Here is our list of the best restaurants in Osaka, divided by type of cuisine, with location and price range indicated to make it easy to choose.
Dotombori Canal in Minami
Here, I’ve chosen the best approachable restaurants in Osaka. They’re all located in areas you’re likely to visit (ie, the main urban hubs). Yes, in some cases there are better restaurants in Osaka, but they’re not good for casual visitors to the city (ie, they’re inconveniently located, they’re too expensive or they’re difficult for foreigners to reserve or to enter). The restaurants listed here are places you can actually go to and enjoy, most without any reservations.
Another great way to explore Osaka's many food choices is to go on an Osaka food tour - there are quite a few food tour options available from GetYourGuide and Klook. This lets you experience lots of different dishes and locations without having to figure it all out yourself, plus chat to your guide and other travellers.
For information about Osaka specialties, restaurant costs and where to find the best restaurants, see my What and Where to Eat in Osaka page.
Best Restaurants in Osaka by Type of Cuisine
Best Takoyaki in Osaka
- Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan (Tennoji Area; budget)
Located in the Tennoji and Abeno districts, takoyaki purveyor Yamachan is one of the most famous and highly-rated in its genre, and for good reason - their octopus balls are just some of the most delicious ones around. A must-visit when you’re in the area. - Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (Minami; budget)
Dotonbori has several great takoyaki stalls to choose from, and Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru is super popular with lovers of this street food. What’s so great about them? Order their “bikkuri takoyaki” or “Surprise Takoyaki” to find out! - TAKOPA (Takoyaki Park)(改称) (Osaka Bay; budget)
Visiting Universal Studios Japan and craving takoyaki? Never fear - TAKOPA (Takoyaki Park)(改称)in Universal City Walk. You can sample your way through five of Osaka’s best shops under a single roof. Efficient and tasty! - Takohachi (Tennoji Area; budget)
For a twist on the usual takoyaki, head over to Takohachi in Tennoji and eat some akashiyaki instead. It’s similar to takoyaki, but is dipped in a light, delicious dashi broth instead. Great for those who want to try a lighter style of this snack instead. - Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka (Minami; budget)
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka’s takoyaki is another favourite with Osakans. They have several branches across the city from Namba to Nippombashi, but we like the Sennichimae stall - the takoyaki is fabulous, and you can have it for breakfast on the weekends, in true Osaka binge-eating fashion. - Kougaryu (Minami; budget)
Shopping in Shinsaibashi but need a break? Grab some takoyaki from famed shop Kougaryu in Amerikamura. Not only is the takoyaki fabulous, there’s a wealth of intriguing toppings to choose from. Why not try them all? - Takoyaki Juhachiban (Minami; budget)
Visitors to Dotonbori are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, but if you have to choose just one takoyaki stall here, make it Takoyaki Juhachiban. These octopus balls contain several surprise ingredients that take them to the next level of deliciousness. - Hanadako (Kita; budget)
If you’re wandering around Shin-Umeda Shokudogai and wondering what to eat, Hanadako is an excellent choice. They nearly always have locals lining up for a taste of their famous negi-mayo takoyaki! Don’t worry if there’s a line, though: service is fast and efficient. - For more about Osaka takoyaki, see our Best Takoyaki in Osaka page.
Best Okonomiyaki in Osaka
- Kiji (Kita; budget)
If you only have time for one okonomiyaki restaurant in the city, make it the Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Kiji in Umeda. The constant queues in front are testament to its excellent dishes. - Ajinoya (Minami; budget to moderate)
Ajinoya is a Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki specialist near the Dotombori Arcade. With fast, friendly service, and rich, delicious okonomiyaki, it’s one of our favourite places to sample Osaka’s signature dish. Recommended! - Chibo (Minami; budget to moderate)
Located along the vibrant, bustling Dotombori Arcade, Chibo is one of the city’s most popular okonomiyaki restaurants, and for good reason - the pancakes here are awesome. It’s English-friendly, so don’t fret about ordering! - Jibundoki (Central Osaka; moderate)
For brilliant and creative okonomiyaki, as well as some other dishes cooked on a teppan (iron griddle), try this excellent restaurant a short walk southwest of Honmachi Station. The name is written in English on the awning, so finding it shouldn’t be a problem. - Kyochabana Shin-Osaka Eki (Shin-Osaka Area; budget)
Looking for a flavourful but healthy dinner option in Shin-Osaka Station? At Kyochabana, you get affordable, delicious, and creatively cooked Japanese food with a Kyoto twist. - Mizuno (Minami; budget)
Mizuno near Dotombori Arcade has a permanent queue out of the door for their world-famous okonomiyaki, which is as delicious as the Michelin guide promises and entirely worth the wait. Vegetarians and gluten-intolerant diners aren’t left out, either - they have options for you, too! - For more about Osaka okonomiyaki, see our Best Okonomiyaki in Osaka page.
