The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Osaka

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.

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.

Jinsei is a secluded sushi spot tucked away near Osaka’s Amerikamura (American Village). It is small and only provides counter seating, but this provides an intimate glimpse into the kitchen where guests can watch their sushi crafted by the chefs, one of the most unique and fascinating facets of dining at a sushi restaurant in the first place. Eating fresh seafood prepared in an aesthetically traditional Japanese restaurant is like nothing else.

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.

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.

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.