Dotonbori Osaka: 17 Best Street Foods You Must Try Out

Dotonbori in Osaka is famous for its delicious street food, restaurants, brilliant neon glow, and energetic nightlife. It’s a hotspot every food lover and traveler should explore.

As you walk through the streets of Dotonbori, you’ll enjoy the smells and sounds of good food cooking.

Now, let me share the 17 best foods and places to eat in Dotonbori. Plus, I’ll tell you how to get there easily. 🙂

By the way, don’t forget that I’ve made a complete 3-day Osaka itinerary. Check it out to discover the best spots to visit in the city.

1. Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori

During your trip to Osaka, don’t miss the chance to visit Takoyaki Wanaka in Dotonbori and get a taste of their world-renowned Takoyaki.

This restaurant is widely known for its tasty Takoyaki balls with special toppings.

Watch closely as the cook expertly molds the ball-shaped snacks filled with delectable octopus. This is surely a great start to immerse yourself in the fascinating Japanese street food culture.

And of course, you’ll love the texture of the Takoyaki balls―crispy outside and soft inside. The price ranges between 600 yen and 700 yen. And the one I ordered in the picture was 600 yen.

2. Okonomiyaki Mizuno

Another must-try street food in Dotonbori is served at Okonomiyaki Mizuno. This famous food spot is quite known for its savory Japanese pancakes.

Take a bite of their popular dish, the Yamaimoyaki. For only 1,730 yen, you can enjoy a fluffy pancake that is stuffed with pork belly, pork sirloin, scallops, shrimp, and squid.

Another mouthwatering dish is none other than the Mizunoyaki (1,500 yen). This Okonomiyaki variation comes with pork, mince, shrimp, scallops, squid, and octopus.

And just like most Japanese street foods, these are grilled right in front of you. This means you’d be able to see a local culinary scene!

3. Kushikatsu Daruma Dotonbori

Kushikatsu Daruma is a dreamland for anyone who loves deep-fried, skewered foods. They offer a variety of skewers, from pork to chicken and seafood to vegetables.

Order skewers of different kinds and choose your favorite.

Before I forget, each piece is coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to give you that golden brown look. And of course, these come with a special dipping sauce to elevate your dining experience!

So, if you’re craving some authentic Japanese skewers, head to this restaurant and enjoy a delectable snack. Their price range is quite affordable, ranging from 1,600 yen to 2,450 yen.

4. Wanomiya Kobe Beef

Continue your food adventure by heading to Wanomiya Kobe Beef. Known for its exceptional marbled meat, this restaurant highlights an authentic Kobe beef encounter.

Here, they have different Kobe beef options such as steak or sukiyaki (syabu-syabu). The price range normally settles between 1,800 yen to 9,800 yen.

Aside from these, many people also love Kobe Beef sushi. This particular dish lets you devour a slice of high-grade meat atop a sushi rice for 1,400 yen.

5. Naruto Taiyaki Hompo

If you want to try a traditional Japanese fish-shaped cake, Naruto Taiyaki Hompo is highly recommended. Their Taiyaki is very delicious as it is locally made and filled with red bean paste.

Apart from the typical red bean paste that is made from sweetened azuki beans, the store also offers other variations like sweet potato.

So, delight in this tasty snack for only 280 yen while you wander around the city.

6. Dotonbori Kamukura Sennichimae

Dotonbori Kamukura Sennichimae is a must-visit eatery in Osaka, especially for international travellers.

Recognized for its delicious and affordable ramen, this place truly gives a memorable ramen experience.

One of their must-haves is the ramen topped with roasted pork, soft-boiled egg, and fresh vegetables.

But of course, you can choose from their wide food selection. These include spicy ramen or ramen with lots of toppings.

So, enjoy the light yet flavorful broth that perfectly blends with the thin noodles. As to the prices, these are around 840 yen to 1180 yen.

7. Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji

Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji is also a top-notch ramen shop in the area.

Its most famous dish is none other than the Happiness Ramen, which comes with a big slice of tender rib.

