The food in every region of Japan is quite unique, and Osaka, in particular, has many popular delicacies waiting for you to discover! Today, I am sharing 45 recommended Osaka food spots that I personally tested during my nearly two-month stay in Osaka. The varieties range from ramen, yakiniku (BBQ), and yakitori to osaka street food.
If you enjoy drinking, I have also written a separate Osaka Nightlife Guide to make your Osaka food journey even more enriching! (The order does not represent a ranking of preference; you can click the store names to go directly to the Google Map link).
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Top 10 Must-Eat Osaka Food
| Restaurant Name | Type | Area | Price Level | Must Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tori Soba Zagin (雞 Soba 座銀) | Ramen (Creamy Chicken Paitan) | Honmachi/Shinsaibashi | ¥¥ | Chicken Paitan + Fried Burdock |
| Fukutaro | Okonomiyaki | Namba | ¥¥ | Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba |
| Takoyaki Wanaka (Sennichimae) | Takoyaki | Namba・Sennichimae | ¥ | Classic/Yuzu Green Onion Flavor |
| Kushikatsu Daruma (Shinsekai) | Kushikatsu (Fried Skewers) | Shinsekai/Tsutenkaku | ¥–¥¥ | Assorted Skewers, Beef, Burdock |
| Tempura Makino (Namba Sennichimae) | Tempura Set Meal | Namba | ¥¥ | Seasonal Platter Set |
| Shabuzen (Umeda) | Sukiyaki | Umeda | ¥ (Lunch)/ ¥¥ (Dinner) | Kuroge Wagyu Lunch Set |
| Yakiniku Horumon Shinobi (忍鬨) | Yakiniku | Multiple Locations | ¥¥ | Thick-cut Tongue, Offal |
| Ichiran (Namba Midosuji) | Ramen | Dotonbori | ¥¥ | Customized Thin Noodles |
| Kamukura Ramen | Ramen | Multiple Locations | ¥ | Vegetable Ramen |
| Ginza Kagari (LUCUA Osaka) | Ramen (Clear/Chicken Paitan) | Umeda | ¥¥ | Chicken Paitan |
Map of Must-Eat Osaka Food
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Ramen
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #1 – Ramen Bukkoshi
Located near Kitahama, this beef bone broth ramen shop is small, accommodating only about 15 people, and accepts cash only! The beef bone white broth is very fragrant and rich, though the noodles are on the thicker and harder side (which I personally don’t prefer as much). However, the meat is tender, and they include baby corn as a topping, which is rare. I highly recommend it for those who want to try beef bone broth flavors and enjoy firm noodles!
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #2 – Mugen Ramen
This Osaka ramen shop also features beef bone ramen. The broth is extremely rich, and they are very generous with the meat; tender slices of beef surround the entire bowl and melt in your mouth. Additionally, they provide seared char siu, so you will definitely be full! You can choose the richness of the broth and the firmness of the noodles. There are garlic paste and chili on the table for you to add yourself. It is an Osaka ramen with a beef bone broth that I really like.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #3 – Menya Hanabusa
This ramen shop has been selected as one of the top 100 ramen shops. The noodles are soba style, and the broth is mainly chicken-based. The flavor is moderately balanced, and the meat is quite tender. Overall, it is a refreshing and satisfying bowl of ramen, though without huge surprises. However, if you happen to be nearby, it is worth a try! There are fewer than 10 seats inside, so there might be a small queue during peak dining hours, but the turnover rate is fast so you won’t wait too long.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #4 – Tori Soba Zagin
This is a very popular Osaka food spot where queueing is basically mandatory. However, it serves a creamy chicken “paitan” foam-style ramen that is rare in Taiwan (and elsewhere), so I think it is well worth a try.
