Right by Namba, Shinsaibashi shines as a top spot for any Osaka visitor, not only for its great location and easy transport links but also for its wealth of shops and eateries. The food scene here is vast, with our guide spotlighting everything from savory yakiniku and ramen to sweet treats, plus the best of both classic Michelin-starred spots and hip new joints.

Hungry for something specific? We've got recommendations on what to grab and where, along with tips for making online reservations to breeze past the queues.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is definitely one of Osaka's must-visit sightseeing hotspots. With hundreds of shops lining the main streets and alleyways, offering everything from clothing and accessories to popular cosmetics and skincare products, it's a paradise for shoppers. When it comes to food, the options are just as extensive. Plus, it's just a short walk away from Dotonbori and Namba, making it a favorite among tourists and locals of all ages for shopping or dating.

For dining options, you can't go wrong with Japanese favorites like yakiniku and ramen. Places like Kamukura Ramen and Kinryu Ramen are well-known, along with Hokkyokusei - Shinsaibashi omurice, a dish with a century of history. And don't miss out on Osaka's distinctive local snacks like kushikatsu, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki to truly immerse yourself in the flavors of Osaka.

There are also plenty of dessert cafes and gourmet spots for leisurely treats. Indulge in the incredibly popular cheese tarts from PABLO or the classic Rikuro's Cheesecake. Or grab some soft serve ice cream as a quick snack or take a break at a cozy café to rest your tired feet.

We've curated a list of 16 must-try eateries in and around Shinsaibashi, so you'll know exactly where to head for a culinary adventure!

Japan is known for its delicious yakiniku, and Shinsaibashi has some excellent options to choose from. Many of the restaurants in the area specialize in wagyu beef, which is famous for its marbling and tenderness.

The price of a basic meal starts at around 5,500 yen per person, but if you want to try premium cuts of wagyu beef, the cost can go up to 10,000 yen or more.

However, the taste of the succulent wagyu beef melting in your mouth is worth every yen! You can also opt for lunchtime deals or all-you-can-eat options to save some money if you're on a budget.

Hanamichi specializes in Saga beef and wagyu and offers a wide range of cuts, including rare selections like premium gyutan (tongue) and wagyu from Kagoshima. For discerning foodies, this is the place to be!

Dining options include all-you-can-drink or a la carte. The most affordable option without drinks is the "Ume Plan," priced at 4,400 yen. It features ten dishes, including three appetizers: salad, kimchi, salted beef tongue, sirloin, marbled beef, skirt steak, two types of offal, rice, and soup.

For a more luxurious experience, try the A4-grade Black Wagyu "Tsubaki Plan," which offers 11 dishes and costs 6,600 yen. This is an excellent dining choice if you want to indulge in wagyu.

What also makes Hanamichi special is that all the seating is in private rooms, perfect for those who want to dine without interruption. Located near the Dotonbori Canal, it's just a 4-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro, as well as the Nankai and Hanshin Electric Railway's Osaka-Namba Station.

If you're unsure about ordering at the restaurant, booking online in advance through the link provided below is recommended.

Just a 4-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro, Hozenji Yokocho is an alleyway adorned with red lanterns and brimming with restaurants. Within this vibrant area is Kitashinchi-Harami, which specializes in carefully selected Black Wagyu skirt steak. The meat is firm yet not greasy, making it a healthier and satisfying option without feeling too heavy.

A recommended dinner set is the "Dreamy Skirt Steak Course," priced at 9,900 yen and featuring 13 dishes. The course includes soup, premium beef tongue, the signature Black Wagyu skirt steak, selected salted beef, and sukiyaki-flavored wagyu. The staff will assist in grilling, so even if you're not skilled, there's no need to worry about ruining the ingredients.

Multilingual menus and friendly service make it perfect for connoisseurs who appreciate personalized service and enjoy upscale yakiniku.

Get ready for the ultimate all-you-can-eat wagyu yakiniku experience!

At Yakiniku Daibokujo, the focus is on Black Wagyu beef, with options ranging from regular Black Wagyu to premium cuts and even Kobe beef.

Their deluxe set includes a variety of Black Wagyu platters featuring 3-5 cuts, along with pork, chicken, seafood, salads, vegetables, side dishes, main courses, and desserts.

When you make a reservation online, you'll also get unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, making it a great deal compared to ordering at the restaurant and skipping the lines.

If you're looking to save, it's best to book ahead.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro, head past the Kani Douraku Honten (Crab Restaurant) and a bit further ahead, you'll spot a multi-story building housing several restaurants; Yakiniku Daibokujo is on the 5th floor.

