From tender tonkatsu to quick ramen fixes, here is a quick guide to well-loved restaurants conveniently near Osaka’s shopping district
Take a walk around Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district and you’re sure to hear someone shout, “Dito tayo! May discount!” While Filipinos love the area for its fantastic array of shopping stores, there are also a number of restaurants around Shinsaibashi that are perfect for recharging after a long day of shopping.
Here are just a few great finds in the area.
Satisfy pork cutlet cravings at Tonkatsu Daiki
Just a few sidestreets off the main road, this tonkatsu joint is worth the wait in line. In a small nook steered by an accommodating head chef, you’ll find deep-fried pork cutlets at great prices, sporting a crisp crunch without the greasy aftermath.
You can choose between the fattier loin or tender fillet. Besides the usual Bull-Dog-like tonkatsu sauce, there are also options such as oroshi ponzu (made of daikon and citrus-flavored soy), plum-flavored daikon sauce, and miso katsu sauce.
Among the framed photos of visitors decorating the walls, keep an eye out for a picture of Filipina singer Moira Dela Torre, which shows just how popular the spot is among visitors.
Tonkatsu Daiki is located on 1 Chome-6-2 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
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Grill your own beef at Yakiniku M
Located in the Dotombori/Hozenji area, Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M is a no-fail favorite among Filipinos seeking high-quality beef—with its options for garlic rice, more so. Filipina waitress Chen Esmeria makes guests feel even more welcome with her warmth and refreshing conversations in Filipino.
With a grill at the center of the table, you can cook an array of options, from silky sirloin and rich ribeye to top blade (the rich, tender cut from the cow’s shoulder).
The restaurant often gets booked way ahead so it’s best to book online. There are multiple outlets, with three restaurants around Shinsaibashi.
Book online and find the menu here
Treat yourself to high-end hot pot at Kin no Buta
Nestled in the basement of Hotel Nikko, across from the Daimaru department store, Kin no Buta is a hidden gem for hardcore hot pot enthusiasts.
To help with the language barrier, the high-end hot Shinsaibashi restaurant uses a self-service system with orders placed digitally via an iPad-like device at the table.
Start by choosing your preferred broth, whether a savory soy-based option or something with a spicy kick. With over 70 dishes to select from, you can indulge in premium wagyu beef, tender pork cuts, and a variety of fresh vegetables, from mushrooms to leafy greens.
Kin no Buta Premium Shinsaibashi is located at 1-3-3 Nishi Shinsaibashi OM Hotel Nikko Bldg., B2F, Chuo, Osaka 542-0086 Osaka Prefecture
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Slurp some tasty Ramen Zundo-ya
For those looking for a quick ramen fix, Zundo-ya is a great restaurant around Shinsaibashi to satisfy your appetite after a long day of walking.
Part of a popular Japanese noodle chain, this restaurant offers a convenient ordering experience via vending machines. Once you’ve placed your order, settle into the indoor seating or opt for the casual, garage-style outdoor area.
Zundo-ya is a mid-level eatery known for its rich and creamy pork bone soup, perfectly paired with bouncy ramen noodles and satisfying chashu slices. Open until 5 a.m., it’s an ideal, bustling, fun stop after a long day of shopping or a late-night drink.
Ramen Zundo-ya is located at 1-5-7 Shinsaibashisuji Sena Bldg. 1F, Chuo, Osaka
Sit and sip at LiLo Coffee Roasters
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Nestled in the more artistic and edgy Amerikamura area of Shinsaibashi’s Minami district, LiLo Coffee Roasters is filled with charm in every nook and cranny. It seems to embody the best of Japanese coffee culture.
The cozy coffee bar offers a variety of options, including pour-over brews. Their Ethiopian blend features a light roast with bright acidity, which exhibits the Japanese’s earnest attention to craft and detail in whatever they do.
LiLo Coffee Roasters is located at 542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−10−28, Shinsaibashi M
Craft your own custom cocktail at Bar Nayuta
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Hidden on the fifth floor of a non-descript building near Osaka’s Triangle Park in Amerikamura, Bar Nayuta is one of the world’s top 500 bars. To find it, look for the exit sign and duck through a three-foot door (watch your head!).
The bar’s dim lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, but be prepared to wait in line as they don’t take reservations. Bar Nayuta doesn’t have a menu, yet it’s renowned for its excellent cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, smoky, or scotch-based, the attentive bartenders will ask thoughtful questions to craft the perfect drink tailored to your taste.
While you might brace yourself for a hefty bill, you’ll be pleasantly surprised—the cocktail prices here are often cheaper than those in Manila, making it a must-visit for the experience.
Bar Nayuta is located at 542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−6−17
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Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down restaurant experience, Shinsaibashi offers something for everyone. Japanese convenience stores might serve up the most, well, convenient and delicious breakfasts as well as grab-and-go coffees, but this list of spots is equally perfect for larger groups and families (like how most Filipinos tend to travel) exploring the area
Pro tip I learned from the best: Before flying out, swing by Don Quijote and grab their sweet kamote at the counter—it’s a hidden gem that easily outshines the rest of their snacks.
