13 Izakaya Around Shinsaibashi, Osaka Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: May 10 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Osaka has always been renowned as "the city of eating until you drop". In Shinsaibashi, one of its most prominent shopping districts, you can find a lot of eateries where you can try out delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices! Here is a round-up of the most recommended izakaya (Japanese pub) in the area.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Shinsaibashi.

1. Wa Bar Kai

Enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine and delicious drinks in this stylish and modern Japanese restaurant that plays jazz music in the background. Their specialty is fresh seafood carefully selected by the experienced chef. If you’re unsure of what to try, order the [Assortment of 5 Kinds of Fresh Fish Sashimi of the Day] (1,780 JPY). It's a platter with plenty of sashimi of the best seafood available that season. There are also many appealing horse meat delicacies like the [Limited Quantity Sakura Yukhoe] (780 JPY) and the [Bone-in Horse Rib Eye Steak] (from 2,680 JPY).

Wa Bar Kai

Open: [Monday - Thursday] 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 3:00 am
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Katies Bldg., 1-19-19, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

2. Kigocoro

This izakaya offers many horse meat dishes and delicious sake (Japanese alcohol). One dish you absolutely have to try is the [Sakura Niku no Dashi Shabu] (2,480 JPY). Enjoy 2 types of horse meat - marbled and lean meat - with their special golden dashi (broth)! Characterized by a slight sweetness and the umami (Japanese savory taste) of skipjack tuna, the dashi used to cook the meat in this shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) gives you a glorious taste of Japanese cuisine. Also, don't miss the [Basashi 7-Kind Assortment] (2,480 JPY) if you want to taste and compare different cuts of raw horse meat!

Kigocoro

Open: 6:00 pm - 3:00 am
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
*Closed from December 31 - January 4
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Nippo Suo-machi Elegance Bldg., 1-15-11, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

3. Kagura

Walk 5 minutes from Shinsaibashi Station to reach this restaurant that serves creative Japanese dishes and delicious alcoholic drinks. In its modern Japanese interior, you'll get to enjoy delicacies full of seasonal flavors. Their flagship menu item is the [Oyogi Ika no Sashimi] (from 1,500 JPY), made with super-fresh squid caught straight from the fish tank. Stuff your mouth with the sublime sweetness and texture of squid! Alternatively, the [Kagura no Shokuyo Lettuce no Shabu-Shabu] (1 serving costs 2,560 JPY, minimum order is 2 servings) is recommended for health-conscious diners, thanks to its large amount of vegetables and meat.

Kagura

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Normal hours 17:00 - 03:00 [National holidays] Normal hours 17:00 - 23:00
Closed: Thursdays
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from exit #5 of Shinsaibashi Station on the Subway Midosuji Line. Head straight east, turn right at the corner of Minami Elementary School, located just beyond.
Address: Mansion Umayado 1F, 1-13-3 Higashi Shinsaibashi , Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka (Map)
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4. Butasho Shinsaibashi Branch

This is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy shabu-shabu in the tranquility of private rooms. Their [Tottori Daisen Mochi Pork Shabu-Shabu with Special Dashi] (3,240 JPY) is made with Daisen Mochi pork, which is a brand of pork produced in Tottori that will enchant you with its smooth fat and refreshing flavor. Pass your premium meat slices through their special dashi and indulge in the umami of this amazing pork! Another classic menu item is the [Kagoshima Takara Pork and Chinese Cabbage Mille-Feuille Seiro-Mushi] (1,280 JPY), which uses a unique pork brand from Kagoshima.

Butasho Shinsaibashi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Food L.O. 1:00 am, Drinks L.O. 1:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 3F, Mido Shinsaibashi Bldg., 1-18-14, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

5. UROKO

This is a popular seafood izakaya that serves lots of creative and unique dishes made with fish directly delivered from fishing ports. The [Cho Mori] (3 servings costs 3,280 JPY) that has received the seal of approval from many connoisseurs is a sashimi platter made with fish directly stocked from Nagashima Fishing Port in Mie Prefecture. In this dish, 7 - 8 types of seasonal fish are colorfully arranged with juicy vegetables from Kawachi. You can also have fun with making your own te-maki sushi (hand-rolled sushi) with their [Hon-Maguro Head Meat Tekka Maki] (950 JPY)!

UROKO

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
*Closed from December 31 - January 2
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Amemura Square Bldg., 2-8-33, Nishi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

6. Kuturogi

A 4-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, this restaurant feels like a hideout where diners can enjoy a relaxing meal. Apart from counter seats facing the open kitchen, you can stretch your legs in semi-private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) or on sofas in private rooms. Here, they serve Japanese dishes made with seasonal seafood and fresh vegetables that are stocked daily. Their [Big Plate! Luxurious Otsukuri Assortment] (from 1,039 JPY) is a must-try dish that features a dynamic assortment of sashimi.