Best Kushikatsu in Osaka
- Bon (Kita; expensive)
'Deep-fried' and 'refined' are not two words that usually go together. But at underground restaurant Kushikatsu Bon in the Kita-Shinchi district, kushikatsu is elevated to new heights with the most exquisite ingredients and impeccable technique. Plus, they won’t stop giving you food until you tell them to stop. How’s that for service? - Kushikatsu Daruma (Tennoji Area; budget to moderate)
Located near the base of Tsutenkaku tower in Shinsekai, Daruma is one of the area’s most popular kushikatsu restaurants. If it’s deliciously greasy, deep-fried meat and veg you’re looking for, your search ends here. Look for the large black and white sign. - Tengu (Tennoji Area; budget to moderate)
Can’t be bothered to queue at Daruma? Don’t worry - there’s another kushikatsu restaurant in Shinsekai that’s just as good, if not better. Tengu is sure to satisfy all your greasy, deep-fried desires. Just be warned, sometimes there’s a queue here, too. - Yaekatsu (Tennoji Area; budget to moderate)
Who doesn't love hot, cheap, greasy food made with good ingredients? Get your kushikatsu fix at Yaekatsu in Shinsekai, where they've been perfecting the art of deep-fried skewers since 1949. - Shichifukujin (Kita; budget to moderate)
Shichifukujin in Tenma is a counter seat-only kushikatsu restaurant that’s super popular with the locals. Their deep-fried skewers are fabulous, the beer is cheap, and they serve oden (simmered things) to balance out all that fried food. A great choice if you’re in the area! - Karatto (Minami; moderate)
Karatto is a stylish, slightly upmarket kushikatsu restaurant located a stone’s throw from Shinsaibashi Station. Not only is the food delicious and generously portioned, it’s open till 5:00am - great to finish off a night of karaoke or partying. - Yakko (Tennoji Area; budget to moderate)
Yakko in Shinsekai is another kushikatsu restaurant we like and recommend - the beef tallow they use to fry their skewers really gives the food a flavour boost! - For more about kushikatsu in Osaka, see our Best Kushikatsu in Osaka page.
Best Sushi in Osaka
- Endo Sushi Kyobashi (Kyobashi/Osaka Castle Area; budget to moderate)
If you’re looking for decent, affordable sushi, Endo Sushi Kyobashi is the place for you. It’s a great pitstop if you’re travelling between Osaka and Kyoto via Kyobashi Station! - Daiko Sushi Minamiten (Tennoji; budget to moderate)
Visiting Shinsekai but not keen on deep-fried food at all the kushikatsu restaurants? Check out Daiko Sushi in Jan Jan Arcade for a cheap and cheerful meal. It's perfect budget traveller fare. - Aoki (Kita; expensive)
Sushi Aoki is a tiny sushi restaurant in the Fukushima area in Kita Ward serving fresh, delicious sushi at very reasonable prices. It might be a bit of a walk from the nearest station, but it’s entirely worth the extra effort! - Sushitokorojinsei (Minami; expensive)
Sushidokoro Jinsei is a tiny sushi restaurant located in the Shinsaibashi district. It’s a pretty fantastic place that’s worth the price tag. If you have very limited time in Osaka, however, you might want to save your meal quota for something else. - Sushi Hayata (Central; moderate)
Hayata is a decent, small sushi restaurant very close to Honmachi Station. It’s a pretty good value and the fish is of good quality. Just be warned that this restaurant still allows smoking. - Harukoma (Kita; budget)
With generous fish portions for their sushi at fantastically reasonable prices, it’s no wonder Harukoma in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade sees lines out the door for lunch! Locals love this place and so will visitors. - Ginza Kyubey (Kita; expensive)
High-end Edomae-style sushi in the west? You’d better believe it. At Kyubey in Imperial Hotel near Tenma, diners get to enjoy some great high-end sushi - with the bonus of a relatively relaxed atmosphere and English-friendly service. - Honto Sushi Kaiba (Minami)
High-end Edomae-style sushi in Osaka? You’d better believe it. At Kyubey in Imperial Hotel near Tenma, diners get to enjoy some great high-end sushi - with the bonus of a relatively relaxed atmosphere and English-friendly service. - For more on Osaka sushi, see our Best Sushi in Osaka page.
