10 Best Local Restaurants in Osaka

Osaka has long been regarded as a foodie paradise in Japan. It’s even called the nation’s kitchen. Thanks to its location between the sea and mountains, the city’s food culture highlights freshly caught seafood and a whole range of high-quality produce. Osaka’s culinary highlights include octopus balls (takoyaki), Japanese savory pancakes (okonomiyaki), deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers (kushikatsu) and Japanese barbecue (yakiniku).
The city is stuffed full of great restaurants and street food stands that specialize in each one of these regional classics, and there’s also great western food on offer too. So, where are the hidden-gem restaurants that the locals love most? Check out our guide to places locals love to eat in Osaka for delicious, authentic dishes.

1. Taiko Sushi Minami

Affordable and high-quality sushi

Good for: Food

Taiko Sushi is famous for serving authentic yet affordable sushi and sashimi in downtown Osaka. This lovely, traditional-feeling venue is the real deal, with sushi chefs preparing bite-sized portions of vinegared rice and raw fish right in front of you, using the best of fresh ingredients. There’s also a set menu with assorted nigiri sushi and red miso soup (akadashi).
Taiko Sushi is a hugely popular place among the locals, so be prepared to encounter queues. Despite the off-the-tourist-trail vibe, the menu is also provided in English, with pictures included. The atmosphere is quaint but cozy, so sit back with some warm sake while you wait for your sushi to be prepared.

Location: 3-3-11 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan

Open: Wednesday–Monday from 11.30 am to 9 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Phone: +81 (0)666-41-0669

2. Dotonbori Kamukura Lucua Osaka

Ramen with French sophistication

Good for: Food

In Osaka, you’ll find frenzied competition between restaurants that have their own special takes on ramen. Dotonbori Kamukura Lucua Osaka is one of the few restaurants where you can enjoy ramen made by a “soup sommelier” who’s passed rigorous tests.
Locals have been enjoying ramen at this restaurant since 1986. The restaurant’s founder used to be the owner-chef of a French restaurant and is said to have taken a significant time perfecting his original soup recipe, which is still served today. The vegetable-based soup and noodles are made in-house using a unique method and the ingredients, such as pork and rice, are of high quality. Make sure you try the ramen with soft-boiled egg and roasted pork slices (chashu).

Location: 10F LUCUA Osaka, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0001, Japan

Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm

Phone: +81 (0)664-85-7070

3. Kushikatsu Daruma Dotombori

Sizzling deep-fried skewers and street snacks

Good for: Food, Budget

Kushikatsu Daruma, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest restaurants in Osaka that specializes in meat and vegetable deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu). It has a very loyal clientele thanks not only to its history, but also its food quality and great value for money. There are several outlets in Osaka, Hyogo, Tokyo, and even overseas. Their Dotombori branch is unmissable with a huge, fierce looking chef head above its entrance.
Customers often rave about its secret sauce and crispy breadcrumb coating. Meat, vegetable, and seafood kushikatsu are available. A popular choice here is ganso kushikatsu (skewered beef), but ordering one of its set menus is a good way of sampling several of its signature dishes with a side dish included.

Location: 1-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071, Japan

Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 10.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm

Phone: +81 (0)662-13-8101

4. Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten

Osaka’s iconic traditional pancakes and fritters

Good for: Families, Food

Ajinoya has been around since 1965, with 4 generations of the same family delivering traditional Japanese savory pancakes (okonomiyaki), one of Osaka’s most iconic dishes. These grilled pancakes are sometimes more like a fritter and often contain cabbage. This venue is listed in the Michelin Guide to Osaka and for good reason.
A standout dish at this restaurant is the mixed okonomiyaki, which contains pork, squid, octopus, shrimp, minced meat, and oysters (only available in wintertime). You can also choose from a wide variety, including okonomiyaki with tomato or cheese. The pancakes are cooked on an iron grill right in front of you, so that you can savor the delicious cooking smells and enjoy a piping hot meal.

Location: 1-7-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0076, Japan

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 (0)501-809-4021

5. Sobadokoro Toki

Award-winning combinations of spice and ice

Good for: Food, Budget

Sobadokoro Toki was honored to win the Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2024 and this shows in the quality of their dishes. The restaurant specialises in soba (buckwheat noodles) and rice bowls, with its popularity stemming from the special soup stock in its noodle dishes. Must-tries include the deep-fried pork cutlet rice bowl (katsudon) and soba with a duck based dipping sauce. These are so popular that they’re often sold out, so make sure you get in line early.
If visiting on a hot summer’s day, make sure to try the chilled curry soba, the sensation of spicy seasoning with ice-cold curry is incredible. Or, if a winter-warmer takes your fancy, the tofu skin (yuba) with mushrooms is a must.

