The 20 Best Restaurants in Namba: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Namba, the heart of Osaka, is a lively area with many restaurants that attract both locals and food lovers from around the world.

In this article, we introduce 20 of the best restaurants in Namba. Whether you want to try wagyu beef, takoyaki, sushi, tempura, ramen, or other delicious dishes, you’ll find something you like.

If you’re thinking, “What to eat?” or “Where to eat?”, this guide is right for you.

Use this article to start your own food adventure! Unforgettable dining experiences in Namba are waiting for you.

Features of Namba

Namba is one of Osaka’s most famous districts and is known as a top tourist destination in the city. It’s a lively area where you can find everything from shopping and gourmet food to entertainment. The iconic Glico sign, a symbol of Dotonbori, is also located in the Namba area.

Whare is Namba

Namba is located in the central part of Osaka and is often called ‘Minami’. It is served by the major transportation hub, Namba Station, which connects multiple subway lines, JR lines, and the Nankai Electric Railway, making it very accessible.

The area is close to famous spots like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, making it an ideal location for sightseeing, shopping, and, of course, food.”

Here is around namba area:

The 20 Best Restaurants in Namba

Find the top 20 restaurants in around Namba, where you can enjoy great food and lively atmosphere. From tasty Japanese street food to great restaurants, Namba has many great places to eat. This guide will help you choose the best spots for a memorable meal in one of Osaka’s most exciting areas.

▼You can find the 20 best restaurants introduced here on the map below

1. Wagyu Idaten

Opened in July 2023, Wagyu Idaten is a “Ju” specialist in Osaka, which are bento-style meals featuring premium Wagyu beef served over rice. The unique entrance, featuring samurai armor, modern Japanese interior, making it a perfect dining spot for tourists.

This A5 Ju features the tender thigh cut, Uchihira, offering a rich sweetness unique to high-grade Wagyu. Watching the chef expertly grill the meat behind the counter is a thrilling experience. Pairing it with egg yolk further elevates the flavor, making it a must-try dish.

Restaurant information
Average price	2,000 – 3,000 JPY (13.61 – 20.42 USD)
Operation hours	11:30a.m. -2:30p.m. (Lunch time) 5:00p.m. – 9:30p.m.(Dinner time)
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	2F Yoshimitsu Building, 1-8-20 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

2. Kushikatsu daruma dotonbori store

Kushikatsu Daruma is a long-established and extremely popular restaurant known as the originator of kushikatsu, one of Osaka’s local foods.

The crispy batter coating juicy meat and vegetables, dipped in their special sauce, creates an unforgettable taste. Kushikatsu Daruma offers a wide variety of kushikatsu and has several locations throughout Osaka.

Restaurant information
Average price	2,000 – 3,000 JPY (13.61 – 20.42 USD)
Operation hours	11:30a.m. -10:30p.m.
Reservation	Available *Only weeekdays by 6pm
Address	1-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map

3. Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Kani Doraku is a specialty restaurant chain known for its crab dishes. The flagship store in Dotonbori, Osaka, is especially famous, easily recognized by its large, moving crab sign, making it a well-known tourist attraction. Kani Doraku is committed to quality, featuring live crab tanks in the restaurant. They source fresh, live crabs from various regions, ensuring that customers enjoy the highest quality crab with unmatched freshness.

Restaurant information
Average price	Lunch: 4,000 – 6,000 JPY (27.49 – 41.24 USD) Dinner: 9,000 – 15,000 JPY (61.86 – 103.10 USD)
Operation hours	11:00a.m. -10:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	1-6-18 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map

4. Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten

Ajinoya is one of the most popular okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka. Known for its fluffy okonomiyaki made with plenty of cabbage, the restaurant draws long lines of customers every day. The sauce used on their okonomiyaki is also exceptional and is a popular souvenir choice.

Restaurant information
Average price	Lunch: 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) Dinner: 3,000 – 4,000 JPY (20.64 – 27.29 USD)
Operation hours	11:00a.m. -10:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	1-7-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

Curious about the best takoyaki in Namba and Dotonbori? Check out the article below!

5. Kinryu Ramen Midosuji

Kinryu Ramen Midosuji is well-known for the dragon on its sign. The rich, flavorful broth is made from pork bones and seasoned with a secret sauce. The noodles are straight and homemade. It’s also a popular spot among travelers.

One sip of the rich pork bone broth fills your mouth with deep umami flavor. The light chashu pairs perfectly with the rich soup, creating a refined balance. Free condiments like kimchi, garlic chives, and garlic are available, letting you customize the flavor to your liking.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 JPY (6.88 USD)
Operation hours	Open 24 hours
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	1-7-12 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

6. Matsusaka Gyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho

Matsusaka Beef Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho is one of the top BBQ (yakiniku) restaurants in Osaka, having won the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award.They purchase an entire Matsusaka beef, one of Japan’s most renowned wagyu, allowing you to enjoy and compare a variety of different cuts.