Near the top of the list is Yakiniku Ichi, where you can savor the richness of Kuroge Wagyu beef.

They offer four plans: "Akatsuki" for 5,500 yen, "Teru" for 6,600 yen, "Kagayaki" for 7,700 yen, and "Takumi" for 8,800 yen (all prices include tax).

Each plan includes kimchi, side dishes, salad, grilled vegetables, and pork belly.

Plans from "Teru" and above include two rare cuts of Kuroge Wagyu beef and ice cream, with more varieties and cuts as the price increases.

If you're unsure, go for "Kagayaki," which adds extras like beef tongue, sirloin, and beef leg.

It's a delightful experience to taste various cuts of Wagyu beef in one meal.

They also offer a la carte options and all-you-can-drink packages for an additional charge.

Using a tablet for ordering, they provide multilingual service with staff fluent in foreign languages, ensuring excellent quality and service.

The Shinsaibashi branch is conveniently located just a minute's walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro, near the Shinsaibashi Daimaru department store.

It's the perfect spot for a satisfying meal right after getting off the train.

Additionally, they have a restaurant near Dotonbori, the Higashi-Shinsaibashi branch, so you can choose the location that suits you best.

If you think all-you-can-eat yakiniku in Japan is expensive, 298 will change your mind. They offer an all-you-can-eat plan for 100 minutes at 1,320 yen or 70 minutes at 1,100 yen, and all prices include tax.

It's a great deal. They serve a variety of meats including beef, pork, chicken, offal, sausages, and meatballs for grilling.

You'll also find a buffet of salads, curry, kimchi, cabbage, and fried chicken. But remember, there's an extra charge for changing grills and for uneaten food. You'll be charged 1,000 yen for every 100 grams of leftover food, so eat wisely.

298 is just a 2-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, near Daikoku Drug and opposite Ichiran Ramen. Because of its low prices, it's very popular, often leading to long queues. So, plan for some waiting time.

Okonomiyaki became a popular street food in Osaka during World War II due to food shortages. The name means "to your liking," reflecting its customizable nature. You can mix your favorite ingredients with flour and water, then cook it on a hotplate.

It's usually topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and nori flakes. While available across Japan, many people still prefer to enjoy it in Osaka, its birthplace.

Minami Meibutsu Okonomiyaki Nanjamonja Shinsaibashi specializes in teppanyaki dishes like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. They offer various okonomiyaki flavors, including pork, squid, and shrimp.

A unique option is Hiroshima-yaki, featuring layers of noodles, meat, and vegetables. Trying different flavors to compare them is recommended.

Each table has its own teppan grill, allowing for a fun cook-and-eat experience. If cooking proves challenging, the staff are ready to assist.

The restaurant is located near Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, a short walk from Shinsaibashi or Nagahoribashi Station. It's also near Daimaru Department Store and Shinsaibashi PARCO, perfect for post-meal shopping.

Okonomiyaki Mizuno has gained Michelin recognition for its excellence. The restaurant sources its fresh ingredients daily from the Kuromon Market.

Apart from their signature "Mizuno-yaki," other must-tries include "Yamaimo-yaki," which uses yam instead of batter, "Negi-yaki," rich in green onions, and "Moda-yaki," which comes with noodles for a fulfilling experience. Meals are prepared by chefs on a teppan right before your eyes, offering both a visual treat and a break from cooking.

Located in the Dotonbori shopping district near Ichiran Ramen, it's a short walk from Namba or Nipponbashi Station. From Shinsaibashi, it's near landmarks like Kinryu Ramen and Isomaru Suisan. Due to its popularity, expect long lines, so arriving early or during off-peak hours is advised to avoid the crowds.

Takoyaki may be known to tourists, but the Japanese version is unique. It's softer and the octopus inside is chewier compared to the firmer Taiwanese octopus balls. In the busy area around Shinsaibashi, especially along Dotonbori, there are many takoyaki stalls. Here, you can enjoy them right on the street. Seeing tourists quickly eat takoyaki on the spot is a quintessential Osaka experience!

Takoyaki Juhachiban Sons Dohtonbori stands out with its unique batter, made from dashi broth and milk, mixed with octopus, red ginger, dried shrimp, and plenty of tempura crumbs for added texture.

Their takoyaki features a slightly crispy outside and a tender inside, setting it apart in appearance and texture from others. The flavor strikes a balance, not too rich, and has a pleasing sweet-savory taste appealing to both adults and children. Orders are placed at a self-service counter, where you can pick toppings like takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and salt. Prices are reasonable, starting at 580 yen for 6 pieces, with options up to 960 yen for 10 pieces, and you can mix two flavors for added variety.

