For a long night in Osaka Prefecture, head to these izakaya pubs! 20 popular spots near sightseeing areas

Photograph:mama818

Kaisen Monogatari, about a 2-minute walk from Dotonbori, is an izakaya that specializes in great sushi and seafood ingredients shipped direct from the production regions.

They offer an All you can drink plan with more than 70 kinds of drinks, including local sake that pairs well with seafood dishes. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:d96efe

One of the restaurant's signature dishes is the "Goka Senmori 7-shu (luxurious boat assortment with 7 kinds)." It is lavishly arranged with extremely fresh seafood sourced that day, and you can also choose a 5-kind type.

If there is any sashimi you like, it is also recommended to order it in the style of "salmon ozukuri (sliced sashimi)," for example.

Photograph:ayan2929

Ebi (shrimp) are lined up in a row in the eye-catching “ebi-shabu (shrimp shabu-shabu),” which is known not only for how good it tastes but also for looking great in photos.

They also offer a lineup of fun, high-impact dishes to look at, such as the ingredient-packed “kobore-zushi (overflowing sushi)” and “spoon-zushi (spoon sushi).”

Photograph:aination

Minami no Jucchu Hakku is about a 7-minute walk from Dotonbori (Dotonbori) and works as both a fresh seafood and seasonal dishes restaurant and a casual izakaya (Japanese pub).

It is one of the Jucchu Hakku Group restaurants, and since they run various types of places across Osaka (Osaka), it could be fun to check them out. It is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:づかてっちゃん

One of the restaurant's signature dishes is the "Kaisen Yukke Sara." It is lined with a variety of seafood, so enjoy it mixed with tororo (grated yam) and egg yolk.

Sharing the "Sakanaya no Meibutsu Sashimi assortment," which can be ordered from 2 servings, is also a good choice, and the generously filled "Kaisen Kamameshi" is recommended too.

Photograph:づかてっちゃん

Another popular item is the “nama salmon rare fry (lightly fried fresh salmon).” Its cross section has a faint pink color, giving it a look that really whets the appetite.

Today’s local sake selection brings together well known labels not only from Osaka Prefecture but from all over Japan, and there is also a wide variety of highballs and sour drinks.

Photograph:猫師

About a 4-minute walk from Dotonbori, Dotonbori Sakedokoro Kitazo is an izakaya centered on sushi and skewer dishes.

Depending on where you sit, you can enjoy the night view of Dotonbori, and the rows of Japanese sake along the wall are said to be a striking sight, giving the place many different sides. It is a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:とぐり ぐら

This restaurant especially recommends hon-maguro (bluefin tuna), and you can order it not only as sushi but also as an osashimi assortment.

They also sometimes get rare cuts in stock, so be sure to enjoy a variety of seafood dishes. Going with a course that includes All you can drink is also a good option.

Photograph:27a1d1

As the name Sakedokoro suggests, they stock dozens of kinds of Japanese sake. Depending on the snacks and dishes you order, you may want to ask which sweet or dry Japanese sake pairs well with them.

If you are not very familiar with it, try choosing labels you like and comparing small pours.

Photograph:がんちゃん.

Kunsei Sugiya Shoten, about a 3-minute walk from Dotonbori, is an izakaya specializing in smoked dishes with a unique savory aroma that tickles your nose.

This hideaway-like spot occupies a room in a multi-tenant building, and the space feels like a secret base. It is a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:チクワ王

A special potato salad topped with a smoked soft-boiled egg. Guests break up and mix the egg themselves, adding the final touch to this new style of salad.

Every snack pairs well with drinks, including cheese smoked for 16 hours and finished with a crisp seared surface while keeping the inside rich and melty.

Photograph:さゆ12さゆ

They even smoke the alcoholic drinks. The “Kunsei Highball (smoked highball)” is made by smoking lemon, infusing it in whisky, and topping it with soda.

They also have drinks you do not often see at other places, including smoked style gin and sangria, which makes you want to try all kinds of them.

Photograph:カヨカヨ

Robata no Sato Osaka Namba Ten, about an 8-minute walk from Dotonbori, is an izakaya centered on robatayaki (fireside grilling) prepared by Japanese cuisine chefs. The Japanese sake gathered from all over Japan includes about 60 varieties.

