The Kansai Region Restaurants

Thanks to its history and unique culture, the Kansai region offers an unparalleled variety of Japanese cuisine. In addition to the local specialties of Osaka, Kobe, and Nara, Kansai has the same inexpensive chain restaurants as Tokyo and a good variety of international food. Outside tourist areas, restaurant staff may not speak English but often exhibit Kansai’s signature friendliness, going out of their way to help.

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  • 1. Aragawa

    $$$$ | Chuo-ku

    Japan's first steak house is famed for its superb, hand-fed Kobe beef from a single farm in the nearby city of Sanda. The melt-in-your-mouth sumiyaki (charcoal-broiled) steak is worth its weight in yen and is only served with mustard and pepper. (Don't even think about asking for other condiments.) The dining room's dark-wood paneling and lovely chandelier give it a European air. Be prepared to spend some yen; main courses are phenomenally expensive.

    2--15--18 Nakayamate-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650-0004, Japan
    078-221–8547

    Known For

    • The finest Kobe beef steaks around
    • Decadent multicourse meals
    • One of the most famous steak houses in Japan

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 2. La Baie

    $$$$ | Kita-ku

    The city's premier hotel restaurant serves extremely good French food. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, seasonal menus, and extensive wine list make La Baie an excellent choice when you're in the mood for European-style fare. With its high ceiling, 18th-century paintings, and dark-wood accents, the interior is impressive and the service is impeccable. The weekday lunch courses are a good way to sample some of the best French cuisine in Osaka.

    2--5--25 Umeda, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 530-0001, Japan
    06-6343–7020

    Known For

    • Impressive list of French wines
    • Dining room feels like 19th century Europe
    • Excellent table-side service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 3. Mizuno

    $$ | Chuo-ku

    If there is one food Osaka is known for, it is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that can be filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood. Mizuno, opened in 1945, is one of the city's best and oldest places to try this hearty specialty. Mizuno's okonomiyaki are light and fluffy, using a variety of ingredients delivered from Osaka's Kuromon Market. Sitting at the long teppan counter grill you can watch as the chef whips up a hearty taste of Osaka before your eyes. Long lines form around lunch and dinnertime, but move rather quickly.

    1--4--15 Dotombori, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 542-0071, Japan
    06-6212–6360

    Known For

    • Hearty and delicious Osaka fare
    • Locally sourced ingredients
    • Long lines, but worth the wait
  • 4. Wakkoqu

    $$$$ | Chuo-ku

    At this elegant dining room, the excellent Kobe beef is sliced thin and cooked before you on a teppanyaki grill along with fresh vegetables and served with pepper, mustard, and soy sauce for dipping. Wakkoqu uses meat from three-year-old cows that have never been bred, which is said to be the reason for its unbelievable tenderness. Lunch set menus are available until 3pm.

    1--22--13 Naka-yamate-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650-0002, Japan
    078-222–0678

    Known For

    • Excellent service
    • Delicious lunch sets that don't break the bank
    • Meals cooked right in front of you
  • 5. A-1

    $$$$ | Chuo-ku

    With a relaxed atmosphere, A-1 is known for serving thick slices of Kobe beef. The teppanyaki steak (broiled on a hot plate) is cooked in a marinade of spices, wine, and soy and served with charcoal-grilled vegetables and crisp garlic potatoes. The "small" version is enough to fill you up. Four branches are scattered about town, but the main one is conveniently west of Hankyu San-no-miya Station, across from the B-Kobe hotel.

    2--2--9 Shimoyamate-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650-0011, Japan
    078-331–8676

    Known For

    • The best deal on Kobe beef in town
    • Where the locals go for a good steak
    • Reservations recommended
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  • 6. Aji-tei Yamazakiya

    $$ | Central Nara

    Pungent nara-zuke will lure you into this well-known shop and adjoining restaurant. Inside, white-capped prep cooks busily prepare packages of pickles that you can try with cha-gayu (green-tea porridge) or a meal of crispy tempura. The set menus are on display, making ordering simple. This is a good place to escape the crowds on Higashi-muki Dori, the main shopping street. Nara Kintetsu Station and Nara Koen are within a five-minute walk.