Best Ramen in Osaka
- Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya (The Most Deserted Ramen Bar in the World)
Looking for ramen to warm you up without the feeling of having downed a ton of bricks? Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya, located a hop and a skip from, Umeda serves up soulful, flavourful noodle bowls perfect for a chilly night. - Gunjou (Kita; budget)
Gunjou in the Kita district is a tricky to find, but a little searching reaps great rewards - a bowl of ramen you’ll remember for the rest of your trip. If you don’t like ultra-rich pork bone and fish broths, however, you might want to give this a miss. - Resshi Shoyu Menkobo Sanku (Kita; budget)
Resshi Shoyu Menkobo Sanku in the Fukushima district is a ramen shop with an extreme mouthful of a name. Luckily, the sardine ramen is as impressive as its name is long. - Ryukishin RIZE (Minami; budget)
Everyone needs a tasty ramen option on their radars. Ryukishin RIZE in Namba, with its flavorful shio ramen bowls, is a solid restaurant for when the noodle craving strikes - it’s especially great if you like thick, meaty soups. - Chukasoba Kazura (Central Osaka; budget)
Not all ramen is created equal. Chukasoba Kazura in Awaza serves up a shoyu chicken ramen with a fabulously light and mousse-like soup that’s a cut above the rest. Look for the kanji 葛 on the sign. You may have to queue with the locals, but it’ll be worth it. - Ramen Kasumi (Central Osaka; budget)
Located near the west end of Utsubo-koen Park, this ramen specialist is sure to please serious ramen fans. The name is written in English on the sign. Buy your tickets from the machine when you go in. - Menya Ageha (Osaka Castle Area; budget)
For tasty and meaty ramen within walking distance of Osaka Castle Park, try this popular local eatery. It’s casual and easy to enter. The name is written in English on the brown noren curtains below the signboard. - Ramenuroko (Shin-Osaka Area; budget)
Osaka has a lot of great ramen shops, but Ramen Uroko stands out even among stiff competition. Located one stop south of Shin-Osaka Station, this joint serves up a fabulously flavourful shio (salt) ramen that’s sure to satisfy. - Ramen King (Shin-Osaka Area; budget)
Do you love ramen? Ramen King will be right up your alley. You’ll have to take the train one stop south of Shin-Osaka Station, but it’s entirely worth going a little out of your way to slurp these great noodles. - For more about ramen in Osaka, see our Best Ramen in Osaka page.
Best Izakaya/Sake Specialists in Osaka
- Binbiya (Kita Area; moderate)
Binbiya is a high-end, 1 Michelin-starred izakaya in the Kita-Shinchi district specialising in fresh seafood dishes, but at surprisingly affordable prices. Dinner here is unlikely to run over JPY7,000 before drinks. Now that’s value for money! - Chirori (Shin-Osaka Area; moderate)
Chirori is a local, contemporary izakaya serving up fabulous little dishes, with an incredible variety of sake to pair with each one. Located one stop south of Shin-Osaka Station, it’s great for dinner with friends. - Shogin-an (Shin-Osaka Area; moderate)
Do you love soba but also enjoy having a variety of side dishes to go with it? Then get thee to Shogin-an, a quiet little izakaya near Shin-Osaka serving both soba and fabulous gastropub-style dishes. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a bottle of sake or two. - Osaka Yakiton Center (Minami Area; moderate)
Fancy experiencing a super-local standing bar on your visit? Head over to the Osaka Yakiton Center in Namba for delicious grilled pork skewers. There’s no English menu, but the staff are friendly and, hey, you get to pour your own sake! - Shinkawa Nishiya (Minami Area; moderate)
What’s not to love about a seafood izakaya like Shinkawa Nishiya? It’s centrally located smack in the middle of Namba, the food is great and reasonably priced, the drinks are good, and best of all, it’s open until 5:00am. - Ginzaya (Kita Area; budget to moderate)
Want to drink and eat well on the cheap with Osakan locals? Head over to standing izakaya Ginzaya near Osaka Station to start off your night of bar-hopping. A draft beer is just JPY330, which bodes well for the evening ahead! - For more about Osaka izakaya, see our Best Izakaya/Sake Specialists in Osaka page.