The Japanese sake bottles lined up with a solid, striking presence are worth seeing on their own. It is a 1-minute walk from Nankai Railway Namba Station.

Photograph:pichuke

Robatayaki is a style of cooking that grills Special ingredients directly over binchotan (high-grade white charcoal). The lineup is wide ranging, from "mahokke (Atka mackerel)" and other fish to meat dishes like "Hokkaido Saroma Wagyu steak."

"Karatsuki hotate (scallops in the shell)," seasoned with butter and soy sauce and grilled with the shell still on, is also appealing.

Photograph:SHUNJI

If you are not sure which Japanese sake to choose, try ordering a tasting set of 3 kinds. They pour 60cc of each into glasses, including Japanese sake that pairs well with the dishes of the day.

They also offer a recommended set selected by the manager, as well as a seasonal Japanese sake set that you can only drink at this time of year.

Photograph:hia【大阪グルメ】

About a 3-minute walk from Dotonbori (Osaka’s famous entertainment district), one of Japan’s leading downtown areas. This is an izakaya run by producers of salmon and fugu (pufferfish).

Inside, you’ll find a stylish space with a casual feel. It is a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:はり屋さんももたす

An made-to-order buffet with fresh ingredients that only a producer can offer. This is an izakaya in the usual All you can eat style.

Starting with sushi, they serve a wide range of dishes that make the most of seafood ingredients. You can order right from your table, so you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting.

Photograph:WEST315

Tempura dishes are also included in the All you can eat menu. You can choose a course that comes with All you can drink and enjoy it with tasty snacks that pair well with Japanese sake.

They also recommend izakaya style dishes such as the special salad and fried items. (Each) course, including the "Oshio Course," has its own time limit.

Photograph:RIECHELIN

Okonomiyaki Izakaya Gen, about a 4-minute walk from Dotonbori, is an izakaya centered around okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake), a beloved Osaka soul food.

It is said to have the warmth unique to a traditional downtown area and a cozy feel. It is a 6-minute walk from Osaka Metro Nihombashi Station.

Photograph:cwmla

The assorted varieties available of okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) are known for their fluffy texture, made with Japanese yam. They also pack in plenty of shredded cabbage, which gives them that old-school taste.

They offer mixed types and okonomiyaki centered on shellfish. The "tonpeiyaki (griddled pork and egg dish)," wrapped in egg, also seems to be popular.

Photograph:cwmla

Domestic beef steak is also one of the popular menu items, and the cut changes daily. Its appeal is the tender texture and rich juices.

Along with yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles) that is perfect to finish the meal, and a lineup of a la carte dishes that pair well with drinks, All you can drink courses are also available.

Photograph:www.doom.now.cc

Kuromon Onabeya, about a 7-minute walk from Dotonbori, is a popular izakaya located near the entrance to an arcade-style shopping street.

The 1st floor has counter seats, and the 2nd floor has table seating, making it an easy spot to use for all kinds of occasions. It is a 30-second walk from Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station.

Photograph:アニチャリ

In Kansai dialect, "shunderu" means the flavor has really soaked in, and that is exactly what you get with these assorted oden items. In addition to the "Oden Omakase 5-kind assortment," you can also order your favorite ingredients A la carte.

Along with the classic "daikon radish," popular choices include the round "hiraten (fried fish cake)" and old-school "red wieners" served on skewers.

Photograph:chi-ko.tabisuki

If the broth for the oden (Japanese hot pot dish) is so good, you will also want to try the soup dishes. The wakame udon (udon with seaweed), available hot or cold, is perfect to finish off dinner.

They also offer Takeout kushiage (deep fried skewers) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). The courses with All you can drink are recommended.

Photograph:ヒロ1266

Kinki Daigaku Suisan Kenkyujo Grand Front Osaka Ten, about a 6-minute walk from Umeda Sky Building, is an izakaya run by a university to show the value of farmed fish to the world.

The deep blue walls give the place an ocean-depth feel, lit by warm orange lighting. It is a 3-minute walk from JR Osaka Station.