    5 Higashimuki-minamimachi, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, 630-8216, Japan
    0742-27–3715

    Known For

    • An affordable place to try Nara specialties
    • Light, flavorful local cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon
  • 7. Akashiya

    $$ | Kita-ku

    It may look like a hole-in-the-wall from the outside, but this tiny cash-only restaurant serves up some of Osaka's finest akashi-yaki, a much fluffier and more delicate take on the city's famous grilled octopus. The staff are friendly and helpful. In addition to akashi-yaki, the shop also serves up excellent gyoza (fried meat-filled dumplings) and ika-yaki (grilled squid). It also carries a good selection of local sake.

    1--3--23 Dojima, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 530-003, Japan
    06-6341–3910

    Known For

    • Melt-in-your-mouth akashi-yaki
    • Broad range of local sake
    • Cozy, rustic atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
  • 8. Batten Yokato

    $$ | Chuo-ku

    In the basement of Kita-Shinichi's Aspa (Takagawa Umeda) Building, the hip, low-ceilinged Bat-ten Yokato serves a wide selection of very good yakitori (skewered meat and vegetables) in a fun, cozy atmosphere. Sitting at the long bar, you can watch the cooks work and call out requests. In addition to the quality of the food, the fact that the staff is obviously having a good time makes this an excellent place to try one of the most popular foods in Japan.

    1--11--24 Kita-shinichi, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 540-0023, Japan
    06-4799–7447

    Known For

    • Entertaining open kitchen
    • Yakitori grilled to perfection
    • Specially sourced Hakata chicken

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, Reservations not accepted
  • 9. Bistrot Café de Paris

    $$ | Chuo-ku

    This lively café offers above average French cuisine that you can enjoy on an outdoor terrace—a true rarity in Japan. The menu covers all the bases, ranging from couscous to bouillabaisse. Midway up the hill on Kitano-zaka, it's great for people-watching and is a good stop while cruising the Kitano district. Lunch and dinner sets are reasonably priced.

    1--7--21 Yamamoto-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650-0003, Japan
    078-241–9448

    Known For

    • Some of the best terrace seating in Kobe
    • Delightful service
    • Quality and fairly affordable lunch sets
  • 10. Café Freundlieb

    $$ | Chuo-ku

    Housed in the former Kobe Union Church, this café exemplifies Kobe's relaxed beauty. High ceilings, arched windows, and white walls give the dining room a bright, airy feel. It's the perfect place to take a rest from exploring the Kitano neighborhood. The kitchen serves tasty salads and sandwiches, and the bread is baked fresh next door.

    4--6--15 Ikuta-cho, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 651-0092, Japan
    078-231–6051

    Known For

    • Beautiful decor
    • Excellent baked goods
    • Good sandwiches and salads for a light lunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 11. Café Komodo

    $

    Located on a quiet backstreet just a short walk south of Horyu-ji's Great Eastern Gate, this low-key yet stylish café offers delicious lunch sets, including very local specialties such as tatsuta-age (a type of fried chicken) and deep-fried ofu (steamed wheat gluten). The café also has its own woodwork studio and shop, with a number of robot-themed wooden toys on display.

    Horyuji 2-chome 1--25, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
    0745-75--0305

    Known For

    • Unusual delicacies
    • Fresh local produce
    • Friendly vibe and peaceful atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs.
  • 12. Farmstand

    $ | Chuo-ku

    A collaboration between a local development group and Kobe farmers, Farmstand serves fresh deli-plates and café fare. Meals are mostly vegetarian, and in the afternoon it is a great place for coffee and dessert.

    1--7--15 Yamato-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650–0003, Japan
    080-2570--8194

    Known For

    • Fresh, organic meals
    • Flavorful desserts
    • Supports local small farms

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 13. Garden Restaurant Fusha

    $$$

    Perfect for a romantic dinner overlooking the lights of Kobe, Fusha serves up delicious French-inspired European dishes in a relaxing, country-chic setting. The restaurant requires a 20-minute taxi ride from Shin-Kobe or Sannomiya Station, but offers a stunning nighttime view of the city and harbor from the candlelit outdoor tables. Although the food is good, the view and atmosphere are the real draws, so be sure to reserve a table with a good view of the city.

