First up, we have Blue Birds Roof Top Terrace, which is the rooftop restaurant of Miraiza Osaka-Jo, right in front of Osaka Castle.

Miraiza Osaka-Jo is a historic building constructed in 1931. It originally served as the Osaka City Museum before being reborn into a multipurpose facility.

Alongside restaurants, there is a samurai and ninja experience, souvenir shop, cafe, and more, making it a great place to rest while sightseeing in Osaka.

Blue Birds Roof Top Terrace offers seasonal BBQ dining between spring and autumn. During spring, diners can take in one-of-a-kind views of Osaka Castle adorned by cherry blossoms, while chowing down on premium ingredients carefully selected by the chef, satisfying both the stomach and soul.

The view changes depending on the seat, so it’s better to let them know where you wish to sit when booking.

For views of Osaka Castle, like the photo above, choose either the “Tenshukaku-gawa Kakuyaku” (天守閣側確約) or the “Tenshukaku-gawa Sofa Seki Kakuyaku” (天守閣側ソファー席確約) when reserving online for guaranteed castle-view seats.

Selecting a castle-view seat is from 6,980 yen/person, while the regular, non-designated seats run from 4,980 yen/person.

This is the “Domestic Beef Sirloin/Kobe Pork 6-Piece Set” (from 6,980 yen). You’ll get a serving of Japanese sirloin, rump, and skirt steak, along with some Kobe pork, Okutanba chicken thighs, sausage, and five kinds of fried vegetables.

You can also help yourself to a buffet of 7 different appetizers, three types of fruit, plus rice and curry.

Best of all, it’s “all-you-can-drink,” with a menu of over 50 beverages, including beer, cocktails, chuhai, and soft drinks.

For those that prefer the ocean's bounties, we recommend opting for the “Seafood BBQ 6-Piece Set” (from 5,980 yen). This feast includes salted and dried luxury “nodoguro” (blackthroat seaperch) and the divine “black tiger” shrimp. For an extra 2,000 yen, you can max up the main menu size too!

Once the sun sets, Osaka Castle will be spectacularly illuminated, making it even more enchanting than the daytime. Combined with the twinkling city lights, it’s a truly breathtaking scene.

Foreign Language Support
English and Chinese menus available, English-speaking staff available, translation machines available

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Guests asked to wear masks and take temperatures when entering

Next up, we have the cafe, dining, and bar SKY GARDEN 300, located on the observation deck of Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan.

Witnessing the twinkling neon of Osaka from 300 meters above the ground is an enthralling experience worth taking at least an hour or so to soak in.

The casual food-court can be enjoyed both day and night by families, couples, or alone. It’s a great place to grab a bite to enjoy with the views.

Across from the sofa seats is a huge, clear window, making it feel like you’re floating amongst the clouds. If the weather is good, you’ll be able to see as far as Kyoto and the Rokko Mountains of Kobe.

There are also terrace seats in the outside garden, allowing even closer enjoyment with the surrounding scenery.

The perfect pick-me-up to enjoy here is the “Abeno Pudding” (550 yen), which is topped with fluffy cloud-like marshmallows and the Harukas 300 mascot “Abeno Bear.”

Also worth trying is the “Puka Dog,” a style of hot dog from Hawaii made from a 300mm sausage inside a bun, along with the “Pineapple Candy” soft-serve ice cream, all of which are ideal for kids! If you’re feeling a tad hungry, light meals like omurice, spaghetti, curry, and more, make it a good spot for lunch too!

For an extra-special meal with a partner or friend, we recommend the “Pair Plan” (5,500 yen/person), which includes a ticket to the observation deck. You’ll get sparkling wine, three kinds of appetizers, cream pasta, Awaji beef steak, and vegetable fritto, and desserts.

This excellent food has been specially designed to complement the breathtaking views and will undoubtedly make your time in Osaka all the more remarkable.

Say cheers to the views and your future as you dig into gourmet dishes alongside the heavenly scenery!

The restaurant also offers a photography service, making it ideal for anniversary dinners!

Foreign Language Support
English menus and English-speaking staff available, translation machines available

Health & Safety Information
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

The economy and culture of Osaka flourished from the diversity of people that once intermingled on its waterways, earning it the nickname “the city of water.”

To recapture the essence of these times, numerous projects have been set up aiming to reinvigorate Osaka’s riverfront areas. The lively business district of Nakanoshima is one neighborhood that has greatly benefited from these promotions.

Our final entry is sumile OSAKA, a restaurant in Nakanoshima Love Central, a local landmark combining urban aesthetics with riverside splendor.

sumile OSAKA is a casual Italian joint serving up fresh seafood and grilled dishes. There are private rooms seating up to 8 people, along with terrace seats and more right by the river, ideal for couples, friends, and families.

The expansive windows superbly capture the gentle current of the Dojima River, along with the encompassing cityscape of tall, dignified business buildings. Adding extra flair is the Osaka City Central Public Hall, a Renaissance Revival masterpiece constructed in 1918 that remains unchanged to this day.

After dark, the neon lights illuminate the waterfront beautifully. The contrast between this historical landmark and the surrounding slick, modern offices is a sight to behold, showcasing the depth of Osaka’s history and prosperity.

sumile OSAKA is open from lunch until dinner, so you can visit whenever you feel hungry. The lunch menu starts from 1,000 yen, the cafe from 500 yen, and dinner courses from around 3,000 yen, making it very reasonable considering the stellar location.

The dinner course mains are grilled from fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. While a casual atmosphere encourages guests to share, an anniversary or special date would not feel out of place.

Feast your eyes upon the “Wagon Dolce,” which is included in several courses. You can choose your favorites from an assortment of sweets like fruit-filled cake, Basque cheesecake, Italian pudding, and more!

There are also small à la carte dishes, plenty of salads, loads of pasta, and more, so you’re bound to find something agreeable!

Foreign Language Support
English and Chinese menus available, English-speaking staff available, translation machines available

Health & Safety Information
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

We’re confident that each of these fantastic outdoor restaurants in Osaka will spice up your time spent in Japan’s gourmet capital. Whether it be with a partner, friends, family, or just a little “me time” alone, Osaka night-view restaurants welcome one and all!

*This article is accurate as of April 2022. Confirm the latest information on official websites before making plans.