Also, the restaurant’s interior has a traditional Japanese atmosphere, which adds to its popularity among travelers.

Restaurant information
Average price	10,000 – 15,000 JPY (69.63 – 104.45 USD)
Operation hours	5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m. *Other branches open for lunch
Reservation	Available
Address	1-1-19 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

Looking for a place to enjoy Kobe beef in Namba? If so, be sure to check out the article below!

7. Osaka Tonkatsu(Former name : Katsudon Chiyomatsu)

Osaka Tonkatsu serves delicious katsudon (pork cutlet bowls) with an impressive 5cm-thick katsu. Katsudon is a classic Japanese dish featuring crispy fried pork, egg with dashi, and fluffy rice. The restaurant is popular with locals and travelers in Osaka.

The katsu is cooked sous-vide for 12 hours before frying, it’s incredibly juicy and tender. The katsudon is served with a variety of seasonings—curry salt, plain salt, shichimi, yuzu pepper, sansho, and ponzu—allowing you to enjoy different flavors throughout the meal.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	11:00a.m. – 9:30p.m. *Close when they run out of pork
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	1-1-10 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

8. Halal Ramen Naniwaya

Halal Ramen Naniwaya is a popular halal ramen restaurant in Osaka that uses halal-certified ingredients. They do not use pork or alcohol, and the chicken and beef are sourced from suppliers that follow Islamic slaughtering methods. Additionally, the vegetarian ramen broth is completely free from any animal products.

Naniwaya’s signature soy sauce ramen is a customer favorite. With a savory aroma, custom-ordered noodles, and tender, lightly charred chicken chashu, the rich and slightly salty broth makes this a satisfying bowl.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	noon to 10:00 p.m.
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	2-7-22 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

9. Gyukatsu Motomura Namba Store

Gyukatsu Motomura is a famous beef katsu specialty restaurant with locations across Japan. Known for its light, crisp coating, their beef katsu offers a refreshing taste. The dish is served with various seasonings such as wasabi sauce and rock salt, which enhance the flavor of the beef.

One of the restaurant’s unique features is that you can grill your medium-rare beef katsu on a hot stone yourself, making for a truly special dining experience.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	11:00a.m. – 10:00p.m.
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	3-3-1 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

10. Onigiri Gorichan Namba

Onigiri Gorichan is a specialty rice ball shop originating from Osaka. It is especially known for its large rice balls and wide variety of over 40 different fillings. The staff is very friendly and cheerful, making it a place where not only your stomach but also your heart is satisfied.

Onigiri Gorichan’s top three rice balls include the classic Negitoro, a minced tuna and green onion blend; the Egg Yolk in Soy Sauce with sweet minced meat, offering a unique taste experience; and the most popular Salted Salmon Roe and Salmon, which delivers a burst of flavor with every bite.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	11:00a.m. – 8:00p.m. *Closed on Tuesday
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	1F Fuji Building Minamisenba, 3-5-28 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

11. Dotonbori Kukuru Honten

Kukuru, a takoyaki shop famous for its large octopus sign in Dotonbori, is a popular spot among tourists and a must-visit when in the area. Takoyaki Kukuru has several locations across Osaka, with the most popular ones among international tourists being the Dotonbori Main Store, Soemoncho Store, Dotonbori Minami Store, and Shinsaibashi Store. 

Kukuru’s takoyaki is fluffy on the outside and deliciously creamy on the inside. The takoyaki is topped with their original sweet and savory sauce, making it even more delicious.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	Weekdays: Noon – 7:00p.m. Weekends: 11:00a.m – 8:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	Hakua Building 1F, 1-10-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

12. Gyu-Kaku Dotonbori

Gyu-Kaku is one of Japan’s most famous BBQ-style yakiniku restaurants. It’s especially popular for its all-you-can-eat menu, offering delicious grilled meat at a reasonable price. With so many yakiniku restaurants in Osaka, if you’re unsure where to go, Gyu-Kaku is a great choice.

Restaurant information
Average price	3,000 – 4,000 JPY (20.89 – 27.85 USD)
Operation hours	Lunch: 11:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Dinner: 5:00p.m – 0:00a.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	1-6-10 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map

13. Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Dotonbori

Kura Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi chain known for being “affordable,” “fast,” and “delicious.” The Dotonbori branch is designed with a global audience in mind, featuring a Japanese modern interior.

Along with Kura Sushi’s standard menu, the Dotonbori location also offers exclusive dishes that are only available at this branch.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,500 – 2,000 JPY (9.93 – 13.24 USD)
Operation hours	Weekdays: 11:00a.m. – 0:00a.m. Weekends: 10:20a.m – 0:00a.m.
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	Claude Building 2F, 1-4-22 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

14. Hanamaruken Hozenji

Hanamaruken is a popular ramen shop directly managed by a butcher. You can enjoy their signature ramen 24 hours a day, with their melt-in-your-mouth chashu (braised pork) being the standout feature that brings happiness with every bite.

