What is an Izakaya
About Izakaya
Izakaya are traditional Japanese establishments where you can enjoy both alcohol and food together. In Osaka, known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” these venues have evolved since the Edo period as social gathering places where merchants and artisans would congregate after work. Even today, they remain beloved spaces where colleagues and friends casually chat and unwind from their daily fatigue.
Izakaya in the Osaka Area
Osaka’s izakaya culture is built on the three pillars of “cheap, delicious, and fun” (yasui, umai, omoshiroi). The deep-rooted “tachigomi” (standing drinking) culture is particularly distinctive, where strangers sitting next to each other at the counter naturally strike up conversations in a warm atmosphere. The culture of casually enjoying “hashigo-zake” (bar hopping) with Osaka specialties like kushikatsu, doteyaki, and powdered foods as appetizers is also uniquely Osaka.
Top 10 Izakaya in Osaka
Kushiyaki Saru (串焼き 猿)
A hidden gem kushiyaki specialty shop beloved in the heart of Dotonbori. Their kushiyaki made with carefully selected ingredients is exquisite, earning support from both local regulars and tourists. In a homey atmosphere, you can enjoy kushiyaki grilled one by one with care by skilled craftsmen.
Store Details
- Address: 1F, 2-4-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 3-minute walk from Namba Station (all lines), 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station
- Hours: 18:00-24:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
Shoan (焼庵)
A restaurant nestled underground in Dotonbori where you can taste authentic charcoal-grilled cuisine. They carefully grill carefully selected ingredients from all over Japan over charcoal fire. With about 70 types of authentic shochu available, it’s popular as an adult hideaway in a calm Japanese-style space.
Store Details
- Address: B1F Continent Viju, 2-5-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 3-minute walk from Namba Station Exit 25
- Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat 17:00-24:00, Wed/Sun 18:00-23:00, Holidays 18:00-24:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
Gifuya Honke (ぎふや本家)
A historic kushikatsu shop with over 100 years of history in Shinsekai. Their freshly fried kushikatsu using fresh breadcrumbs is exquisite, known as a famous restaurant representing Osaka’s taste. In a traditional popular atmosphere, you can experience authentic kushikatsu culture.
Store Details
- Address: 2-5-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 3-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station Exit 5, 3-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station East Exit
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri/Sat/Holidays 11:00-1:00, Sun/Holidays 10:30-22:00
Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma Janjan-ten (元祖串かつ だるま ジャンジャン店)
The original kushikatsu shop that’s a symbolic presence in Shinsekai. They’ve maintained unchanged flavors since their founding and are famous for their “no double-dipping” signs, with plenty of affordable set menus. In the lively interior, you can experience authentic kushikatsu and Osaka’s warmth.
Store Details
- Address: 3-4-4 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station and Dobutsuen-mae Station
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:30, Weekends/Holidays 10:30-22:30
Sumiginjo Tenjin (炭吟醸 天神)
An izakaya with an impressive large irori (sunken hearth) right in the center of the restaurant. You can taste cuisine that truly engages all five senses, with carefully selected ingredients grilled boldly over the irori. The restaurant’s specialty is “extra-large fatty sardines” with more fat than regular sardines. With a second floor available, it’s also recommended for large groups.
Store Details
- Address: 6-7-22 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 1-minute walk from Tenjinbashisuji-rokuchome Station Exit 12 (Subway/Hankyu), 8-minute walk from JR Temma Station
- Hours: Daily 11:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 22:00/Drinks 22:30)
- Closed: Irregular holidays (12/31, 1/1)
Genbei Temma Honten (源兵衛 天満本店)
A restaurant specializing in lean steak from carefully selected domestic wagyu beef. The meat cooked with their unique fire technique has a good balance with fat and a juicy flavor. Since seating is limited, reservations are recommended for multiple people.
