5 Recommended Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki Spots to Visit in Shinsekai, Osaka
Osaka is a city overflowing with unique local cuisine. Among these, flour-based dishes known as "konamon" are essential when talking about Osaka's food scene. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki—made with batter rich in dashi flavor, grilled on a piping hot iron plate, and topped with plenty of thick sauce and mayonnaise—are two major gourmet staples you absolutely must try when visiting Osaka. Here, we introduce 5 recommended shops, ranging from long-established eateries frequented by locals to casual takeout-only spots.
1Aizuya
Radio-yaki, containing "suji-kon" (beef tendon and konjac), which is the predecessor to takoyaki, is a must-try.
A long-established shop known as the originator of takoyaki. Their signature "Radio-yaki" is said to be the predecessor to takoyaki, created as a snack for children containing "sujikon"—beef tendon and konjac flavored with miso. It was popular when the shop was founded in 1933 (Showa 8).It is said to have been named after radios and radium hot springs. Later, the "Original Takoyaki," the shop's signature product, was created by following the style of "Akashiyaki." Inside the small, round, plump dough, there is a large, roughly chopped piece of octopus. As you chew, the flavor of the dashi broth and the octopus spreads in your mouth; it is truly a deep-flavored masterpiece worthy of being the original.
They also offer a wide variety of set menus that go well with alcoholic drinks.
Currently, in addition to 10 stores in Osaka, the shop also has locations in Tokyo and Nagoya. The Tennoji Mio branch offers a wide variety of side dishes in addition to teppan dishes like beef skirt steak and edamame. The highlight is the takoyaki and...fresh octopus served with vinegar soy saucein the "Exquisite Octopus Sashimi Set." This set also allows you to enjoy a change of pace by dipping the takoyaki in vinegar soy sauce.
Also, "New Radio-yaki" featuring ingredients like scallops or pork toro instead of beef tendon and konjac has been introduced. Since the menu varies by location, you can enjoy a new take on Radio-yaki at each shop. Be sure to visit various locations during your stay in Osaka.
Local
Supporter
At the Tennoji Mio branch, they offer an "all-day happy hour" where you can enjoy highballs at the surprising price of 180 yen. They also carry Osaka's craft beer, "Minoh Beer," and provide many services that will delight those who love a drink.
2Tsuruhashi Konaho Tekoya
Salt-flavored takoyaki accented with large grains of salt.
A takeout specialty shop for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba with about 50 locations in the Kansai region. Their takoyaki lineup includes unique items you can only taste here. The recommended "Umasio" (tasty salt) flavor is finished with a sprinkling of French natural salt, "Fleur de Sel," over freshly made takoyaki, adding a crispy texture. Because they use high-heat iron plates, the outside is crispy and fragrant, while the inside is fluffy. It is a flavor that will keep you reaching for more. Other options include "Oyster Soy Sauce," "Special Sauce," and "Bozu" (plain) takoyaki with no toppings.
They also sell fluffy okonomiyaki and yakisoba with thick, chewy noodles.
The menu also offers fluffy okonomiyaki grilled with plenty of cabbage and eggs, as well as yakisoba made with extra-thick noodles using 100% top-grade first-class flour. Committed to every single ingredient, the shop creates its own original sauce, which is the heart of their flour-based dishes.Packed with the umami of vegetables and fruits,the sweet and savory sauce further enhances the appeal of these flour-based dishes.
Enjoying food at wallet-friendly prices is another unique charm of Osaka. Even though the okonomiyaki and yakisoba are hearty, they can be purchased starting from the 500-yen range. They are perfect for a light snack when you are feeling a little hungry.
Local
Supporter
The takoyaki is seasoned with dashi and is delicious on its own, but please also try it with the restaurant's special sauce or savory salt. Since it is located about a 3-minute walk from OMO7 Osaka, it is also recommended to take it out and eat it at your hotel or in a nearby park.
- Tsuruhashi Konaho Tekoya Shin-Imamiya Station Front Branch
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1-1-8 Haginochaya, Nishinari-ku, Osaka MAP
Approx. 2-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station
11:00–22:00
Open every day
06-6643-1510
None
3Shinsekai Kankan
Enjoy large, fluffy, and creamy takoyaki in the heart of Shinsekai.
A long-established takoyaki shop that represents Shinsekai. Located in the heart of the area just a short walk from Tsutenkaku Tower, the storefront is always bustling with many customers.
The menu has remained unchanged since the shop's founding, offering only "takoyaki." It is a classic style topped with sauce, bonito flakes, and green laver. Despite its simple appearance, the fluffy, creamy batter fragrant with gentle dashi, combined with the crispy texture created by a blend of four types of tempura scraps, will stimulate your appetite. Because they use custom-made hand-carved copper plates, the takoyaki are large and very satisfying.
