Established in 1929, Daruma offers a variety of Kushiage options, featuring ingredients like seafood (tuna, shrimp), vegetables (tomato, leeks), and meat (chicken, pork).

Kushiage is typically served with a special sauce, but it’s important to remember the “dip only once” rule for hygiene. These crispy skewers are perfectly complemented by beer. Daruma also provides a standard set menu, allowing guests to sample eight different ingredients on one plate, including pork, whiting, shrimp, tuna, and lotus. For a more comprehensive experience, the “Sohonten Set” is recommended, featuring nine types of Kushiage sticks and “Doteyaki” (beef tendon simmered in miso sauce).

With English-speaking staff available, Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma caters to a diverse clientele. Located near the Shinsekai tourist area, it’s an ideal spot for those looking to indulge in authentic Osaka cuisine.

20. Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho

And to complete our list, we have Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho (松阪牛焼肉 M 法善寺横丁店), located in the heart of Osaka. This is a renowned restaurant celebrated for its affordable yet high-quality Matsuzaka beef, one of the top three Japanese beef varieties. This popular Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) establishment offers a unique dining experience with a cozy, modern ambiance.

Guests can savor a range of Wagyu beef cuts, including the exquisite Chateaubriand, each served with a label identifying the specific meat part. M’s diverse menu extends beyond the classic BBQ offerings, featuring Matsuzaka beef in various forms like meat sushi, Bibimbap (rice and meat in a hot stone pot), and Wagyu beef broth Ramen.

Situated in the lively Hozanji Yokocho, known for its quintessential Izakaya alley ambiance, the restaurant becomes particularly atmospheric at night. Its convenient location near the famous Hozenji-yokocho Alley makes it an accessible and appealing destination for both tourists and locals seeking an authentic taste of Western Japan’s renowned Wagyu beef.

▽Subscribe to our free news magazine!▽

For more information about things to do in Osaka, be sure to check out the following articles!

30 Best Things to Do in OsakaWhat to Do in Osaka: Bucket List jw-webmagazine.com

10 Best Restaurants in Dotonbori A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Dotonbori jw-webmagazine.com

10 Best Restaurants in KyotoKyoto restaurants from Wagyu Beef to flaming ramen jw-webmagazine.com