Location: Taniharu Building, 1-3-4 Dojima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0003, Japan

Open: Monday–Tuesday from 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 12 am, Wednesday 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm, Thursday–Friday 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 1 am (closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Phone: +81 (0)663-48-5558

6. Grill Miyako

Hearty, child-friendly western cuisine

Good for: Families, Food

Grill Miyako is a western-style restaurant with a retro style that’s typical of Japan’s Showa period (1926 to 1989). Although there’s always a line of people outside the restaurant, the staff take your order while you’re waiting to reduce wait times.
The restaurant specializes in Japanese-style western cuisine. Most people go for the steak lunch set, which comes with a thick cut of beef, fried shrimp, and fried egg. This is a hearty dish that offers excellent value for money. There are also dishes specifically designed for children, making Grill Miyako one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Osaka.

Location: Taniharu Building, 1-3-4 Dojima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0003, Japan

Open: Monday–Tuesday from 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 12 am, Wednesday 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm, Thursday–Friday 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 1 am (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Phone: +81 (0)663-48-5558

7. Hokkyokusei Umeda Shop

Chicken, omelet, and rice like you’ve never seen

Good for: Families, Food

Hokkyokusei is a long-running restaurant that specializes in omurice (omelet rice), a hugely popular dish in the Kansai area. You should definitely try the standard chicken omurice (ketchup-flavored chicken fried rice wrapped in a fluffy omelet), topped with a generous helping of tomato sauce. You can really tell that Hokkyokusei has been serving it for almost a century.
You’ll find several branches in different parts of Osaka, many of which are small concessions in department stores, so you don’t have to go too far out of your way to enjoy this famous dish. In their Umeda branch, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere with a mix of modern decor and traditional charm. Book a table in advance if you can.

Location: 3-1-1 (Daimaru Umeda B2F) Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0001, Japan

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm

Phone: +81 (0)663-44-3999

8. Jiyuken

League-topping curries with secret sauce

Good for: Families, Food

Jiyuken was established in 1909 as the first western-style restaurant in Osaka. Its Meibutsu (famous) curry consists of rice mixed with curry and topped with an egg. The key is a secret sauce that has been handed down from generation to generation. There’s even a printed guide in the restaurant that explains the right way to eat this special curry dish.
You can also find a wide range of westernized Japanese cuisine on the menu, including omurice (omelet rice), sauteed pork, potato croquettes, and home-made hamburgers. Located in Namba, Jiyuken is around 800 ft south of Hozenji Temple.

Location: 3-1-34 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0076, Japan

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +81 (0)666-31-5564

9. Manmasa

Top-quality Japanese BBQ

Good for: Food

Manmasa is a Japanese barbeque (yakiniku) restaurant that’s within a 15-minute walk of the JR/Subway Tsuruhashi Station. Although it’s a bit out of the way, the restaurant is always full and it’s quite difficult to get a reservation. However, it’s worth the effort for the reasonable prices and quality of meat on offer.
A must-try is the omakase (chef’s choice) course, which starts with a small appetizer and raw dishes like fresh liver and seasoned steak tartare (yukhoe). These are followed by the chef’s recommendations of the day. The beef tongue with salt is particularly popular as you get a thick slice of juicy beef tongue with plenty of garlic on top.

Location: 3-3-2 Momodani, Ikuno Ward, Osaka 544-0034, Japan

Open: Thursday–Sunday and Tuesdays from 5.30 pm to 10 pm (closed on Mondays and Wednesdays)

Phone: +81 (0)902-592-9687

10. Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae

Delicious street food classics

Good for: Food, Budget

Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae is one of the best places in Osaka to enjoy grilled octopus balls (takoyaki), a popular street food. While this venue used to be a sushi/dessert shop, it became much more popular after selling takoyaki at its entrance.
Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae has several outlets throughout Osaka and Kyoto. These shops are always packed out, and it’s not hard to see why. The freshly made takoyaki comes with a choice of speciality sauces (kettle-cooked salt, soy sauce, thick sauce, and Wanaka sauce). Choose the ooiri option to enjoy 4 different flavors of takoyaki in a reasonably priced set.

Location: 11-19 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0075, Japan

Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30 am to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 9 pm

Phone: +81 (0)666-31-0127

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