Raise a glass at an izakaya in the lively nightlife district of Shinsaibashi! 20 recommended popular spots

Photograph:kurea

Ryota is a creative washoku (Japanese cuisine) style izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy pairings of food and drinks. With only 8 counter seats, it feels like a hidden spot in Shinsaibashi.

It may be best to make a reservation early. It is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station.

Photograph:うーたぁ

The "ozukuri assortment" comes with uni (sea urchin), a premium ingredient. Many of the menu items at this restaurant are designed as two-person portions, so keep that in mind when ordering.

They also offer dishes such as awabi (abalone), another premium ingredient, simmered until tender and served with liver sauce, as well as nanbanzuke (marinated fried dish) made with a variety of seafood ingredients.

Photograph:モーリFA

Among the meat dishes, one example is the "Hokkaido Special Here no Rare Katsu (rare-cutlet tenderloin) with aged sauce," with its vivid pink cross-section. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare, so you should order it early.

For the egg-topped rice, they say you can also enjoy a creative flavor made with truffle oil.

Photograph:＊はるぽん＊

"Niku to Robata to Kamameshi Kuroya" is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that uses the genjiyaki (traditional slow charcoal grilling) style, carefully grilling ingredients over low, indirect heat. The dishes are finished using a traditional cooking method from before the days of electricity and gas.

Inside, there is counter seating with a row of kama (cooking pots) lined up right in front of you. It is a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Station.

Photograph:hia【大阪グルメ】

The benefit of kodaikarai no genshiyaki (traditional Japanese primitive grilling) is that because it cooks over a distant flame, the food does not burn quickly, and it gently removes moisture to concentrate the flavor.

Thanks to that, the outside turns crisp while the inside stays plump. You can enjoy extra large shrimp served with homemade tartar sauce.

Photograph:ぐるびっしゅ

It takes about 30 minutes to cook the assorted varieties of kamameshi (iron pot rice) well, so it may be a good idea to order early.

In addition to seafood options like the sake harasu (salmon belly) and ikura (salmon roe) Oyako Kamameshi, they also offer meat-based kamameshi made with black pepper-seasoned beef Outside skirt and beef tail.

Photograph:ぎんじろう☆彡

Torahachi Shoten Shinsaibashi Ten is an izakaya with a fish tank inside, where squid delivered from Yamaguchi Prefecture swim gracefully.

The interior, built around warm wood tones, has table seating as well as Private rooms available for 2 people or more. It is a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station.

Photograph:fuka98524

The “oyogi ika no otsukuri” is made by preparing fresh squid on the spot that had been swimming in the fish tank until just before serving.

Its translucent flesh is very beautiful, and because it is so fresh, you can enjoy its unique crisp texture. With every bite, the squid’s sweetness spreads across your mouth.

Photograph:covakazu

Another signature dish is the "katsuo no warayaki tataki (seared bonito over straw flames)," which flares up each time it is ordered. The high heat sears only the surface, while keeping the inside rare.

The tataki, seasoned with salt ponzu and other flavors, is served warm in the authentic Kochi Prefecture style. Kochi Prefecture local dishes are also recommended.

Photograph:ふじグルメ

Kaisen Monogatari is a seafood izakaya where fresh seafood arrives direct from production regions all over Japan, and they serve sushi and sashimi.

The restaurant is said to use all kinds of ideas that appeal to the five senses, with dishes that look great in photos. It is a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:さき_大阪市内

The first thing you'll want to order is the “Goka Funamori 7-shu (luxurious 7-item boat assortment),” a seafood izakaya specialty. It features ingredients at their seasonal peak that day, and both the selection and the value for money are excellent.

If you're visiting with a small group, the 5-item assortment is also a good choice, and ordering it as sushi or otsukuri (sashimi assortment) is another great option.

Photograph:まいやんの食べログ

The especially popular item for its striking presentation is “ebi-shabu (shrimp shabu-shabu).” The shrimp are lined up all around the rim of the plate.

