Tanpopo MICHELIN Okonomiyaki Restaurant in Osaka! Enjoy Authentic Japanese Pancake
Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. About 7% of Japan's total population resides in Osaka, and approximately 10% of foreigners living in Japan are concentrated in this vibrant city.
Osaka has long flourished as a commercial city with active logistics. Around 1700, it became known as "Tenka no Daidokoro" (The Nation's Kitchen) due to its developed port that gathered abundant food, primarily rice, quality fish, and vegetables from all over Japan.
The city is affectionately known as "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City Where You Eat Till You Drop) due to its proximity to numerous famous sake-producing regions such as Ikeda in northern Osaka, and Nada and Itami in Hyogo Prefecture.
Osaka has developed its unique food culture using flour, including affordable and delicious dishes like Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). These dishes are collectively known as "Konamon" (flour-based dishes).
Among these, Okonomiyaki, which evolved primarily in Osaka, is the most famous local cuisine. Osaka boasts numerous high-quality Okonomiyaki restaurants, making it a fiercely competitive scene.
Within this competitive landscape, the two Michelin-listed restaurants stand out as exceptionally popular. Today, we'll introduce you to Tanpopo, one of these acclaimed establishments that you absolutely must visit.
Tanpopo: A Top-Rated Okonomiyaki Restaurant in Osaka
Tanpopo is a renowned Okonomiyaki restaurant that has earned top ratings in Osaka. In 2022, it was selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand as a restaurant offering exceptional value for money.
Beyond Okonomiyaki, you can enjoy various teppanyaki dishes, from steak to creative cuisine and yakisoba. Another distinctive feature of Tanpopo is its extensive Italian wine selection. In the chic and relaxed atmosphere, you can savor sophisticated dishes while enjoying a glass of wine.
What is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a dish made by mixing wheat flour batter (made with eggs and dashi stock) with cabbage, meat, and seafood, then cooking it on a hot iron griddle. It resembles a pancake and is typically topped with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed.
While the Kansai region traditionally had flour-based dishes with green onions, during the early 1900s wartime period, cabbage replaced green onions as an affordable and filling ingredient, leading to the spread of modern Okonomiyaki.
Over time, ingredients became more luxurious, with additions like pork and shrimp, evolving into today's Okonomiyaki.
If you are interested in Osaka's Gourmet, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Osaka's Gourmet as much as possible.
Kitashinchi: Home of Tanpopo and Many First-Class Restaurants
Kitashinchi, where Tanpopo is located, is known as Osaka's high-end entertainment district with many first-class restaurants. It rivals Tokyo's Ginza in scale and is often referred to as "Ginza in the East, Kitashinchi in the West."
Located south of Umeda, Kitashinchi benefits from excellent access from major stations in the Umeda area. Currently, about 3,000 establishments, including restaurants, bars, and clubs, are concentrated here, offering guests the finest hospitality.
If you are interested in Kitashinchi, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kitashinchi as much as possible.
Three Reasons Why Tanpopo Is More Than Just a Michelin-Listed Restaurant
1. Various Teppanyaki Dishes Centered Around Okonomiyaki
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Tanpopo shows creativity in numerous teppanyaki dishes, with Okonomiyaki at the center. They use different cooking surfaces - an iron plate for a rich, aromatic finish and a copper plate for fluffy textures - choosing the best surface for each ingredient.
The menu is diverse, ranging from popular "Premium Beef Steak" to original items like "Grilled Camembert Cheese" and "Satsumaage" (fried fish cake).
By reservation, you can enjoy specially curated course meals. Choose between a 5-dish course for 6,800 yen or a 7-dish course for 10,800 yen. Both courses include meat dishes, seafood, and the signature Okonomiyaki.
2. Exquisite Italian Wines Carefully Selected to Pair with Teppanyaki
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One of Tanpopo's attractions is its extensive Italian wine selection. With numerous bottle wines imported from Italy, the restaurant can even be enjoyed as a wine bar.
They offer various wines by the glass, including sparkling wines like Mimosa and Kir Royal that pair well with fried foods, as well as multiple options for red and white wines. You can enjoy pairing different wines with your meals.
Grappa and dessert wines are also available for after dinner, making Tanpopo ideal for wine enthusiasts.
3. Sophisticated Ambiance with Live Cooking Entertainment
Source: Official website
Unlike many casual Okonomiyaki restaurants, Tanpopo offers a chic and relaxed atmosphere. The bar-like interior makes it perfect for dates, and private rooms are available for business dinners. Counter seats also make it comfortable for solo diners.
At the counter, you can enjoy watching the chefs skillfully prepare your meal - it's like a show! The aromatic sizzle of food on the griddle stimulates your appetite, engaging all your senses for a fully satisfying experience.
Five Must-Try Menu Items Recommended by Locals
1. The Classic "Okonomiyaki"
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Tanpopo's Okonomiyaki features a fluffy batter with finely shredded crispy cabbage and crunchy pork. The combination of these three textures creates an ultimate delicious experience.
