Osaka holds a special place in every Japanese traveler’s heart. Undisputed as the country’s culinary capital, “Japan’s Kitchen,” there’s so much food to explore here. There’s okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakiniku, and ramen, among many others. However, have you heard of and tried donburi?
If not, donburi is actually a rice dish featuring a main protein – either beef, pork, chicken, or seafood – together with vegetables, a flavorful sauce, and even cheese to make it taste better, all over a bed of rice.
Are you wondering where to eat the tastiest donburi in Osaka? Here are the top picks!
1. Katsudon Yoshibei Nanbadouguyasuji
Tripadvisor categorizes this donburi restaurant as a quick bites eatery, but you will, for sure, stay for longer as you enjoy their delicious rice bowls. Cookies in a live open kitchen, experience the taste of authentic Japan, featuring servings with juicy pork cutlets covered with bread crumbs, deep fried and cut in the finest rhythm. Some of their plates are also topped with a soft-boiled egg, as what’s common in other Japanese cuisine, plus Japanese stock mixture.
Price: Starts from 700 yen
Hours: 11 AM-9:30 PM
Contact: +81 6-6645-4011
Address: 14-2 Nambasennichimae, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0075, Japan
2. IDATEN
Located just a few minutes away from the Gion Station, IDATEN has semi-private tatami rooms where the dishes are served. Don’t forget to pair their dishes with delicious sake. Several customers review all their food taste great.
Price: From 3,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 5 PM-9:30 PM, closed on Mondays
Contact: +81 50-5600-9327
Address: 1-8-20 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan (Kako Building 2F)
ALSO READ: BEST YOSHOKU IN OSAKA
3. The Old Man's Best Swing
This restaurant’s name may sound unique as it is in English, but The Old Man’s Best Swing lives up to what it’s called. Aside from their donburi, customers also love their ramen and clam udon. Natural tastes.
Price: From around 700 yen
Hours: 11 AM-11 PM
Contact: +81 6-6886-8181
Address: 1-2-23 Jusohonmachi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 532-0024, Japan
4. Unagi Nishihara
Care for some unagi donburi? While it is true that donburi could either be pork, chicken, or beef, Unagi Nishihara also offers rice bowls with unagi or Japanese eel as the meat. Aside from unagi donburi, you should also try their grilled eel, grilled liver, Unagi Makimono, tenderloin Mukou bone grill, and more.
Price: From 3,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-2 PM, 5-9 PM, closed on Mondays
Contact: +81 6-6926-4478
Address: 4-12 Kitashinmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST KUSHIKATSU IN OSAKA
5. Matsuri Daiko Osaka Station
Not everyone is willing to dine in at a restaurant located within a train station. Sometimes, it just feels so uncomfortable. Founded in the 1980s, this restaurant specializes in katsudon – grated Japanese radish, kimchi and cheese, mayonnaise kimchi, and more – but they also have donburi, of course. Choose from tomato-chicken-egg, curry-chicken-egg, miso-chicken-egg, and many other donburi.
Price: Starts at around 700 yen
Hours: 11 AM-9 PM
Contact: +81 6-6348-1525
Address: 1-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
6. Ramen Zundouya Shinsaibashi Ten
It is interesting to note that some donburi restaurants in Osaka or even elsewhere in Japan do not have the name “donburi,” but rather carry names such as “ramen” or “unagi.” However, these restaurants also offer donburi. Here, you can enjoy various types of ramen, dumplings, and, of course, donburi. They are pretty young, as they were founded only in 2002. What’s very nice is that they are open 24/7.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +81 6-6245-0883
Address: 1-5-7 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan (Sena Building 1F)
ALSO READ: BEST TONKATSU IN OSAKA
7. Sukiya Namba Rakuza
Also a quick bites restaurant according to Tripadvisor, Sukiya Namba Rakuza has several items on its menu, such as curries, breakfast, children’s menu, and sweets. While you’re here, don’t forget to try their specialty rice bowls, which feature Tuna Yukhoe, Seared Tuna, Chicken Minced with Dashi. Order now.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +81 120-498-007
Address: 4-3-19 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 542-0076, Japan
8. Ramen Yashichi
Ramen Yashichi is probably one of the most affordable donburi restaurants across Osaka. Many customers visit here for their ramen, but they also have donburi and tsukemen. Only a few minutes walk from the train station.
Price: From 999 yen
Hours: 10:45 AM-4 PM (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Contact: +81 6-6373-0035
Address: 3-4-8 Toyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
So, why should you indulge in tasty donburi? A serving of this Japanese rice bowl dish, offers the person a balanced and nutritious meal with various health benefits due to its combination of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients. Nothing compares to having this dish while enjoying the sceneries of Osaka.
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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