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3 Osaka Sushi Spots for Lunch Under 1,500 Yen ($15)

3 Osaka Sushi Spots for Lunch Under 1,500 Yen ($15)

Last updated: 6 October 2020

Sampling Osaka sushi is a must when visiting Japan, but dining at high-end restaurants can get pricey. Fortunately, lunchtime offers a more affordable way to enjoy this culinary delight, with set lunches often priced lower than dinner. These sets are perfect for first-timers, sparing you the worry of choosing from a wide variety of fish.

Here, we introduce three Osaka sushi restaurants where you can enjoy delicious lunches for under 1,500 yen ($15), giving you the best value for your money.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Sushimasa: With 58 years of history, taste true Osaka sushi skill! (1,000 yen / Tenjinbashisuji)
  2. 2. Maguro-Stadium: 1,500 yen for a fresh catch of tuna sushi (Tenmabashi)
  3. 3. Tokisuhi: Taste the brilliant umami of torched sushi, at 8 pieces for 1,400 yen (Nihonbashi)
  4. With popular Osaka sushi shops like these, best to go early!

1. Sushimasa: With 58 years of history, taste true Osaka sushi skill! (1,000 yen / Tenjinbashisuji)

Jō-teishoku set meal
Jō-teishoku set meal

Located in Japan’s longest shopping street, Sushimasa in Tenjinbashisuji is now run by its second-generation owner and remains a popular Osaka sushi shop with two locations.

Their nigiri sushi set meal includes eight types of sushi and soup for just 1,000 yen (before tax). The set features sweet prawn, eel, sea bream, salmon, roe, scallop, tuna roll, and cucumber roll, along with miso soup.

The fish is sourced from Tenman, Kuromon, and Chuo markets, known for providing only the freshest catch. When dipping the sushi, with its generous slices of fish, into soy sauce, you can savor the umami balanced by the sharp sweetness of the vinegar rice. It’s remarkable to find such high-quality fish for just 1,000 yen.

Since its opening, Sushi Masa has maintained its operating style with the motto of bringing great sushi to the masses. From high-quality ingredients to affordable prices, the highly skilled chef uses years of training and technique to craft delicious sushi.

In the blink of an eye, the chef transforms a ball of rice into a beautiful piece of sushi with a few precise hand movements. As the absorbency of rice changes with the season and variety, the chef uses his own blend to create a uniquely flavored sushi rice. The dedication and passion he pours into his work reflect the true spirit of a master at his craft—Osaka sushi at its finest.

Service Teishoku set meal
Service Teishoku set meal

Sushimasa Nakaten offers counter and bar seating on the first floor, with a banquet room available on the second. A mountain of pickled ginger is set at each table to cleanse your palate between sushi bites, so be sure to take advantage of it.

If the 1,000 yen sushi set isn’t surprising enough, Sushimasa also offers a 500 yen (before tax) service set meal. On days when your wallet is tight but you're craving sushi, this set provides a budget-friendly option, including a plate of tuna, prawn, and the roll of the day. With English and Korean menus available, foreign visitors can easily enjoy dining here as well.

  • Sushimasa Nakaten
    すし政 中店
    • Address 5 Chome-6-19 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0041
    • Phone Number 06-6358-2558
    • ・Hours: 11:10 AM–11 PM (Last order 10:30 PM, Lunchtime 11:10 AM–2:30 PM)
      ・Closed: Mondays

2. Maguro-Stadium: 1,500 yen for a fresh catch of tuna sushi (Tenmabashi)

2. Maguro-Stadium: 1,500 yen for a fresh catch of tuna sushi (Tenmabashi)

Having been in the tuna and aquaculture business for 40 years, Maguro-Stadium is located in the River Station Hachikenya building along Osaka’s Ōkawa River. It’s also a popular spot for tourists, as the Osaka Duck Tours, a land and water tour bus, departs from here.

On the upper floor of this river station is a spacious 74-seater restaurant with large windows, offering a view of boats cruising along the Ōkawa River while you dine. During dinner, the restaurant often features a live cutting and slicing show of a massive bluefin tuna, providing guests with seafood, alcohol, and an entertaining Osaka sushi show all in one experience.

