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!
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru - image © Florentyna Leow
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru’s takoyaki stall on Dotonbori stands out even among the visual chaos of this shopping and eating street. If the giant octopus signboard doesn’t catch your eye, the long line of hungry customers in front certainly will! Queues don’t always mean much, but here, it does signify a damn good tray of takoyaki at the end of the rainbow.
Everyone is usually here for the “bikkuri takoyaki” or “Surprise Takoyaki.” The ‘surprise’ factor comes from the larger-than-usual pieces of octopus they use to make this iconic street food. Most of the pieces are so chunky that they protrude from each ball! Since you’re reading about it, it won’t be that much of a surprise anymore - but hey, it’ll still taste great.
If you’re not too keen on takoyaki, they also serve akashiyaki. Hailing from Akashi City in Hyogo prefecture, ‘akashiyaki’ is an octopus dumpling as well, but made with an eggy batter, and eaten dipped in dashi stock rather than slathered with sauce or mayonnaise. Unlike takoyaki, it has a slightly spongier texture, and unsurprisingly, a richer eggy taste to the batter. You can either get your dishes to go or sit down in the restaurant to eat your snacks. Either way, it’s fun to snack and people-watch in this part of town.
For more Osaka takoyaki choices, see our Best Takoyaki in Osaka page.
English name:
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru
Japanese name:
たこ家道頓堀くくる
English address:
1-10-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 542-0071
Japanese address:
〒542-0071 大阪市中央区道頓堀1-10-5
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: noon-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday and national holidays: 11am-10pm
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Subway and Train: 3-minute walk from exit 14 of Namba Station.
Telephone:
+81-6-6212-7381
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru is located in Osaka's Minami district. See our complete list of things to do in Osaka's Minami district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Restaurant Recommendations:
See more takoyaki restaurants in Osaka or see all our recommended restaurants in Osaka.
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