The broth is extremely rich, almost like a white sauce in texture, but the saltiness is moderate and not too cloying. Fried burdock is added to the noodles, which is rare for ramen, adding a lot of rich layers. Besides ramen, I also recommend ordering the beef nigiri sushi; although not mind-blowing, it is quite delicious, and a small portion paired with the ramen is satisfying.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #5 – Ichiran Namba Midosuji
Ichiran Ramen is nothing new; it’s all over Japan. However, this Ichiran Ramen located near Dotonbori in Osaka is a “No Pork” shop. The soup base is made from chicken broth, and the char siu slices are replaced with beef slices, making it a rather unique experience. Although I personally prefer the traditional tonkotsu (pork bone) base, this unique version is still worth a try for Ichiran lovers! The wait time during dining hours is usually over an hour, so it’s recommended to come during off-peak hours.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #6 – Kamukura Ramen
Kamukura Ramen has many branches in Osaka, and many of them are open until morning, making it a savior for late-night cravings. This ramen shop uses a lot of vegetables, has a bright space, and a sweet clear broth. The noodles are the thin style that I like. Those who want to diet can switch to konjac noodles, and if you have a big appetite, you can order an extra bowl of rice or gyoza. Adding rice to the soup after finishing the noodles offers another delicious flavor.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #7 – Ramen Mouri
I found this place by chance, and it turned out to be an Osaka ramen shop with a long queue. Ramen Mouri is famous for its rich chicken white broth ramen. Personally, I feel it gets a bit greasy if you eat too much, but the firmness of the noodles and meat is moderate. Overall, it is an Osaka restaurant that leaves you satisfied after eating, but you don’t need to travel long distances specifically for it.
Osaka Food｜Ramen Recommendation #8 – Ginza Kagari LUCUA Osaka
Although this ramen shop is a Michelin-starred shop from Tokyo, I found the menu slightly different when eating here in Osaka, so I still included it in the Osaka food recommendations. Located on the B2 floor of the LUCUA department store, there is a queue during meal times. This time I chose the Clam & Oyster Soba, which is an option I didn’t see at the Tokyo store. I really liked the seafood clear soup base; unlike their original chicken white broth which is tasty but gets greasy easily! Overall, both the noodles and toppings were excellent, especially recommended for those who like seafood soup bases.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Sukiyaki
Osaka Food｜Sukiyaki Recommendation #1 – Shabuzen Umedaten
If you can only choose one sukiyaki place in Osaka, the most recommended one is Shabuzen Umedaten. Dinner is all-you-can-eat Wagyu, with different grades of meat such as Omi beef, domestic beef, and Kuroge Wagyu available, ranging from ¥7,000 to ¥18,000 JPY (~$45 – $116 USD).
However, if you don’t have a huge appetite, I highly recommend the lunch set. A Kuroge Wagyu (with extra meat) sukiyaki set can be had for about $19 USD. The meat is so tender it melts in your mouth, and it comes with rice and udon noodles, so you don’t have to worry about not being full. It is one of my top recommended Osaka food spots. I suggest booking the lunch set in advance to avoid disappointment!
Osaka Food｜Sukiyaki Recommendation #2 – Shabuwara
Located near Namba, Shabuwara mainly sells sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. There is a wide variety of meat, and you can choose according to your budget and preference. I feel the quality justifies the price, although even with a small appetite like mine, I was only about 70% full after eating, so those with big appetites might want to consider this. This shop is quite popular, so it is recommended to book a table via Google Maps first.
Osaka Food｜Sukiyaki Recommendation #3 – Shabu-Tei (涮肉亭)
This Osaka sukiyaki place offers both all-you-can-eat and a la carte options. We chose the all-you-can-eat this time. There are three price tiers for the buffet, ranging from ¥5,000 JPY (~$32 USD) to around ¥12,000 JPY (~$77 USD). The difference lies in the quality and types of meat you can order (refer to the menu in the picture). We chose the cheapest option, but I felt the meat quality was quite good.
Vegetables are also unlimited. If you can’t finish a full portion of meat in the last few rounds, you can ask for a half portion. However, the broth is basically just water with no flavor; the main point is to taste the natural flavor of the meat and dip it in the shop’s famous sesame sauce or ponzu sauce.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Yakiniku (BBQ)
Osaka Food｜Yakiniku Recommendation #1 – Aburiya Sennichimae (國產牛燒肉)
This yakiniku restaurant is a pilgrimage site for many Taiwanese visitors to Osaka, offering all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink yakiniku and beverages. Because it is very popular, it is recommended to book online at least two weeks in advance.
There are two all-you-can-eat price tiers; the more expensive one includes beef tongue, so if you love beef tongue, I suggest going straight for that. The items are quite diverse; besides grilled meat, there are also soups, rice, salads, and other options, so you won’t get tired of eating just meat. Overall, I think the meat quality, serving speed, and cost-performance ratio make it a good choice. While not an absolute must-eat in Osaka, if you love meat, a visit is highly recommended.