Nama hon-maguro sushi gozen set meal
Nama hon-maguro sushi gozen set meal

For lunchtime, we recommend the "nama hon-maguro sushi gozen" set meal, priced at 1,500 yen (before tax). The tuna used at Maguro-Stadium is flash frozen and brought in, ensuring its fresh and juicy texture.

As the business brings in around 10,000 live tuna a year, they can offer tuna at about half the price of regular shops, making it an affordable option. This Osaka sushi spot is well known among foreign tourists, and many repeat customers come straight here for their fresh seafood fix.

Mega-mori kaisen-don
Mega-mori kaisen-don

For seafood lovers, we highly recommend the "mega-mori kaisen-don" (mega-sized seafood rice bowl) for 980 yen (before tax). This dish features tuna, salmon, prawn, and a variety of fish that changes with the seasons. The portion size is so generous that many ladies often request less rice when ordering.

To enjoy this dish, mix some wasabi with soy sauce in a small saucer and pour the mixture directly onto the rice bowl. During lunchtime, there is free self-service tea available. Simply take a cup from your table, add two spatulas of matcha, and fill it with hot water. Pickled side dishes and sweets are also available for purchase and make excellent souvenirs.

  • Maguro Stadium
    まぐろスタジアム
    • Address 1F River station Hachikenya 1-2 Kitahamahigashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0031
    • Phone Number 06-6910-0150
    • ・Hours: Weekdays 11 AM–3 PM (Last order 2:30 PM), 5 PM–10 PM (Last order 9:30 PM); Saturdays and public holidays 11 AM–10 PM (Last order 9:30 PM)
      ・Closed: Open daily

3. Tokisuhi: Taste the brilliant umami of torched sushi, at 8 pieces for 1,400 yen (Nihonbashi)

Sushiyaki
Sushiyaki

Tokisushi is a hidden gem in Osaka, located on a narrow street on the west side of the road connecting Kuromon Market to Sakaisuji.

The shop is famous for its "sushiyaki," which consists of 8 pieces of torched sushi served with miso soup for 1,400 yen (before tax). Each piece of sushi is uniquely seasoned: the fatty tuna with wasabi salt, the squid with salted lemon and yuzu, and the scallops with cheese and mayonnaise. Each fish comes with its own topping, so there's no need for soy sauce.

The sushi is torched after being shaped, giving it a lightly charred exterior and a mouth-watering aroma. Since the sushi is partially cooked, it's perfect for those who prefer less raw food.

Uni-don
Uni-don

Other sushi items at Tokisushi include plates starting from 220 yen for two pieces, making it an affordable option for those looking to add more to their set meals.

Another popular dish is the "uni-don," or sea urchin rice bowl, featuring Hokkaido sea urchin for 2,200 yen (before tax). The fresh sea urchin melts in your mouth, spreading its sweet flavor with every bite.

In addition to sourcing fish from Chuo Market and Tsurubashi Market, the restaurant also obtains fresh seafood directly from the port of Izumisano, sometimes even queuing overnight for the best selections. With many unique fish options not commonly found elsewhere, dining here is an even more enjoyable experience!

The main Tokisushi shop is located nearby in Sennichimae, with another branch in Higashi-Shinsaibashi. This particular branch is in a quieter area during the day, offering a more relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

English menus and point-and-order menus are available, with prices clearly displayed, making it popular among repeat foreign visitors for its ease of use. The first floor offers counter and table seating, while the second floor features counter and sofa seats. Reservations can be made, and since the restaurant tends to get crowded on weekends, it’s best to visit on weekdays when it’s quieter.

  • Tokisushi Hanare
    ときすし はなれ店
    • Address 2 Chome-7-28 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0073
    • Phone Number 06-7713-1379
    • ・Hours: 11:30 AM–11 PM (Store closes once fish is out of stock)
      ・Closed: Open daily

With popular Osaka sushi shops like these, best to go early!

These Osaka sushi restaurants are very popular during lunchtime, and snaking queues are a common sight. However, with quick preparation, the customer turnover rate is fast as well.

Near office streets, the weekday lunch rush from 12 PM to 1 PM can get particularly busy, so it’s best to avoid this time if possible. Many shops display their lunch menus at the front, with all prices clearly written, so take a look and find your perfect, value sushi lunch!

Written by:
WESTPLAN
WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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