[2025] 14 recommended places to eat while walking around Namba and Dotonbori! Eat your fill with classic and latest gourmet foods

*All prices include tax.

Namba/Dotonbori Food Walking Map

From classics to new specialties! Easy-to-try gourmet foods you can't miss

We've picked out some easy-to-eat gourmet foods that are perfect for eating on the go or having a few drinks, including soul food such as kushikatsu and takoyaki that you definitely want to try when you come to Osaka.

Giant Shirota's special kushikatsu is available at Kushikatsu Shirotaya

This kushikatsu restaurant is run by Giant Shirota, a former food fighter who was a huge hit on TV shows. There are two stores in the Dotonbori area, but the main Dotonbori store is currently undergoing renovations and only the second store, the Nankai Dori store, is currently open.

If you're lucky, you might even meet Giant Shirota! Enjoy his special kushikatsu.

Kushikatsu skewers start at 130 yen each, and there is a wide variety to choose from, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and even unique varieties such as Nanko plum and "Yukimi Daifuku" kushikatsu.

If you're looking to eat on the go, we recommend the "Tabe Aruki Set" (900 yen). This is a dine-in style, not a take-out option, so it's perfect for a quick drink. You can enjoy five types of kushikatsu: beef kushikatsu, pork katsu, onion, plump shrimp, and quail eggs. The kushikatsu, deep-fried with their signature fine breadcrumbs, has a crispy and crunchy texture.

The style is to put as much sauce as you like on your plate, but you are not allowed to dip it in twice! Also, by using a blend of animal and vegetable oil, it is light enough to eat several skewers. Shirata, who has tried many gourmet foods, was satisfied with the kushikatsu that was made with care to be easy to eat.

Kushikatsu Shirotaya Nankai Dori Store

Onigiri Gorichan, a rice ball specialty store that is bustling every day

Onigiri Gorichan is a rice ball specialty store that has had a constant line since it opened in 2023. Not only Japanese people but also foreign tourists line up every day.

When you sit down, you can watch the craftsmen making onigiri from the counter seats. The sight of them skillfully putting a generous amount of ingredients into the rice and forming it into balls is overwhelming. Many people have their smartphones in hand to take photos and videos of the scene.

The standard here is to top one rice ball with different ingredients. You can choose your favorite foods together or try the shop's recommendations - the combinations are endless!

Here are some of the popular combinations recommended by the shop. The most popular is "Sujiko + Salmon" (750 yen) and the second most popular is "Egg Yolk Marinated in Soy Sauce + Minced Meat" (600 yen). These rice balls are vibrant in color and as big as a man's fist. They weigh 180g each, making them quite voluminous. Although they are softly pressed, you can still feel the presence and sweetness of each individual grain of rice.

It's fine to eat it as onigiri until the end, but we recommend making ochazuke as the final dish. Place about one-third of the remaining onigiri in a rice bowl, sprinkle on seasonings such as seaweed and green onions, and pour in the broth. There is a self-service corner for making ochazuke, so give it a try!

Onigiri Gorichan Namba store

Takohachi: A soul food favorite in Dotonbori for many years

Dotonbori, with its giant Glico sign and the typical Osaka scenery, is a hotbed of takoyaki. One of the most popular takoyaki shops is Takohachi, which was founded in 1979.

Located in the Dotonbori shopping arcade, the three-story store offers takoyaki for takeout at a stall downstairs, while on the second and third floors you'll find a full lineup of Kansai soul food such as okonomiyaki, negiyaki, and akashiyaki.

The takoyaki made by "hand-grilling on a copper plate by a craftsman" is a concentrated expression of skilled technique and dedication. The best part of eating on the go is being able to watch the takoyaki being prepared with incredible speed using just one skewer.

The "Takoyaki (5 pieces)" (500 yen) is made with a secret soy sauce batter, and has a crispy exterior and a soft, melting texture inside. The octopus is made from the high-quality ingredient "madako," and you can enjoy the large texture. Simply pour the sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes over it.

Takohachi Dotonbori Main Branch

A local favorite, the Osaka specialty "Wanaka"

If you want to casually enjoy the taste of Osaka, we highly recommend the "Takosen" at "Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka." Takosen is a classic Osaka snack consisting of takoyaki sandwiched between shrimp rice crackers. This is perfect for those who want to try different shops but get full after eating one boat of takoyaki.

There are multiple stores just around Namba and Shinsaibashi stations, and the main store is located right next to "Namba Grand Kagetsu" in Namba Sennichimae. The menu has two options: "takoyaki" and "takosen," both of which are popular items to eat while walking around. In addition to sauce, you can choose from four types of seasoning for "takoyaki," including soy sauce, kettle-cooked salt, and spicy sauce.

The takoyaki, made with finely ground wheat flour and just the right amount of dashi, has a salty taste and is delicious even without toppings. It is cooked in one go on a copper plate with good thermal conductivity, resulting in a crispy outside and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.