Osaka Food｜Yakiniku Recommendation #2 – Yakiniku Horumon Shinobi (ホルモン焼肉忍鬨)
With multiple branches in Osaka, Yakiniku Horumon Shinobi is an a la carte yakiniku restaurant. The most recommended item is the thick beef tongue stuffed with plenty of chopped green onions. Every bite bursts with juice and it is absolutely a must-order!
Other dishes such as raw beef bibimbap, salted green onion beef tongue, and Skirt Steak are all delicious, not losing out to other high-priced yakiniku shops. The semi-private booth seating offers privacy. It is usually quite popular, so it is recommended to book in advance via their official LINE account (English is accepted).
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Izakaya
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #1 – Sakai (酒解)
Sakai Izakaya is located near Tenkachaya station where I stayed. It is a very small izakaya, frequented almost exclusively by locals. Ordering is a bit difficult without knowing Japanese, but the shop owner is very nice and will communicate with you patiently.
The reason for recommending it is that it is truly cheap; a sashimi platter costs less than $300 TWD (~$9.50 USD) and is very fresh. We also ordered other small dishes like stewed beef tendon which were also quite good, and the prices are very friendly. Unfortunately, the menu is all in Japanese, and Google Translate wasn’t very accurate, so we didn’t order many items. If you have a little basic Japanese knowledge, you should be able to appreciate the charm of this shop even more.
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #2 – Shin-jidai Osaka-Tenma
I saw this recommended by Youtuber Tommy. During happy hour before 6 PM on weekdays, a glass of beer costs only $20 TWD (~$0.65 USD), which is ridiculously cheap—saying alcohol is cheaper than water is completely accurate here. Even outside happy hour, a glass is about $40 TWD (~$1.25 USD), which is still a bargain.
The shop’s grilled chicken skin is also very famous; it’s not too greasy and makes a perfect snack with beer. We ordered some main dishes which were relatively ordinary. I would recommend coming here before 6 PM for pre-drinks before dinner or for a late-night snack and drink, but I wouldn’t suggest it for a main meal.
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #3 – Marukome
This place is quite unique as it focuses on Oden, along with some common izakaya dishes available à la carte. It is a local hot spot loved by the locals and is always full during meal times. Ordering is slightly difficult without Japanese, but the staff’s service attitude is good and they are patient. If you don’t know how to order, you can point directly to photos on Google Maps.
A warm bowl of Oden with sweet, clear broth on a cold day is very heartwarming. For those who love Oden, this is an Osaka food recommendation not to be missed.
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #4 – Robatayaki Magome
This Osaka izakaya is quite special; it operates in the Robatayaki style where guests sit in a semi-circle, and ingredients are laid out on the table in the middle for everyone to see. Most ingredients are grilled, and once the food is ready, it is served to guests using a long wooden paddle. The experience alone is very unique. We ordered several small dishes, all of which were very fresh and delicious, perfect with alcohol. The only pity is that the seating is quite cramped, but that adds to its unique flavor!
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #5 – Funky Junk Full Chicken
This place focuses on Japanese-style grilled chicken skewers (Yakitori), selling only chicken meat or dishes made from other chicken parts. You can choose grilled skewers or grill it yourself BBQ style. The self-grill uses charcoal fire, giving the meat a charcoal aroma.
I think the chicken is marinated well, very flavorful but without excessive sauce, which is quite good. If you live nearby and like chicken, I recommend it!
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #6 – Yasaikushimaki Narutoya
This skewer place is very popular on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). I originally went with the intention of just taking photos, but it turned out to be really delicious, and the service was great! For the skewers, they will bring a sample model for you to reference first. The models are super cute, and you can just point to tell the staff what you want. You can check the menu to order other izakaya series dishes. None of the dishes we ordered were disappointing, and we had a very satisfying meal!
Osaka Food｜Izakaya Recommendation #7 – Takoume Honten
This is the oldest Oden shop in Japan, with a history of one hundred years. While outside is the noisy street of Dotonbori, inside offers a uniquely different Japanese atmosphere. The biggest feature of this shop is whale meat-related dishes, such as whale tongue and raw whale, which are very unique but taste-wise I personally thought were just okay haha.
