Top 8 Recommended Kushi-katsu Restaurants in Osaka

Kushi-katsu is a beloved soul food of Osaka. The city boasts a wide variety of kushi-katsu restaurants, from long-established shops popular with the locals to more stylish upscale ones. When talking about Osaka’s kushi-katsu, the Shinsekai (New World) area is particularly famous. Numerous kushi-katsu restaurants line the streets around the tourist spot Tsutenkaku.

For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere while enjoying kushi-katsu, areas like Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda are also recommended.

In this article, we introduce eight highly recommended kushi-katsu restaurants in Osaka.

Kushi-katsu is a Japanese dish that consists of meat, seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients skewered, breaded, and deep-fried. It is said that Dotonbori in Osaka is the birthplace of kushi-katsu.

While both kushi-katsu and tempura involve coating foods in batter and frying them, there are several differences between the two. Kushi-katsu is fried in oil at a lower temperature than tempura, resulting in a thicker, crunchier coating. Tempura, on the other hand, is fried in hotter oil, which makes a thinner, lighter coating.

The reasons why kushi-katsu is so beloved include its convenience, the variety of fillings, the crispy texture of the batter, and the excellent compatibility with sauce, among others.

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Kushi-katsu tastes best when it’s freshly fried, and it should be eaten dipped in sauce. The crispiness of the batter combined with the flavor of the sauce makes it incredibly delicious.

The most important rule when eating kushi-katsu is the “no double-dipping in the sauce” policy. Since the sauce is often shared and served in communal containers, dipping your kushi-katsu into the sauce a second time is strictly forbidden for hygiene reasons. To fully enjoy the flavor of the sauce, make sure to coat your kushi-katsu thoroughly on the first dip.

Additionally, rather than dipping the kushi-katsu directly into the sauce, a uniquely Japanese and sophisticated way to enjoy it is to scoop up the sauce with cabbage and then pour it over your kushi-katsu.

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Kushi-katsu is beloved for its affordability and wide variety, allowing you to order as many of your favorite ingredients as you’d like. Among the array of options, the most popular kushi-katsu fillings include:

These ingredients highlight the diversity and appeal of kushi-katsu, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

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Next, we introduce eight delicious kushi-katsu restaurants in Osaka, ranging from affordable, down-to-earth spots to high-end establishments. Be sure to stop by any that pique your interest.

Located in bustling areas of Osaka such as the Shinsekai district, Umeda, and Namba, Kushikatsu Daruma has made a name for itself since its founding in 1929 by Yoshiye Momono with its distinctive rich brown sauce.

For over 70 years, Kushikatsu Daruma has aimed to make customers exclaim, “This is delicious!” through continuous improvements to its recipe, finally achieving a taste that brings satisfaction. Tradition at Kushikatsu Daruma involves dipping skewers generously in sauce, but as previously mentioned, double-dipping is strictly forbidden.

A characteristic of Kushikatsu Daruma’s kushi-katsu is the crispy texture followed by a chewy sensation. The breadcrumbs are finely ground to avoid irritating the mouth, and the kushi-katsu is sized to be easily eaten by women and children. The sauce is applied liberally yet carefully so as not to compromise the texture of the coating.

The secret to the flavor lies in the special original oil used, known as “head oil.” This oil is light and easy to digest, making it a great option for those who are usually averse to greasy foods.

The harmonious blend of sauce, breading, and oil creates the unique taste of Kushikatsu Daruma, making it a must-visit spot for travelers exploring Osaka’s rich culinary culture.

Yacco is a kushi-katsu restaurant located in a downtown area brimming with local charm and close to Shin-Imamiya Station in Osaka. The restaurant serves traditional deep fried kushi-katsu in a cozy, homey atmosphere with about 10 counter seats. Visitors can enjoy warm hospitality and expertly fried kushi-katsu.

The location is conveniently accessible, being a 5 to 6-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station, Hankai Tramway Shin-Imamiya-Ekimae Station, Nankai Shin-Imamiya Station, Subway Dobutsuen-Mae Station, and Subway Ebisucho Station.

Another highlight of Yacco is its affordable pricing. Depending on the order, the budget ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, allowing guests to enjoy authentic kushi-katsu without breaking the bank. This pricing strategy has made it a beloved spot among locals.