Since the name is “shabu,” you lightly dip it in the warmed dashi (Japanese soup stock) before eating. They seem to use shrimp so fresh that you could even eat them raw.

Photograph:猫師

Dotonbori Sakedokoro Kitazo is an izakaya (Japanese pub) with the tagline, "Flavors you can only find here and an excellent time."

It is in a convenient location for stopping by after work or as a second izakaya of the night, and it has a wide selection of Japanese sake from sweet to dry. It is a 3-minute walk from Osaka-Namba Station on the Kintetsu Railway.

Photograph:shingo 04

They are said to put special effort into sourcing hon-maguro (bluefin tuna), so along with the "otsukuri assortment," you will also want to try the otsukuri of seasonal fish.

They let you enjoy seafood prepared in many different ways, including grilled dishes, simmered dishes, tempura, and sushi. They also have a full lineup of dishes that go well with drinks, such as "ei-hire aburi (lightly grilled stingray fin)."

Photograph:Takashi Kato

If you are not familiar with Japanese sake, it can be hard to tell the differences. In that case, why not try a tasting comparison.

The right drink differs depending on the dish, and there is also a big difference in how sweet and dry styles go down. Since they serve it in 90ml glasses, you can try a range of different Japanese sake.

Photograph:GourLet

Kunsei SUGIYA Shoten is an izakaya specializing in smoked dishes that slowly bring out the full flavor of each ingredient, and its food wrapped in the distinctive aroma of smoke is popular for pairing well with drinks.

Step through a door that recalls the entrance to a chashitsu (tea room), and you will find a hideaway-like space beyond. The restaurant is about a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:こうちゃん809

The "kunsei furai do potato (smoked French fries)" keep a beautiful balance that feels like a work of art. It is a dish that makes you want to take a photo. They are sprinkled with smoked salt and have a fairly bold seasoning. They pair well with drinks.

The "kunsei potato sarada (smoked potato salad)" topped with a smoked soft boiled egg is also recommended.

Photograph:チクワ王

What is more, they even use smoking techniques for the dessert after the meal. The "Kunsei Anbata Sando (smoked red bean and butter sandwich)" features koshian (smooth red bean paste), a sweet treat unique to Japan, and Western-style butter, both prepared with a smoked finish.

Their most popular drink, the "Kunsei Nama Lemon Sour (smoked fresh lemon sour)," is said to use smoked lemon.

Photograph:あさぴー1

Hechimonya is an izakaya known for its tasty creative Japanese dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The interior, finished throughout with wood and bamboo, creates a calm and relaxing space.

The second floor has Sunken kotatsu seating, so you can take your time and relax. It is a 4-minute walk from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Station.

Photograph:くぴぷち

The restaurant’s signature dish is "saba no bozushi (mackerel pressed sushi)," made with care using the most delicious mackerel of the season.

If you want to enjoy a variety of seafood, the "otsukuri assortment (assorted sashimi)" is a great choice. It comes as a 3-item or 5-item assortment, and if there is a type of fish you do not like, they seem happy to swap it out.

Photograph:magixson

The awabi (abalone) cream croquette, available only in a few servings each day, is one dish you will definitely want to try. It is served in an awabi shell, and the rich flavor of the awabi blends with the white sauce in perfect harmony.

In addition to the chef’s reservation-only Omakase course, they also offer courses for On-the-Day orders.

Photograph:ヘタレサンバガラス｡

"Seisansha Chokuei Kaisen Izakaya Rikusui" is an izakaya run by a company that farms pufferfish and salmon.

It uses an order buffet system, so you can easily order your favorite izakaya dishes right from your table. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:hide37103

There are mainly two types of courses, and you choose based on whether All you can drink is included. The time limit and included dishes also differ, so it is best to look over the details in advance.

Since this restaurant is run by seafood producers, it offers a strong sushi lineup that includes premium ingredients.

Photograph:hide37103

Not just sushi, you can also enjoy fresh ingredients as tempura, and they also offer izakaya-style dishes like their "tokusei potesara (special potato salad)."

