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Where to Eat in Osaka (and What to Eat)

This is what I recommend for where to eat in Osaka having spent a month in the city. Osaka is often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan,” and is a paradise for food lovers.


Where to Eat in Osaka

With its rich culinary heritage, bustling food markets, and lively street food culture, Osaka offers a great dining experience and is one of my favourite cities in the world.

From savory local specialties to sweet treats, this guide will take you through the best places to eat and the must-try dishes that define Osaka’s vibrant food scene.


1. Street Food: The Heart of Osaka’s Cuisine

Osaka is renowned for its street food, with bustling areas like Dotonbori and Shinsekai serving as the epicenters of this vibrant culture. The sights, smells, and sounds of street vendors cooking up delectable dishes make these areas a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

Must-Try Street Foods

Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

Takoyaki is perhaps the most iconic street food in Osaka. These bite-sized balls are made of a savory batter filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger, cooked to golden perfection in specially designed griddles. They’re topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori (seaweed powder).

If you see a big octopus sign about a snack/restaurant then you can pretty much be sure that’s where you will find takoyaki. Takoyaki is a great snack with a cold beer. This is a must-try food in Osaka.

Takoyaki.

  • Where to Try: Wanaka and Kukuru, both located in Dotonbori, are popular spots for authentic takoyaki.

Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancakes)

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as “Japanese pizza,” is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s cooked on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and bonito flakes.

  • Where to Try: Mizuno in Dotonbori is a family-run restaurant with a long history of serving top-notch okonomiyaki.

Okonomiyaki.

Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers)

Kushikatsu consists of skewered meats, seafood, and vegetables, coated in a light batter and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. They’re served with a tangy dipping sauce, and remember—no double-dipping!

  • Where to Try: Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai is a beloved chain with multiple locations around Osaka.

Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)

This dish features savory stir-fried noodles cooked with pork, cabbage, and a rich, tangy sauce. It’s a comforting classic found at many street stalls.

Top tip: Go on a Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour to get a taste of some of the best street food in Osaka.


2. Local Dishes in Restaurants

While street food is integral to Osaka’s culture, the city’s restaurants offer a more refined take on its culinary traditions. Here are some iconic dishes to try at sit-down establishments:

Osaka Sushi (Hakozushi)

Osaka-style sushi, or hakozushi, is a pressed sushi prepared in a rectangular box mold. Layers of vinegared rice and various toppings, such as fish and egg, are compacted into neat blocks.

  • Where to Try: Yoshino Sushi is a historic restaurant specializing in hakozushi.

Kitsune Udon

This simple yet satisfying dish features thick udon noodles in a savory broth, topped with a sweet, fried tofu pouch. It’s believed to have originated in Osaka.

  • Where to Try: Dotonbori Imai Honten is a well-known spot for authentic kitsune udon.

Doteyaki

Doteyaki is a slow-cooked dish of beef tendon simmered in a sweet and savory miso-based sauce. It’s a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) dish, perfect with a cold beer.

  • Where to Try: Local izakayas in Namba offer excellent versions of this dish.

Fugu (Pufferfish)

For the adventurous eater, fugu (pufferfish) is a delicacy that requires careful preparation due to its potential toxicity. It’s served as sashimi, fried, or in a hot pot.

  • Where to Try: Zuboraya in Shinsekai is one of the most famous places to try fugu. If you see a pufferfish image by a restaurant you can be sure they will have fugu.

Zuboraya.


3. Food Markets: Exploring Osaka’s Freshest Flavors

Food markets in Osaka are not just for grocery shopping; they’re also fantastic places to enjoy fresh, ready-to-eat dishes.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” Kuromon Ichiba Market has been serving the city for over 190 years. This bustling market is filled with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and grilled skewers to seasonal fruits and snacks.

  • Must-Try Items: Grilled scallops, sushi, wagyu beef skewers, and melon pan.

Tsuruhashi Market

Famous for its Korean influence, Tsuruhashi Market is a hotspot for yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) and kimchi. It’s a great place to explore Osaka’s multicultural culinary offerings.


4. Sweet Treats in Osaka

No trip to Osaka would be complete without indulging in some of its famous desserts and snacks. Here are a few to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Taiyaki

Taiyaki are fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. They’re a favorite snack among locals and tourists alike and can be found all over Japan.

  • Where to Try: Find taiyaki stalls near Dotonbori or at major train stations.

Cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan

Rikuro Ojisan’s cheesecake is a fluffy, jiggly Japanese-style cheesecake with raisins at the bottom. It’s a light, airy treat that’s perfect for dessert.

  • Where to Buy: Rikuro Ojisan stores in Namba and Umeda.

Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi dango are skewered rice dumplings grilled and coated in a sweet soy glaze. They’re a traditional Japanese dessert with a delightful mix of flavors.

  • Where to Try: Stalls in Kuromon Ichiba Market or near temples and shrines.


Read: 10 Must-Try Japanese Dishes


5. Drinking in Osaka: Sake, Beer, and Nightlife

Osaka’s drinking culture is as vibrant as its food scene. From traditional sake to craft beer, there’s something for every palate.

Sake Bars

Experience the flavors of Japanese sake at one of Osaka’s many sake bars. You’ll find a wide range of options, from dry and crisp to fruity and aromatic.

  • Where to Go: Visit a sake bar in Umeda or Namba for a curated selection of local brews.

Craft Beer

The craft beer scene in Osaka has been growing steadily, with breweries offering unique and flavorful beers.

  • Where to Try: Check out Beer Belly or Minoh Beer Warehouse for locally brewed beers.

Nightlife

Osaka’s nightlife is lively and diverse. Head to an izakaya for a casual evening, or visit karaoke bars to sing the night away while enjoying drinks and snacks.


6. Tips for Eating in Osaka

  1. Cash is King: Many street food vendors and small eateries only accept cash, so make sure to carry yen with you.
  2. Timing Matters: Visit popular spots during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
  3. Double-Dipping Rule: When eating kushikatsu, it’s considered rude to double-dip into the communal sauce.
  4. Share and Sample: Osaka’s food portions are often generous, so consider sharing dishes to try a wider variety.
  5. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of Japanese dining etiquette, such as saying “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after finishing your meal.

Read: Why Osaka is a better city to stay in than Kyoto


Osaka

Osaka’s food scene is a treasure trove of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re savoring street food in Dotonbori, dining on refined local dishes in a traditional restaurant, or exploring the lively markets, there’s something to delight every palate.

With its warm hospitality and dedication to culinary excellence, Osaka truly lives up to its reputation as the “Kitchen of Japan.”

So pack your appetite, and get ready to embark on a food adventure you’ll never forget!

Read: 20 Best Day Trips From Osaka

Have a look at the 10 best things to do in Osaka.


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