For only 1,000 yen, you’d get to eat ramen that has a flavorsome broth, tasty noodles, and very tender pork rib.

Fascinatingly, the restaurant has other ramen variations. Plus, they offer rice bowls for anyone who prefers a heavier treat.

And don’t worry because all their food options are displayed on the menu. Thus, go over their selection and pick your choices!

8. Ichiran Ramen

Carry on with your ramen escapade and visit Ichiran Ramen. This shop is definitely a remarkable choice for ramen lovers.

And if you’re unsure what to eat, no need to fret. Just go for their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, which is a rich and creamy ramen combined with tender pork and green onions.

Plus, it is topped with a red spicy sauce made of secret ingredients.

If you want a hearty choice, go for the Ichiran 5. This ramen is made of tasty broth, noodles, pork slices, dried seaweed, kikurage mushrooms, and a half-boiled egg.

There’s also the Ichiran 3, which is a great option for anyone with a big appetite.

9. Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori

Kinryu Ramen is also widely visited by people craving ramen. What makes their ramen special is the broth filled with pork and chicken flavors.

Devour a bowl of tasty noodles garnished with Chashu pork slices, bean sprouts, and green onions.

And if you want a more satisfying dish, try to upgrade the extras. Add some garlic, pickled ginger, or even kimchi. Their prices start from 800 yen to 1,100 yen.

10. Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi

Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi is one of the best go-to conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the area.

They’ve got lots of options to choose from, including rolls and nigiri. And of course, all these are created fresh, making it a favorite among sushi fanatics.

So, during your visit, pick from the assortment of fresh sushi platters.

You may opt for tuna, salmon, or shrimp. And aside from the quality, these are reasonably priced.

Most of these range between 100 yen to 550 yen. Surely, you’d enjoy a hearty meal from this famous store.

11. Genrokuzushi Dotonbori

When it comes to the best sushi restaurants, Genrokuzushi Dotonbori definitely takes a spot on the list. In fact, it’s widely favored by many because of its long-running history in Osaka.

As one of the oldest conveyor belt sushi stores, eating here is no doubt a memorable experience. Go over their array of sushi choices, from salmon to tuna.

Plus, they have some local favorites too such as eel and mackerel. And if you want something unique, try the hand-rolled sushi.

Most of their sushi options are sold at reasonable prices, normally between 143 yen and 231 yen.

12. Hozenji Yokocho

Hozenji Yokocho takes you to a place filled with traditional cafes and cobblestone pathways. As you step into this historic alley, you are bound to get charmed by its variety of long-established restaurants.

Continue to walk around the area and visit one of the drinking spots. There are several bars here that brim with authentic “nomikai” or the famous Japanese drinking culture.

So, sip on a local sake and revel in the nostalgic atmosphere with your family and friends.

13. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho

Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho is simply a favorite among Yakiniku fans. This cosy restaurant lets you enjoy a selection of Matsusaka beef cuts, from tender loin to sirloin steak and short-rib.

With 14 beef options, you’ll certainly have a satisfying meal afterward. To elevate your Yakiniku experience, pair your food with their premium malt beer or sparkling sake!

Gobble up a platter of tender, mouthwatering beef with their Premium Full Course (Kagayaki) for 9,800 yen.

Or if you want to try the special steak of the day, go for the Platinum Full Course (Motenashi) priced at 13,800 yen.

14. Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum

Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum is undeniably a top choice for Takoyaki enthusiasts. Here, you get to unravel Osaka’s Takoyaki history as well as personally taste these local snacks.

Uniquely, the Takoyaki in this place is made to order. This means that you might need to wait for a bit for your order.

But don’t worry because the waiting time is definitely worth it. Feast upon this famous snack for 820 yen, which often comes with diced octopus filling, savory sauce, and various toppings.

15. Hozenji Yamakazu

Swing by the well-known Hozenji Yamakazu and eat a bowl of famous sea urchin and eel. This place is very popular with locals and even tourists who love Unagi.

Their sea urchin and eel bowl is not just pleasing to the eye but also very delectable.

It is topped with a raw egg to make your meal more satisfying. Plus, you get some side dishes like pickled veggies, soup, and a steamed egg.

