10 Best Izakaya & Bars in Osaka! Recommended Restaurant List
Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, has flourished as the largest city in the Kansai region. About 7% of Japan's total population is concentrated in Osaka, leading to the development of many unique cultural aspects.
The city is particularly famous for its food culture, earning nicknames like "The Nation's Kitchen" and "The City Where People Eat Until They Drop." Osaka is known for its delicious yet affordable local specialties such as takoyaki (octopus dumplings made with wheat batter), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes with meat and vegetables), and kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables, breaded and deep-fried).
Did you know that nearby regions like Nada, Itami, and Ikeda are famous for producing excellent sake? Due to the thriving liquor distribution, Osaka has many izakaya (Japanese-style bars). These establishments range from those focusing on Osaka cuisine to those offering various genres of food. There are many hidden gems that only locals know about.
In this article, we'll introduce recommended izakaya where you can enjoy exquisite food, including local favorites chosen by Osaka residents.
If you are interested in Drinking Alleys, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Drinking Districts as much as possible.
Osaka: A Food Sanctuary with Countless Delicious Izakaya
As a food sanctuary, Osaka is home to numerous izakaya offering both excellent food and drinks.
The strong connection between Osaka and gourmet cuisine is well-known. This is partly due to its geographical advantages - bordered by the Seto Inland Sea to the west and mountains along other prefectural borders, allowing it to enjoy both sea and mountain delicacies. Additionally, as a central hub of Japan with developed transportation networks, various regional specialties gathered here. This naturally led to the evolution of its food culture, continuing to the present day.
Let's explore some must-visit izakaya in Osaka.
5 Local Recommendations: Izakaya with Great Food and Drinks
1. Izakaya Toyo
Source: Tabelog
Izakaya Toyo is a famous Osaka drinking spot, with lines forming before opening time.
The menu focuses on tuna and seafood, with their signature dish being seared tuna cheek. The owner's performance of torching the tuna cheek with a powerful burner has become quite famous.
But it's not just about the show - the taste is top-notch too. As some items are limited in quantity and often sell out, early arrival is recommended. Their generously cut fresh tuna sashimi is also excellent.
Drinks include beer, wine, shochu, and sake. Try their ice-cold beer paired with delicious seafood dishes.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-2-16 Higashinodamachi, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka
- Closed: Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Holidays
- Phone: 06-6882-5768
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 13:00-19:00, Saturday 12:00-19:00
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/izakayatoyo/?hl=ja
2. Osaka Yakiton Center
Source: Tabelog
Osaka Yakiton Center is a specialized restaurant serving fresh pork offal grilled with premium Bincho charcoal.
The menu features about 20 types of pork skewers, complemented by 50-60 varieties of sake.
The meat, slowly grilled over Kishu Bincho charcoal (famous for being ideal for grilling), has no peculiar odor and concentrates the umami of the meat. Skewers range from standards like liver and head meat to rare parts like throat and jaw meat. Try various cuts to experience different flavors and textures.
The standing-style setup makes it easy to visit alone, and it's perfect as a second stop during a night out.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-19 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-4396-8109
- Hours: 15:00-24:00
- Official Website: https://www.tayu2.com/shoplist/daiton/
3. Shinkawa Nishiya
Source: Official Facebook
Shinkawa Nishiya is an izakaya where you can enjoy fresh fish and vegetables at reasonable prices. The renovated traditional Japanese house setting is popular, and reservations are essential due to high demand.
While the menu primarily features seafood dishes, they also offer Western-style options like stuffed cabbage rolls and pizza. Their most popular item is the daily sashimi selection. The sashimi is firm and fresh, showcasing its high quality.
For drinks, they offer a wide selection centered on Japanese sake, along with shochu, beer, and wine. All dishes pair well with alcohol, making it easy to keep drinking. With extended operating hours until 5:00 AM, it's perfect for those wanting to enjoy Osaka's nightlife with great food and drinks.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-17-16 Namba-naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Closed: Wednesday, Thursday
- Phone: 06-6634-2440
- Hours: 17:00-5:00
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/shinkawa_nishiya?igsh=MWR3d3Z4aHAyN2duaw%3D%3D
4. Makotoya Honpo
Source: Official website
Makotoya Honpo is an izakaya run by the third generation of a soba restaurant family, using their grandfather's original dashi broth recipe in their dishes.
The menu includes Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, karaage (fried chicken), and sashimi, ranging from main dishes to small plates.
Their signature dish is the curry tofu. It's a thick curry with their secret dashi broth, containing tofu, beef, onions, and other ingredients. The curry's spiciness is beautifully balanced with the gentle flavor of the dashi, making it instantly addictive.
Drinks include beer, cocktails, wine, shochu, and sake. The Japanese dashi used in their dishes has a subtle taste that pairs well with any drink, so try various food and drink combinations.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-11-3 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Closed: Sunday
- Phone: 06-6352-6855
- Hours: 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:00
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/makotoyahonpo/
5. Robatayaki Isaribi
Source: Tabelog
Robatayaki (grilling in front of customers over charcoal) Isaribi is a long-established izakaya in Umeda specializing in seafood dishes.
