Japan Food Crawl
A curated list of Osaka eats – tried, tested, and thoroughly enjoyed by our team.
Out of office, into Osaka. This year’s Varsity field trip took us straight into the city’s shopping streets, scenic spots, and most importantly, its celebrated food scene. As expected, we came home with heavier bags and happier stomachs.
Instead of creating a long list of recos, we’re sharing the places that actually slapped, surprised, and satisfied us on the trip. Consider this your curated guide to Osaka eats, lovingly researched (and devoured!) by our team.
Among Osaka’s local gems, Dramatic Curry serves a spot-on fusion of umami and spice. Their specialty spice curry and sweet, flavorful drinks make the perfect match; a must-try for signature Japanese comfort food enjoyers. This is a dining experience worth lining up early for!
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 1,290 – ¥ 1,890
WHAT TO GET: Spicy Curry with a dash of lemon zest
Located along the Tosabori River, this coffee shop brings calm amidst the energetic backdrop of Osaka. They specialize in single-origin coffee, blending tanginess, sweetness, and aroma in every cup. Enjoy it with their handmade cakes while taking in the city’s picturesque views. Oh, and don’t leave without trying their Linzer Torte, a cinnamon Austrian cake topped with different nuts – a must for pastry lovers out there!
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 580 – ¥ 1,500
WHAT TO GET: Single Origin Coffee and Linzer Torte
Treat yourself to a conveyor belt sushi experience that won’t break the bank! Kura Sushi offers a wide selection of nigiri dishes ready to satisfy your cravings after a long day of shopping. From fresh tuna to seared salmon (our personal fave), this could easily become your go-to sushi spot in Osaka!
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 115 – ¥ 220
WHAT TO GET: Salmon Aburi Sushi and Salmon Toro
A modern roastery tucked in the quaint neighborhood of Nakazakicho, this café serves as a haven for enjoying hand-brewed coffee away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its artistic interiors and cozy ambiance, Neel Coffee deserves a spot on your café-hopping list!
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 510 – ¥ 760
Late-night konbini runs aren’t complete without the famous Famichiki! A local and tourist favourite, this boneless fried chicken is a staple snack in Japan–tender, perfectly seasoned, and somehow juicier with every bite. Warning: highly addictive! Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 240
Long day of wandering in Osaka? Reward yourself with Cremia, Japan’s well-loved premium soft-serve ice cream, made with Hokkaido cream and served in a buttery langue de chat cone. It’s smooth, rich, and creamy – everything you’d ever want your ice cream to be.
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 500 – ¥ 600
Clocked in 20k steps? Refuel with Torikizoku’s soft, juicy, flavor-packed skewers and their ice-cold mug drinks. With big flavors, generous servings, and prices that stay friendly, this yakitori joint leaves you full, happy, and feeling ready for another day of exploring the city.
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 390
WHAT TO GET: Chicken Wings and Chicken Kamameshi
The rumors are true – Wagyu Idaten serves melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef at a favorable price. Nestled in the busy streets of Shinsaibashi, this resto offers the ultimate wagyu experience with a warm and inviting atmosphere thanks to their friendly staff. Pro tip: line up early to score those limited dine-in tickets!
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 2,000 – ¥ 7,800
WHAT TO GET: Wagyu Sukiyaki
Wine and ice cream? YES! We’re all for celebrating life’s small wins, but trust us, this place is a big one. WINS introduces great pairings of wine specials and unique ice cream flavors (11/10 would recommend Earl Grey Orange and Truffle Salt Vanilla), its stylish interiors and cozy lighting set the perfect mood to have long catch-ups with friends – right until it’s time to pop that next bottle of wine.
PRICE RANGE: ¥ 550 – ¥ 600
WHAT TO GET: Truffle Salt Vanilla paired with Santa Cristina Bianco
With eats worth crossing districts for, flavors that stay with you, and snacks you absolutely have to bring home for loved ones to try, Osaka truly knows how to treat food lovers. Let these Varsiteam recos guide your next trip, and bring you straight to the good stuff.