Osaka is called Japan’s kitchen for a reason. The food is bold, comforting, and unforgettable.
On my first trip, I still remember burning my tongue on fresh takoyaki in Dotonbori, and it instantly became one of my favorite food memories.
From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, every bite feels like part of the city’s soul.
These are 10 places you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Osaka. 😊
1. Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi
Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi is one of the most famous conveyor-belt sushi shops in Osaka.
The Dotonbori branch is easy to spot with its large sign and tuna displays, and you will also find other branches in Tennoji, Umeda, Namba, and near Osaka Castle.
This restaurant is run by Daiki Suisan, a major seafood wholesaler, which means the fish is always fresh.
A highlight here is the daily tuna carving show where chefs cut a massive bluefin tuna in front of customers and serve it right away.
You can pick plates from the belt or order through a touch screen if you want something specific.
The fatty bluefin tuna is the star, with a buttery taste that melts in your mouth.
Salmon belly and sweet shrimp are also popular, while Hokkaido uni offers creamy richness at a fraction of the usual cost.
Plates start from about ¥100–¥150 ($1), and a satisfying meal is around ¥1,500–¥3,000 ($15–$22).
Read More: 10 Must-Try Foods at 7-Eleven in Japan
2. Gyukatsu Motomura
Gyukatsu Motomura is the place to try gyukatsu, a lightly breaded beef cutlet that is served rare.
Each table comes with a small hot stone so you can grill your slices just the way you like them.
The beef is often wagyu, making it tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a thin crust that adds crunch.
Cooking the beef yourself makes the experience interactive and fun.
You can change up the taste with soy sauce and wasabi, horseradish cream, or just simple rock salt.
The main dish is the Beef Cutlet Set Meal, which includes rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, potato salad, and pickles.
Branches are spread across Osaka, including Namba, Dotonbori near the Glico sign, and Osaka Station in the Lucua mall, making it easy to find wherever you go.
Prices range from about ¥2,000–¥3,200 ($14–$22), which is very good value for high quality beef and a full set meal.
Read More: 10 Must-Try Foods at FamilyMart in Japan
3. Hanamaruken Hozenji
Hanamaruken Hozenji is best known for its slow-cooked pork rib that can be added to your ramen.
The broth is rich, meaty, and soy-based, and the thick noodles stay chewy until the last bite.
This is a bowl of ramen that feels bold, hearty, and satisfying.
Toppings include green onion, menma, seaweed, and a ramen egg, along with choices of roast pork or the signature rib.
The MANZOKU combo is one of the most popular choices and comes with ramen plus extra sides for a big meal.
Another favorite is the Half slow-cooked pork rib rice bowl with ramen and egg, which lets you enjoy both a donburi and a comforting bowl of noodles in one set.
Prices are affordable, with a simple bowl costing around ¥900–¥1,050 ($6–$7), while sets with sides range from ¥980–¥1,880 ($6–$12).
Read More: 10 Must-Try Foods at Lawson in Japan
4. Sashisu Umeda
Sashisu Umeda is a lively sushi bar and izakaya that serves generous sushi portions at budget prices.
It is located in the Osaka Ekimae Building 3 near Osaka Station, and there are other branches around the city, including Namba.
This place is always busy with locals, which shows how popular it is.
The sushi has more fish and less rice, and the seafood is tender and fresh.
Overflowing tuna rolls and creative dishes like unagi sushi sandwiches or cheese egg custard make it a fun place to eat.
Prices are friendly, starting from ¥165 ($1) for two pieces of sushi and ¥320 ($2) for side dishes, with most people spending around ¥2,000–¥3,000 ($14–$20).
If you want more options, Kaminari Sushi, Taiko Sushi Minami, and Harukoma are also worth a visit.
5. Dotombori Kamukura Sennichimae
Dotombori Kamukura Sennichimae offers a lighter take on ramen compared to the usual rich bowls in Osaka.
Its golden soy-based broth is filled with simmered cabbage, which gives the soup a sweet and refreshing taste. This ramen feels lighter and healthier but still flavorful.
The noodles are thin and firm, and toppings often include chashu pork, seasoned egg, and extra vegetables.
The most popular choice is the Oishii Ramen with chashu and egg, but the value combos with fried rice and gyoza are also excellent.