Kuturogi

Open: 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am) *Reservations required for lunch and late night meals
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 201, Meteory Art Bldg., 1-9-19, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)
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7. Kiwami-dori Ebisu

If you're in the mood for super-fresh ji-dori (local chicken), then this restaurant is highly recommended. They stock domestic brands like Tajima chicken, Omi chicken, and Awao chicken - all of which are so fresh that you can safely have them as sashimi (raw meat) by ordering their [Ji-dori Sashimi Assortment] (1,200 JPY)! You can also try their homemade [Tsukune] (chicken meatballs) (1,080 JPY), which is prepared in such a way that it has an incredibly rich umami (Japanese savory taste). With this dish, the Chicken meatball is grilled and should be eaten dipped in the yolk of a tasty brand of eggs called "Ryu no Tamago", along with a homemade sweet sauce.

Kiwami-dori Ebisu

Open: 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Marshall Bldg., 1-17-4, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

8. Yoichi Namba Branch

This seafood izakaya serves delicious seasonal dishes, as well as over 50 types of ji-zake (local sake) procured by the chef from all over the country. From the [Otsukuri 5-Kind Assortment] (1,380 JPY) - a sashimi platter of fresh fish - to the [Buta Kakuni] (braised pork belly) (580 JPY) that's made with tasty, melt-in-the-mouth pork, the menu is quite large and varied. The restaurant's signature dish, the [Gyu Harami Steak] (980 JPY), comes highly recommended. In this dish, outside skirt steak is cooked at just the right temperature and served with a refreshing Japanese-style sauce.

Yoichi Namba Branch

Open: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Lunch L.O. 3:00 pm, Dinner L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: No.3, 1 - 2F, Koisan Center Bldg., 1-8-5, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

9. Kushitaku

The owner has been making yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) with incredible mastery for a long time. He even guarantees that "if you don't like them, you'll be fully refunded"! His specialty is any dish made with Sanbai chicken, which is a breed produced in Kagoshima Prefecture. "Sanbai" means "triple" in Japanese, and that's how long this ji-dori is raised compared to a regular chicken, which gives it a firm texture and a particularly rich flavor. First, enjoy its umami with the [Sanbai Chicken Sashimi 5-Kind Assortment] (1,280 JPY). Then, you can try the [Kin no Tsukune] (480 JPY) that's made only with neck meat from the Sanbai chicken, and season it with wasabi and thick egg yolk, as well as other condiments.

Kushitaku

Open: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, National Holidays
*Closed during the beginning and end of the year, Golden Week, and summer holidays
Average price: 6,000 JPY
Address: 2F, EAST Shinsaibashi KM Bldg., 1-3-29, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

10. Akakara Ebisubashi Branch

This izakaya is popular for its spicy [Original Akakara Nabe] (990 JPY). Akakara nabe is an innovative type of motsu nabe (offal hot pot) made with an appetizing mix of aka-miso - a tasty miso typical of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture - and spicy chili peppers. The super-fresh offal boosts your energy and the large amount of vegetables makes it even healthier! You can choose the spiciness level, from the mild “Aka 0” to the extreme ”Aka 10” that is hot enough to make you cry. Their crispy [Tebasaki Karaage] (deep-fried chicken wings) (5 pieces costs 490 JPY) is also worth a try.

Akakara Ebisubashi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Address: 7F, Osaka Ebisubashi h+ Bldg., 1-4-10, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)
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11. Niku Bar muu

Thanks to the fact that their parent company is a meat wholesaler, this izakaya is known for their delicious meat dishes. For starters, you can try the [Wagyu Sirloin] (300g for 3,300 JPY), which is characterized by an incredible juiciness that spreads in your mouth and a great balance between lean meat and fat! It allows you to stuff your mouth with 300g of premium Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) for an unbelievable price! Alternatively, you can pair your drink with their amazing [Homemade Roast Beef and Mixed Vegetables Italian Salad] (780 JPY). It's another filling dish topped with a huge amount of roast beef.

Niku Bar muu

Open: 5:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: Monday
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 1F, Osakaya Ill Street, 1-13-23, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

12. Motokara

Enjoy the great combo of cured flavors with wine or beer at this restaurant, which specializes in smoked delicacies. The [Special Smoked 9-Kind Assortment] (2 servings for 1,080 JPY) allows you to savor several ingredients that are smoked differently. Also, their [Smoked Meat Assortment Regular] (2 - 3 servings for 2,200 JPY) - made with bone-in chicken leg, duck breast, and domestic pork shoulder - has an amazing texture and umami. It goes well with a German smoked beer called "Schlenkerla Märzen" (1,500 JPY).

Motokara

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
[Friday, Saturday] Lunch 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm - 4:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, 7-11, Souemon-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)

13. Tabiji Kitchen

This is a cafe with an iconic blue-themed mural that serves delicious food. Its menu consists of international dishes that treat their customers with flavors from all over the world. The highly popular [Moroccan-style Meat Ball Tagine] (720 JPY) offers a combination of lamb meatballs seasoned with lots of spices and herbs, as well as a fantastic homemade tomato sauce. The secret ingredient is dry fruit, which offers you a truly exotic experience. If you're in the mood for an appetizer, have the [Greek-style Fried Potatoes] (650 JPY). You're going to love the aroma of feta cheese and garlic oil!

Tabiji Kitchen

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
[Sunday] 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-2F, 1-14-20, Kita Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Did you enjoy these 13 izakaya in Shinsaibashi? This area is full of department stores, high-fashion brand stores, and boutiques, but it also offers a large variety of Osaka-style eateries. If you’re in the area for some shopping, treat yourself to a delicious meal as well!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.