It is also a great place to order Hot Pot dishes and hold a Banquet, and many people also use it as a spot for daytime drinking from the early hours.

Photograph:おぐぴー

Run by a chef with a background in Italian restaurants, this izakaya has a name that lines up the words kai (shellfish), ebi (shrimp), and kani (crab), making its main ingredients clear at a glance. For anyone who loves these ingredients, the menu lineup is hard to resist.

The restaurant is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:けちゃっぷ日和

For the “Live lobster herb steam made in a premium Hot Pot,” they start cooking with live lobster sourced through their own special route. It is steamed in a pot called a Staub.

When they open the lid, along with the scent of the sea, the aroma of herbs and wine spreads out. This is a limited quantity menu item.

Photograph:いーちゃま

In addition to "Tenshi no Ebi (Angel Shrimp)" sashimi, they also serve extra-large fried natural prawns that were so big they would not even fit in the frying pot.

True to the restaurant's name, they also offer a rich potato salad loaded with shellfish, shrimp, and crab.

Photograph:テオテオ♪

Izakaya Kitsune Honten is an izakaya specializing in oysters. They serve Samurai Oyster, a branded oyster produced by a company in Hyogo Prefecture, next to Osaka.

Art covers the walls, creating a striking interior that welcomes guests. It is a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro.

Photograph:72d396

It’s a nice plus that you can enjoy oysters all year round. Start with them as “raw oysters.” The large "Samurai Oyster" has few distinctive notes and gives you a satisfying bite.

These oysters are great grilled or steamed, and you can also order an Omakase assortment set of 4 to 8 pieces.

Photograph:あきたん059

They are known for letting you enjoy oyster dishes prepared in many different ways, including the "Kaki to Seseri no Ajillo" with baguette.

The drink selection to enjoy alongside them is also wide, including craft gin that pairs well with shellfish dishes, as well as beer, sours, and whiskey.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Sakaba Yariya is an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shinsaibashi with more than 50 daily specials available at all times, making it a place you'll want to visit every day.

The interior is full of energy, and for this area, it is a fairly large and valuable spot. It is a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station.

Photograph:居酒屋に行く社会人

The “harami yukhoe” is a lightly cooked meat sashimi style dish made with Outside skirt and eaten mixed with egg yolk. They also serve sashimi style dishes made with cuts such as tongue, liver, and Heart.

The skewers are also recommended, including pork skewers and meat wrapped skewers, and the menu is full of izakaya dishes that go well with drinks. Going with a course meal is also a good idea.

Photograph:0925.584

Another big plus is the wide drink selection, with assorted varieties of highballs and drinks with shochu, jasmine tea also available.

Especially popular are the fresh fruit sour drinks made with freshly squeezed lemon, orange, and more, as well as sour drinks topped with ice cream.

Photograph:グルメタクシー

Nikujiru Gyoza Taishu Sakaba Pitari is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy tasty gyoza dumplings with a wide range of sours.

The interior feels both open and clean, and it has counter seating. The shop is just a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Nagahoribashi Station, so it is easy to relax and enjoy drinks right up until the last train.

Photograph:吟遊食人

The signature nikujiru gyoza (juicy meat dumplings), also featured in the restaurant name, come in the so called hanetsuki (winged) style, with the larger dumplings connected together.

These fully handmade gyoza, from cutting the vegetables to wrapping them in the skins, are said to contain Horumon.

Photograph:カマキチ＆マーヤ

As for the gyoza, they also offer versions with shrimp or shiso (perilla). If you like them, they make a good souvenir.

The snack menu is extensive too, not just the gyoza, with items like uzura umani (simmered quail eggs) and addictive moyashi (bean sprouts), which might keep your chopsticks moving nonstop.

Photograph:yunchanworld

Stand New Horie Ame-mura Ten is a creative-style izakaya serving original dishes that mix washoku (Japanese cuisine) with French and Italian elements.