The "Takosen" (300 yen) is two takoyaki sandwiched between shrimp rice crackers. The crispy rice crackers and the crunchy, soft texture of the takoyaki go perfectly together. As time passes, the rice crackers will soak up the sauce, allowing you to enjoy a different texture. For an additional 100 yen, you can add toppings such as cheese, so choose what you like.

Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka Dotonbori store

The freshly made version is exceptional! A staple product of "551 Horai"

The pork buns from "551 Horai" are a specialty Osaka gourmet food that is now famous throughout the country. Many people have tried them as souvenirs, but if you want to eat them fresh, you should head to the main store.

The main store is located in Ebisubashi-suji Shopping Arcade, right next to Namba Station, and there are long lines of people waiting for the pork buns all day long. It gets especially crowded in the afternoon and evening, so if you're looking to eat on the go, it's best to visit first thing in the morning.

While waiting in line, you can watch the process of making pork buns through glass. It's exciting to see a sight you normally can't see.

At the main store, they make 3,000 to 5,000 pork buns a day. If you combine all the stores (including mail order), they make about 170,000 a day. A full-fledged craftsman needs to be able to make four pork buns per minute, and it takes one to two years of training to master that skill.

The pork buns (230 yen each) are filling and satisfying. The balance between the sweet skin and the salty filling is irresistible. According to the shop staff, it is also delicious with ponzu sauce in addition to mustard, so try to find your favorite way to eat it!

551 Horai Main Store

Kani Doraku: Enjoy easy-to-eat gourmet food at the familiar restaurant sign

When it comes to ‘crab’ in Dotonbori, everyone knows the famous restaurant ‘Kani Doraku.

The familiar crab sign originated at the main store in Dotonbori. While the luxurious crab dishes are great to enjoy inside the store, reasonably priced takeout items are also sold at the front of the store.

The shop opens at 11:00 and closes when it sells out. The crab bun (700 yen) is a luxurious item with a chewy dough filled with plenty of crab meat and crab miso. If you add the mustard mayonnaise that comes with it, the richness of the crab's saltiness will change to a mellow flavor.

Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch

The cheese gourmet hit on social media: "10 yen bread"

The "Daioh Cheese 10 Yen Bread" has become a staple of gourmet food to eat while walking around. Its popularity has ignited mainly on social media, and you'll always see people taking photos of it when you walk around.

If you go on a holiday in the afternoon, you may have to wait in line for over an hour, so we recommend going on a weekday.

"10 Yen Bread" (500 yen) is, as the name suggests, a bread shaped exactly like a 10 yen coin. It is based on the "10 won bread" that originated in Korea.

Many people post photos on social media of the moment when the generous amount of mozzarella cheese is stretched. The cheese becomes harder to stretch if it cools, so take the photo while it's hot. The balance of the slightly sweet dough and the salty cheese is addictively delicious. It's a big portion, so it's good to share with another person.

Daio Cheese 10 yen bread

Only at a specialty store! "Le Croissant" with a focus on ingredients and appearance

The cute-looking croissants are also recommended for snacking on a walk.

"Le Croissant" is a croissant specialty store that sells unusual croissants, as its name suggests.

In addition to the standard product "Petit Cro," the storefront displays a colorful lineup of new seasonal products that appear once every two months.

The "Mentai Fondue" (230 yen), which is only available at the Shinsaibashi store, has many die-hard fans. This item uses mentaiko from "Yamaya", a famous mentaiko shop. The mentaiko sauce is surrounded by white sauce, giving it a unique appearance, but it is also characterized by the use of a sweet croissant. The spicy mentaiko and butter flavor combine to create an unprecedented harmony. The small size makes you want to try different types.

Le Croissant Petit Shinsaibashi

A must-have for eating out! The latest and most popular sweets

Dotonbori and Amemura are an area where new shops and popular gourmet restaurants are born every day. We will introduce 7 unique products, from the latest trendy sweets to long-loved flavors.

"OBRA" boasts the exquisite combination of canelés and matcha latte

The JR Namba area is a little far from the center of Namba and Dotonbori, making it a hidden gem with fewer tourists. In December 2024, the APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower will open in this area, and on the first floor of the hotel is the cafe OBRA, where you can enjoy canelés and lattes.

The shop's specialty, the "Matcha Latte," is a popular menu item among foreign tourists, as the tea is made right in front of you after you place your order. All of the matcha is made using Uji matcha, and the prices vary depending on the grade: "Iwai" (1,250 yen), "Zuiun" (850 yen), and "Wano" (650 yen). The owner's recommendation is the highest grade, "Iwai."

A canelé is a great thing to have with your latte. They have three varieties available in store: Matcha Canelé, Coffee Canelé, and Vanilla Canelé. They are usually sold in packs of eight, but the Matcha Canelé comes in packs of two (600 yen). The canelé is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, allowing you to really taste the matcha flavor.

You can also customize your matcha latte by topping it with a canelé and matcha ice cream. Taking a photo with the bonsai tree in front of the store is sure to make a great photo. The matcha latte is sugar-free so you can enjoy the pure taste of matcha, but they also have syrup so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Enjoy dipping the canelé in ice cream or latte for a matcha feast! This is a must-see shop for matcha lovers.

