Namba, the heart of Osaka’s gourmet scene, is a lively area packed with takoyaki stalls that attract both locals and food lovers from around the world.
In this article, we introduce the best places to try takoyaki in Namba and Dotonbori. If you’re wondering, “Where can I eat the best takoyaki in Namba, Dotonbori?” this guide has you covered.
Explore the top takoyaki spots in Namba and Dotonbori and savor the authentic taste of Osaka street food!
What is takoyaki
Takoyaki is a popular Japanese snack that originated in Osaka. It’s made of a wheat flour-based batter filled with octopus, vegetables, and other ingredients, then cooked in a special molded pan to form round balls.
Takoyaki is characterized by its crispy on the outside and soft, creamy on the inside. It’s typically served with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes.
Why you should try takoyaki
When talking about Osaka’s food culture, one dish that stands out is takoyaki. Among all the areas, Namba is especially loved for its takoyaki, captivating visitors from near and far.
There are a few key reasons why Namba’s takoyaki is highly recommended:
High Quality Driven by Competition
With so many takoyaki shops clustered in Namba and Dotonbori, each store continuously strives to offer the best takoyaki by adding their own twists and improvements. This competitive environment has resulted in a high standard for takoyaki in the area.
A Wide Variety of Styles
Namba has everything from long-established stores preserving traditional flavors to innovative shops creating new styles of takoyaki. This diversity means there’s something to suit every taste.
Enjoying Takoyaki Amidst Osaka’s Vibrant Atmosphere
Savoring piping hot takoyaki while surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori makes for a memorable Osaka experience. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
The best takoyaki restaurants in Namba and Dotonbori
Discover the best takoyaki spots in Namba and Dotonbori, where you can enjoy freshly made takoyaki in a vibrant atmosphere. From traditional stalls to famous shops, this guide will help you find the perfect place to savor authentic takoyaki in Namba and Dotonbori.
1, Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
Wanaka is one of the most popular takoyaki shops in Osaka. The secret to Wanaka’s delicious takoyaki lies in its batter, made with finely milled flour and a perfect balance of dashi and salt, creating an exquisite flavor. You can find Wakana not only in Dotonbori and Namba, but also in many locations throughout Osaka.
Wakana’s takoyaki is cooked quickly at high temperatures on a hot iron plate, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft, gooey center. In addition to their signature sauce, you can also enjoy different flavors like dashi soy sauce, spicy sauce, and ponzu. With these options, you’ll always have something new to try each time you visit!
| Wanaka Dotonbori information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.71 – 13.43 USD) |
| Operation hours | Weekdays: 11:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. Weekends: 10:30a.m. – 9:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Unavailable |
| Address | 1 Chome-6-7 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map |
2. Takoyaki Kukuru Dotonbori
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. Takoyaki Kukuru not only serves takoyaki, but also offers a variety of octopus-based dishes such as akashi-yaki, tako-meshi (octopus rice), and yakisoba.
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.
| Kukuru Dotonbori information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) |
| Operation hours | Weekdays: 11:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. Weekends: 10:30a.m – 9:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Available |
| Address | Hakua Building 1F, 1-10-5 Dotonbori, 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.
3. Dotonbori Akaoni
Dotonbori Akaoni is a takoyaki shop that was selected by Michelin from 2016 to 2018, and its iconic oni (demon) sign is hard to miss. It has been featured on numerous TV programs and has high media exposure, making it one of the most famous takoyaki shops in Osaka.
One unique feature of Dotonbori Akaoni’s takoyaki is that it does not use any beef or pork. The shop ensures that no meat products are used, even in the seasonings, offering a healthy version of takoyaki.
| Dotonbori Akaoni information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 JPY (6.88 USD) |
| Operation hours | 11:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Unavailable |
| Address | 1 Chome-2-3 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map |
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4. Tako-Hachi Dotonbori Main Store
Tako-Hachi, established in 1979, is a popular takoyaki shop that continues to captivate both locals and visitors in Osaka. Committed to perfecting its takoyaki, Tako-Hachi has been serving its beloved dish for many years, constantly refining its recipe since its founding. The main shop is located in Dotonbori, and there are also branches in tourist areas like Umeda and Namba, making it easily accessible for everyone.
Tako-Hachi’s takoyaki is known for its light soy sauce flavor that brings out the rich taste of dashi. Combined with their carefully crafted iron plates and expert grilling techniques, the result is a perfectly crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside.
| Tako-Hachi information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) |
| Operation hours | 10:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Available |
| Address | 1-5-10 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City. Map |
5. Odoridako
Odoridako is a famous takoyaki shop where you can enjoy takoyaki with a whole baby octopus (iidako) inside. Known for its impressive presentation and rich octopus flavor, Odoridako has been featured in many media outlets and TV shows. In 2015, then-Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, visited the shop, and it was even showcased on the official website of the City of London.
The standout feature of Odoridako’s takoyaki is the whole baby octopus (iidako) inside each ball. This unique preparation allows you to fully enjoy the texture and flavor of the octopus. To complement the rich octopus taste, a carefully selected dashi is added to the batter, creating a takoyaki that’s packed with umami.
| Odoridako information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 JPY (6.88 USD) |
| Operation hours | 11:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Unavailable |
| Address | 1-7-24 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map |
6. Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki Dotonbori
Creo-ru is a restaurant where you can enjoy Osaka specialties such as okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and steak. They also have a stand in front of the restaurant selling takoyaki, which you can easily grab for takeout. You can also enjoy takoyaki inside the restaurant, making it a great place to try all of Osaka’s famous dishes in one spot.
Creo-ru’s takoyaki is made by blending seven different types of flour (takoyaki mix) and cooking it quickly on a special hot plate. This results in a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. In addition to the classic takoyaki sauce flavor, you can also enjoy a variety of tastes, including dashi soy sauce and a combination of sauce and soy sauce, making for a delightful tasting experience.
| Creo-ru Dotonbori information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) |
| Operation hours | 10:00a.m. – 11:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Unavailable |
| Address | 1 Chome-6-4 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Map |
7. Juhachiban SONS-DOHTONBORI
Juhachiban was established in 1990 and has long been a beloved takoyaki shop by local in Osaka. With locations near Umeda and Universal Studios Japan, it is easily accessible from popular tourist spots.
The unique feature of Juhachiban’s takoyaki is its a super crispy and creamy batter. By adding milk to the batter, they achieve a creamy texture with a rich flavor. The skilled chefs quickly wrap tenkasu (tempura flakes) into the batter with such precision that it’s almost an art form. This technique results in a crispy, crunchy exterior that you can fully enjoy.
| Juhachiban SONS-DOHTONBORI information | |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.88 – 13.76 USD) |
| Operation hours | 11:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. |
| Reservation | Unavailable |
| Address | 1-8-26 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka. Map |
Conclusion
From traditional takoyaki shops with decades of history to innovative stores offering unique flavors, Namba and Dotonbori are home to some of the best takoyaki spots in Osaka.
Whether you’re looking for the classic taste or want to try something new, this guide will help you find the perfect place to enjoy Osaka’s iconic street food. Enjoy your takoyaki adventure in Namba and Dotonbori!
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!
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