From ramen to takoyaki: 12 of our fave eateries to visit in Osaka
Osaka is best known for its bustling street food scene, friendly locals, vibrant nightlife and bright neon lights, particularly in the Dotonbori district. If you’re flying to Osaka for a holiday, there won’t be a shortage of entertainment and food options to make your trip worthwhile.
Here are 12 food places to check out while immersing in the sights and culture of Japan’s third largest city. We’re covered everything from okonomiya to takoyaki and ramen, so prepare your tummy for a feast once you land!
1. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Why visit? Beef lovers, this one’s for you. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is known for its tasty gyukatsu — deep-fried, breaded beef cutlets served rare inside and crispy outside. Here, you can choose from a variety of premium beef cuts like sirloin, tenderloin or chuck tail flap.
This popular franchise in Japan boasts several convenient locations around Osaka such as Namba, Umeda and Universal City Walk (right outside Universal Studios Japan), giving you plenty of opportunities to try the delicious and tender beef cuts.
Crowd favourites: The sirloin gyukatsu set (1,890 yen or S$16.54) is a hit for its juicy, medium-rare beef encased in a crunchy panko crust, served with rice, miso soup, cabbage and dipping sauces.
The beef tongue gyukatsu set (2,490 yen) is loved for its savory, tender tongue slices that offer a richer, more intense beef flavor alongside classic accoutrements.
2. Unagidokoro Umami
Why visit? Situated near Osaka Castle, Unagidokoro Umami is all about that unagi, grilling each piece to tender perfection. Its serene setting and fine selection of sake make it a refined stop for either lunch or evening dining.The eels are tender and melt-in-your-mouth too.
Crowd favourites: The unadon (3,300 yen) rewards diners with golden-browned, fragrant eel atop a bowl of steamed rice —simple and satisfying. The Hitsumabushi (5,700 yen) offers a three-stage tasting experience—eat it straight, add condiments, then enjoy it with broth—for maximum versatility and flavor depth.
3. Onigiri Burger
Why visit? Onigiri Burger is an inventive stall that turns onigiri into gourmet burgers using prime ingredients such as Kobe beef, premium seaweed, teriyaki chicken, and Koshihikari rice. The menu was also crafted by the owner of Sushi Kizuna, a popular sushi restaurant in Osaka.
With such premium ingredients, all in one package, it’s the perfect quick bite before your flight, especially if you’re craving for a last boost of Japanese flavours before you depart.
Crowd favourites: The samurai oyster burger (1,500 yen) features succulent, plump “Samurai” oysters fried to a golden crisp, complemented by a special tartar and ponzu sauce. Another satisfying option is the BBQ yakiniku rice burger (1,500 yen), with melt-in-your-mouth yakiniku.
4. Kobe Beef Ramen Roku no Miya
Why visit? You don’t have to go to all the way to Kobe to enjoy Kobe beef. Kobe Beef Ramen Roku no Miya in Osaka blends decadence and comfort with its Kobe beef ramen concept. The salt-based broth is delicate yet flavourful, complemented by premium slices of Kobe beef that melt in your mouth.
With beef ramen typically having a pork-based or shoyu broth, we liked how the broth here was light, clear and not too heavy (especially compared to a tonkatsu counterpart). The salt wasn’t too overwhelming either and was incorporated well into the dish.
This no-frills interior also offers counter and table seating, making it ideal for both solo diners and groups seeking a late-night culinary treat.
Crowd favourites: The Kobe beef salt ramen (2,000 yen) features the signature salt-flavored broth, topped with rich, Kobe beef chashu.The Kobe beef fried rice (400 yen) delivers tender beef pieces stirred through savory, indulgent fried rice.
5. Okonomiyaki Sakaba O
Why visit? This cosy basement izakaya delivers some of the fluffiest, most flavorful Osaka-style okonomiyaki in the city. Okonomiyaki Sakaba O is small (about 15 seats) and lively, with griddle-cooked dishes served right at your table.
The vibe is buzzy yet intimate, with plenty of drink pairings to go around. Regular queues testify to its quality, so we recommend coming down early to await long waits.
Crowd favourites: The pork and squid okonomiyaki (1,200 yen) is beloved for its hearty mix of pork, squid, cabbage and batter — a crispy-bottomed pancake that’s juicy, savory and deeply satisfying. The dishes pair well with drinks such as its refreshing ginger highball (500 yen).
6. Takotako King
Why visit? Takotako King combines Osaka’s quintessential street snack with a vibrant izakaya atmosphere.
The popular takoyaki food brand has four outlets in Osaka, and is known for its generous octopus chunks and perfectly crispy exterior. Many takoyaki stalls are more focused on an eat-and-go concept, so we like how Takotako King invites you to stay, chill out to jazz and blues music and enjoy sake or beer offerings in the bar-like setting.