Other items are typical Oden shop offerings, all cooked quite flavorfully. However, the prices are quite expensive compared to other shops; a normal meal for one person costs nearly $1,000 TWD (~$31 USD), but you can consider it a cultural experience.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Fried Food (Kushikatsu/Tempura)
Osaka Food｜Fried Food Recommendation #1 – Tempura Makino Namba Sennichimae Shop
This is a super popular fried food shop in Namba, seemingly loved by Taiwanese people; I heard quite a few compatriots around me while queuing. The ordering method involves different sets, each containing various fried food platters, and sometimes there are seasonal limited sets. The prices are friendly, and the fried food is not too greasy. It is served freshly fried piece by piece directly in front of you, and eating it piping hot is very satisfying. However, the queue is quite long during dining hours, so it is recommended to avoid peak times.
Osaka Food｜Fried Food Recommendation #2 – Yaekatsu
This is another very popular fried food (Kushikatsu) shop. Because the store is not small, the turnover rate is quite fast even though there is usually a queue. The ordering method is a bit like a Taiwanese fried chicken stall; you can order one or two skewers of each item to try. It comes with cabbage and dipping sauce to vary the flavor and cut the grease. The fried food is not too oily, but the level of surprise wasn’t very high. I personally feel it is an Osaka queue-worthy shop that is okay if you eat there, but you won’t regret it too much if you miss it.
Osaka Food｜Fried Food Recommendation #3 – Shuhari Dojima
This tempura restaurant is loved by local office workers. Even arriving close to 1 PM on a weekday, there was still a long queue. Remember to fill out the waitlist at the door first; the turnover rate is quite fast. The shop has an English menu. The contents are similar to general tempura restaurants, but the batter is fried very crisply, and the soba noodles are quite springy. It is very satisfying! This restaurant is solo-diner friendly, so if you want to eat tempura nearby, don’t miss it.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Street Food (Snacks)
Osaka Food｜Street Food Recommendation #1 – Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae
This should be the most popular Takoyaki shop in Osaka. There are many flavors, and there is a seating area to enjoy them indoors. The style features the Osaka taste where the filling is softer/mushier and slightly salty, but you can still taste the authentic octopus. Personally, I found the taste standard and not overly amazing, but because the location is convenient, it is still worth trying if you want to choose an iconic Osaka Takoyaki.
Osaka Food｜Street Food Recommendation #2 – Kogaryu (甲賀流)
This is a Michelin-recommended osaka street food takoyaki located in Americamura (American Village). Although the texture is also the Osaka style with a softer filling, I chose the green onion + yuzu soy sauce flavor and absolutely loved it. It was sweet and sour, completely not greasy.
Since the minimum order is 10 pieces for one person, I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it, but it was so delicious that I accidentally finished it all by myself. It is an Osaka food I would want to visit again next time.
Osaka Food｜Street Food Recommendation #3 – Uofuku
There are many must-eat foods listed online for Osaka’s Kuromon Market, but after trying a round of them, I felt many shops were quite similar. However, Uofuku is the only Kuromon Market food I felt was memorable and would want to visit again!
The most recommended item at this Osaka food spot is the grilled scallop. Besides being super fresh, drizzling different sauces on it presents different flavors. Although the wait time is quite long, the moment you eat it, you will scream in your heart. The sea urchin is also highly recommended by many; seafood lovers must not miss it.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Cafes
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #1 – MOTO COFFEE
Although Moto Coffee has several branches in Osaka, the one near Kitahama station is the most recommended. Besides their delicious coffee and desserts, the outdoor seating offers a direct river view, which is very relaxing and comfortable.
