Food Guides: 9 Must-Eat Restaurants in Osaka

Osaka Beyond Okonomiyaki…

Helloo, foodies! Brace yourselves for a passionate fling with food. Are you ready? You have to be because you're in Japan's kitchen - Osaka. This vibrant city in Kansai isn't just about bright lights and bustling streets; it's paradise for gourmands. Famed for its bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an infectious energy that elevates every bite, Osaka offers a culinary adventure unlike any other city you've ever been to. We can promise!

Be it the legendary melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef or the savoury goodness of Osaka's signature okonomiyaki… Worry not, fellow foodie! To help you navigate this delicious journey, we've compiled a guide to 9 of Osaka's best restaurants, showcasing the city's diverse and unforgettable food scene. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and embark on a well curated, well mapped culinary journey through this gorgeous city.

Sukiyaki Shabu-shabu Kobe Beef Ishida

The delicate meat is served with homemade sukiyaki in a calm and sophisticated Japanese ambience. One of the best restaurants in Osaka, it offers excellent creative tempura using premium ingredients such as the prawns, Japanese conger eel, Wagyu beef, and sea urchin.

You can enjoy authentic wine, sake, and other drinks in a stylish space, reasonably priced items, cheerful interior, chill music, and lively customer service, all in a pleasant atmosphere.

Kitamura

Craving an unforgettable fine-dining experience in Osaka? Kitamura, Osaka's prestigious Michelin Star Sukiyaki haven is your place to go to. Here, you will elevate your dining experience from ordinary meals and embark on a culinary journey with melt-in-your-mouth A5 Wagyu beef, meticulously prepared to perfection. This century old restaurant is close to public transport and easily accessible.

Crossfield with Terrace Lounge

Crossfield with Terrace Lounge is your modern Italian indulgence in Osaka. This upscale restaurant beautifully blends contemporary style with classic European charm. You can savour delicious Italian dishes while sitting on the terrace, where breath taking views of Osaka Castle elevate your dining experience here.

As the sun sets, the ambience transforms with dimmed lights, creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. Crossfield promises you a wonderfully memorable evening, complementing delicious Western food with captivating views of a historic landmark.

Ore-no Tempura bar (Shinsaibashi)

If you are looking for an all-tempura meal and a unique experience in Osaka, get ready for a delightful twist on this fried delicacy at this restaurant. They use high-quality ingredients like prawns, eel, Wagyu beef, and even sea urchin to create innovative tempura dishes.

At Ore-no Tempura bar,you can enjoy a fun and stylish atmosphere with affordable prices, cheerful ambience, relaxing music, and friendly service. Plus, they also offer a great selection of sake, wine, and other drinks that pair perfectly well with your meal.

Sushi Haku

At Sushi Haku, you indulge in a world of exquisite sushi. This restaurant is a hidden gem that is ideal for celebrating life's special moments. Experience meticulous service that passes all expectations and more, reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Savour seasonal delights that are crafted with passion, paired with a curated selection of prestigious wines like Dom Perignon and Opus One.

You can relax in the chic ambiance, featuring a well-stocked bar perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a post-meal nightcap. With top-notch hospitality that pampers all five senses, Sushi Haku takes your dining experience in Osaka to new heights. You can count on it for business dinners, romantic dates, or anniversaries.

Hakata Hanamidori (Shinsaibashi)

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Hakata with a traditional Hakata mizutaki hot pot at this restaurant in Osaka. This comforting dish features succulent ‘Hanamidori’ chicken, a special breed raised in northern Kyushu. The chicken is simmered slowly with other ingredients, creating a rich and nourishing broth that deepens in flavour with each spoonful.

To complement the premium chicken, they use a special ponzu vinegar sauce crafted especially to enhance the flavours of Hakata mizutaki.

Aburi Bokujo at Osaka Umeda

Want to try a sizzling hot stone feast? Look no further than Aburi Bokujo in Osaka Umeda. This restaurant lets you indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Kobe Wagyu beef yakiniku BBQ. You can choose from three convenient locations, all within a 10-minute walk of Umeda Station.

You get to be your own grill master and cook these premium cuts of marbled beef to perfection right at your table! Savour the rich, buttery flavours and juicy goodness with every bite. Aburi Bokujo's warm atmosphere and great service make it the best spot for a memorable dining experience with your loved ones.

Yakiniku BBQ Gyuta Honjin

If you're craving delicious Japanese Yakiniku beef, head straight to the restaurant area on the 8th floor of Yodobashi Camera Umeda, which is conveniently located right next to Osaka Station. They source their beef directly from across Japan through their own network, ensuring safety, quality, and affordability. Each piece is meticulously cut to maximise flavour and tenderness. Here, you can indulge in the rich taste that only authentic Japanese beef can offer, and that too at a reasonable price!

Kitashinchi Harami Honzenji

At Osaka's Kitashinchi Harami Honzenji, embark on a mouth watering adventure with their Yakiniku Course. It features melt-in-your-mouth Japanese Wagyu black beef and their renowned Harami skirt steak. You get to savour not just exquisite flavours, but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Embark on a delicious culinary journey now!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to stomach all the delicious goodness Osaka has to offer? This vibrant city is more than just a tourist destination; it's a full-blown culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Kobe beef, eels, sea urchins, and more (that is correct! everything beyond the irresistible savoury goodness of okonomiyaki), Osaka caters to every craving and every palate!

But with so many incredible options, navigating this delicious foodscape can be overwhelming. With this guide from Pelago by Singapore Airlines, serving as your compass, highlighting 9 of Osaka's best restaurants, all that is left for you to do is grab your chopsticks, embrace the infectious energy, and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey. Let the delicious binge begin!

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the difference between shabu-shabu and sukiyaki?

Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki are both hot pot dishes with thinly sliced meat, but shabu-shabu uses a lighter broth for a quick dip, while sukiyaki involves simmering the meat in a sweeter sauce.

What is Osaka style food?

Osaka-style food is known for bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and emphasis on street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

What are the two types of sukiyaki?

The two main types of sukiyaki are Kanto-style (Tokyo) simmered with broth and Kansai-style (Osaka) where meat is seared first.

Is sukiyaki expensive in Japan?

Sukiyaki can vary in price depending on the quality of beef and the restaurant. High-end restaurants with A5 Wagyu beef can be expensive, while budget-friendly options are available at local restaurants.

Is Osaka food cheaper than Tokyo?

Osaka is generally considered cheaper than Tokyo for meals, especially street food and casual eats. There can be overlap in price for higher-end dining experiences.