Crowd favourites: The classic takoyaki (400 yen for six pieces) is famous for its crisp exterior and interior filled with chewy octopus and drizzled in sweet sauce and mayo.The salt and garlic flavour is another favourite; the smoky salt seasoning enhances the takoyaki without masking its traditional charred taste.
7. Takoyaki Umaiya
Why visit? If you’re a stickler for tradition, Umaiya, around since 1953, is the place to go for some delicious traditional Osaka takoyaki.
It’s of no surprise to us that the old-school eatery, which literally means “delicious house”, was featured in the 2016 Kyoto and Osaka Michelin Guide, because, well, it’s delicious!
Crowd favourites: Expect a simple but satisfying menu — no toppings and self-brushed sauce when dining in. The takoyaki (440 yen for eight pieces) is praised for its piping hot interior, generous octopus chunks and perfectly crispy shell.
8. Teppanyaki Okonomiyaki Fue
Why visit? For those looking for Osaka soul food, look no further than Teppanyaki Okonomiyaki Fue, which was featured on Episode 2 of Netflix’s documentary, Street Food.
Dishing out tasty okonomiyaki (a savory pancake dish with cabbage, flour, eggs and your choice of topping) and teppanyaki fare as per its namesake, the food at this establishment is on point and sure to nourish your tired soul from all that traveling.
Crowd favourites: The mikkusu okonomiyaki (1,320 yen) is lauded for its perfectly balanced batter and yummy mix of pork, shrimp, squid and beef. The yakisoba (660 yen) is another popular dish, featuring cabbage, pork and squid.
9. Men no Yoji
Why visit? What’s a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun without trying ramen, a quintessential Japanese noodle dish? If you’re looking for places less mainstream and off the beaten track, we recommend heading to Men no Yoji for your noodle fix.
The tiny restaurant serves a variety of ramen. If it helps, locals come back (frequently) for the light, savoury and delicious chicken broth ramen.
Crowd favourites: Get the chicken salt ramen (900 yen) which is known for its tasty and comforting salt broth. The tsukemen (1,300 yen) is delicious as well, the dipping soup being rich with pureed chicken and chicken fat as the base.
10. Izakaya Toyo
Why visit? Izakaya Toyo is a no-frills stand-up bar specialising in fresh seafood. Daily specials are dependent on the season and what’s available at the fish market. Another establishment featured on Netflix’s Street Food programme, its jolly owner is a reason to visit in itself.
With a blowtorch in hand, he sears your food on the grill and works with the meat barehanded, his hands kept cooled by a bucket of ice water beside him. It’s a performance that elevates the senses and adds to the fun and energetic alfresco atmosphere.
Crowd favourites: Of course, you simply have to try the signature grilled tuna cheek (600 yen per serving), which features a smoky and juicy flavour. Also, the fresh tuna sashimi (2,400 yen for two servings of lean tuna). Do be prepared for a queue time of about 30 to 45 minutes during peak periods.
11. Iroha
Why visit? Osaka is home to close to a hundred Michelin-starred eateries, so there’s plenty of quality restaurants to try when you’re there. If you have time for just one, Kappo-style restaurant Iroha, a one-Michelin-star awardee, is our pick.
You’re in good hands here with its set menu, as the team serves you its specialties, omakase-style, and brings you on an intricate gastronomical adventure. Expect fresh, colourful dishes intricately cooked and plated, with emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Crowd favourites: While pricey, its 30,000 yen kaiseki course is quite the treat. Expect anything from wagyu beef sukiyaki to seasonal vegetables from the Kansai region and sashimi dishes.
12. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Why visit? You can’t visit Osaka without hitting a lively local market for its sights and sounds. Take a stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, a popular stretch where locals and eateries procure fish, meats and other produce.
There, you get to sample some fresh food that market stall owners prepare, cook and serve on the spot, ranging from grilled meat and oysters to sushi and takoyaki. There are also small eateries located within the market which serve up casual fare, such as noodles and curry rice.
Crowd favourites: Check out eateries here such as Onabeya Kuromon (sister store of the oden restaurant Onabeya, which itself has a 20-year history in Osaka’s Kitashinchi area). Here, diners can enjoy oden, kushiage (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) and more.
If you’re up for fresh eel, Funasada is a renowned unagi eel specialty store selling unagi kabayaki (around 2,000 yen), also known as slow-grilled unagi.
For other travel inspiration, check out our latest guides on places to eat in Tokyo, or jet all the way to Phu Quoc, Vietnam with us and discover what the idyllic island has to offer.
Rebecca Wong is a experienced freelance writer whose work has been featured in The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia, to name a few. She gravitates towards topics like food, travel and human interest stories, and cannot resist a hearty plate of chicken rice or freshly kneaded pizza.
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Darren finds delight in the simple pleasures of life, which include his work, music and taking time to savour and document the diverse array of food around him.
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