Best Soba in Osaka
- Akari Soba (Minami; budget to moderate)
Looking for an escape from Dotonbori's relentless crowds? Akari is a charming, homey soba shop will whisk you away to a calmer, quieter world - along with some delicious soba and tempura to boot. - Takama (Kita; budget to moderate)
Located a 5-minute walk away from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station, 1-star Soba Takama serves glorious soba noodles at highly affordable prices. It might be one of the most affordable Michelin starred meals in the city! - Sobakiri Arabompu (Kita; budget to moderate)
Udon restaurants may get a lot of attention in Osaka, but there are times when nothing but buckwheat noodles will do. Get your soba fix at Arabonpu in the Kita district, where the owner serves up beautifully-textured handmade noodles in a quiet, tiny shop. - Nishiya (Minami; budget to moderate)
Located a hop and a skip away from Shinsaibashi Station, Nishiya is a long-standing, popular udon restaurant that’s great for a hearty meal in between all the shopping. They serve other dishes besides udon, so there’s usually something for everyone here. - Shuhari (Osaka Castle Area; moderate)
Shuhari is a soba specialist that’s not too far from Osaka Castle Park - their soba and tempura are solid and well-made. The fresh wasabi, which you grate yourself, is a really nice touch. Look for the wooden steps at the entrance. Recommended! - Sobayoshi (Shin-Osaka Area; moderate)
For a quick, filling meal, look no further than Sobayoshi. This soba specialist near Shin-Osaka Station serves up some great soba set meals. The service is fast and the food is good value for money. - For more about Osaka soba, Best Soba in Osaka page.
Best Udon in Osaka
- Kidatake (Minami; budget)
Kidatake is a rough and ready udon specialist in Namba serving one of the best bowls of udon noodles in the city. It’s perfect for a casual lunch while exploring the area. Recommended! - Udon Ippuku (Osaka Castle Area; budget)
Looking for a bowl of curry udon to warm your heart and soul - without the queues? When you're near Osaka Castle, head just slightly further afield to Udon Ippuku in Tanimachi Yonchome. - Tokumasa Udon (Osaka Castle Area; budget)
Near the southeast corner of Osaka Castle Park, this restaurant serves a very decent bowl of curry udon, a spicy and filling dish that’s perfect for powering you through a day of sightseeing. Look for 得正 (Tokumasa) on the sign. - Odoru Udon (Kita; budget)
If you're looking for a super-fast, cheap, hearty meal, udon is the way to go. Odoru Udon near Umeda Station is a great place to get your fix without the crowds. - Nishiya (Minami; budget)
Located a hop and a skip away from Shinsaibashi Station, Nishiya is a long-standing, popular udon restaurant that’s great for a hearty meal in between all the shopping. They serve other dishes besides udon, so there’s usually something for everyone here. - Dotombori Imai (Minami; mid-range)
Dotombori can overwhelm with the crowds, chaos, and colours - but classic soba and udon purveyor Imai is a calm refuge right in the middle of the arcade. The noodles are merely average, but the setting is very nice. - Byakuan (Shin-Osaka; budget)
A bit of a hike from Shin-Osaka Station, close to Kanzakigawa Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line, this sanuki udon specialist is worth the trip for udon fans. The name is written in English on the sign, so it should be easy to find. - For more about udon in Osaka, see our Best Udon in Osaka page.
Best Tonkatsu (deep-friend pork cutlets) in Osaka
- Takuya (Kita; moderate)
Takuya is a small, counter seat-only tonkatsu restaurant near Higashi Umeda located in a backstreet jumble of tiny bars and restaurants. Their deep-fried, breaded pork cutlets are a cut above the rest - so tender and juicy that you’ll wish you eat here every week. - Epais (Kita; moderate to expensive)
Who doesn’t love deep-fried, breaded pork cutlets? Tonkatsu is an art form, and Epais in the Kita-Shinchi district is one of the best in Osaka. It’s not the easiest place to find so give yourself some time to locate it before popping in. - Tonkatsu Daiki (Minami; budget to moderate)
Craving something homey, approachable, and affordable? At Daiki, a tonkatsu specialist in Higashi-Shinsaibashi, you’ll find gorgeous deep-fried pork cutlets at affordable prices. Lunches are great if you’re on a tight budget, but dinner won’t exactly break the bank either. - Katsukura Umeda Chayamachi Branch (Kita; budget to moderate)
Katsukura’s tonkatsu is a cut above many places: the pork is excellent, and the sauce is homemade. Plus, this restaurant in Umeda serve tasty crab croquettes and chicken cutlets - perfect when not everyone wants to eat the same thing! - Tazumura Daimaru Umeda Branch (Kita; budget to moderate)
If you’re around JR Osaka Station and craving lunch, the 14th floor of Daimaru Umeda is chock-a-block with tasty restaurants. Tonkatsu specialist Tazumura is just one of many choices on this floor - and it’s a fabulous option for pork lovers! - For more about Osaka tonkatsu, see our Best Tonkatsu in Osaka page.