Yaekatsu, located in the vibrant Janjan Alley within the Shinsekai area of Osaka, is a kushi-katsu restaurant cherished by both locals and tourists. Yaekatsu is known for offering a broad menu of fresh kushi-katsu, particularly emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients without relying on any frozen products.

Highlights at Yaekatsu include the juicy shrimp kushi-katsu and the chewy nama-fu (wheat gluten) kushi-katsu.

Given its popularity, the restaurant can get crowded during lunchtime and holidays. However, the unique and rich selection of ingredients used in their kushi-katsu makes it well worth a visit when you’re in Osaka and in the mood for an authentic taste of this local delicacy.

Located in Kitashinchi, just a minute away from Nishi-Umeda Station, Kitashinchi Kushi Katsu Bon is known as a high-end kushi-katsu specialty restaurant. One of its charms is the counter seats that allow diners to watch their kushi-katsu being fried up close. With its meticulous service and the elegance of a high-end restaurant, it’s a must-visit when in Osaka.

The restaurant continues to offer new tastes to its visitors with a creative menu that includes kushi-katsu made from luxurious ingredients such as Chateaubriand and foie gras.

Tengu, located in the popular Janjan Yokocho alley in the Shinsekai district of Osaka, is a long-established kushi-katsu izakaya beloved by both locals and tourists. Despite its location in a narrow street, it’s so popular that queues often form outside the restaurant.

Tengu is famous for its kushi-katsu, served with sauce that adheres to the strict “no double-dipping” rule, and its “doteyaki” is also a favorite. Doteyaki is a traditional Osaka dish made of beef sinew simmered for hours in miso and mirin.

Tengu’s kushi-katsu features a crispy batter with popular fillings including egg, asparagus, shrimp fry, scallops, and scallop adductor muscles.

Kushi Katsu Benkei, located in Osaka’s Shinsekai area, captivates with its meticulously handcrafted kushi-katsu. The astonishingly thin batter, which ensures a crisp texture while keeping the meat, seafood, and vegetables juicy, has drawn high praise. The many international visitors to the restaurant particularly enjoy the seafood kushi-katsu, including whiting, conger eel, shrimp, and smelt.

Kushi Katsu Shichifukujin is a venerated izakaya opened in 1998 in the Tenjinbashi-suji 5-chome shopping street. It features kushi-katsu, doteyaki, and oden as its signature dishes. The kushi-katsu here is made with a special salad oil, resulting in a light and crispy coating around the meat, vegetables, and seafood. The meticulous adjustment of frying times for each ingredient enhances their natural flavors.

Located just a short distance from the Umeda area, on the B2 floor of Osaka Station Front Building No. 4, it enjoys a wide patronage, from locals to tourists.The cozy space is centered around a U-shaped counter, lively yet intimate. The kushi-katsu, with its fine breadcrumbs coating, offers a slight sweetness and a light, refreshing taste. The original sauce, notable for its thickness and balanced sweetness and spice, complements the light kushi-katsu wonderfully.

A variety of condiments, including sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, and salt, are provided, allowing diners to enjoy each skewer with the perfect seasoning. Popular skewers include beef, lotus root, whiting, quail eggs, shrimp, and green chili pepper, offering a wide range of flavors to explore.

Dotonbori Ikkyu the Third stands quietly along the Dotonbori River in the heart of Osaka and boasts more than 70 years of history. Despite its prime location, accessible within a 5-minute walk from Nipponbashi, Shinsaibashi, and Namba stations, its presence is like a hidden gem.

The restaurant offers counter seats for an intimate dining experience and table seats perfect for small groups.

Not just known for kushi-katsu, Dotonbori Ikkyu the Third also has a reputation for its a la carte dishes. With innovations like lotus root manju, spring roll gratin, and saikyo-yaki, each dish is a delicacy in its own right. It’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a true taste of Osaka.

Kushi-katsu in Osaka allows you to enjoy a variety of foods in bite-sized portions, from meats and vegetables to seafood. Osaka’s kushi-katsu restaurants are renowned not only for their delicious offerings but also for their warm hospitality and refined culinary skills developed over many years. When visiting Osaka, don’t miss the chance to experience the city’s hospitality with authentic kushi-katsu.

Remember, most kushi-katsu restaurants enforce a strict no double-dipping rule for the sauce. And since kushi-katsu is deep-fried, be careful not to burn yourself.

*This article is based on information available as of April 2024.