Of course, the terrace area with the river view is the most popular and usually requires queuing for a while. But if you don’t mind the seating and just want to drink coffee, you can get seated in other areas without waiting too long.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #2 – &ISLAND
&ISLAND is not far from the previously mentioned Moto Coffee and is also an Osaka cafe located by the river. It has a terrace area where you can see the river view. Compared to the other one, it is less crowded, so you can sit in the general indoor space first and switch seats when a spot opens up on the terrace. Besides coffee, the shop also sells meals. I drank coffee this time and felt it was standard, but the indoor decor is spacious and bright, making it a very comfortable space.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #3 – LiLo Coffee Roasters
As one of Asia’s 50 Best Coffee Shops, the quality of LiLo Coffee Roasters is undeniable. The owner can provide very professional recommendations for those with decision paralysis. After choosing your coffee, they even give you a small card introducing the coffee beans you selected; highly recommended for coffee lovers. Additionally, the shop has some seating and provides WiFi and power outlets, suitable for those who need to work on their computers.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #4 – NITO Coffee&Craft Beer
In terms of coffee or other drinks, it’s not particularly special, but the decor is artsy and cute. It also has WiFi and power outlets making it suitable for work. Plus, besides coffee, they sell various drinks including alcohol. If you want to find a cafe to work or rest and chat with friends, it is very suitable.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #5 – Salon de AManTo
Located in Nakazakicho, a gathering place for artsy small shops, this Osaka cafe also has a very artsy feel. The style of the renovated old house feels very much like cafes in Tainan, Taiwan, and every corner seems to tell a story. Besides selling coffee, the shop also sells alcohol. Overall, it has a very retro feel. Whether you love taking photos or want to find a quiet corner to rest, it is very suitable. It is in my top three favorite Osaka cafe recommendations!
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #6 – Mel Coffee Roasters
This cafe is ranked second in Asia’s 50 Best Coffee Shops, so coffee lovers must come and try it. The small storefront is basically takeout only. You can choose your own coffee beans. If you are not sure about the flavor of each bean, the staff will kindly introduce them. It is a cafe where English is spoken well. I ordered a latte and really liked it. Don’t miss it if you love coffee!
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #7 – coffee stand TENGACHA
Because we stayed near Tenkachaya station this time, this cafe with good coffee and thoughtful decor was right next to our accommodation. We bought from here many times, so I have a special affection for it. However, because it is far from various tourist attractions, there is no need to come specifically unless you have a special itinerary nearby.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #8 – Cobatopan-kojo
Strictly speaking, this is not really a cafe because there is no space for dining in. However, the fairy-tale decor and super cute bread designs are worth a try for those with a girlish heart, especially the cute eyes on the bread that make you reluctant to eat them. But I personally feel the taste is average (the bread is okay, the coffee is rather bad). Also, it is far from the subway station, making it slightly inconvenient to get to. If you don’t love taking photos, you can skip this.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #9 – 9 Borden Coffee
If you take the subway from the city center to Tempozan (Mount Tenpo), this cafe is a must-pass place in the middle. The decor is artsy, with a very New York small shop vibe. In addition to coffee, they also sell American-style food such as sandwiches, Mexican burritos, and Acai Bowls. I think the coffee is super delicious. There are many customers on weekends, and it is highly recommended whether you sit inside or take it out.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #10 – Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters
This Osaka cafe is a composite shop of coffee + alcohol. The industrial design offers a super spacious environment that is very relaxing and comfortable inside. The coffee prices are affordable but the taste is not compromised, and the staff speak English very well and are great at introducing items.
If you like wine, they sell it by the glass, and if you taste something you like, you can buy the whole bottle to take away. The shop on the first floor has a very rich collection of alcohol, as well as some food sauces for purchase. If you like alcohol or coffee, it’s great to meet up with a few friends here.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #11 – GLITCH COFFEE OSAKA
The most exaggerated and expensive cafe in Osaka belongs to this one. Located right next to the Conrad Osaka Hotel, the high ceilings, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious sofa area give a sense of luxury as soon as you enter. The staff will introduce the coffee to you in very fluent English, explaining the characteristics of each type of bean in detail. If you have a preferred flavor profile, you can also ask for recommendations. However, the prices are quite high; the cheapest cup should be over $300 TWD (~$9.50 USD), and some even go up to nearly $1,000 TWD (~$31 USD). It should be a paradise for those who really savor coffee.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #12 – neel Nakazakicho
This cafe is very popular on IG and is located in the fierce battleground of artsy cafes, Nakazakicho. The design is cute right from the outside, and the inside looks like a renovated Japanese old house; you can see the shop’s attentiveness in every detail.
Besides coffee, the shop’s fried pork cutlet (katsu) sandwich is also quite famous, but I wasn’t hungry this time so I didn’t order it. The shop provides WiFi, but it is crowded and usually requires a short queue. Personally, I don’t think you need to come specifically for it, but if you happen to be near Nakazakicho, it’s cute and suitable for checking in on social media.
