The 10 Best Restaurants In Amerikamura

Amerikamura, commonly referred to as Amemura by the locals, is a small retail and entertainment area near the busy Shinsaibashi shopping street in Osaka. It’s named Amerikamura as its landmark is a small-scale reproduction of the Statue of Liberty. The area is well known for its Western style of fashion, bars and nightclubs. Check out our guide to the 10 best restaurants in the area.

Cafe and Bar Absinthe

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese, Italian

Cafe Absinthe is a Mediterranean fusion bar serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, from falafel to pizzas and pastas. Famous for being an absinthe bar, the cafe excites its visitors with a flaming shot of absinthe brought over to your table. Increasingly popular is its shisha, of which there is an extensive range of flavors. Cafe Absinthe is the only shisha bar that substitutes the water in the shisha for absinthe or a juice of your choice, thus creating a truly exclusive flavor. Shisha | © Jeremiah Roth/Flickr

L&L Bar and Restaurant

Emitting a backpacker vibe, L&L Bar and Restaurant is a great place to meet locals, foreigners and expatriates alike. Serving casual Mediterranean and Italian food, this joint is great for a late lunch or for a casual dinner. They’ve got a comprehensive choice of shisha along with a good variety of cocktails, beers, spirits and sake.
2-26-13 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, +81 662 112 623

Kaiseki TAMA

Kaiseki is a style of Japanese cuisine, with a set meal where numerous small dishes are served to each person on an individual tray. This style is well known for its extensive preparation and gorgeous presentation and is perhaps the most expensive of all Japanese cuisine. Kaiseki TAMA, located in Amemura, is one of the most popular kaiseki restaurants in Osaka. They are generally fully booked so they recommend calling at least two days in advance.

Sakuichi

In the heart of Amemura lies Sakuichi. They have no fixed menu as the chef changes it based on the fish he has and the seasonal vegetables available. You will find over 130 delicious dishes – prepared in a Japanese style – to choose from and the food is beautifully presented. Everything is boiled, simmered, fried and prepared to absolute perfection. It is recommended to sit at the counter for a truly interactive experience with the chef.
4F Ace Building, 1-10-3 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan, +81 662 434 391

Hokkyokusei

Restaurant, Japanese

Hokkyokusei specializes in very traditional Japanese street food, omurice: a large omelette stuffed with fried rice and tomato sauce drizzled over the top. At Hokkyokusei you can choose from an assortment of fillings, from ham, to mushroom, to crab fried rice, which will crowd the inside of your omelette. They even offer omurice classes for those interested in making their own. Omurice | © wEnDy/Flickr

Le Vingt-Cinq Blanche

Experience fine French food in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Amemura. Le Vingt-Cinq Blanche offers an upscale dining experience offering a wide range of wines and cocktails. They offer set menus for lunch including an amuse-bouche, a soup and your choice of a starter. Following that, you’ll receive a main course of your choice and a dessert. The dinner menus are a bit more expensive and have a wider choice of options.
1-9-31 Nishishinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, +81 662 456 223

Tako Tako King

Restaurant, Japanese

Tako Tako King serves one of the most popular traditional Japanese street foods, takoyaki:little ball-shaped snacks that are filled with diced octopus and green onions. The little wheat flour octopus balls are covered in a takoyaki sauce – which is similar to worcester sauce – and dried bonito flakes. The dish is traditionally found in festivals and stalls on the side of the road. This lively restaurant is arguably one of the best places to get takoyaki in Osaka.

Critters Burger

Critters Burger is an American-style burger joint. The place attracts a young, lively crowd and is usually very busy. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and a standing area as well. Critters Burger creates fresh, homemade burgers with a diverse range of toppings and fresh patties. Critters Burger is a great place to go with your friends for a quick bite and a few drinks to start off your evening.
1-10-35 Nishishinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, +81 649 639 840

Digmeout Art & Dinner

Cafe, Restaurant, Diner, Japanese

Digmeout serves as a cafe, restaurant and art gallery for the young artists of Osaka. The theme of the restaurant is ‘Young art, from Osaka to the world’: enjoy lunch, tea or dinner surrounded by art from the local talent. They’ve also got a range of cakes and French toast options for those with a sweet tooth.

Madras 5

Madras 5 is a Japanese curry restaurant serving up a quick bite to eat at lunch or dinner. They offer a wide range of Japanese curry dishes from vegetable curries to chicken curries on a large plate with rice. Most dishes in Japan usually have a fish or meat stock in them, but Madras 5 offers a tomato-based curry, which is vegan friendly. For those with special dietary requirements, Madras 5 is a great place to taste some delicious Japanese flavors.
2-7-22 Nishishinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, +81 662 130 858

About the author

Prema Chablani

Born and raised in a small town in Japan with an Indian and Spanish background, Prema is now in her final year of an English Literature degree at the University of Edinburgh. With her parents both being ex-magazine writers, Prema developed a passion for reading and writing at an early age. When not in front of a kindle, she'll be jet setting and exploring the world soaking in all the new languages and cultures.