Various izakayas where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks line the streets of each area in Osaka. Especially in the bustling districts representing Osaka such as “Umeda,” “Namba,” and “Tennoji,” there are many izakayas to explore while enjoying a pub crawl.
In this article, we introduce the best izakayas in Osaka, loved by locals, divided by representative areas (Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji).
1.Introducing the Best Izakayas in Osaka by Area!
Osaka, the largest city in the Kansai region, is home to numerous popular drinking areas such as Kitashinchi, Osaka Station buildings, Ura-Namba, and Dotonbori. These areas are favorites among the Japanese and are always bustling, from solo drinking sessions by salarymen after work to drinking parties with friends on holidays. While mingling with the locals, you can enjoy delicious Osaka-style dishes, beer, and a rich selection of sake.
The bustling districts of “Umeda,” “Namba,” and “Tennoji” are also characterized by their undying popularity as areas with a high concentration of izakayas. These places are brimming with exquisite culinary delights, and many izakayas offer “Nomihodai” (all-you-can-drink) services, where the price remains the same no matter how many drinks you have.
If you want to eat and drink to your heart’s content while in Osaka, why not check out some of these izakayas we feel have the best to offer?
2. [Umeda Area] Best Izakayas in Osaka
You may have heard of “Kita” and “Minami” as major entertainment districts in Osaka. “Kita” refers to the area around Umeda in the Kita ward of Osaka City, particularly known for its concentration of izakayas in the Osaka Station Front Building and Kitashinchi.
The Osaka Station Front Building, which can be reached via underground paths from various stations in Umeda, houses a massive drinking area. The sight of one izakaya next to another might overwhelm you. Each izakaya is known for its affordability, and you can enjoy “Hashigo zake,” or bar-hopping.
Kitashinchi,an area filled with lounges and clubs catering to adults, is lined with upscale establishments such as traditional Japanese restaurants. It’s recommended for those who want to enjoy a more sophisticated dining and drinking experience.
Here are three of the best izakayas in the Umeda area.
2-1.Osakana Tokidoki Oniku Umeda Branch
Located just a 5 minute walk from Hankyu Umeda Station and JR Osaka Station, this izakaya specializes in seafood dishes using fresh fish and meat dishes featuring Kuroge Wagyu, all at reasonable prices.
The “assorted sashimi” and “fresh meat platter,” which vary depending on the season and availability, are particularly popular.The izakaya constantly stocks 50 types of sake sourced from all over Japan, and you can choose your favorite sake from the showcase by yourself under Nomihoudai (the all-you-can-drink) plan.
2-2.Ginza-ya
Situated on the basement second floor of Osaka Station Front Building No. 1, this standing bar izakaya allows you to enjoy the Japanese pastime of standing while drinking. It opens at 2 PM, making it ideal for daytime drinking.
Ginza-ya is characterized by a wide variety of beers, including “Sapporo Lager,” also known as “Aka Hoshi,” “Kirin Lager,” and “Sapporo Black Label.” Both food and alcohol are priced affordably, allowing for a satisfying experience even on a tight budget.
2-3. Teppan Shrine Kitashinchi Branch
Just a 3 minute walk from JR Kitashinchi Station and a 5 minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro, this izakaya offers iron-grilled skewer dishes made with high-quality, fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked in olive oil.
The izakaya features a variety of beers, sake, and shochu,along with red and white wines and champagne that pair well with skewered dishes. The interior includes a counter where you can watch the teppan chefs at work, spacious table seating, and private rooms that allow you to enjoy your meal without worrying about being seen by others.
3.[Namba/Shinsaibashi Area] Best Izakayas in Osaka
In Osaka, the area around Namba and Shinsaibashi is known as “Minami.” Here, you’ll find Osaka’s iconic giant billboards, and the area is densely packed with eateries and izakayas, earning it the nickname “the city of gluttony.”
Additionally, the drinking street between Namba and Nipponbashi, known as “Ura-Namba,” features a range of establishments from small family-owned shops to large chain operations. It’s a deep area where you can truly experience the essence and heart of Osaka.
Here are three of the top izakayas in the Namba and Shinsaibashi area.
