Best Japanese Food in Osaka: Must-Try Local Dishes & Hidden Gems Guide

1️⃣ Sushi Bar Sashisu Whitie Umeda Branch
(P1-P2)
Tucked right beside Osaka Station, this hidden gem often has a lively queue during peak hours—proof of its popularity! During my week-long stay, I found myself returning twice, surrounded by the comforting chatter of local regulars.

The fatty tuna roll (tekka maki) was an absolute revelation—each bite released an explosion of rich, savory oils that danced on the palate. The wagyu nigiri (just 40 RMB for two pieces!) melted like butter, proving why Japanese beef deserves its legendary status. We couldn’t resist ordering seconds! At 100 RMB per person, this felt like a luxurious steal—though fair warning, skip their fried offerings.

2️⃣ Kagawa Oden
(P3-P5)
Night owls, this is your culinary sanctuary—serving comfort until 3 AM!

The star? Their daikon radish—transformed into a flavor-packed sponge that bursts with oden essence in every tender mouthful.

Don’t miss the tempura shrimp curry udon either. The owner crafts the udon fresh daily, resulting in noodles with the perfect springy texture that’ll make you swear off packaged versions forever.

3️⃣ Enya (Umeda Branch) Yakitori
(P6-P8)
Japan might not be chicken-famous globally, but this unassuming spot rewrote all my expectations.

The meal began with a delightful surprise—a complimentary appetizer of chilled minced meat tofu with scallions that set the tone beautifully.

Then came the showstopper: miso chicken soup so deeply flavorful it could only come from hours of loving preparation. This elixir was so good we kept finding excuses to pour it over everything!

Their yakitori performed magic tricks—each bite defied expectations with layers of subtle, unexpected flavors.

(PS: Our photos look sparse because we devoured everything in record time!)

4️⃣ HARBS Cake
(P9)
The holy grail for Osaka’s dessert pilgrims. Though the famous fruit mille crepe had sold out, seasonal strawberry cakes saved the day.

While not life-changing, the delicate layers of fresh fruit, cloud-like sponge, and creamy custard-cheese blend made for a satisfying indulgence.

5️⃣ Afternoon Tea LOVE & TABLE LUCUA Osaka Shop
(P10)
Mission accomplished: finally tasting the legendary fruit mille crepe!

It lived up to every fantasy—luscious cream embracing jewel-like fruits between whisper-thin crepes. A dream come true for fruit-loving sweet tooths!

My only heartbreak? Leaving Osaka without trying its famous okonomiyaki. Wuwuwu indeed!