Since they can get very busy, it’s advisable to visit early. Their current price is 8,800 yen.

16. Dotonbori Imai – Main Shop

At Dotonbori Imai, you get to relish a mouthwatering bowl of traditional noodles.

Dine in this long-running establishment with decades of history. Opened in 1946, the place is widely acclaimed for its appetizing noodle dishes and very tranquil setting.

Indulge in the ever-tasty Kitsune Udon for only 880 yen. This dish already includes a dashi broth with delicious wheat noodles, juicy fried tofu, and scallions.

If you want other options, no need to fret! It’s because they have lots of warm noodle choices like tempura, duck, conger eel, and more. They also have rice balls, rice bowls, hot pot, and tempura soba.

17. Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch

Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch is a top restaurant in Osaka that should also be part of your itinerary.

Recognized for its flavorsome crab dishes, this place is a must for crab lovers. On top of that, you’d be in awe of the variety of crab cuisines available.

One of their signature dishes is none other than the Crab Sukiyaki (6,600 yen). Take delight in this tasty hot pot that comes with enjoyable crab slices, noodles, and mixed vegetables. For sure, you’d get a gratifying meal after eating this dish.

Another classic favorite is the Grilled Grab (3,300 yen). This highlights a smoky-flavored crab with a hint of sweetness.

Or if you want tempura, they also serve one. Savor the crunchy Crab Tempura (2,750 yen) and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite drink!

Dotonbori Osaka: A Guide to Street Foods and Restaurants

Best Places for Takoyaki and Snacks

• Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
• Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum

Must-Visit for Okonomiyaki and Kushikatsu

• Okonomiyaki Mizuno
• Kushikatsu Daruma Dotonbori

Top Spots for Beef and Grilled Meats

• Wanomiya Kobe Beef
• Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho

Ramen Lovers’ Delight

• Dotonbori Kamukura Sennichimae
• Ichiran Ramen
• Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
• Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji

Fresh Sushi Choices

• Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi
• Genrokuzushi Dotonbori

Crab Cuisine Specialty

• Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch

Traditional Japanese Meals and Cozy Spots

• Hozenji Yokocho
• Hozenji Yamakazu
• Dotonbori Imai – Main Shop
• Naruto Taiyaki Hompo

Important Tips

• Try the Street Food: Dotonbori is undeniably the best stop for anyone who loves street food. So, wander around this place and try some of Osaka’s specialties. Don’t miss the kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).
• Visit at Night: The most ideal time to visit is during nighttime. It’s because the glitzy neon lights bring Dotonbori to life after dark. And while exploring the district, catch a glimpse of the Glico Man billboard, which is an iconic symbol of Osaka.
• Photography: There are countless photo opportunities in here, from its neon signboards to its iconic food stalls. Make sure your camera or phone is ready.
• Take a River Cruise: Going on a river cruise along Dotonbori Canal is also recommended. Here, you get to see the vibrant district illuminated by neon lights.
• Shop at Shinsaibashi: For shopaholics, you shouldn’t miss Shinsaibashi. This shopping paradise is filled with lots of boutiques and luxury stalls. Plus, it’s just a short walk away from Dotonbori.

How to Get to Dotonbori in Osaka

1. From Osaka Station or Umeda Station

To reach Dotonbori Street, hop on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line at Umeda Station and get off at Namba Station. From Exit 15-B, a quick 5-minute walk leads you there. The journey takes about 18 minutes and costs 240 yen.

2. From Kansai International Airport

Board the Nankai-Limited Express at Terminal 1 of Kansai International Airport heading to Namba Station. Once there, exit via Exit 15-B and walk for 5 minutes to arrive at Dotonbori. The journey takes about 38 minutes and costs 1,450 yen one way.

It is strongly advised to purchase your train tickets online as this can lead to a significant 25% savings compared to buying them at the train station.

3. From Namba

If you’re staying around Namba Station, getting to Dotonbori is relatively straightforward. You just need to walk to there for about 5 minutes. And just like that, you’ll be in the heart of Dotonbori!

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