Prices are reasonable, with bowls from ¥746–¥1,155 ($5–$8) and combos from ¥1,064–¥1,337 ($7–$9).
If you are exploring ramen in Osaka, other shops worth trying are Kyushu Ramen Kio Dotonbori, Ichiran Ramen, Human Beings Everybody Noodles, Menya Takei Hankyu Umeda, and Tsurutontan Soemoncho.
6. Kushikatsu Daruma
Kushikatsu Daruma has been serving deep-fried skewers since 1929 and is one of Osaka’s most iconic chains.
It began in Shinsekai and now has branches in Dotonbori and beyond.
The batter is light and crisp, never too oily, and everything is served with a special sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
The no double-dipping rule is part of the fun and a well-known Osaka custom.
Skewers include beef, shrimp, cheese, quail egg, rice cake, and seasonal items like oysters or octopus.
The combo sets are perfect if you want to try a wide variety, ranging from nine to eighteen skewers.
Prices are friendly, with single skewers from ¥140–¥200 ($1.50–$2) and combo sets from ¥1,760–¥2,695 ($12–$18).
7. Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori offers a wide variety of ramen styles. You can choose soy sauce, miso, salt, chicken soup, or spicy miso.
The broths range from light and clean to rich and bold, and the medium-thickness noodles are springy and firm.
It is a simple place where you can adjust flavors with garlic, kimchi, or chives as you go.
Popular choices include the Shoyu Ramen for a classic soy base, the Chicken Soup Ramen for a lighter and comforting flavor, and the Spicy Miso Ramen if you want some heat.
You can also order Chashu Ramen loaded with extra pork slices for a more filling bowl.
Prices are reasonable, with basic bowls from around ¥900–¥1,000 ($6–$7) and deluxe versions with toppings reaching ¥1,150–¥1,200 ($8–$9).
8. Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi
Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi is part of a popular ramen chain that started in Himeji and now has many branches across Japan.
In Osaka, you will find it in Shinsaibashi, Umeda, and Namba, with the Shinsaibashi shop standing out for its large red lantern near the shopping street.
It is open 24 hours, making it a great choice for late-night dining.
The rich broth and generous toppings make it a reliable favorite at any time of day.
Choices include the Full Combo Char Siu Ramen, a spicy version, or a simpler seasoned egg ramen.
Garlic fried rice is a signature side dish that pairs perfectly with the ramen.
Prices start at ¥980–¥1,050 ($6–$7) for a basic bowl, around ¥1,360–¥1,430 ($9–$10) for full combos, and ¥1,750–¥1,820 ($11–$12) for deluxe versions.
9. Mizuno
Mizuno is a legendary okonomiyaki shop in Dotonbori that has been open for over 75 years and is now run by the third generation of the family.
It is recognized in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide, which confirms its reputation as one of Osaka’s best okonomiyaki restaurants.
The batter uses yam for a creamy texture, and toppings include pork belly, beef, seafood, and seasonal oysters.
Good options include the Yamaimo-yaki with yam batter and two toppings, the Mizuno-yaki with six toppings, and the lighter Negi-yaki with lots of green onions.
Watching your pancake cooked on the hot teppan grill adds to the fun.
Dishes range from ¥1,200–¥2,100 ($8–$15), with premium options reaching ¥3,500 ($24).
Other popular okonomiyaki shops include Okonomiyaki Kiji, Fukutaro, OKO – Fun Okonomiyaki Bar, and Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten.
10. Wanaka Dotonbori
Wanaka Dotonbori is one of the most famous takoyaki stands in Osaka. The constant lines keep the batches hot and fresh.
The balls are crispy on the outside, gooey inside, and filled with chewy octopus.
Toppings of sauce, mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes add layers of flavor.
The Original Takoyaki is a must, but you can also try the Ooiri Variety Box with four different styles or the fun Takosen, which sandwiches takoyaki between rice crackers.
Be careful when eating because the inside is piping hot.
Prices are affordable, from ¥300–¥700 ($2–$5) for small snacks to ¥650–¥800 ($4–$5) for standard eight-piece sets.
Other shops you might want to try include Hanadako, Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori, and Kogaryu Takoyaki.
