Shinsaibashi, the hip youthful party and shopping hub of Osaka, is home to such a huge variety of restaurants and cafés that it’s almost impossible to choose where to head for a meal. This is especially the case for brunch, as this staple social excursion hasn’t quite caught on in Japan yet. We’ve done the work for you and found the best spots for a midmorning meal, so you can better focus on sightseeing and souvenir shopping.
Granknot Coffee
Coffee Shop, Pastries
This hip café is inviting, decorated with reclaimed tables in a casual and disorganized fashion. The barista speaks a little English, and the service can be slow; however, the coffee and the French toast are worth the wait, providing a delicious and Instagram-worthy meal. They make their own coffee from scratch, so this is definitely the place to be for a fresh fix.
Eggs 'n Things
Restaurant, Pastries
Situated in Shinsaibashi‘s busy Amerikamura area, Eggs ‘n Things provides an escape from all the craziness and commotion. Step into this welcoming resort-themed restaurant and get away to Hawaii for an hour or so. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the restaurant comes equipped with an outdoor patio for warm and sunny mornings. Eggs ‘n Things has an English menu and Western food, with a huge range of pancakes, waffles, and eggs to enjoy.
TABLES CAFE (タブレスカフェ)
Cafe, Pastries
Located within walking distance of Dotonbori, Tables Café is a popular pancake house with a relaxed, elegant, and cozy atmosphere. Order a savory crêpe or a delicious sandwich, or even a curry if you feel like it, all for very reasonable prices. Everything is made with top-quality butter and flour, both imported from France.
Lilo Coffee Roasters
Cafe, Coffee Shop, Pastries
Just off the main street is LiLo Coffee Roasters, where guests can choose from a huge variety of coffee beans, imported from around the world, to be ground up right in front of them and freshly brewed. This café only does coffee, but it is surrounded by lots of different street food shops, so customers can easily treat themselves to some delicious, authentic Japanese food with a superb coffee in hand.
After some delicious homemade French food or a lunch to go? Westwood Bakers is the best choice. Upon walking in, guests are hit with the smell and sight of the most glorious cakes, pains and croques-monsieur. From pastries to pancakes to burgers, they have it all. The open kitchen allows you to see exactly how everything is made, including their renowned sausage croissant.
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Planet3rd
Cafe, Japanese
Located between Shinsaibashi and Amemura, Planet3rd is the perfect place for a full meal or a quick snack while sightseeing. The menu consists mostly of sandwiches, curries and sweets and the atmosphere is incredibly laid-back. There are computers, so you can check up on recent updates while you wait for your food. They start serving breakfast early and are renowned for their large American-style breakfast plates.
Not craving Western food? Imai is the place to go for genuine udon. Surrounded by an abundance of loud tourist-trap restaurants, Imai is a great place to relax while diners slurp away on a hot bowl of noodles. The prices are reasonable, and the noodles are cooked perfectly. The simple kitsune udon, which is served with sweet tofu, is prepared impeccably. The udon with tempura is another delicious option, complete with perfectly fried vegetables and seafood.
Within walking distance of the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade is Ichiran, a famous restaurant specializing in tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. They use the highest quality of products to create their ramen, and guests can customize their orders (even in English). The seating arrangement is particularly interesting. Ichiran wants diners to truly appreciate their ramen, so the seats at the counter are all individually blocked off with removable partitions, allowing privacy for just the individual and their meal. Happy slurping!
Brooke lived in Osaka, Japan for six years, honing her expertise on local attractions, culture, food, & the outdoors. She has been travel writing since 2011.
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