Photograph:よく食べる人。

Excellent fish crowd the table, overturning the common idea that wild caught fish taste better than farmed ones. The farmed fish produced by Kindai Daigaku Suisan Kenkyujo (Kinki University Fisheries Laboratory) are apparently known as Kindai-sotsu (Kindai graduates).

The photo shows the “Kindai Maguro (Kindai tuna) to Senbatsu Sengyo (carefully selected fresh fish) no Kobore-zushi (overflowing sushi),” a generously topped sushi dish.

Photograph:alrtemis

The Kindai Maguro Rare Katsu, which you’ll want to enjoy with Japanese sake, looks great. They serve farmed fish prepared in a range of different ways.

They also offer a full lineup of izakaya dishes that make the most of ingredients from Wakayama Prefecture, including the “Kishu no Megumi to Yasai no Salad.” Finish things off with the “Kishu Ume Sherbet.”

Photograph:きりんの気持ち

Agehachi Gran Front Osaka, about a 7-minute walk from Umeda Sky Building, is an izakaya (Japanese pub) popular for its wide variety of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

The owner is a certified sommelier and can suggest wine pairings. It is a 2-minute walk from JR Osaka Station.

Photograph:DKramen

These kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) are known for such a light texture that they might change your whole idea of kushikatsu. There is a wide variety, including meat, seafood, and vegetables.

Besides the 12-skewer "Shunsai Course," there is also a course where skewers keep coming until you say stop. Choose the number of skewers based on how hungry you are and your budget.

Photograph:SUMIREN

For Japanese sake, the recommended pairing is hotaruika no okizuke (soy-marinated firefly squid). They also have a full lineup of snack dishes, including pickles and cheese.

To finish off dinner, go with the light ochazuke set (rice with tea). Top it with arare rice crackers and shiokombu (salted kombu kelp), then pour in the hojicha to complete it.

Photograph:古木ベガス

New Wakura LINKS UMEDA Ten, about an 8-minute walk from Umeda Sky Building with its Kuchu Teien Tenboudai (Floating Garden Observatory), is an izakaya decorated with daruma illustrations that give it a distinctly Japanese feel.

Its wide variety of izakaya dishes is part of the appeal. It is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Metro Umeda Station.

Photograph:77準ちゃん

Gyutan (beef tongue) is listed as a popular menu item, and they use a tender cut that is well suited for grilling. This dish is made with care, using hand slicing and hand sprinkled salt.

The "Tantoto set meal" is their signature, and toto means fish. In other words, it is a combination of tan and salmon belly.

Photograph:YOU-KI 1985

The set meal menu is extensive, and even "kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)" comes as a set meal. The menu is styled so that izakaya dishes are split into individual portions, which may make it easier to eat for some customers.

It is also a good idea to add A la carte dishes and make your own more deluxe version of a set meal.

Photograph:つっち0730

Nikujiru Gyoza no Dandadan Tennoji Ten, about a 5-minute walk from Abeno Harukas, is an izakaya where gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) take center stage, just like the name suggests.

The restaurant was created with the hope that more people would enjoy gyoza, which are said to go great with beer. It is a 1-minute walk from JR Tennoji Station.

Photograph:アルミ缶の上に有るミカン

The signature nikujiru-yaki-gyoza (pan-fried dumplings with juicy meat filling) is said to be tasty even without any dipping sauce.

You can enjoy gyoza in many different styles, including sui-gyoza (boiled dumplings) and the crispy gyoza no kawa no senbei (rice cracker-like fried gyoza skins).

Photograph:haruta3

The homemade aburi chashu (seared roast pork), which looks nicely seasoned all the way through, is also perfect as a snack with drinks. It really goes well with beer.

Alongside the gyoza, basashi (horse sashimi) is also said to be one of the popular menu items. They sometimes stock rare cuts such as futaego (a rare horse meat cut) and tategami (horse mane fat).

Photograph:www.doom.now.cc

Sumito Hagama Dogen, about a 1-minute walk from Abeno Harukas, a 60-story skyscraper, is a restaurant where you can enjoy robatayaki (fireside grilling) and warayaki (high-heat straw-fire grilling).

