Osaka is hailed as the food capital and the kitchen of Japan. This port city on Honshu Island is known for various kinds of Japanese food. You can find takoyaki, ikayaki (squid pancakes), okonomiyaki, udon, and of course, unagi.
The city is famous for the Osaka Castle, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, the Umeda Sky Building, Dotonbori, and so much more. In between your tours, consider trying the unagi dish or Japanese freshwater eel. Here’s the quintessential guide to this delight.
1. Hitsumabushi Bincho Grand Front Osaka
This restaurant is sophisticated as it is located within an upscale commercial complex in Osaka. Here, you can savor their signature unagi, a variant of the eel from Nagoya, known as the Unagi Hitsumabushi.
You can enjoy the dish in three ways: have it as it is, then with sliced green onions and wasabi, or with broth poured over the unagi. Can’t wait to try this? You can reserve your seat online now.
Price: From 3,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-3 PM and 5-11 PM
Contact: +81 50-5593-3506
Address: Grand Front Osaka South Building 7F, 4-20 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 530-0011, Japan
2. Yoshitora
This is a hidden unagi restaurant but unagi fans are making sure they try the dish here since it has been serving some of the city’s most sublime grilled Japanese eel since 1922. The way they prepare their tender, steamed-first, then grilled freshwater eel is by brushing it with sweet-salty tare, transporting you to unagi heaven.
Price: From 5,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-2 PM and 5-9 PM
Contact: +81 6-6226-0220
Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Bingomachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka 541-0051, Japan
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3. Mahoroba Irori Shinsaibashi
You’ll also love it here at Mahoroba Irori Shinsaibashi. First, for the experience. Second, for the food. Then, for the ambiance. Did you know you can cook the eel here yourself? That means you can customize the way you want your food to taste.
The unagi in this restaurant is basted with sauce countless times before grilling it, giving it the fluffy texture and oh-so-crispy skin. Are you a fan of clay pot rice? It’s the perfect pairing for this eel.
Price: From 10,000 yen
Hours: 12-2 PM and 5:30-11:30 PM from Monday to Saturday, 5:30-11 PM on Sundays
Contact: +81 50-5869-7520
Address: 1F BE'S50 Bldg., 1-16-32 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0083, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST TAKOYAKI IN OSAKA
4. Unagiya
They say you need bravery before you can visit this restaurant. First, because of the price (it’s not the cheapest unagi), and then because you might need to wait as it is a little 11-seater restaurant. But, the bravest souls can make an unforgettable experience.
Unagiya specializes in Kansai-style grilled Japanese eel – sliced on its back, then steamed before grilling for a more tender texture. Watch how it is prepared by the chefs right in front of you.
Price: From 6,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-5 PM from Monday to Friday, 11 AM-7 PM on Saturdays (closed on Sundays)
Contact: +81 6-6302-7200
Address: 1F Daisan-Shinosaka Building, 4-5-22 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0011, Japan
ALSO READ: WHAT TO EAT ON THE STREETS OF OSAKA
5. Unagidokoro Umami
Up next is Unagidokoro Umami. Don’t be mistaken by the name. The experience here is awesome. Pair your unagi with some Japanese sake. Also, a must-try is their Cha Soba, a rare dish combining tea soba noodles with eel and grated yam.
Price: From 2,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-2:30 PM and 5-8:30 PM from Monday to Friday, 11 AM-8:30 PM from Saturday to Sunday
Contact: +81 6-6302-7200
Address: 1-16-20 Morinomiyachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0005, Japan
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6. Honke Shibato
This restaurant has been serving unagi for three centuries. So, their meals are worth splurging on. Run by the same family throughout 15 generations, Honke Shibato also prepares and serves unagi in Kansai-style.
Price: From 5,500 yen
Hours: 11 AM-2:30 PM and 5-9 PM (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Contact: +81 6-6231-4810
Address: 2-5-2 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0043, Japan
7. Unagi no Masa
There’s this belief that you have not been to Japan if you do not try unagi. Another must-visit unagi restaurant in Osaka is Unagi no Masa.
Unagi no Masa sources its eels from the Mikawa historical region and the Kagoshima prefecture. They procure only live eels and serve only those that meet their standards. A truly unique eel cuisine experience is guaranteed.
Price: From 4,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-9 PM
Contact: +81 6-6777-7006
Address: 2 Chome-5-2 Koraibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka 541-0043, Japan
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Gourmet cuisine has been synonymous with Osaka. In a world where online ordering and delivery have dominated the market, personally visiting unagi restaurants is something precious. Those who wish to embark on a food adventure in Osaka should remember some tips: there will be long queues, be sure to bring your credit card and check hours of operation before you visit the place.
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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