The Best 10 Yakiniku Restaurants You Must Eat in Osaka

Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, has another name, a town of “Eating until you collapse”. There are millions of restaurants and Yakiniku is no exception. You cannot walk pass any Yakiniku restaurant without smelling the juicy barbecued meat. Some are posh and expensive, some are very good value for money. There is definitely a right restaurant for your budget around the corner. Here I have selected some popular Yakiniku restaurants in Osaka.

1. Wagyu Matsushita

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“Wagyu” means Japanese cows. It is well known at top-end restaurants all over the world. Matsushita is very proud of their Wagyu meat. The chef chooses the best Wagyu to serve and cut it into such beautiful way. It is without a doubt a professional craftsmanship. This high-end restaurant can provide Yakiniku for any occasion.

You can have a quiet night out with your friends, a family dining out or a big party for whatever reason. The menu has photos of meat but it’s hard to tell which one is good. I would suggest picking a recommended course by the chef. It’s not going to be a cheap night out but it’s worth it.

2. Yakiniku Takimoto

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Takimoto is probably the most popular Yakiniku restaurant in Sakai city which locates southern Osaka. It has been popular for locals for years. Not only Yakiniku but you can order steaks as well. Compare to other restaurants, it does fantastic cost performance.

Each plate has a plenty of chunky slices of meat on and they are all tasty. And you will leave the restaurant with your tummy full. It is a genuine common Yakiniku restaurant and that is why it is loved by so many. It’s not near any sightseeing spot but if you happen to go nearby, you must go.

3. Nama Horumon Dokoro Osamu Chan

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Japanese style Yakiniku is usually served with small slices of meat but Osamu Chan is different. He grilled a chunk of meat in front of you and cut it into small pieces for you when it is done. It is just like, or better than Teppanyaki performance you see at some posh Japanese restaurants in big cities.

The shop has only 7 seats over the counter, face to face to the chef. Reservation recommended. There are so many autographs of celebrities on the walls as it has been introduced on TV many times. Top quality of meat including Horumon (Offal) is served there. The chef’s performance is a bonus for the night out.

4. Kitashinchi Gyuho

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Matsuzakagyu is the best of the best in Beef industry. Gyuho serves only A-5 ranked quality registered Matsuzakagyu. Kitashinchi is the area with full of expensive bars and clubs. Money is not an issue there. So be prepared if you go to Gyuho. It will be an expensive night out. The chef cooks for only a handful of people at the counter.

There is a small room aside for a small party. The beautiful meat is trimmed by chef’s magical knife performance and grilled on charcoals. He takes time to cook but the finish of the meat looks so rare yet cooked thoroughly. The meat doesn’t feel like meat and melts in your mouth. It would be unforgettable.

5. Satsuma

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Located right in the middle of Kitashinchi of Osaka, Satsuma has been loved by many locals over years. It’s not posh like any other restaurants and bars around it but it is very popular because of its value for money. Satuma is always full but as it’s open until late, it is convenient. Reservation recommended.

It’s not far from some sightseeing area so it’s convenient to pop in for dinner. There is no English menu but I would just eat whatever given because everything is yummy and so good value for money!

 
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6. Wagyu Kaiseki Tajumaya

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No signpost, no name outside. Reservation from member’s or members’ associates only. That is how exquisite this place is. Tajimaya serves not only to quality Wagyu. Surrounded by sophisticated minimalism decoration, the restaurant is an ultimate hide-out from the rest of the world.

Tajima’s speciality is dry-aged beef. One whole cow with bones is left for more than 50 days to create a mellow fragrance of amino acids that seeps out from the bone. Tajinaya beef Tartare is not to be missed either. Tajima’s elegance will make you feel so special.

7. Sora Tsuruhashi Honten

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Horumon means offal, internal organs and entrails of a butchered animal. It took me a long time to be able to eat the meat, to be perfectly honest. It just doesn’t sound good. However, if you find the taste, you will never forget it. It’s like foir gras or pate. Forget where it comes from and enjoy the taste.

Tsuruhashi is the area well-known for good Horumon Yaki restaurants. Sora is one of them. It’s been loved by locals for years. The variety of the menu is amazing. And it’s cheap! The menu says each plate has twice as much as other restaurants and it is true. It has a branch in Dotonbori, eat-out district in Osaka, which might be convenient for tourists.

8. Matasaburo

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Matasaburo is located near Osaka Museum of Natural History. It has an English menu and website in English. It serves fantastic dry-aging beef on charcoal. They slice the meat rather chunky like steak.

Matasaburo also has a steak house called “Steak Stand Matasaburo” where you can dine out or buy your meat to cook at home. Either way the quality of meat is guaranteed. Both restaurants are suitable for lunch. Their steak sandwich is highly recommended.

9. Kyoshoran

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Kyoshoran serves top quality Wagyu from all over Japan. Bbut compare to other restaurants its cost performance is fantastic. I don’t know how they can serve Chateaubriand and sirloin for the prices. No wonder it is always crowded. It’s very family friendly.

There are courses for children and ladies who prefer smaller portion. A la Carte is reasonable but courses are even better. Definitely better value for money. It’s not far from Osaka Castle. Reservations recommended.

10. Ketobashiya Champion

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Usually Yakiniku restaurants serve beef, pork and chicken. At Ketobashiya Champion, horse meat is served. It is unusual and not many farms provide horse meat in Japan. There is an area in southern Japan where horse meat is famous for. And Ketobashiya Champion’s meat comes from there. Because a lot of people have horses as a pet and this might put you off. Not for everyone but certainly some people love it.

Horse meat is less fatty and a lot healthier than beef. It gets served like Jingisukan which is another Japanese cuisine to have mutton. The meat is grilled on a wavy half-sphere shape metal. All oil will slide down to the bottom and the meat becomes less fatty. You will never know if you like it until you try!

Let’s get some tasty Yakiniku in Osaka!

So what do you think? Osaka is full of restaurants and the competition of Yakiniku restaurant is inevitable. There is no doubt that you will find Yakiniku restaurant just what you need among all. Hope this site gave you some idea where to go. Be brave and try something you’ve never had before. That is a beauty of a trip abroad!