Asai is a one-star Michelin restaurant in Minami Ward that’s a great place to try out kaiseki. Sitting at the counter and watching the chefs create their sublime dishes is part of the appeal of this place.
Asai - image © Florentyna Leow
For most first-time visitors to Japan interested in food, kaiseki is a must-try genre. This style of Japanese fine dining is what inspired nouvelle cuisine and degustation menus. Consisting of multiple small dishes served one by one, kaiseki cooking is highly seasonal and rarefied. There are, of course, many kaiseki restaurants to choose from in Osaka, but those looking for a top-class experience should try snagging a reservation at Asai.
Asai - image © Florentyna Leow
Asai is a Michelin-starred restaurant in east Shinsaibashi, and it is rated as one of the best in town. Go for the eight-course omakase, where the chef and his team will turn out a parade of exquisitely cooked and plated dishes. From the freshest sashimi to an unprepossessing but delightful congee to finish, it’s a meal you won’t forget in a hurry.
You’ll be seated at the counter, and you’ll be able to watch all the action. Seeing the food prepared and plated right in front of you is an experience like no other. Reservations here are essential, but worth all the planning.
For more Osaka kaiseki, kappo and other haute cuisine choices, see our Best Kaiseki, Kappo and Other Haute Cuisine In Osaka page.
English name:
Osaka Cuisine Asai
Japanese name:
おおさか料理 淺井
English address:
1-6-19 Higashi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 542-0083
Japanese address:
〒542-0083 大阪市中央区東心斎橋1-6-19
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 5pm-12am
National holidays: 5am-10pm
Closed Sunday
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Counter seats only
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 7 of Nagahoribashi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Lines.
Telephone:
+81-6-6243-7100
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Osaka Cuisine Asai on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Osaka Cuisine Asai is located in Osaka's Minami district. See our complete list of things to do in the Minami district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Best Osaka Restaurants
See our list of the best Osaka restaurants for even more ideas about great places to eat in Osaka.
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