For an additional 800 yen, you can add Caciocavallo cheese. The melted cheese pairs perfectly with Okonomiyaki. I recommend pairing it with white wine - the cheese adds a Western twist that complements the crisp wine beautifully.
Tanpopo also offers a gluten-free version of Okonomiyaki for health-conscious diners.
2. Popular "Premium Beef Steak"
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The king of teppanyaki dishes is undoubtedly the beef steak. Tanpopo's steak, made from carefully selected premium cuts, is so good that regular customers say it rivals specialized steakhouses.
The high-quality beef, with its fine marbling, is light, tender, and has a clean taste. It's best enjoyed with just a sprinkle of salt, allowing the meat's natural umami to spread across your palate as it melts in your mouth.
3. Local Favorite "Special Thin Noodle Yakisoba"
Source:Tabelog
Alongside Okonomiyaki, one of Tanpopo's most popular dishes is the "Special Thin Noodle Yakisoba." This unique dish uses unusually thin noodles, making it a rare treat even for Japanese people like myself.
The noodles are crispy on the outside while remaining chewy inside, creating an addictive texture that locals rave about. The thin noodles absorb the fruity sauce perfectly, and the generous sprinkling of nori (seaweed) adds a delightful accent that enhances the flavors.
4. Osaka's Hidden Gem "Ikayaki"
For those wanting a little extra, I recommend the "Ikayaki" (grilled squid pancake). It's similar to Okonomiyaki in preparation but simpler, containing only squid in the batter instead of various ingredients.
While Okonomiyaki is fluffy with multiple textures, Ikayaki is chewy and straightforward. Tanpopo's version is notable for the squid flavor that permeates the batter. The bonito flakes on top perfectly complement the dish - it's one of my personal favorites.
5. "Today's Special Menu"
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The daily changing specials are also recommended. These might include creative dishes like "Pork Belly and Asparagus Salad" or "New Ginger and Shrimp Fishcake," using carefully selected seasonal ingredients.
My personal recommendation is their seasonal fruit crepe. It's so popular that some customers visit during cafe hours specifically for it. The crepe, quickly cooked on the copper plate, is fluffy with a gentle taste. Served with ice cream, it's sure to impress.
Access and Basic Information
Tanpopo Kitashinchi Main Store
- Address: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Kita Ward, Sonezaki Shinchi 1-10-16, Eiraku Building 6F
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 18:00-22:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 050-5595-6631
- Website: https://www.tanpopo-kitashinchi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitashinchi_tanpopo/
Tanpopo Hanshin Umeda Store - Perfect for Shopping Breaks
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Tanpopo also has a location in the food court of Hanshin Department Store Umeda, on the 9th floor. Here, you can enjoy the same quality Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba in a more casual setting.
The open space makes it ideal for solo diners or those wanting a quick meal. Like the main store, you can also enjoy wine here.
Tanpopo Hanshin Umeda Store Information
- Address: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Kita Ward, Umeda 1-13-13, Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store 9F
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Open daily
- Phone: 06-6345-0952
- Website: https://www.tanpopo-kitashinchi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanpopo_1999/
If you are interested in Okonamiyaki in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.
Also Recommended: Jibundoki - Japan's Most Difficult-to-Book Michelin Restaurant
Source:MICHELIN
Jibundoki is an Okonomiyaki restaurant run by a Japanese couple. It's Michelin-listed and famous for being Japan's most difficult restaurant to book.
Their Okonomiyaki appears thick and voluminous but has a surprisingly fluffy, light texture. The cabbage provides excellent texture, making it a dish that keeps customers coming back for more.
Besides Okonomiyaki, they offer steak and seafood teppanyaki dishes like oysters.
Reservations might be booked over six months in advance, so plan ahead if you want to include it in your trip!
- Address: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Chuo Ward, Minami Kyuhojimachi 4-5-11
- Hours: 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and holidays
- Phone: 06-6253-1661
If you are interested in Jibundoki, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Osaka's Street Foods, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Osaka's Street Foods as much as possible.
Want to Explore More Osaka Cuisine? Try the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai"
If you want to experience more Osaka cuisine, the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" is recommended. This tour lets you fully enjoy Osaka soul food like Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki with a local guide.
The tour price includes three drinks at various establishments, so you can enjoy worry-free.
Beyond food, the tour includes visiting shrines, exploring charming backstreets, and walking through the neon-lit Dotonbori. It's not just about food - you'll learn about local culture too.
By the end of the tour, you'll be an Osaka expert!
- Meeting point: In front of Nankai Koya Line Imamiya Ebisu Station exit
- Tour areas: Dotonbori, Shinsekai
- Start times: 11:30/16:30/17:30
- Price: $101.66
If you are interested in Food Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Food Tours in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Tour.