Additionally, they offer generous services such as free large noodle portions, free kimchi, and garlic, making the experience even more satisfying. The soup is a rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth with little odor, making it surprisingly light despite its appearance. It’s a great choice for those trying ramen for the first time.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 JPY (6.88 USD)
Operation hours	Open 24 hours
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	1-2-1 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map

For more detailed information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

15. Tendon Makino Namba Sennichimae

Tendon Makino is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Japanese tendon (tempura rice bowl). It features a perfect combination of crispy tempura, generously topped with a special sauce, all served over rice. With its eye-catching presentation, it’s gone viral on social media. The taste and experience are exceptional, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	Lunch: 11:00a.m. – 3:30p.m. Dinner: 5:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	3-3-4 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map

16. Okonomiyaki Fukutaro Main Store

Fukutaro is selected every year as one of Osaka’s top 100 restaurants, serving okonomiyaki that has been loved in Osaka for many years. They are known for their dedication to high-quality ingredients, using premium black wagyu beef, top-grade pork, fresh octopus, scallops, and oysters.

Fukutaro’s okonomiyaki stands out with its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and generous ingredients like pork and seafood. And one of the highlights is watching experienced chefs prepare the okonomiyaki right in front of you. It’s definitely worth the visit.

Restaurant information
Average price	Lunch: 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) Dinner: 2,000 – 3,000 JPY (13.61 – 20.42 USD)
Operation hours	Weekdays: 5:00p.m. – 0:00a.m. Weekends: Noon – 0:00a.m.
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	2-3-17 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

For more detailed information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

17. Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto Gems Nanba

Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto Gems Nanba is a sukiyaki restaurant located on the 7th floor of the GEMS Nanba building. Sukiyaki is one of Japan’s most iconic hot pot dishes, and while many restaurants are on the pricier side, Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto offers authentic sukiyaki at a reasonable price. The restaurant also features a calm and relaxing atmosphere with a modern Japanese-style interior, making it a great place to enjoy a traditional meal.

Restaurant information
Average price	Lunch: 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) Dinner: 3,000 – 4,000 JPY (20.89 – 27.85 USD)
Operation hours	Lunch: 11:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. Dinner: 5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	GEMS Namba 7F, 3-7-19 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

18. Kaitenzushi CHOJIRO Hozenji

“Nigiri Chojiro” is a conveyor belt sushi chain that uses fresh ingredients. What makes this place special is the live experience of sushi chefs preparing the sushi right in front of customers, which is rare for conveyor belt sushi restaurants. Despite the affordable prices, the quality rivals that of high-end sushi restaurants with only counter seating, making it a must-try.

Restaurant information
Average price	3,000 – 4,000 JPY (20.89 – 27.85 USD)
Operation hours	▫️Weekdays Lunch: 11:00a.m. – 3:00p.m. Dinner: 5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m. ▫️Weekends 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m.
Reservation	Available
Address	2F, Meoto Zenzai, 1-2-10 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. Map

19. TsuruTonTan Soemoncho Store

TsuruTonTan Souemoncho, an udon restaurant originating in Osaka, offers a wide variety of menu options, with their signature handmade, chewy udon as the highlight. The interior has a traditional Japanese atmosphere, making you feel the essence of Japan as soon as you step inside.

Guests can enjoy authentic udon dishes with options to choose the noodle type (normal or thin), add toppings, and even increase the noodle portion at no extra cost.  It’s also open until the early morning, making it a great spot to visit when you get hungry late at night.

Restaurant information
Average price	2,000 JPY (13.76 USD)
Operation hours	Weekdays 11:00a.m. – 6:00a.m Weekends 11:00a.m – 8:00a.m
Reservation	Available
Address	3-17 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map

For more detailed information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

20. Ichiran Dotonbori Honkan

Ichiran, a world-renowned ramen shop, is famous for its customizable ramen experience. The rich flavor of the pork bone broth combined with their special noodles is exceptional.

You can enjoy your ramen in a private-like counter seat, allowing you to savor every bite without interruptions.

Restaurant information
Average price	1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD)
Operation hours	10:00a.m – 10:00p.m
Reservation	Unavailable
Address	1F, 7-18 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map

For more detailed information including the menu, reservation guide, best times to visit, and reviews, please check the link below.

Conclusion

Namba is one of Osaka’s top gourmet areas, offering a wide range of restaurants that cover all tastes, from sushi and ramen to yakiniku and more. These places are loved not only by tourists but also by locals.

The 20 restaurants introduced here are highly recommended spots to experience Namba’s diverse food scene. Be sure to visit these restaurants and enjoy an authentic Osaka dining experience!

Discover the Best Restaurants in Dotonbori

Wondering where to eat in Dotonbori? Check out our guide to the best restaurants, featuring everything from iconic local spots to social media favorites. Make your food adventure in Osaka unforgettable with these must-visit places!

The Best Restaurants in Dotonbori: Plan Your Food Adventure