Osaka Food｜Cafe Recommendation #13 – Bear Paw Cafe
A takeout-only cafe where the biggest selling point is that when serving drinks, a bear claw will reach out—super adorable! The bear claw will reach out to interact with you, giving you enough time to take photos. However, the coffee itself is just ordinary.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Sweets
Osaka Food｜Sweets Recommendation #1 – Shiroichi Shinsaibashi
An Osaka dessert spot mainly selling milk-related ice products. Simple and not too sweet, it is ice cream with a heavy milk flavor.
Osaka Food｜Sweets Recommendation #2 – CANELÉ du JAPON
Those who love Canelés must try this shop when going to Osaka. There is a wide variety of flavors. If you have difficulty choosing, you can directly buy the assortment, which collects the most classic and best-selling flavors. I bought the 8-flavor assortment, and I liked every single one. The sweetness is moderate, with a hint of caramel and bread aroma. It is a highly recommended Osaka food.
Osaka Food｜Sweets Recommendation #3 – Pablo
Located in Shinsaibashi, Pablo is famous for its half-baked cheese tarts. I have only ordered the original flavor and liked it quite a bit; the milky aroma and cheese flavor are both heavy, and the crust is very crispy. However, it is quite sweet; for someone like me who doesn’t have a sweet tooth, one piece is about enough. The queue is usually long, but it moves fast, so you won’t wait too long. If you pass by, you can buy one or two to try.
Osaka Food Recommendations｜Others
Osaka Food Other Recommendation #1 – Pommier
I was hesitating whether to put this one in because, honestly speaking, it doesn’t count as “gourmet” in my mind, but its portion size and price are really unbeatable. It is absolutely a cost efficient choice; a set meal for less than $300 TWD (~$9.50 USD) will fill you up to the brim. A person with a normal appetite basically shouldn’t be able to finish a portion, and there are almost no female customers in the whole place 😂.
The food is standard Japanese set meals. For those with big appetites, it is an incredibly good value Osaka food choice and a place filmed by many competitive eater Youtubers. You cannot make reservations here; you need to fill out the waitlist at the door directly. Cash only. Due to its high cost-performance ratio, queuing is usually required during dining hours.
Osaka Food Other Recommendation #2 – Fukutaro Okonomiyaki
Originally not a fan of Okonomiyaki, I went with the mindset of trying it in its place of origin, and unexpectedly, this old shop really lives up to its name—it’s delicious! You usually have to queue; remember to register your name on the waitlist and wait for the owner to call your number. Although there are many people, the turnover rate is fast. Must-orders are Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba (fried noodles). It’s about enough for two people. The Okonomiyaki is on the salty side, so I suggest ordering a beer to go with it, but the chewiness and flavor are just right. It is a classic Osaka restaurant worth trying.
Osaka Food Other Recommendation #3 – Namba Niku Gekijo (Meat Theater)
For those who want cheap, large portions and to eat meat by the mouthful, definitely don’t miss Niku Gekijo! You can choose different types of meat or mix and match them. After ordering at the self-service machine, take a seat and give the ticket to the staff. The staff will ask you about sauce, rice portion size, and other customization options. There is a English menu, so don’t worry about not understanding! Side dishes are unlimited refill, the price is cheap, and I think the meat is quite tasty (I personally love the chicken neck). Recommended for those who want to consume a large amount of protein.
Osaka Food Other Recommendation #4 – Chitose Udon
This udon shop was located near my accommodation. Every time I passed by, there was a long queue. After testing it out, it opens at 10:30 daily, and you only have a chance to get in the first round if you arrive before 10:00. The menu is actually very simple, just beef soup udon, and you can add a raw egg and white rice. It is a simple, unpretentious delicacy, the kind you would want to eat every day if it opened next to your house—generous portions and cheap! However, if you really have to wait a long time, I wouldn’t recommend it.
That concludes the Osaka food recommendations for this trip. Every place is one I personally tried and felt was unique or worth recommending before sharing with you all.
Regarding Osaka bars, I have written a separate article: 8 Osaka Bars: Choose from Sake, Beer, or Cocktails! I hope this guide helps you when choosing Osaka food places. Of course, if you have tried any hidden gems not on this list, feel free to leave a comment and recommend them to me.
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