LO : "last order"
: Open late  : Open Sundays  : Notable decor
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Dotonbori area
Chanto (Japanese). 06-6212-0425. The Chanto chain is known for their value-conscious modern izakaya fare; this multi-level branch just off the main drag in Dotonbori has stylish dining spaces up on the second and third floors. [feedback] | |
Located on a quieter side street of Dotonbori, this cute little shop prepares takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba and an "Osaka set" that includes all of the above plus ikayaki (squid balls) for Y1500. [feedback] | |
This chanko-nabe specialist has been in business since 1946. Full-course chanko dinners start at Y3990, and there are plenty of seasonal side dishes if you're still hungry. Lunch is by reservation only. [feedback]  Nanba 1-1-7. Open noon-2, 5-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays. The giant mechanical crab outside this shop has become an iconic symbol of the Dotonbori neighborhood and Osaka dining in general. Inside, the huge menu includes crab shabu-shabu, crab kaiseki and grilled-crab kaiseki menus. Lunchtime crab kaiseki starts at Y2000, and dinner with drinks averages around Y5000. [feedback] | |
Saisai (Taiwanese). 06-6213-1248. A big menu of authentic Taiwanese cuisine - including dim sum and noodle dishes - awaits you in this friendly little shop. [feedback] | |
This bustling branch on Dotonbori's main drag includes a takoyaki-heavy souvenir shop next to the dining area. [feedback] | |
An island of calm overlooking the bustle of Dotonbori's main drag, this simple but tastefully decorated shop serves healthy tofu and vegetable-oriented dishes (with healthy portions of meat and fish as well). "Natural Dining Toramaru" also stocks a big list of premium shochu from various parts of Kyushu. [feedback] | |
Waka (Chanko-nabe). 06-6212-4527. Like many other retired sumo wrestlers, the popular Wakanohana has opened a chanko-nabe restaurant, but this one stands out for its modern approach in the kitchen - you'll find unusual side dishes (like Vietnamese spring rolls), interesting "toppings" for your chanko, and even a wine list. [feedback] | |
This all-night Dotonbori landmark with the gigantic dragon on top serves a very popular Kyushu-style tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. Help yourself to unlimited garlic, kimchi and pickles from the toppings station. There are a few more branches in the neighborhood in case this one is full. [feedback] | |
Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, ramen - just about every kind of Japanese fast food imaginable, including some very obscure ones, can be found in this three-story recreation of Taisho-era Japan. [feedback] | |
There's strength in numbers, so eight famous ramen shops from around Japan have banded together to establish a presence on the very competitive main street of Dotonbori. You'll find just about every style and flavor of ramen here, all within easy reach. [feedback] | |
Tokuya (Japanese). 06-6211-4448. The deluxe full-course minke whale dinner here includes whale sashimi, stewed whale tongue, deep-fried whale, stewed blubber, whale burger and udon noodles; they also prepare a traditional spicy "hari-hari" whale stew. Around Y8000 for lunch or dinner, or more for the deluxe menu. [feedback]Sennichimae 1-7-11, Kamigata Bldg 2/3F. Open 4-10pm (LO; noon-10pm weekends). Open every day. Chibo (Okonomiyaki). 06-6212-2211. Five floors of okonomiyaki action here at Chibo headquarters overlooking the river. Actually the top floor - called "President Chibo" - specializes in grilled steaks. [feedback] | |
Unusual Kirin ale, stout and weitzen beers are brewed on premises here; there's also a light food menu of Japanese and Western-style snacks. [feedback] | |
Starting just a block south of Nipponbashi station near the east end of Dotonbori, this lively local market supplies local restaurants as well as residents. The north-south arcade runs several blocks, and is lined with dozens of specialty shops as well as bigger general-purpose stores. [feedback] (from Nipponbashi station walk 2 blocks S, one block E) | |
Namba station area
Like the Muji shop itself, Meal Muji is deceptively simple and always tasteful. The all-day cafeteria serves various "deli" dishes in small plates - Y780 for three items or Y930 for four, plus Y200 extra for coffee or Y250 for wine. Lunch is served till 3pm, with cafe time from 3-5:30pm. [feedback] | |
Yamaya (Liquor shop). 06-6644-0531. Discount wines and liquors, plus a miscellaneous assortment of imported foods. [feedback] | |
Tiny lanterns light the pathway through the faux bamboo grove upstairs, but we prefer the entertainment at the big counter down on the main level. House specials include free-range chicken from Kochi (both grilled and raw), charcoal-grilled beef, pork and fish, homemade tofu and oden. Dinner with drinks costs around Y4000. (Kaiseki lunches are also available for groups of 8 to 40.) [feedback] | |
