The Best Sushi Restaurants in Osaka
Worldwide, sushi is the most popular Japanese cuisine – so much so that countless visitors fly to the country each year just to compare authentic Japanese sushi to that found elsewhere. If you are a fan of the world-famous dish, or if you’d like to try it for the first time, head to Osaka, ‘the nation’s kitchen’, and check out one (or all!) of these 10 restaurants.
1. Kura Sushi Namba Motomachi
Restaurant, Japanese
Right up front, you should know that Kura Sushi is a chain restaurant. But this popular sushi spot is beloved by locals and is an excellent entry not only into the world of the raw fish and rice delicacy but also into the phenomenon of conveyor sushi. Customers sit next to a conveyor belt carrying plates of sushi (and dessert!) and simply take the ones they want as they pass. This is a common restaurant type in Japan, but at Kura Sushi you can exchange your empty plates for the chance to win a raffle right at your table, making this an immersive dining and amusement experience in one.
2. Sushi Saeki
Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi
Michelin-starred restaurant Saeki is widely considered the number one sushi restaurant in Osaka. The restaurant boasts a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere, with only 10 seats at the counter from where customers can watch their sushi being made and head chef Saeki can explain the menu, the background of the ingredients, and their selection of available plates. Saeki’s true value can be determined by their perfect balance between rice and toppings. The rice showcases superb softness and creates a nice harmony with the fresh seasonal seafood.
3. Honto Sushi Kaiba (本等鮨 海馬)
Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese
5. Endo Sushi Kyobashi
Restaurant, Japanese
6. Harukoma
Restaurant, Japanese
If you are looking to blend in with the locals while enjoying some delicious sushi at a reasonable price, then Harukoma is the place to go. Harukoma is located in the popular Tenroku area, where you can sample a variety of sushi in the company of Osaka’s downtown inhabitants. The restaurant is very popular and people usually start a line before it opens for lunch, so be sure to get their early. Alternatively, you could try visiting outside of lunch and dinner hours.
7. Ginza Kyubey
Restaurant, Japanese
Inside the Imperial Hotel in Osaka is a fine-dining establishment that serves exquisite sushi. You won’t get your everyday sushi at Ginza Kyubey – here, they add a special touch to every meal. Their fish is at its freshest and they use ingredients of outstanding quality. Watching the expert chefs at work is a great source of entertainment. The customer service is next to none and the atmosphere is classy yet unpretentious.
8. Sushi Hayata
Restaurant, Japanese
Owned and operated by the Hayata brothers, this restaurant has many loyal customers who delight in the quality service and sushi. Sushi Hayata is easy to find, being conveniently located next to the St. Regis Hotel near Hommachi Station. They also have an English menu available. It is the perfect stop if you are in the area and feeling hungry.
9. Hakodate Kantaro
Restaurant, Japanese
10. Uoshin Honten
Restaurant, Japanese
Corlena Bailey also contributed to this piece.
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