Best Yakitori in Osaka
- Tsuki no Odori (Minami; moderate)
Tsuki no Odori on the Dotombori Arcade has everything a diner could ever want from a yakitori joint: delicious, creative chicken skewers from friendly staff. It’s even halal-friendly, as long as you make advance reservations. Recommended! - Akiyoshi Umeda Branch (Kita; moderate)
Akiyoshi might be a yakitori chain, but their skewers are consistently good and they have English menus, making this a tourist-friendly option. Plus, their restaurant spaces are usually larger and have comfortable tables - perfect for larger groups or the claustrophobic! - Kuruma Shinsaibashi Branch (Minami; moderate)
For a casual but tasty yakitori dinner in comfortable surroundings, Kuruma in Shinsaibashi fits the bill. They use flavourful free-range chicken from Miyazaki, and have a variety of dishes from chicken sukiyaki to chicken sashimi in addition to the usual skewers. - Motomi Osaka Nishi-Umeda Branch (Kita; moderate)
Motomi is a gorgeous, slightly upmarket yakitori restaurant in the Kita-Shinchi near Umeda. Their chicken skewers are delicious, the surroundings are ultra-stylish, and there’s a wide selection of sake, shochu, spirits, and even a few wines. What’s not to love? - Torijiro Dotonbori Branch (Minami; budget)
Having a late night out with friends around Dotonbori and need a place to eat when the party’s over? Yakitori at Torijiro on Dotonbori Arcade is just the ticket when hunger comes calling at 1am. - Sumibi Yakitori Miyabi (Kita; moderate)
Heading over to Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade for the day and need a dinner option? Look no further than Sumibi Yakitori Miyabi, a restaurant serving up all kinds of skewers and more. If you’re craving chicken hotpot or chicken ramen, this is a great place to hit up too. - For more about Osaka yakatori, see our Best Yakitori in Osaka page.
Best Curry Rice in Osaka
- Shinsaibashi Madras 5 (Minami; budget)
If you like Japanese curry and rice, you’ll love this simple and excellent shop at the south end of Amerika-Mura. There are tons of great choices, including some vegetarian options. - Mannenkare (Osaka Castle Area; budget)
Mannenkare specializes in deliciously rich tonkotsu (pork bone) curry (it’s better than it sounds). If you’re a fan of Japanese curry rice, then you’ll probably love this place. - Hakugintei (Central; budget)
Hakugintei in Honmachi sees daily queues for its rich, spicy curry rice - it’s the kind of soul food that’s worth queuing for. As it’s a tiny counter seats-only place, this is best for solo diners or in twos. A must-eat for Japanese curry fans. - Jiyuken (Minami; budget)
Since 1910, Jiyuken in Namba has been serving up its wildly popular old-school curry rice with a twist: you don’t get to mix the curry into the rice. If you’re not keen on curry, don’t worry - they have other options too! - For more about Japanese curry rice in Osaka, see our Best Curry Rice in Osaka page.
Best Vegetarian in Osaka
- Green Earth (Central; budget)
Green Earth is one of Osaka’s longest-running vegetarian restaurants. Its enduring popularity is no surprise: the mostly vegan food is delicious, the staff are friendly, and dining there is an altogether pleasant experience! - For more about Osaka vegetarian cuisine, see our Best Vegetarian in Osaka page.
