What Are the Must-Try Foods in Osaka? 8 Restaurants You Should Visit Near Tourist Spots and Major Terminals

大阪グルメのおすすめ店を観光スポットやターミナルごとに紹介

Osaka is famous for its local delicacies, and first-time visitors often wonder what to eat during their trip.

  • Are there must-try gourmet spots near major sightseeing attractions?
  • Can you find local Osaka dishes at the transport terminals you’ll stop by during your trip?

In sightseeing areas and transport hubs across Osaka City, there are numerous spots where you can enjoy local gourmet food.

This article introduces restaurants where you can savor Osaka’s gourmet cuisine, categorized by major sightseeing areas and transportation terminals in Osaka City.

During your trip or sightseeing in Osaka, enjoy the local flavors efficiently for lunch or dinner and make the most of your visit!

Tsutenkaku Gourmet 1: Osaka Shinsekai Kushikatsu Daruma – Shinsekai Main Branch

Exterior of Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Branch

If you’re enjoying kushikatsu in Shinsekai near Tsutenkaku, “Osaka Shinsekai Kushikatsu Daruma – Shinsekai Main Branch” is a must-visit.
This long-established shop opened in 1929 and has preserved its traditional taste ever since.

The crispy batter and juicy ingredients are in perfect harmony, pairing excellently with their special sauce.

If you’re unsure what to order, choose one of the combo sets such as the Main Branch Set, Dobutsuen-mae Set, or Shinsekai Set, which include kushikatsu and doteyaki.

A landmark of Shinsekai, it’s loved by both tourists and locals alike—a kushikatsu spot not to miss.

Address 2-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:00–22:30
Weekends & Holidays: 10:30–22:30
Contact 06-6645-7056
Access 6‑min walk from Exit 5 of Dobutsuen‑mae Station (Midosuji Line)
6‑min walk from Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station (Sakaisuji Line)
8‑min walk from Shin‑Imamiya Station (JR Loop Line)
13‑min walk from Shin‑Imamiya Station (Nankai Koya Line)
Parking None

Tsutenkaku Gourmet 2: Grill Maruyoshi

Signature dish from Grill Maruyoshi

Grill Maruyoshi is a long-established Western-style restaurant located in the Via Abeno Walk shopping area near Tennoji Station.

Founded in 1946, it’s famous for dishes like special rolled cabbage and beef stew, beloved by many diners.
The rolled cabbage topped with two types of sauces is especially exquisite, featuring tender cabbage and juicy meat.

In 2015 and 2016, it was selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for offering satisfying meals at a great value.

For a relaxing Western meal in the Tennoji area, treat yourself at Grill Maruyoshi.

Address Via Abeno Walk 130, 1‑6‑1 Abenosuji, Abeno‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Weekends & Holidays: 11:00–15:30, 16:30–22:00
Closed: Tuesdays & 2nd Wednesdays (Open on holidays/equinox/Obon)
Contact 06-6649-3566
Access Tennoji Station (JR Loop, Hanwa, Yamatoji Lines)
Underground passage from Tennoji (Midosuji & Tanimachi Lines)
10‑min walk from Osaka Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu)
Parking Approx. 1,500 spaces (8:45–23:30)

Osaka Castle Gourmet 1: Ikayaki Yamagen

Ikayaki from Yamagen
Ikayaki Yamagen is a specialty grilled-squid shop in the Shin-Kyobashi shopping arcade, just steps from Kyobashi Station.

The ikayaki (grilled squid pancake) mixes chewy squid tentacles into a yamato flour batter flavored with dashi stock, then grills on both sides with a special machine—Osaka soul food at its finest.

From 13:00–17:00, they offer a “senbero” value set: 1 ikayaki, 3 drinks, 2 side dishes for ¥1,000.

After 17:00, it transforms into an izakaya-style spot, offering a wider variety of food and drinks beyond wired squid.

They also offer takeout—ideal for a quick visit before or after touring Osaka Castle.

Address 5‑2‑8 Higashinodacho, Miyakojima‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 13:00–23:00
Weekends & Holidays: same
Closed: Wednesdays
Contact 050-6873-3319
Access 3‑min walk from Kyobashi Station (JR Loop, Osaka Metro, Keihan)
Parking None

Osaka Castle Gourmet 2: Tokumasa Morinomiya

Exterior and curry udon from Tokumasa Morinomiya
Tokumasa Morinomiya is a curry‑udon specialty restaurant located just a short walk from Morinomiya Station.

Its curry udon is known for its sweet onion base and mild spice—so gentle that even children can enjoy it.

Many opt for the set menu featuring curry udon with a small rice bowl and side dish—it’s filling and affordable.
If you’re worried about splashes, staff can provide a paper bib upon request.