The interior has a stylish atmosphere built around a white color scheme. It is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Station.

Photograph:rittko

At first glance, it is hard to tell what kind of dish this is, but it is actually oden (Japanese traditional hot pot dish), a traditional Japanese food. It uses daikon radish and is topped with foie gras and coated in sauce américaine.

The tsukune (chicken meatball) is tossed with Pecorino cheese, making for combinations you would not usually see at other restaurants.

Photograph:裕 ネコ♂ファースト

This is the "ikura (salmon roe) and avocado potato salad," a salad whose ingredients bring to mind a California roll.

Even the finishing dish shows plenty of creativity, with oden (Japanese stew) dashi used in the risotto, so the meal is full of inventive gourmet dishes right to the very end. A course with All you can drink is also available.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Yakian is a hideaway style shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) izakaya (Japanese pub) that focuses on authentic charcoal grilled dishes made with binchotan (high grade white charcoal), and it always stocks more than 70 kinds of shochu.

In addition to counter seats, it also offers table seating equipped with ventilation ducts. It is a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:セバ1969

The overnight dried fish delivered directly from Numazu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture is finished by grilling it over the tabletop stove. Options include "Toro Saba (fatty mackerel)," rich with oil and concentrated flavor, and "Sake Harasu (salmon belly)," which pairs well with shochu (Japanese distilled spirit).

You can also choose a set menu that even comes with grilled vegetables.

Photograph:エガシ

This is chilled Japanese sake served in a sake vessel called a suzu-chirori (tin sake carafe). Of course, as mentioned above, they also have a full lineup of shochu made from rice, barley, sweet potato, kokuto (brown sugar).

If you choose a course with 2 hours of All you can drink, you can enjoy the pairing of various charcoal grilled dishes and drinks.

Photograph:kitysaty

Naniwa no Daidokoro Itachi is an izakaya (Japanese pub) with a homey atmosphere that makes you want to say "I'm home" when you walk in.

The many dishes made with organic vegetables from contracted farmers and other Special selected ingredients are said to pair well with local sake. It is a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Hommachi Station.

Photograph:赤鯉 ジュード

The "yaki assortment of organic vegetables" lets you enjoy the natural taste of yuki yasai (organic vegetables) directly. The nicely charred finish really whets your appetite.

These organic vegetables are served in all kinds of ways, not just in salads, but also as tempura or used in agedashi (lightly fried and served in broth).

For snacks to go with drinks, the house-made kunsei (smoked dishes) should be a good choice. In addition to cheese and salted mackerel, they also make smoked bacon.

They have a wide lineup of drinks, and with the “Horoyoi Set,” you can get an All you can drink plan along with items from the snack menu.

Photograph:tariri

Located about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station, "wacka" is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy tasty food and drinks in a stylish space inspired by a New York bar.

In addition to a full a la carte menu that makes it easy to drop by for a drink even on your own, they also offer reasonably priced courses with All you can drink for groups of 4 or more, making it easy to use for all kinds of occasions.

Photograph:children.luv

At dinner time, the house made "spare ribs" are the signature dish. They cook them slowly at a low temperature, which seems to keep the meat tender. You can choose either a sweet savory sauce or a smoked flavor.

They also offer "Wakka no Yawaraka Chicken Nikomi (Wakka's tender stewed chicken)," simmered together with tomatoes.

Photograph:きのしょ

They also offer a full lineup of izakaya-style dishes, including Teppan-yaki gyoza. The "Shaka Shaka Potato," which you can choose from several flavors like consomme, seems like a great match for drinks.

The drink menu has a wide range of options, including beer, wine, sours, and shochu (Japanese distilled spirit). They also have All you can drink courses.

Photograph:ラインバックとブリーデン

Osaka Mon Sakaba Doragonpanchi is an izakaya (Japanese pub) with the bright, upbeat feel you would expect from Osaka, the home of comedy, and some people even call it an Osaka kotekote sakaba (super Osaka style pub).

