The 10 Best Restaurants In Horie Osaka

Horie is an up-and-coming area located conveniently close to some of Osaka’s more famous entertainment districts, like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Horie is home to a vibrant international community and is less touristy than its famed neighbors. It boasts a huge variety of food, with a fantastic mix of Japanese restaurants and cuisine from all around the world. Here’s our guide to the best this district has to offer.

1. Honto Sushi Kaiba (本等鮨海馬)

Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese

This cozy sushi restaurant adamantly uses the freshest of seafood in their sushi and sashimi, as the taste and smooth texture of the fish is imperative to the quality of the dish. For those who do not enjoy sushi or raw fish, Sushi Kaiba also serves cooked items such as grilled fish and tempura. The exterior of the establishment is decorated like a mix between a traditional Japanese restaurant and a modern café, an aesthetic that extends to the interior.

2. Basara Kaerudou (婆沙羅かえる堂)

Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese

This café perfectly showcases the fusion of Western and Japanese dishes. Basara Kaerudo serves primarily Japanese dishes with Western influences, such as curry rice and tempura with a side of potato croquettes or fries. Typical Western dessert sundaes are mixed with Oriental flavors such as red beans and rice balls. This restaurant is famous for its curry, which is made using a secret recipe. Try it with an omelette, pork, or just by itself.

3. Bistro New Orleans

Bistro, Restaurant, Cajun, American

Just one of many authentic non-Japanese restaurants in Horie, Bistro New Orleans serves New Orleans specialties such as gumbo and Cajun karaage (fried chicken). The restaurant also offers New Orleans classic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Hurricane (warning: pace yourself with these). The joint is owned by a friendly New Orleans native, guaranteeing the authenticity of the dishes as well as the good times to be had.

5. Craft Burger (クラフトバーガー)

Restaurant, American

Craft Burger stands out as one of the best burger joints in south Osaka, if not the whole city. It’s not easy to find a burger place in Japan that serves American style burgers that are filling and delicious, but this place pulls it off. Craft Burger also serves sandwiches that cater to those with dietary restrictions, featuring menu items like salmon and tofu burgers. The sides are also tasty and diverse, and there’s a good selection of craft beer as well.

6. Café ABSINTHE

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Mediterranean

This chic restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean fare and cocktails, which has made it a popular nightlife spot with locals, expats, and travelers. Like its name suggests, the establishment is famous for its absinthe cocktails. ABSINTHE is one of the only places to get shisha in Horie. In an effort to support local artistic talent, a different local artist is invited to display their work in Café ABSINTHE every month.

7. Kosuiten (壺水天)

Diner, Japanese

ramen-carbonara_kosuiten_hoie_osaka_japan

A small, cozy shop, Kosuiten is decorated with a hipster vibe reminiscent of a Californian diner. Their famous ramen can be served with a variety of ingredients and rich soup bases, while other dishes such as fried rice are also available. They also serve a variety of Japanese and Western snacks such as fried dumplings and French fries.

8. Biotop Osaka

Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese, Italian

Like many shops in Horie, Biotop is both a café and a retail store, making it a great place to start the day with breakfast and a little shopping. On the ground floor and by the outdoor seating area is Biotop Corner Stand, a coffee shop that sells quality drip coffee and simple food such as bread and pastries. An Italian restaurant, Biotop Cubierta takes up the rooftop, which has a garden and an al fresco dining area. This is a great place for a late brunch with pizza and pasta, surrounded by nature.

9. Chao Lua

Restaurant, Vietnamese

Another one of a series of restaurants serving international cuisine in Horie, Chao Lua is a Vietnamese restaurant popular with young locals due to its cute and colorful décor. On one hand, the interior is reminiscent of Vietnamese food stalls, while on the other it is influenced by modern Japanese elements such as its tidy aestheticism. The authentic Vietnamese fare it serves is tasty and reasonably priced, making it a local favorite.

10. Saboten (覇王樹)

Restaurant, Mexican

Saboten (the Japanese word for ‘cactus’) is a lively Mexican restaurant. Owned by a fun-loving man from Mexico who can speak Spanish, Japanese, and English, the food is diverse, delicious, and authentic. Saboten especially comes alive on Taco Tuesdays – once a week tacos are only 200 yen (about 2 USD), as are tequila shots, which the owner loves to bring to your table himself if he’s not too busy working his magic in the kitchen.

Elizabeth Lee also contributed to this post.

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