Located near Osaka Castle, it’s a convenient stop to enjoy delicious curry udon.

Address 1‑16‑22 Morinomiya Chuo, Chuo‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:00–15:00
Closed: Mondays
Contact 06-6942-1903
Access 2‑min walk from Morinomiya Station (JR Loop)
2‑min from Exit 2, Morinomiya Station (Osaka Metro Chuo & Nagahori Tsurumi‑ryokuchi Lines)
Parking None

Dotonbori Gourmet 1: Jiyuken Namba Main Store

Jiyuken’s signature curry
Jiyuken Namba Main Store is a century‑old Western‑style restaurant founded in 1910—Osaka’s first Western restaurant—famous for its signature curry.

The “Signature Curry” blends rice and curry sauce together—then topped with a raw egg. Mix it in for a rich, savory flavor experience.

The menu also includes lunch sets with fried shrimp and hamburger, as well as fried chicken and tonkatsu set meals.

Located just steps from Namba Station, enjoy traditional Osaka‑style Western cuisine at Jiyuken.

Address 3‑1‑34 Namba, Chuo‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:00–20:00
Weekends & Holidays: same
Closed: Mondays
Contact 06‑6631‑5564
Access 2‑min walk from Osaka Namba (Kintetsu) & Namba Station (Osaka Metro)
Parking None
Official Page Official Website

Dotonbori Gourmet 2: 551 Horai Main Store

Interior of 551 Horai Main Store551 Horai Main Store is the go‑to spot for Osaka‑style pork buns.
At the main store, in addition to the classic meat buns, you’ll find a store‑exclusive char siu bun—both unforgettable once tasted.

1st floor is for takeout, while the 2nd & 3rd floors operate as restaurants, so whether you’re grabbing a snack or sitting down for a meal, it’s convenient.

Enjoy freshly made pork buns crafted by skilled chefs, and taste the authentic flavors of Osaka.

Address 3‑6‑3 Namba, Chuo‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Restaurant/Bento: 11:00–21:30
Shop: 10:00–21:30
Contact 06‑6641‑0551
Access 1‑min walk from Osaka Namba (Kintetsu) & Namba Station (Osaka Metro)
Parking None
Official Page Official Website

Shin‑Osaka Station Gourmet: Messe Kuma Shin‑Osaka

Messe Kuma Shin‑Osaka is an okonomiyaki specialty restaurant located in the “Aji no Koji” dining area one floor below the JR Shin‑Osaka ticket gates.

The popular “Original Negi‑Oko” features lots of Kujo green onions and sweet‑simmered beef tendon on top. On weekdays from 11:00 to 16:00, you can get a lunch set with rice and miso soup.

Located just steps from the Shinkansen and Osaka Metro gates, it’s a rare chance to enjoy authentic okonomiyaki before boarding or after disembarking the bullet train.

Address 5‑16‑1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa‑ku, Osaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:00–23:00
Weekends & Holidays: same
Contact 050‑5493‑5040
Access 2‑min walk from JR Shin‑Osaka Station
Parking None
Official Page Official Website

Itami Airport Gourmet: Mimiu Itami Airport Store

Exterior of Mimiu Itami Airport Store

Mimiu Itami Airport Store is a renowned udon shop—perfect for starting or ending your Osaka trip.

The signature kitsune udon combines rich broth made from Hokkaido kelp and Kochi bonito flakes with a juicy fried tofu pouch—absolutely divine.

Opening at 7:30 AM, they offer a morning special until 11:00 AM: a porridge topped with dashi-based sauce called “yuba okayu.”

Located in the terminal’s dining area before the security check, relax and enjoy Kansai-style udon while waiting for your flight.

Address 2F Central Block, Itami Airport, 3‑555 Hotarugaike Nishimachi, Toyonaka City
Opening Hours Weekdays: 7:30–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Weekends & Holidays: 7:30–21:00
Contact 06‑6152‑6264
Access 5‑min walk from Osaka Airport Station (Osaka Monorail)
Parking Available (1 hr free with ¥3,000+ purchase)

Enjoy Osaka Gourmet Alongside Sightseeing!

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This article introduced Osaka gourmet you can enjoy in major sightseeing areas.

With so many delicious options, it’s best to decide where to go in advance based on your itinerary—that way you won’t waste time deciding on the day.

Also, transport hubs like Shinkansen stations and airports feature iconic Osaka eateries, letting you enjoy local flavors from start to finish.

For more flexible travel, renting a car is recommended.

Choose GO!GO! Tour Car Rental which offers affordable rental cars.

Please feel free to inquire.

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