It is said to have a homey atmosphere where regulars can easily strike up friendships with each other. It is about a 2-minute walk from Osaka Namba Station on the Kintetsu Railway.

Photograph:hochan1002

The item marked as the house specialty on the menu is yaki-gyoza (pan-fried dumplings). Since several seasonings are provided, you can enjoy them with a range of flavors.

The most popular item is the filling 160g Wagyu steak, and the classic Kara-age that goes well with beer is made with young chicken.

Photograph:カヅキ0312

When it comes to Osaka gourmet food, takoyaki (octopus balls) is a must. At this izakaya (Japanese pub), you can try making takoyaki yourself in a self-service style.

Making takoyaki together while having a lively time with everyone is sure to leave a lasting memory. If you are worried about making it yourself, you can order the "sauce and mayonnaise takoyaki" instead.

Photograph:きりんの気持ち

Yorimichi Sakaba Chokotto is an izakaya that is easy to get to from nearby train stations, and true to its name, it is the kind of place that makes you want to casually drop in.

It also has Semi-private room seating, so it is a good choice for enjoying a course meal suited to a Banquet with a group. It is a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Station.

Photograph:30過ぎの道草王

Every day, the restaurant brings in fresh fish directly from the fishing port. Since the izakaya menu offers a wide range of dishes, start with the "seasonal osashimi (seasonal sashimi platter)" shown in the photo while you decide what else to order.

The "maguro (tuna) Nakaochi" is also recommended, with its unique sticky texture and striking look.

Photograph:bluesboy

One thing you should definitely try when you visit is chinchirorin (a dice rolling drink game). It is a drink system where you roll two dice and get perks based on the numbers that come up.

If both dice show the same number, the drink is free, and if the total is an odd number, it is served in a 1-liter mega mug, so you can enjoy all kinds of different events.

Photograph:ちょこ@ちょこ

Koshitsu Washoku Toriu Midosuji Ten is a popular izakaya where all seats are Semi-private room seating, including Sunken kotatsu seating and zashiki (tatami room) seating, so you can enjoy the food and drinks with close friends without any worries.

This restaurant focuses on jidori (local chicken), fresh fish, and local sake, all Specially sourced from across Japan. It is a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:ayumi_no_1

The photo shows a "tsukuri assortment" of sashimi. You can choose from 4 to 6 kinds. The key is to eat it with soy sauce made with white wine.

As for hon-maguro (Pacific bluefin tuna), they offer it at a reasonable price without worrying about the cost ratio.

Photograph:a0e6b0

The jidori (free-range chicken) grilled over charcoal is available for a tasting comparison of two or three kinds. Enjoy not just the taste, but also the aroma and texture.

Options include Kyoto-fu-san Kyoaka jidori momo (Kyoto-produced Kyoaka free-range chicken thigh), which has fine-textured meat with little fat, and Nara-ken-san Yamato nikudori momo (Nara-produced Yamato chicken thigh).

Photograph:こうちゃん809

Niku to Sakana Wa Bar Hachi Shinsaibashi Ten is an izakaya where Japanese cuisine and Italian food come together.

In addition to counter seating, it has (assorted varieties available) Private room options, and all of them seem to offer power outlets so you can charge your smartphone. It is a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

Photograph:hongo986

The photo shows the “4-piece meat sushi assortment topped with uni (sea urchin).” You can choose the seasoning from wasabi soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or mixed, and for an extra 50円, you can also add a house-made balsamic vinegar jelly topping for an Italian-style touch.

The large slices of meat are satisfyingly substantial, and people say they are delicious, letting you really enjoy the rich flavor of the meat.

Photograph:tomolo318

The “Anata Dake no Ahijo (your very own ajillo),” where you can choose your favorite ingredients, is also recommended. You can pick 5 or more kinds from a range of ingredients such as bacon, squid, and eringi (king oyster mushroom).

Also worth checking out is the “Akete Surprising Murasaki Potesara,” a purple potato salad said to be filled with some kind of secret surprise.