Osaka has dozens of fantastic yakitori restaurants. Here is our pick of Osaka yakatori restaurants that are affordable, friendly, and delicious.
Negima Momo - image © Florentyna Leow
If you eat meat, it’s hard to argue with skewered, charcoal-grilled chicken. In Japan, this is known as yakitori. The chicken is grilled with either a soy-based tare sauce or salt. Yakitori can be as cheap and cheerful as you please, making a fantastic accompaniment to alcoholic drinks of all sorts. On the other hand, yakitori can be elevated to a veritable art form, given the kind of attention to detail you find in rarefied French restaurants to make the best chicken you’ve ever tasted in your life.
Something that distinguishes Japanese yakitori is the sheer variety of chicken parts available. Eating just thigh and breast is passe; if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try neck meat (seseri), reba (liver), sunazuri (gizzard), tsukune (meatball), or nankotsu (cartilage)?
Osaka has dozens of fantastic yakitori restaurants. These are just a few that are affordable, friendly, and delicious.
- 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.
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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
- 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