Located near Namba Station, just a 5-minute walk away, the shop is also close to Ebisu Bridge. A short 2-minute walk will get you to the iconic Glico Running Man sign for photo ops. Beyond the bridge lies the Shinsaibashi shopping district, making this spot a perfect addition to your sightseeing itinerary.

Kogaryu is a renowned name in Osaka's takoyaki scene, having been recognized in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Selection for three consecutive years and frequently featured in Japanese media.

Their takoyaki is known for its attention to detail, from the octopus down to the mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and sauce. They offer an array of flavors, including classic Osaka-style with mayonnaise, yuzu scallion sauce, soy sauce mayonnaise, Osaka-style with scallions, and black pepper salt mayonnaise. The prices for a 10-piece serving range from 550 to 650 yen. The yuzu scallion sauce is highly recommended for its savory yet refreshingly tangy taste.

Situated in America-mura, just a stone's throw from Shinsaibashi, it's a brief 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro. After enjoying some takoyaki, visitors can explore America-mura or walk back to the Shinsaibashi shopping district in just 7 minutes.

Kushikatsu involves skewering bite-sized ingredients on bamboo sticks, coating them with breadcrumbs, then deep-frying and serving them with dipping sauce.

It's said to originate from the Shinsekai district in Osaka and has evolved into a popular and memorable street food in Japan, known for its unique culture of "no double-dipping" sauce.

Since it's not as commonly found in other countries, it's a must-try when visiting Osaka!

At Kushikatsu Daruma, you're greeted by the iconic angry cook mascot and signs sternly reminding guests "No double-dipping in sauce! (ソースの二度付けは禁止!)" These elements make each branch stand out as a prime spot for kushikatsu in Osaka.

The Shinsaibashi branch modernizes the ordering process with tablets, offering both à la carte and meal sets. The "Shinsekai Set" comes highly recommended, featuring an assortment of skewered delights including kushikatsu, asparagus, quail eggs, shrimp, pork, chicken balls, sausage, and cheese. Your order arrives at your table via a mini-tram, adding a unique touch to the experience, making it perfect to enjoy with beer for a refreshing meal.

Located a short 4-minute walk from OSAKA Metro's Shinsaibashi Station, the restaurant is in good company with neighbors like Kamukura Ramen and PABLO Cheese Tart. It's wise to enjoy the meal as a tasting experience, avoiding overindulgence to leave room for exploring more of Shinsaibashi's culinary offerings.

If you're in the mood for more than just kushiage, Kin no Maneki Neko Namba (Golden Lucky Cat) is a fantastic choice. This Japanese izakaya-style pub offers a broad selection of dishes, including kushiage, teppanyaki, sashimi, salads, sushi, desserts, and a comprehensive drink menu featuring sake and plum wine. The prices are quite affordable, with kushiage and teppanyaki starting from 209 yen each, though you'll need to order a minimum of two skewers.

Located near Namba in the Dotonbori area, it's conveniently just about a 2-minute walk from OSAKA Metro's Namba Station. The huge golden lucky cat statue at the entrance on the ground floor makes it hard to miss.

Ramen stands as the go-to choice for budget-friendly meals while exploring Japan. Particularly in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, ramen enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with a plethora of ramen shops.

Notable among them are Kinryu Ramen, famous for its dragon-themed ambiance, the always-open Ramen Zundo-Ya, and Kamukura Ramen, renowned for its crispy cabbage in ramen. Each spot has its own dedicated following, ensuring you'll find a ramen flavor that delights your palate. Below is a brief overview of two shops that tourists frequently favor, to help you decide where to enjoy your next ramen bowl.

Ichiran Ramen is a must-visit in Shinsaibashi for its renowned Tonkotsu broth, firmly establishing itself as a household name.

In the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas alone, there are four branches: the main store and annex in Dotonbori, one in Shinsaibashi, and the Namba Midosuji store.

The Shinsaibashi branch is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro, with the other branches situated close to Dotonbori.

The Namba Midosuji shop stands out by offering a 100% chicken-based broth alternative to the traditional pork bone broth and serves its char siu as beef, distinctively serving ramen in square bowls—a unique feature across Ichiran locations in Japan.

Ichiran enhances the dining experience with "flavor concentration" booths for individual diners, menus in various languages to serve international customers, and options to customize noodle firmness, broth richness, and toppings to personal taste, ensuring a convenient and tailored meal for everyone.

Kingemon stands out in Osaka's ramen scene with its soy sauce-based broth that balances flavor perfectly without tipping into excessive saltiness.