Best Unagi (eel) in Osaka
- Yoshitora (Central Osaka; moderate)
On the east side of Honmachi, in the direction of Osaka Castle, this hidden unagi (eel) specialist is a great place to try sublime unagi in refined and relaxing surroundings. It’s a good idea to have a Japanese speaker call in advance for reservations and to place the order. It’s down a small private walkway. - Nishihara (Osaka Castle Area; moderate)
A short walk east of Osaka Castle Park, this unagi (eel) specialist serves a mouth-watering version of this classic Japanese dish. - Unagiya (Shin-Osaka Area; moderate)
It takes a bit of courage to enter this traditional unagi (eel) restaurant a few minutes’ walk southwest of Shin-Osaka Station, but it’s worth it: the unagi here is sublime. Expect to pay around Y3,500. Look for the blue noren curtain. - Honke Shibato (Central; moderate to expensive)
Unagi set meals at Koraibashi’s 300 year-old Honke Shibato don’t come cheap, but it’s a meal that’s worth splashing out on. - For more about Osaka unagi, see our Best Unagi (eel) in Osaka page.
Best Kaiseki/Other Haute Cuisine in Osaka
- Iroha (Kita; expensive)
Iroha is a fabulous little kappo restaurant in the Kita-Shinchi district serving up some incredibly fresh and flavourful dishes. Reservations are essential, and you’ll need to give yourself some extra time to locate the place - it’s a little tough to to find. - Momen (Minami; expensive)
Momen is a superb little Shinsaibashi counter restaurant serving some of the most sublime dishes you’re likely to encounter anywhere. It’s usually described as kaiseki, but kappo is probably a better word for it – a flight of wonderful and artistic creations made from the freshest Japanese ingredients. - Shimanouchi Ichiyo (Minami; expensive)
On the far east side of Shinsaibashi, this wonderful kappo specialist serves out-of-this-world seafood. Shimanouchi Ichiyo is named for Japan’s Inland Sea as that’s where a lot of their ingredients come from. The fare is creative and beautiful to behold. - Asai (Minami; expensive)
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. - For more about haute cuisine in Osaka, see our Best Kaiseki/Other Haute Cuisine in Osaka page.
Best French Restaurants in Osaka
- Hajime (Central Osaka; expensive)
With three Michelin stars to its name, Hajime is considered one of the best restaurants in Osaka. It’ll be a very special meal, but whether it’s worth the sticker shock or not depends on how much you like rarefied fine dining. Go only if you’re willing to splurge. - Bistrot d’Anjou (Minami; moderate)
If you’re craving hearty comfort food of the European variety, head over to Bistrot d’Anjou in Shinsaibashi. This charming, well-loved French bistro has been serving up some fine, authentic brasserie fare to Osakans for the last 40 years! - La Cime (Central; expensive)
For a truly special Japanese-French dinner that’s worth the money and the Michelin stars, look into snagging a reservation at the hallowed La Cime in the Hommachi district. Chef Yusuke Takada’s creations will make for a dinner to remember. - Pierre (Kita; expensive)
One Michelin-starred Pierre at the Intercontinental Hotel in Umeda is a great choice when you’re looking for a special occasion French dinner and a selection of great wines. Dinner and sweeping panoramic views of Osaka? Your romantic date night is sorted! - For more about French restaurants in Osaka, see our Best French Restaurants in Osaka page.
Best Resutoran-gai (Food Courts) in Osaka
- Shin-Umeda Shokudogai (Central Osaka; restaurant complex)
This is one of the cheapest places to eat in central Osaka. It’s packed with tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are popular with local office workers. - Lalaport Expo City (Northern Osaka; budget to moderate)
The Lalaport Expo City shopping mall, near Banpaku Memorial Park, contains an almost endless selection of great eateries, covering all the bases of Japanese food, as well as many famous Western chains and specialties. - Universal City Walk Osaka (Osaka Bay Area; budget to expensive)
Located outside Universal Studios Japan, this huge American-style dining and shopping complex can be visited for free (ie, without paying to enter Universal Studios Japan). The complex is filled with American chain restaurants and some local options. - Tempozan Marketplace (Osaka Bay Area; budget to moderate)
Located between the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Osaka Aquarium, this large shopping and dining complex has heaps of fast food and family restaurants. - Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho (Osaka Bay Area; budget)
Located inside the Tempozan Marketplace (see previous entry), this is a faux Edo-era shopping street lined with small restaurants selling all the usual Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki, tako-yaki and kushikatsu. - For more about resutoran-gai, see our Best Resutoran-gai in Osaka page.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- Get a prepaid Icoca card to make travelling around Osaka easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help