The warm interior includes counter seats as well as L-shaped Private rooms and fully private rooms. It is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Abenobashi Station on Kintetsu Railway.

Photograph:功夫大熊猫

This is the "katsuo (bonito) no wara-yaki (straw-seared bonito)," seared until the surface is nice and fragrant. The lit Domestic straw reaches about 800 degrees, and they quickly sear it all at once.

They do not just sear katsuo this way—they also use wara-yaki for "Kagoshima Kurobuta (Kagoshima black pork)," as well as assorted varieties available cuts like beef Hanging tender and Beef Tongue.

Photograph:もぢゃ。

The "hagama-meshi (rice cooked in an iron pot)," which takes 30 to 40 minutes to prepare, is also one of the signature dishes. In addition to madai (Sea Bream) and chicken thigh, you can also order an unusual rice dish inspired by Hakata motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot).

Since it takes time, it's best to place your order early by counting back from when you plan to finish dinner. They use rice from Kyushu.

Photograph:Ash1000

Senri Chuo Kaisen Shokudo O Uesuto in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, is an izakaya known for its great fresh seafood delivered directly from the fishing port.

Because it stays open straight through from lunchtime, people stop by not only for dinner but also for daytime drinks. It is a 1-minute walk from Senri-Chuo Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway.

Photograph:☆AKIKO☆

The “5-Variety Sashimi assortment” has a 95% order rate, making it a popular choice with many guests. It features a lineup of recommended fresh fish for the day, and you can order it from 2 portions.

If you find a sashimi you like, they can also serve it A la carte in a style such as “Toro Salmon-zukuri (fatty salmon sashimi).”

Photograph:728なおこ

The “Kaisen Zanmai Salad” is also recommended, a dish you would expect from a seafood diner. It is topped with the fresh fish of the day. It also comes with ikura (salmon roe).

What you will want to enjoy with the owner’s carefully selected local sake is the grilled dishes, fried dishes, and tempura. These cooking methods bring out the best in a wide range of seafood ingredients.

Photograph:meiwa190695

Entakuya in Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, is an Asian izakaya serving menu items from countries across Asia with a Japanese twist.

The restaurant has entaku (round tables, including semicircular ones) arranged so everyone can easily see each other’s faces and build closer connections, which is where the name comes from. It is a 4-minute walk from Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Electric Railway.

Photograph:ポチティー

One recommended standard menu item is the "Kara-age," which is said to be especially popular. They marinate and massage the chicken in a special sauce every day.

If you want another chicken dish, they also recommend the authentic "Kodawari Tarutaru no Chicken Nanban" and the Korean-style "Yangnyeom Chicken."

Photograph:たっきー10

Entakuya is said to be all about awabi (abalone), and they will cook one whole piece for you. They can serve it as ozukuri (sashimi assortment), or finish it as butter grilled abalone with a good hit of garlic.

They also have a full lineup of quick dishes you will want to enjoy with a drink, including a cream cheese assortment.

Photograph:sayori0302

Soba-do Minoh Q's Mall Ten in Minoh, Osaka, is a Japanese soba izakaya where you can enjoy Japanese sake in a relaxed style.

In addition to table seating and box seating, the restaurant also has lively counter seats. It is a 1-minute walk from Minoh-Kayano Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway.

Photograph:飲みニスト0430

In addition to the standard menu item of soba served on a large zaru (bamboo tray), they also offer a full lineup of snack style dishes that pair well with alcohol.

One example is "soba sashimi," made by cutting soba into ribbon-like strips and boiling them. You eat it with wasabi soy sauce. The "soba miso," a blend of miso and yakumi (condiments), is also recommended.

Photograph:飲みニスト0430

Sobamae, a uniquely Japanese culture that has continued since the Edo period, is the style of enjoying small bites and Japanese sake while waiting for soba to finish boiling.

It is truly an izakaya-like custom that you will want to try at least once. The menu includes items like tempura. There are more than 25 kinds of Japanese sake from around the country.

Photograph:哲太郎

Ataboya Takatsuki Ten in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. This izakaya is popular for its All you can eat plans centered on Japanese dishes such as sushi and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), as well as its All you can drink plans.