Minami (Teppanyaki). 06-6646-5128. Top-quality domestic beef and seasonal seafood dinners start at Y13,860; lunches run from Y5428. The pleasant dining room looks out over the rooftop gardens of the Swissotel directly above Namba station. The drinks menu features Dom Perignon. [feedback] | |
Buffet brunches (Y4000) and weekday lunches (Y2700) with a great view are the daytime draw at this skylit hotel restaurant. Dinner prix-fixe menus start at Y6300, but there's a cheaper a la carte menu as well. [feedback]Nanba 5-1-60, Swissotel Nankai. Open 11:30am-11:30pm daily. This is health food in an attractive cafe setting, with plenty of brown rice and soy milk. The extensive drinks list includes matcha cappucino, black sesame smoothies and plenty of Chinese teas; food ranges from brown-rice onigiri and vegetable curries to organic cakes. Weekend hours start later (10am), and there's no smoking. [feedback] | |
News Deli is greatly responsible for the "deli boom" in Tokyo, and this first Kansai branch is equally popular. You can mix and match your own selection of salads, stews and other light dishes, and enjoy it all in a casual, comfortable setting. Want to sit outside? Want to order take-out? Want to bring your dog? News Deli is ready to accommodate your wishes. [feedback] | |
Namba Parks
Cheap and cheerful Italian - pastas, pizzas and dinnertime "sets" from Y2000. The dining area is attractive and quite spacious; there's also a small outdoor section. [feedback] | |
With its unfashionably rustic decor in the middle of sleek Namba Parks, Entrepot stands out more for its inexpensive wine selection - many bottles are priced at just Y2940, and many more are Y3000-6000. Food includes grilled meats, Spanish hams, galettes and assorted tapas-like small dishes. Budget around Y4000. [feedback] | |
The small but highly focused menu here includes several varieties of raw oysters, seafood stews, soup-like "pan roasts," and spicy Cajun-style gumbos. [feedback] | |
Sumibiyaki (charcoal-grill) is the focus here - skillfully prepared grilled meats and fish, plus unusual tofu dishes like "yuba cheese maki." The dining space is sleek and modern, but with a tasteful traditional touch that softens the edges. [feedback] | |
Decent all-you-can-eat Chinese fare, including a popular Y2000 dim sum lunch buffet. The red-themed dining room is divided up into several sections, with an open kitchen at one end filled with big steamers. [feedback] | |
Managed by the multi-pronged Gnocchi restaurant group, Kayukayu specializes in Chinese-style rice gruel with scallops, shrimp, meatballs, mushrooms, and much else. There's also a good choice of side dishes and a few okayu sets (starting at Y1980). [feedback] | |
Thick, meaty hamburgers and a good assortment of sandwiches are served at this Hawaii-based shop. There's some terrace seating. [feedback] | |
It's do-it-yourself deep-fry fun at this popular kushiage chain - pick as many of your favorite skewers as you like along with unlimited side dishes and desserts. Y2625 at dinner, plus an extra Y1000 for all you can drink. [feedback] | |
Shijan (Korean). 06-6641-0167. Shijan promises "Korean and Japanese harmony" - fresh, top-grade Korean-market ingredients adapted somewhat to Japanese tastes (i.e. not quite as spicy as Seoul). The menu features a number of inexpensive teishoku featuring chige and other stews. [feedback] | |
The premier source in Osaka for shochu, with thousands of varieties on sale and a knowledgable staff to help with your purchases. [feedback] | |
This casual shopping-mall rooftop branch of the Ponte Vecchio empire serves pizzas, pasta, and full-course meals; budget Y6000 at dinnertime and Y2500 for lunch. [feedback] | |
Syukakusai is famous for their whole roast chicken, prepared with ten different herbs and served with your choice of six kinds of sauce. They also brag about their homemade bread; budget Y2500 at dinner, Y1000 for lunch. [feedback] | |
Interesting and unusual pizza and pasta variations at budget-friendly prices are TTH's forte. There's some outdoor seating in the warmer months of the year. [feedback] | |
An upscale designer yakitoriya, with great peppery fried chicken wings (their most famous item) and interesting seasonal specials. [feedback] | |
Uoman (Izakaya). 06-6636-8170. This lovely modern-style izakaya serves great seasonal sashimi and seafood dishes, grilled chicken, and well-chosen premium sake. Around Y4000 for dinner and drinks. [feedback] | |
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Dotonbori 1-7-19, Nakaza C'est La Vie Square 2F. Open 11am-5am daily. 
Nanbanaka 1-6-8, Hotel Ichiei 1/2F. (upstairs from Nanba subway station, exit 6, inside the Hotel Ichiei) Open 5-11pm (LO) daily. 
