The lingering aroma of hot, savory pancakes on the griddle, with eggs, vegetables, and meat of your choice, fills the air and attracts customers from around the streets! Doesn’t it sound like Osaka?

 

If you have been to Osaka, you can imagine what I am talking about. But, for those of you who haven’t visited, you need to, at least for their okonomiyaki, which is one of the most iconic dishes in the city. This savory Japanese pancake is made of wheat flour, eggs, vegetables, cheese, pork and other meat. It is also one of the most famous soul food in Osaka.

 

 

From the streets of Dotonbori to Micheline-star restaurants, you can savor this delicious snack anywhere in Osaka. In this article, I have broken down the best okonomiyaki restaurants frequented by Osakan’s and tourists alike!

 

Kyochabana Minami Senba

 

This is a highly-regarded restaurant, located in Minami Senba, Osaka that specializes in contemporary take on traditional okonomiyaki flavors. The ambiance is cozy, yet chic, showcasing the amalgam of contemporary styles with Japanese authenticity.

In addition to their signature tomato-based okonomiyaki, they also serve grilled vegetables, wagyu beef, and much more. Kyochabana is also welcoming to vegetarians and vegans, expanding their accessibility to a wider audience.

• Recommended dish: Tomato based Okonomiyaki
• Address: 2-6-5 Hakoro-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 541-0059
• Website link: https://kyochabana-minamisenba.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=meo
• Open hours: All days from 17:00 to 23:00
• Holidays: Check the website link for holidays
• Reservation:  Yes – 050-5269-9708

Chibo Okonomiyaki

It is a famous chain restaurant that is located in Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka. With a seating capacity of 200, people flock to Chibo to savor the most authentic okonomiyaki, hot from the griddle. The location is accessible as it is located in the heart of Dotonbori, offering casual dining for visitors on the go! It is English-friendly, so visitors can order without the hassle of translating to Japanese.

The thick, and fluffy outer layer with a hefty stuffing and crispy bonito flakes topping is a must-try dish in this lively, yet sophisticated casual diner.  Along with okonomiyaki, they also serve authentic gyoza, grilled meat, and yakisoba noodles.

• Recommended dish: Modan-yaki
• Address: 1-5-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 542-0071
• Website link: https://shop.chibo.com/detail/28/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=gbp
• Open hours: 11:00 to 23:00 | Monday to Sunday
• Holidays: Sunday and holidays
• Reservation: Not accepting currently, 050-1807-5395

Botejyu

It is a culinary brilliant restaurant that opened in 1946, and now is a proud owner of many branches in Japan and abroad. Since the ’90s, their passion for fresh ingredients, no-additive sauces, and all-natural dashi has not changed. Even today, customers can savor the same taste and hospitality they received decades ago. Their use of premium and all-natural ingredients gives a luxurious dining experience you will never forget, right at the heart of Osaka.

The restaurant mixes three different sauces which go well with yakisoba noodles, also popular among its visitors. The okonomiyaki itself is chewy and soft and gels well with Japanese mayonnaise.

• Recommended dish: Special mix okonomiyaki, Mondan-yaki
• Address: 1-6-15 Comradedouton Bld.2F, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
• Website link: https://osaka-botejyu.com/en/history-en/
• Open hours: 11:00 to 23:00 from Monday to Sunday
• Holidays: Always Open
• Reservation: Yes, 06-6211-3641

Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Fugetsu was founded 60 years ago, serving a symphony of flavors in their okonomiyaki. They believe the moisture in cabbage used in the dish, plays a crucial role in its texture, hence they choose farm-grown cabbages that are fresh and preservative-free.

At Fugestu, your meal is cooked right in front of you, giving customers their commitment to using only high-quality ingredients in their dishes. Every ingredient they use is worth the calorie count because they are that delicious and will leave you craving for more. Do not forget to try their home-made shrimp and potato bread which is on their recommendation list.

• Recommended dish: Shrimp and potato bread, Fugestu-yaki
• Address: Sanadayama T.S.C Bldg. 6-5 Obase-cho Tennouji-ku Osaka-shi, 543-0028 Japa
• Website link: https://fugetsu.jp/en/?page_id=559
• Open hours: 11:00 – 22:00, Monday to Sunday
• Holidays: Check Website for details
• Reservation: Yes, 06-4304-0213

Mizuno

Mizuno is a shining star in the Michelin guide and has been popular among tourists and locals for their world-famous okonomiyaki. The popular restaurant was founded 65 years ago and has had a lot of time to perfect its dishes to cater to all types of diners – vegetarians and gluten-intolerants as well! You can spend a day in Osaka Aquarium, and head to this restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Things to do in Osaka: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Their gooey, warm savory pancake with a burst of flavors on every bite, is a a pure Osakan delight. Their popular dish is a mixed grill, called Mazeyaki, which is a mix of different meats like octopus, shrimp, pork belly, and squid. You better have a good time to spend while visiting this restaurant, because they always have a line creeping out of the door, waiting to taste the best okonomiyaki in Osaka.

• Recommended dish: Yamaimoyaki, Mizunnoyaki
• Address: 1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071
• Website link: https://www.mizuno-osaka.com/
• Open hours: 11:00 to 20:00
• Holidays: Thursdays
• Reservation: Yes, 06-6212-6360

Hana

Hana, in the Kyobashi region of Osaka is a cozy restaurant, with limited seating, providing an intimate Japanese dining experience. The shape of their okonomiyaki is different from the traditional spherical shape. Hana offers square-shaped okonomiyaki that has a tinge of sweetness and savory flavor. The restaurant believes in providing delicious food that people can enjoy with all five senses.

The restaurant was opened in 2008 and since then they have provided the best Kansai-style okonomiyaki with the most fresh and authentic ingredients. Along with vegetarian-friendly options, the restaurants also provides an option for visitors to personalize their okonomiyaki and other dishes.

• Recommended dish: Mixed Okonomiyaki, Cheese Mochi Okonomiyaki, Omelette okonomiyaki
• Address: 4-2-15 Higashinodamachi, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 534-0024
• Open hours: 11:30 to 14:00 and 17:30 to 22:00
• Holidays:  2nd and 4th Saturdays, every Sunday
• Reservation: Yes, +81-6-6354-8717

 

Written By Apoorva from India

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