In addition to highly rated Private rooms with a full sense of privacy where you can relax, it also has Sunken kotatsu seating. It is a 4-minute walk from Hankyu Railway Takatsuki-shi Station.

Photograph:り さ ぼ う

One of the signature dishes is temari nikuzushi (handball-shaped meat sushi), made by wrapping roast pork around round shari (sushi rice), and it comes in several flavors such as green onion salt sauce and cheese.

The nikujiru gyoza (juicy dumplings) are also popular, and these too come in a wide range of flavors, including pizza and grated daikon with ponzu sauce.

Photograph:り さ ぼ う

Their deep fried kushi-katsu skewers are popular on the All you can eat menu. You can also experience a very Osaka-like custom at least once: no double dipping in the sauce.

The All you can drink option for alcohol also has a wide selection, including cocktails, umeshu (plum wine), and shochu (Japanese distilled spirit). For an extra charge, you can also include premium drinks such as red and white wine.

Photograph:pop_o

Nichijo Shuhanji Wako in Ikeda, Osaka, is an izakaya (Japanese pub) with a Japanese modern interior, and since it stays open relatively late, many people visit it as their second or third stop of the night.

During bar time, it is apparently fine to order drinks only. It is a 4-minute walk from Ishibashi Handai-mae Station on the Hankyu Railway.

Photograph:まゆげるげ

The restaurant's signature dish is the "osakana iroiro Nakaochi-yaki." Depending on what comes in, it features a mix of Nakaochi from different fish such as hamachi (young yellowtail) and salmon. The meat around the bones is said to be especially tasty.

In the colder months, they offer "maguro (tuna) Nakaochi no hikkaki" in limited quantities.

Photograph:pop_o

An impressive 30 different ingredients go into this compact plate, which is called the "30-hinmoku no Wako Salad." It comes with the restaurant's original dressing.

As for Japanese sake, they always have 15 kinds available that change daily, all of them Special selections sourced from across Japan.

Photograph:www.doom.now.cc

Hanabishi in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, is a Teppan-yaki izakaya with a teppan grill at (Each) table. In addition to counter seating, it also offers fully private rooms with Sunken kotatsu seating.

Among the menu items, the creative skewer dishes seem to be especially popular. It is a 1-minute walk from Esaka Station on the Osaka Metro.

Photograph:ごしこ

At Teppan Kushi, they intentionally do not offer an assortment menu, so you can order from a single skewer and enjoy your own favorite combination.

These skewers are made with olive oil for a relatively light finish. They are sprinkled with Andes rock salt, which is said to be rich in iron.

Photograph:salad nuts

You might expect only meat dishes, but they also serve fresh seafood sent straight from the market. You can order it as an assortment, with a 3-item or 5-item set.

You can also enjoy it as carpaccio, and they have a full lineup of à la carte dishes that pair well with drinks. Finish with the “Teppan-yaki Garlic Rice.”

Photograph:復活ちゅんちゅんJT

Kaisendokoro Tomokichi Moriguchi Ten in Moriguchi, Osaka Prefecture, is an izakaya that takes pride in its fresh fish and offers a wide selection of Japanese sake that pairs well with it.

The restaurant has various types of seating, including raised tatami seating with a garden view, Private rooms with Sunken kotatsu seating, box seats, and counter seats. It is a 15-second walk from Keihan Electric Railway Moriguchishi Station.

Photograph:kajiyoko

One of the restaurant's popular menu items is this "Meibutsu Yaki Saba Bozushi (specialty grilled mackerel pressed sushi)." Lightly searing the surface of the rich saba (mackerel) is said to bring out more flavor and aroma overall.

You can order it not only by the whole roll but also in a half size, and it is also available for takeout as a souvenir.

Photograph:kajiyoko

The signature "ebi (shrimp) and kani (crab) cream croquette" is made with the restaurant's original béchamel sauce, finished with the natural sweetness of pumpkin.

The Japanese sake to pair with the food is served in a special chilled carafe called "Shizuru." There is a lineup of premium Japanese sake Special selected from around Japan.