The broth, a meticulous blend of chicken and pork bones with light soy sauce, promises a refreshing taste. Diners have the option to customize the noodle thickness, with the thicker noodles being a hit for those who love a chewy texture.

The menu features two broth variations: "Gold Soy Sauce" for a lighter taste and "Black Soy Sauce" for a richer experience. The char siu pork and soft-boiled egg are particularly noteworthy for their quality.

Situated in the competitive ramen landscape of Dotonbori, just a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Namba Station, Kingemon is among other renowned ramen establishments like Kinryu Ramen, Ichiran, Kamukura Ramen, and Shitennoh Ramen. For those seeking a memorable ramen experience unique to Osaka, Kingemon is a must-visit destination.

For those with a penchant for sweets, Shinsaibashi shopping street is a veritable paradise, brimming with dessert havens like the acclaimed PABLO Cheese Tarts and Ujien Kissako's matcha soft serve.

These spots don't just serve as delightful pit-stops for a quick treat amidst your shopping spree but also as ideal places to pick up memorable souvenirs. Several of these dessert shops feature seating areas, providing a perfect oasis to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Whether you're in the mood for the creamy richness of a cheese tart or the refreshing zest of matcha, Shinsaibashi's dessert landscape has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Rikuro's Ojisan is a local bakery in Osaka, with its branch nearest to Shinsaibashi located just about a 5-minute walk from Namba Station at the Namba Honten (Main Shop). This bakery also features a café area for dining in and a variety of treats like apple pies, Swiss rolls, pudding, and more. But Rikuro's Ojisan's most famous item is undoubtedly their cheesecake adorned with the smiling face of "Ojisan" (Uncle).

Known for its incredibly soft, fluffy texture, with raisins on the bottom layer, this cheesecake strikes a perfect balance of sweetness.

You'll often find a long line of people eager to buy freshly baked cheesecake stretching out the door. Typically, a new batch comes out of the oven every 10 minutes, signaled by the ringing of a bell by the staff. However, if you're not in a rush to eat it fresh, you can buy an already prepared cake, which is still made fresh that day. It's just as delicious and tends to have shorter lines. If you're planning to bring some back to share with family and friends, you might want to consider buying the regular version on the day of your departure.

Situated on the 9th floor of Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Pokémon Café stands as an enchanting destination for Pokémon enthusiasts of every age.

As Japan's second official Pokémon café, it boasts a menu brimming with snacks, drinks, and desserts that draw inspiration from beloved Pokémon like Pikachu, Eevee, and Snorlax.

The café frequently refreshes its offerings with limited-time specials, and visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase exclusive Pokémon-themed merchandise.

With Pikachu taking on the role of head chef and making occasional appearances to greet diners, a meal at Pokémon Café is akin to stepping into a Pokémon-themed amusement park, promising a delightful experience for both children and adults.

Guests should be aware that Pokémon Café operates strictly on a reservation-only basis. Without a reservation, chances are slim for walk-in customers to be accommodated, especially if there are no cancellations for reserved slots on that day. Reservations can be made through the official website, which provides support in multiple languages including Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a hassle-free booking process for non-Japanese speakers. This accessibility makes it easy for international fans to secure their spot at this unique café.

Ringoame, or candied apples, a classic festival snack in Japan, has recently become a trendy treat among the country's youth, thanks to its charming appearance.

Thoughts of Apple, a specialty shop dedicated to candy apples and primarily located in the Kansai region, is about a 7-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station.

They utilize locally sourced Japanese apples to craft a variety of flavors such as condensed milk, fresh cream, cinnamon sugar, white chocolate, and Uji matcha.

The shop thoughtfully cuts the apples into bite-sized pieces, packaging them for convenient consumption on the move. This innovative approach allows for an enjoyable balance of sweet and tart with every bite, encapsulated in a thin syrupy layer.

Offering a modern take on the traditional ringoame, Thoughts of Apple makes it possible to savor this festive delight all year round, eliminating the need to wait for the summer festival season.

Shinsaibashi, nestled near Namba and Dotonbori, hosts a constant stream of visitors, making it a bustling hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. With a plethora of eateries ranging from must-try Japanese barbecue and ramen to local delights like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, there's no shortage of culinary delights to explore.

Whether you crave sweet or savory, Shinsaibashi has it all. However, as Osaka remains a popular tourist destination, if you're concerned about crowds or navigating Japanese menus, consider booking your dining experiences online in advance. Planning ahead is the key to a smart and enjoyable visit to Osaka!

*The information provided is as of January 2024. For the latest updates, please refer to the respective official websites.