OBRA

"Andrew's Egg Tarts" has been loved for many years for its simple taste

If you visit Dotonbori, you can't miss the egg tart (320 yen) from Andrew's Egg Tarts. This sweet was developed by Andrew of Lord Stow's Bakery, a famous egg tart shop in Macau, and was brought to Japan from Macau about 20 years ago.

Located right next to the Glico sign in Dotonbori, this popular shop sees long queues of tourists from Japan and abroad. They close when they sell out, so if there's a particular tart you want, it's best to go early.

Among the various kinds of egg tarts on display, the most popular is the classic "Andrew's Egg Tart," followed by "Chocolate" and "Baked Chocolate."

The flaky pie crust is filled with piping hot, melting custard cream. Made with only eggs and cream, and no extra seasoning, the cream is extremely rich. Each one is carefully made fresh from the oven, giving it a simple taste. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Andrew's Egg Tarts, Dotonbori Main Branch

Photogenic soul drinks at "TARO'S PARLOR"

If you're looking for a drink that is truly Osakan, we recommend the "Mixed Juice" (400 yen) at "TARO'S PARLOR."

This take-out specialty store is located in the Nakaza Kuidare Building in the Dotonbori shopping arcade. There is the famous "Kuidaore doll" in front of the building, so please use that as a landmark to find the store. The pop exterior covered in fruit is also impressive.

Mixed juice is a soul drink that originated in Osaka, made with mandarin oranges, peaches, bananas, pineapples, and milk. It has a mild, and somewhat nostalgic taste. It has a refreshing aftertaste, so it's easy to drink after eating a variety of gourmet foods.

By the way, 80% of customers order the "Strawberry Candy" (650 yen). Taking a photo in front of the Kuidaore doll with a mixed juice will surely enhance your Osaka sightseeing experience.

TARO'S PARLOR *Temporarily closed, scheduled to be reopened in spring 2025

"Yorumo Fruit Daifuku" is a sinful treat that can be enjoyed at night

"Yorumo Fruits Daifuku" is a shop that can fulfill the wishes of people who want to eat sweets even at late hours. It is open from 7pm to 5am, so it is a good place to finish off a snack-filled walk.

The shop was opened with the desire to "make it possible for people to enjoy fruit daifuku, which has a high-end image, at a cheaper price."

If you're going to eat on the go, it's best to purchase them individually, but they also sell a "set of 6" (3,600 yen) which makes a great gift.

Of the many fruit daifuku available, the most popular is the classic "Strawberry" (from 500 yen). They use fresh fruit procured from the market on the day and carefully wrap each one. The tartness of the strawberries and the refined sweetness of the white bean paste are a classic delicacy. In addition to the white bean paste, you can choose from eight other flavors, including chocolate, matcha, and milk caramel, so choose your favorite. The thin skin allows you to enjoy the fruit flavor even more.

Yorumo Fruits Daifuku Higashi Shinsaibashi Store

"Atsuhime" - a gentle sweetness recommended after drinking

At Atsuhime, a sweet potato specialty store located a five-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, you can enjoy wholesome potato sweets that are free of preservatives and other additives.

The shop is only open in the evenings, from 5pm to 1am, so many customers drop in after eating dinner or drinking.

The showcase is lined with attractive products such as Beni Haruka pudding and rice flour cheesecake.

As a shop specializing in sweet potato desserts, we highly recommend you try the "Sweet Potato Tart" (500 yen). There are two types: one with dark chocolate made from Annou sweet potatoes, and one with white chocolate made from Beni Haruka sweet potatoes. The rich flavor of the chocolate matches the refined sweetness of the potato. The tart contains large cut potatoes, so it has a different taste from smooth sweet potato, and the texture is like eating whole potatoes. Why not finish off your day with an easy-to-eat dessert after a day of drinking?

Atsuhime

The Original Ice Dog: A great combination of fried bread and ice cream

Finally, we will introduce a beloved sweet in Amemura, which is within walking distance from Namba Station and Shinsaibashi Station. Located right next to Sankaku Park, "Ganso Ice Dog" is famous for its "Ice Dog," a freshly fried bun sandwiched with cold ice cream.

It originally operated as a barber shop for nearly 30 years, but as the area became known as "Amemura" and attracted more young people, it was renovated into an ice cream shop in 2003. The shop has a homey atmosphere and is run by a cheerful manager.

For the Ice Dog, we chose the most popular classic vanilla flavor (500 yen). We also recommend topping it with caramel or chocolate sauce.

This dessert is made of freshly fried bread and filled with vanilla soft serve ice cream. It uses the same bread rolls that are served in school lunches, so it brings back memories. The oil in the fried bread is not greasy and has a smooth texture. It's an excellent combination with the cold ice cream. If you're in Amemura, be sure to give it a try.

Original Ice Dog

As you would expect from a city of gourmets, the Namba/Dotonbori area is crammed with delicious food. If you visit this area for shopping or sightseeing, be sure to enjoy eating your way through the area until you're full!

Originally posted: January 26, 2023
*Some content was updated on January 22, 2025.

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