    1 Karasuharacho, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 652-0001, Japan
    078-511–2400

    Known For

    • Panoramic views of the city below
    • Romantic dinners
    • European-style multicourse dinners

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Mon. twice-monthly, Reservations essential
  • 14. Hana Goyomi

    $$$$ | Chuo-ku

    Dining at the Swissôtel's flagship restaurant is an elegant escape from the crowds of Osaka. The seasonal kaiseki dinners are presented with exquisite attention to detail, bringing out the flavor of each ingredient. The restaurant offers separate seating at the sushi bar, tempura counter, and even four private rooms. Choose from one of the seasonal set menus, or put your dinner in the hands of the skilled chefs. The staff are also happy to serve Kobe beef from Minami, the hotel's teppanyaki restaurant.

    5--1--60 Namba, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 542-0076, Japan
    06-6646–5127

    Known For

    • Seasonal set menus
    • A relaxed escape from the bustle of Osaka
    • Impeccable service
  • 15. Harishin

    $$ | Nara-machi

    This eatery's kamitsumichi bento box, with a selection of sashimi, fried shrimp, tofu, vegetables, and homemade plum liqueur, is a bargain. Harishin is traditional and quite rustic. You sit in either a large tatami room overlooking a garden or around a large irori (hearth).

    15 Nakashinya-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, 630-8333, Japan
    0742-22–2669

    Known For

    • Relaxing setting
    • Traditional, Naramachi atmosphere
    • Fresh, local foods

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 16. Hiraso

    $$ | Nara-machi

    At Hiraso you can try kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. What's more, you can take it away in a nicely wrapped wooden box for a satisfying lunch in Nara Park. Another featured delicacy is kakisuga, dried persimmon dusted with kudzu (flour made from the East Asian kudzu vine) or arrowroot powder and cooked tempura style. Most set menus include green-tea porridge, which is usually made with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables. Hiraso has tables and chairs, but the tatami alcoves are more intimate.

    30--1 Imamikado-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, 630-8374, Japan
    0742-22–0866

    Known For

    • The best place to get food for a picnic in the park
    • Unique, affordable lunches
    • Cozy atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 17. Isuzu Bakery

    $

    Kobe has many excellent bakeries, but this one, a Kobe institution since 1946 with a branch just west of San-no-miya Station, is notable for its fine selection of Japanese-style pastries and breads. Among its most popular items are the kare-pan (curry bread); crispy donut-like snacks filled with a mild curry sauce. Or try the kureemu-pan (cream bread), a much sweeter cream-stuffed alternative.

    2-chome 1--14 Kitanagasadori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, Japan
    078-333--4180

    Known For

    • Delicious Japanese-style breads
    • Fresh and affordable
  • 18. Kani Doraku Dotombori Honten

    $$$ | Chuo-ku

    The most famous restaurant on Dotombori-dori—the enormous mechanical crab is a local landmark—Kani Doraku has fine crab dishes at reasonable prices. The lunch set menu includes large portions of crab; dinner is more expensive ¥6,000. If you prefer a quick snack, a stand outside sells crab legs. An English-language menu is available. Reserve a table on weekends.

    1--6--18 Dotombori, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 542-0077, Japan
    06-6211–8975

    Known For

    • One of Osaka's best-known restaurants
    • Mountains of crab
    • Take-out crab legs
  • 19. Kigawa

    $$$$ | Chuo-ku

    There's no better place to try Osaka's kappo-ryori (a more intimate, less formal version of kaiseki-ryori) than the restaurant that started the trend. Chef and owner Osamu Ueno scours the markets daily to find the best ingredients for dinner each evening. The menu here is a constantly rotating selection of à la carte items, all superb. If you're unsure about what to order, simply leave it up to the chef for a delightful dinner. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, with counter seating and two private rooms for small groups.

    1--7--7 Dotonbori, Osaka, Osaka-fu, 542-0076, Japan
    06-6211–3030

    Known For

    • Meticulous attention to detail
    • Refined setting
    • Flavorful multicourse meals

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 20. Le Dimanche Boulangerie

    $ | Chuo-ku

    Even among Kobe's many excellent bakeries, Le Dimanche stands out. The owners bake some of the city's best artisanal bread, seamlessly integrating Japanese and European elements. Unique specialties include the renkon (lotus root) tartine, crème brûlée croissant, and signature viennois aux airelles (Viennese cranberry roll). The second-floor café is bright and airy, with rustic hardwood floors and tables. It's the perfect spot for a light snack while browsing the many boutiques along Tor Road.

    3-12-16 Kitanagasa-dori, Kobe, Hyogo-ken, 650-0012, Japan
    078-331–8760

    Known For

    • A stunning array of pastries
    • Light and tasty breakfasts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, No credit cards

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