You can also enjoy daytime drinking with freshly made, piping hot takoyaki and beer.
When we were founded in 2000, there were still few shops selling takoyaki in Shinsekai. We utilized land owned by the owner's family to open a takoyaki shop dedicated to a single, authentic taste. In the heart of a town that changes with the times, we continue to sell the authentic taste of Osaka at reasonable prices.
There is a counter and tables set up in front of the shop, so a great feature is that you can eat freshly made takoyaki right away. We also sell beer, highballs, and soft drinks, so you can enjoy daytime drinking while soaking up the lively atmosphere of Shinsekai.
Local
Supporter
This is a popular shop that has lines forming even before it opens. Since there is only one item on the menu, you don't have to worry about choosing, and because it can be bought for a single coin, the customer turnover is quite fast. Please enjoy this Osaka specialty while looking up at the Tsutenkaku Tower.
- Shinsekai Kankan
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- 3-5-16 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka MAP
- Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station
- 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mondays and Tuesdays
- 06-6636-2915
- None
4Usagiya
A special okonomiyaki where you can enjoy the flavors of both seafood and meat at the same time.
Founded in 1951 (Showa 26), this is the okonomiyaki shop with the longest history in Shinsekai. It is currently run by the third-generation owner and their family.
We recommend the "Mixed Tama." Ground beef, unique to Osaka where a beef culture is deeply rooted, adds juiciness and a satisfying meaty texture to the entire okonomiyaki. You can also enjoy the umami of shrimp and squid, making it a luxurious dish packed with ingredients. Because we use an iron plate twice as thick as a standard one, the outside is crispy while the inside is light and fluffy. We also recommend the "Special Mixed Tama," which adds oysters to the Mixed Tama.
Also keep an eye out for various teppan dishes and the restaurant's original "Uso-yaki".
Founded by the current owner's grandmother, the shop originally started by serving okonomiyaki in a corner of a store that sold cosmetics and other items. Today, it is so popular that there are lines at lunchtime, with many customers visiting from both Japan and abroad.
The shop's original "Uso-yaki" was born from a regular customer's request to add udon noodles to yakisoba. It is said that the customers also came up with the unique name "Uso-yaki," combining "U" from udon and "so" from soba. Other items include a la carte dishes such as tonpei-yaki and grilled squid with salt, and oden is also available during the cold season.
Local
Supporter
This is a long-established okonomiyaki restaurant that uses an iron griddle with over 70 years of history. The interior has a nostalgic atmosphere where you can feel the history of the shop. It is a cozy place where friendly and welcoming owners and staff greet you.
5Okonomiyaki Den
A special okonomiyaki topped with plenty of bounty from the sea and mountains.
An okonomiyaki restaurant that is extremely particular about the ingredients it uses. Their signature dish is the "Den Special," an okonomiyaki topped with pork, squid, and a generous helping of bounty from the sea and mountains. It was created with the theme of an "okonomiyaki that is a complete meal in itself," featuring beef tendon and konjac, buttered scallops, a fried egg, and two head-on shrimp—all of which serve as appetizers—with the okonomiyaki itself to be enjoyed at the end.
For the cabbage, which is the heart of okonomiyaki, they use "Senshu cabbage," known for its high-quality sweetness and juiciness. The homemade sauce and mayonnaise have a subtle, gentle flavor that further brings out the natural deliciousness of the ingredients.
A menu featuring fresh vegetables delivered from farmers across the country is available.
The restaurant focuses on using vegetables from farmers they have met while traveling across the country. Their encounter with the Iteya Farm, which grows Senshu cabbage, was the catalyst for this.
Because the owner personally visits the farms to help with vegetable cultivation, the restaurant is only open at night. With the goal of "creating a restaurant supported by farmers nationwide," they utilize cooking and preservation methods learned from the farmers to offer a menu where you can fully enjoy the deliciousness of local specialties from various regions. They also offer dishes using the most delicious seasonal vegetables, such as vegetable steaks, so another appeal is that you can encounter new flavors every time you visit.
Local
Supporter
This shop values human connections, from visiting farmers across the country to providing food relief in areas affected by disasters. The staff are friendly, and you can enjoy a lively, Osaka-style atmosphere while savoring delicious food.
- Okonomiyaki Den
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- 1-5-18 Tsumoribashi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka MAP
- Approx. 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Hanazonocho Station
- 16:30–23:00
- Irregular holidays
- 06-6646-6878
- None
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Yuki OkumuraOMO7 Osaka's Gourmet Expert
OMO7 Osaka
Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Conveniently located near major tourist attractions. Packed with heart-stirring experiences, from guided tours where you can experience Naniwa culture to unique events.
Access A short walk from JR/Nankai Electric Railway Shin-Imamiya Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥12,000