Store Details
- Address: 2-13-6 Doshin, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 8-minute walk from JR Temma Station, 7-minute walk from Ogimachi Station
- Hours: Mon-Fri 16:30-23:30, Weekends/Holidays 15:00-23:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays (12/31, 1/1)
Tori Kappo Naraya (鶏割烹 ならや)
A luxurious chicken cuisine specialty restaurant in Kitashinchi. The kaiseki cuisine using carefully selected branded chicken is both visually beautiful and exceptionally delicious. It’s an adult hideaway where you can savor the depth of chicken cuisine in a refined space.
Store Details
- Address: 3F New Japan Shinchi Building Main Building, 1-7-8 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Tozai Line Kitashinchi Station, 3-minute walk from Keihan Oebashi Station
- Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00-23:30 (L.O. 22:30)
- Closed: Sundays/Holidays, year-end/New Year, etc.
Sakanaya Inui (さかなや いぬい)
A seafood izakaya in Nishi-Umeda known for fresh seafood. The sashimi and simmered dishes using fresh fish are exquisite, making it an irresistible famous restaurant for fish lovers. They also have a rich selection of local sake from all over Japan. You can slowly savor the treasures of the sea prepared with reliable techniques in a calm atmosphere.
Store Details
- Address: B1F Chiyoda Building West Annex, 2-5-8 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 8-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station, 10-minute walk from JR Kitashinchi Station
- Hours: 17:00-23:30
- Closed: Mondays (+ irregular Sundays)
Sakaba Yamato (酒場 やまと)
A famous popular izakaya located in the basement of an office building. You can enjoy authentic cuisine at reasonable prices, beloved by everyone from salarymen to tourists. Among the various delicious fish dishes, the thick and fresh sashimi platter is a must-order item. In a homey atmosphere, you can experience Osaka’s common izakaya culture.
Store Details
- Address: B2F Osaka Fukoku Seimei Building, 2-4 Komatsubara-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 2-3 minute walk from Umeda Station (Hankyu/JR lines), 2-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
Sisen Ryori to Shojiki Canon Fukushima (四川料理と小吃 奏煖)
An izakaya in Fukushima where you can enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine and Chinese small plate dishes. Using Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers imported directly from China, their Sichuan cuisine with umami standing out in the spiciness and spicy dishes pair excellently with beer and Shaoxing wine.
Store Details
- Address: 1F FK Building, 7-7-21 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 2-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station
- Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:30
- Closed: Only closed on New Year’s Eve 12/31 and New Year’s Day 1/1
Tips for Enjoying Izakaya
Choosing the Right Time
The optimal time to visit an izakaya varies depending on your purpose. If you want to enjoy a leisurely meal, 15:00-17:00 right after opening is recommended. During this time, it’s relatively empty, and you can enjoy conversations with the staff. On the other hand, if you want to experience a lively atmosphere, aim for peak hours from 18:00-21:00.
How to Order
At izakaya, it’s common to order drinks first. Many restaurants have daily specials, but it’s also good to ask the staff “What do you recommend?” If you can’t read the menu, there’s no problem pointing and saying “I’ll have this.” An otoshi (small appetizer dish) will come out first, but this is a general service as a table charge.
Etiquette
At izakaya, since the distance to neighboring seats is close, keep conversations at moderate volume. At standing drinking establishments, since space is limited, be considerate of others by standing diagonally at the counter (“naname-dachi”) and keeping your belongings out of the way. When you finish eating, say “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) before leaving.
Payment Methods
While cash payment is mainstream at traditional izakaya, more shops are accepting credit cards and electronic money. When settling the bill, say “okaikei onegaishimasu” (bill, please). There’s no tipping culture, but complete your payment with a smile as an expression of gratitude for delicious food and enjoyable time.
Summary
Osaka’s izakaya function beyond mere restaurants as warm community spaces that connect people. The traditional flavors passed down through generations, diverse cuisine combining new ideas, and above all, the warm hospitality of Osaka people continue to captivate visitors.
The 10 izakaya introduced today are all establishments where you can fully taste Osaka’s diverse food culture.
When you visit Osaka, please experience the spirit of “kuidaore” (eat until you drop) at these izakaya and enjoy warm interactions with local people. It will surely become wonderful, unforgettable memories.