3-1. Private Room Grilled Meat KATANA Namba Branch
“Private Room Grilled Meat KATANA Namba Branch”,located on the seventh floor of a building along the Dotonbori River, is just a one-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro.The izakaya offers meticulously selected Wagyu beef dishes, fresh sushi and sashimi, and tempura using seasonal ingredients.
Private Room Grilled Meat KATANA Namba Branch caters to both small and large groups with various private rooms and spacious sofa seating, allowing you to enjoy delicious food and drinks and conversations with family and friends in a private setting.
3-2. Osaka Yakiton Center
Just a 5 minute walk from Nankai Namba Station, and Osaka Metro Nipponbashi and Namba stations, “Osaka Yakiton Center” is a standing bar izakaya whereyou can enjoy top-quality grilled pork skewers cooked over charcoal, flavorful oden with a rich broth, and over 100 types of local sake in a standing bar style.
While the izakaya has a local atmosphere, an English menu is not provided. However, the staff are exceptionally friendly, and the self-service local sake available inside makes it a satisfying experience even for tourists who don’t speak Japanese.
3-3. Sake Bar Unagi Dani
Located just a 2 minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro, ” Sake Bar Unagi Dani” specializes in various eel dishes accompanied by an extensive selection of over 100 types of sake, popular among both Japanese and tourists alike for sake tasting.
Nearby Sake Bar Unagi Dani, there’s a sister store where you can enjoy fresh fish and sake, allowing for a delightful round of bar-hopping, from eel dishes to sashimi for another drink.
4.[Tennoji Area] Best Izakayas in Osaka
In the southern part of Osaka, the Tennoji area is also highly popular as an entertainment district.
The Tennoji area follows Umeda and the Namba-Shinsaibashi areas as a representative entertainment district. It is home to famous tourist spots such as “Abeno Harukas,” the tallest skyscraper in Japan, and “Tsutenkaku,” a landmark of Osaka. The area is also dotted with shopping streets that exude a Showa-era ambiance, offering an atmosphere distinct from Kita and Minami.
Close to these famous tourist spots, there are plenty of izakayas that delight both the palate and the soul. Here are three of the best izakayas in the Tennoji area.
4-1. Tane Yoshi
Located just a one-minute walk from JR Tennoji Station, “Tane Yoshi” is a standing bar izakaya that features over 200 simple menu items hanging like tanzaku stripes (colored strips of paper) throughout the interior, offering a wide range of seafood dishes and snacks suitable for accompaniments.
Tane Yoshi is distinctive for its ingredients, as the owner personally visits the source to select only those that are “truly delicious.” Naturally, a wide array of alcohol including beer, sake, shochu, and wine is available. The combination of a Showa-era ambiance and a standing drinking style allows for a richer experience of Japanese culture.
4-2. Charcoal Grill Shinriki
“Charcoal Grill Shinriki” is located just a three-minute walk from both Tennoji and Abeno stations on the Osaka Metro, and specializes in grilled skewers of high-quality domestic chicken cooked over charcoal, accompanied by various alcoholic beverages including beer, sake, shochu, wine, and cocktails.
If you want to enjoy selected yakitori (grilled chicken) , the recommended choice is the omakase assortment course. Besides yakitori, the specialty stewed gyoza, chicken soup hotpot, and the finishing dish of zousui（hodgepodge) are also extremely popular. This place is perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious food along with their drinks.
4-3. Standing Bar Kuramoto Hoshuku Tennoji MIO Branch
Located on the second floor of the Plaza building of “Tennoji MIO,” which is directly connected to JR Tennoji Station, this standing bar izakaya is operated by the popular “Nara Toyozawa Brewery.” Here, you can enjoy high-quality sake at reasonable prices, served with a variety of dishes that pair excellently with Japanese sake.
Tennoji MIO also houses many tenants, including fashion and miscellaneous goods stores, making it a popular shopping destination. After a tiring shopping spree, it might be a great idea to relax at Standing Bar Kuramoto Toyosaki with some delicious food and drinks.
Conclusion
Osaka is filled with countless izakayas that allow you to deeply experience the local atmosphere. Particularly in major entertainment districts like Kita, Minami, and Tennoji, known as the “battlegrounds of izakayas,” you can enjoy delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices.
If you want to create delicious memories in Osaka and experience the unique culture of Japan, why not try out some of the recommended izakayas featured in this article?
*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.
