The Top 10 Osaka Restaurants

Naniwa Okina: For the best soba in town, look no further. Soba is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It is a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour. Try the Kuzukake kinoko soba with scallops.

Rikuro Ojisan no Mise: Home of the best cheesecake in Japan, Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is also known for getting extremely busy during peak hours. The cheesecake is certainly the highlight and comes bouncing fresh out of the oven.

Dotonboriimaihonten: For a nice place to take the family or go on a date, this is the restaurant to choose. Pick from a great menu for children, and choose Shino noodles which are less chewy than most in Japan.

Gogoichihorai: Known for the best bao in town, Gogoichihorai also offers a very full menu. Bao is a type of steam-filled bun that is made with yeast. This family friendly restaurant offers a menu for children also.

Shantao: For some Chinese food in Japan, Shantao has the most to offer. Served a la carte, the food includes spiny lobster, Hong Kong style sweet and sour pork, and Chilean style shrimp.

Elle: This restaurant can get very crowded during peak hours, so arrive early to find a seat. Elle offers a local menu that includes tender ham along with buckwheat and a full course meal for a reasonable price.

Kokyu: Like many other Chinese restaurants in Japan, Kokyu offers many different foods to choose from. Pick from a large menu and pass the food around the table until everything has been sampled. Expect to be there a while, as Chinese meals can take up to three hours to eat.

Monsoon Cafe Chayamachi: While this large restaurant is loud and noisy times, it does offer Asian food with an unlimited selection. Be sure to try the tapioca and coconut milk after the meal.

Stella Maris: This Mediterranean restaurant has stylish decor and a number of selections on the menu. Try the Japanese fish and be sure to sample the sauce offered with the fish. Don't leave without having the chocolate parfait for desert. 

Endo: Japan is known for their sushi and Endo is the perfect place to enjoy some. The restaurant is extremely small, but turnover is fast. Try the bite size sushi and get there early to get a table.

Before trying one of these great restaurants, be sure to learn about Japanese dining customs.