10 Dotonbori Street Food & Restaurants You Can’t Miss When In Osaka!

Let your cravings for authentic Japanese cuisine take over and plan that trip to Osaka! Nicknamed Japan’s Kitchen, Osaka is every foodie’s dream destination because of its huge variety of local delicacies. You can find classic street food like takoyaki, gyoza, and melon pan, as well as yakiniku, and other unique culinary delights left and right!

Now that your stomach’s growling from all that sexy food talk, the next question in your mind is probably where to eat in Osaka – and that’s where Dotonbori comes in. This vibrant food and shopping district has everything you’ll need to satisfy that bottomless appetite of yours! So we list down 10+ Dotonbori street food and restaurants to help you –and of course, entice you– to discover all the best Japanese food to try while in Osaka. Happy reading!

Must-try: Grilled crab legs 

Klook tip: Waiting time can be as long as 3 hours, so make sure to book a table in advance if you want to dine in!

One look at Kani Douraku’s gigantic crab sign and long queues, you just know that the food will be worth the wait. Don’t believe us? Try it yourself by sampling their fresh seafood selection and a slew of traditional Japanese dishes. If you can’t handle the long waiting time, order a pair of grilled crab legs and enjoy its succulent taste on the go.

Must-try: Yakisoba okonomiyaki, any takoyaki, and fresh oysters

Klook tip: Add more umami goodness to your takoyaki with a healthy sprinkle of negi (green onion). 

Getting the hunger pangs but don’t want to dive into a Japanese feast yet? Snack on okonomiyaki and takoyaki at Creo-ru instead! Here you’ll find unique takoyaki flavors, lots of okonomiyaki variations, and even fresh seafood like oysters. The best part? You can finally take a break from nihonggo because their multilingual order system works like magic.

Must-try: Tonkotsu ramen

Klook tip: Personalize your Ichiran ramen experience by adding toppings of your choice – choose from pickled veggies, marinated egg, red pepper sauce, seaweed, garlic, or extra spring onions.

Hailing all the way from Fukuoka is everyone’s favorite ramen brand – Ichiran. Experience solo dining in one of their famous one-person booths, where a steaming bowl of noodles will be served through a window in front of you. The lines are extremely long, so a weekday visit is highly recommended.

Must-try: Japanese cheesecake

Klook tip: Buy extra for take-out! You won’t get enough of its light yet addicting flavor.

You’ll never run out of dessert options in Osaka, but nothing comes close to the jiggly goodness of Rikuro Ojisan no Mise’s ‘cheesecake’. It’s more of a fluffy chiffon cake than it is a traditional cheesecake, but its pillowy texture and airy consistency make it a welcome break from the usual. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, or munch on a slice while exploring Dotonbori.

Must-try: Katsu curry udon

Klook tip: Got a big appetite? Don’t be shy! You can order up to 3 balls of noodles here for FREE!

Dining at Dotonbori may get expensive, but you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth at Tsurutontan Soemoncho. They don’t skimp on the meats, vegetables, and most especially, the noodles without charging extra! You can also find other local dishes, like soba and sushi.

Must-try: Matsuzaka beef

Klook tip: Book at least 2-3 days in advance because the Dotonbori branch is always fully booked. Each reservation only has a 15-minute grace period for latecomers, so it’s important to be on time otherwise your chance to indulge in premium yakiniku will be given to someone else.

If you’re in the mood to splurge, the best place to do so is at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M. This award-winning yakiniku restaurant is best known for its Matsuzaka beef, a Japanese specialty meat with magnificent marbling. Enjoy fresh wagyu grilled tableside just for you.

Must-try: DIY kushikatsu

Klook tip: Never double dip your kushikatsu in the black sauce! The Daruma mascot is watching you…

A Dotonbori street food guide won’t be complete without the greasy, deep-fried treats of Kushikatsu Daruma. Make your own kushikatsu from a selection of meat, veggies, cheese, and even fruit, which will then be battered in eggs and covered with panko breadcrumbs before being dunked into a pot of piping hot oil. Don’t forget to dip it in the tangy black sauce before chomping!

Must-try: All-you-can-eat kushikatsu

Klook tip: Try the ponzu vinegar and pickled plum sauces for a burst of flavor.

Can’t get enough of kushikatsu? Head over ​​Kushiya Monogatari in Namba for an affordable all-you-can-eat kushikatsu buffet. Experience frying your own set of kushikatsus in oil rich in oleic and linolenic acid. The result is a crispy skewer that isn’t too oily.

Must-try: Honey and cheese toast

Klook tip: Buy a set of the classic cheese tarts as a souvenir! It’s the perfect gift for sweet tooths.

Popular brand Pablo undoubtedly serves the best cheese tarts in town. Their signature buttery tart shell and creamy filling is a must-try for all foodies with a sweet tooth. But while you’re in the Dotonbori branch, you should also try the honey and cheese toast – a sweet and savory slice with coarse black pepper sprinkled on top for a spicy kick.

Must-try: Pork cutlet and kimukatsu meal set

Klook tip: Come with an empty stomach because the entire set is filling.

Last but not least is Kimukatsu, the go-to for delicious tonkatsu. Their pork cutlets are thin and covered with panko, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The set comes with cabbage salad, rice, miso soup, and a slew of sauces for you to experiment with. The end result is a satisfied tummy.

And that’s it for our top Dotonbori street food and restaurants! Excited to visit Osaka? Check out our other articles for a more detailed itinerary. Keep looking, keep Klookin’!