The menu centers around robatayaki items, along with skewered foods, sashimi, and salads. Their recommended dish is the grilled live scallop with butter. The scallops are thick and meaty, with a gentle sweetness.
At the counter seats, you can enjoy freshly grilled dishes right in front of you. The performance of cooking before your eyes adds to the experience, so be sure to order some grilled items.
Drinks focus on shochu, but also include sake, beer, wine, and cocktails. All food and drinks are uniformly priced at 300 yen, making it both clear and reasonable.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-5-12 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 06-6373-2969
- Hours: 16:00-23:15
3 Excellent Izakaya to Enjoy Osaka's Local Specialties
1. Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Shop
Source: Official website
Kushikatsu Daruma, established in 1929, is the birthplace of Osaka's famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Their unique style involves dipping the skewers in sauce rather than pouring sauce over them.
They use a special blend of vegetable and animal oils for frying, achieving a light, crispy texture. The food doesn't feel heavy or greasy, preventing that stuffed feeling.
Their original sauce, which famously prohibits double-dipping, is light and not overpowering. Its moderate sweetness pairs well with any ingredient, making it hard to stop eating.
The kushikatsu menu is diverse, featuring meat, seafood, vegetables, and cheese, making it difficult to choose. Experience this addictive Osaka specialty that keeps locals coming back for more.
Store Information:
- Address: 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6645-7056
- Hours: 11:00-22:30
- Official Website: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/location/shinsekai
If you are interested in Kushikatsu Daruma, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Okonomiyaki Chitose
Source: Tripadvisor
Okonomiyaki Chitose is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that serves Osaka's famous dish, okonomiyaki, using a recipe passed down from the owner's parents. The secret ingredient in their okonomiyaki is pineapple, which adds a fruity sweetness that blends unexpectedly well, enhancing your appetite.
Their most popular dish is the Pork Mix Okonomiyaki. It is loaded with generously cut pork, squid, and shrimp, providing a hearty serving. The exterior is crispy, while the inside remains fluffy, offering a delightful texture contrast. You can also add toppings like cheese or egg to customize your own unique dish.
Pairing the piping hot okonomiyaki with a cold, refreshing beer makes for an exceptional experience.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-11-10 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka City
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Phone: 06-6631-6002
- Business hours: 11:30–14:30, 16:30–19:30
- Official website: https://www.instagram.com/okonomiyaki_chitose/?hl=ja
TAKOPA
Source: Official website
TAKOPA, short for Takoyaki Park, is a food theme park featuring six popular takoyaki stalls, all recommended by locals. These stalls offer a variety of options, ranging from traditional to more creative versions. You’ll find something to suit your taste, whether you prefer takoyaki with a soft texture dipped in broth, or one with a large piece of octopus inside for extra bite. There are even options with unique sauces for a change of flavor.
You can enjoy the stalls like a casual snack, or take advantage of their bar options to order alcohol, making it a perfect spot for a more izakaya-style experience.
Store Information:
- Address: Universal CityWalk 6th Floor, 6-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka City
- Closed: Open every day
- Phone: 06-6464-3080
- Business hours: 11:00–22:00
- Official website:https://ucw.jp/restaurant/takopa/
If you are interested in TAKOPA, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
For a local pub experience with hidden gems, try a tour
Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours
Source: Viator
Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours offers a unique chance to explore the back alleys of Osaka. Walking through some of the city's famous entertainment districts and historic spots, you'll experience Osaka's local culture firsthand. With a guide, you'll discover off-the-beaten-path spots that aren’t in the typical travel guide.
During the tour, you'll also stop by food stalls and restaurants to enjoy Osaka’s famous street food like takoyaki, fried chicken, and yakitori. If you're interested, the tour can also guide you to bars, shopping spots, and entertainment areas at the end.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
- Start time: 17:30, duration 3 hours
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
The Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba is a nighttime tour where you visit bars in the Namba area. The tour price includes both food and drinks, making it easy to join without preparation. As you walk through Osaka’s alleys, you'll stop at three popular izakayas (Japanese pubs), sampling famous local dishes like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. It's best to pair these with cold beer, sake, or shochu.
Afterward, the tour stops by Dotonbori, where you can take photos of the colorful, illuminated streets at night.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Namba, Osaka City
- Start time: 18:00 or 19:00, duration 3 hours
Osaka Private Night Tour: Dōtonbori & Ura Namba, 4 Hours With A Local
Source: Tripadvisor
The Osaka Private Night Tour focuses on the Dotonbori and Ura Namba areas, taking you through local dining and drinking spots. You’ll start by enjoying delicious food and drinks at traditional izakayas and standing bars. As the night progresses, the tour moves to a karaoke bar for some singing, followed by a stop for "shime ramen" (a final ramen dish to end the night), one of the routines after drinking in Japan.
You can also request specific areas to explore, rather than following the standard route, to fully tailor your night. With 4 hours to enjoy, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in Osaka's nightlife.
Meeting point:
- Tour area: Namba, Osaka City
- Start time: 17:00, 17:30, or 18:00, duration 4 hours
If you are interested in Night Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Night Tours I recommend and how I felt each Night Tours.