Endo Sushi

Touted as one of the best sushi restaurants in Osaka, Endo Sushi uses tried and tested methods of culinary mastery dating back to the early 1900s to create authentic and traditional Japanese cuisine. There are some interesting delicacies here at the Central Market branch such as horse mackerel and conger eel, so be sure to come with a sense of adventure.

• Web:

  www.endo-sushi.com

• Address:

  1-1-86 Noda, Fukushima-Ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6469 7108

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 6am–2pm, Sun Closed

Fujiya 1935

This contemporary restaurant fuses the best of Japanese cuisine with the likes of Italian, Spanish and other well renowned European cooking styles. The set menu changes regularly so it would be wise to check in advance what is being served on the day. The staff here are very friendly and the ambience is pleasant but take some time to pick out a nice outfit for this place as the dress code is rather strict.

• Web:

  www.fujiya1935-osaka.com

• Address:

  2-4-14 Yariyamachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6941 2483

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat Midday–1pm/6pm–8pm, Sun Closed

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Sakaisujihonmachi station

Fukutaro

The main store of Fukutaro is considered to be a must-try in Osaka. This is a great place to try okonomiyaki, a pancake-like dish often topped with meat, fish, vegetables and a corresponding sauce to accompany it such as aonori or Japanese mayonnaise. There are numerous variations to choose from and if you can't decide, there is the grill-it-yourself option which is always fun.

• Web:

  www.2951.jp

• Address:

  2-3-17 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6359 2951

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 5pm–11.30pm, Sat–Sun Midday–11pm

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Namba Station

Gataro

Hidden under the Hankyu railway, this cozy and nostalgic izakaya restaurant is a popular haunt amongst the locals. Typically in these Japanese-style pub-restaurants they serve grilled fish prepared whilst you wait, and its highly recommended to give it a go. Unlike most Izakaya restaurants, Gataro has an English menu, although that is about the extent of the English here.

• Web:

  www.t-cb.co.jp/gataro.php

• Address:

  1-7-2 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6373 1484

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4pm–11pm

Hajime

This classy restaurant equipped with not one but three Michelin stars has been described as 'mind-blowing', 'exceptional', 'artistic' and 'delicious' by some of the most discerning critics in the game. Hajime is a great place to go if you want something extraordinary. Every dish here is a like a piece of art and every desert, a dream come true.

• Web:

  www.hajime-artistes.com

• E-mail:

  pr@hajime-artistes.com

• Address:

  1-9-11 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6447 6688

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5pm–11pm, Sun & Mon Closed

Harukoma Sushi

Located in Japan's longest shopping arcade Tenjinbashisuji is the fabled Harukoma Sushi, recognisable if only by the line leading up to its inconspicuous front door. Lines move fast however, and the superb quality of the sushi and sashimi served here are certainly worth the wait. Price to quality ratio is among the best in town. Be sure to try the unagi which is a local favourite.

• Address:

  5-5-2 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6351 4319

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Mon 11am–9.30pm, Tue Closed

Balabushka

For those with a hankering to shoot some pool or sling some darts, Balabushka is the spot. Here you can compete with friends as well as strangers for primacy in one of the epic tournaments that take place regularly here long into the night. If and when you get tired, you can take a pew on the comfy sofas in the loft and enjoy a stiff drink with a side of nachos.

• Web:

  balabushka.jimdo.com

• Address:

  2-9-5 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6213 5056

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 6pm–3am, Fri & Sat 6pm–5am

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Shinsaibashi Station

Club Ammona

If you are looking for a more luxurious nightlife experience, check out this self proclaimed adult playground where the absurdly surreal can become real. Between live performances and theme parties at Club Ammona you can get beauty treatments, haircuts and even your nails done within. Give yourself a new look and drop directly into the action to show it off at its freshest.

• Web:

  www.ammona.jp

• E-mail:

  club@ammona.jp

• Address:

  2-3-22 Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6211 3993

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11pm–6am, Fri & Sat 11pm–7am

Club Joule

Club Joule is a Trance lovers' paradise. The club is very popular amongst the young but of course, seasoned ravers are more than welcome. Besides hard house, techno and trance you can also wind away to hip-hop and rap until the early morning at this massive neon-lit club.

• Web:

  club-joule.com

• E-mail:

  info@club-joule.com

• Address:

  2-11-7 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6214 1223

• Opening hours:

  Fri & Sat 10pm–5am, Sun 3pm–10pm, Mon–Thu Closed

Club Life

Hip Hop, Reggae, House, you name it. Club Life is a hot meeting point among the young party crowd. Here you can dance until the early morning hours, share a story with some friends over drinks and meet new people. Prices are pretty reasonable and the owner, along with the rest of the staff are very attentive.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/clublife_official/?locale=es_ES%2F

• E-mail:

  life.since2005@yahoo.com

• Address:

  2-8-12 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6484 3264

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8pm–6am

Explosion

For those looking for an open-minded and foreigner friendly gay-bar, Explosion is the place to be. Drop in to find a dedicated party crowd having a good time on the dance-floor or hang out with some friends at the bar.

• Web:

  explosion.osaka

• Address:

  8-23 Doyama-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6312 5003

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Fri, Sun & Mon 8pm–4am, Sat 9pm–5am, Tue Closed

Ghost

This hazy club blares out everything from R’n’B to Hip Hop to House, giving everyone the chance to move to their favourite beats. International guests are warmly welcomed within and the staff will take good care of you. Note that the party usually starts late here, so best drop by around midnight.

• Web:

  www.ghostosaka.com

• E-mail:

  ghostultralounge@gmail.com

• Address:

  2-17-3 NIshishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6214 0545

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Sun 10pm–5am, Mon–Wed Closed

LiLo Coffee Roasters

Praised as one of the best coffees that you can find in Osaka, the coffee beans at LiLo Coffee Roasters can be enjoyed in one of the three branches throughout the city or you can take them home to have whenever the mood strikes. Load up the cup with milk and sugar for an unfathomably frothy cappuccino or savour the delicate roasted notes by brewing LiLo's carefully selected coffees black as is.

• Web:

  coffee.liloinveve.com

• E-mail:

  lilo.coffee@gmail.com

• Address:

  1-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6227 8666

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm

Melbourne Coffee, Craft & Cider

This Aussie style cafe away from the centre of Osaka is worth the pilgrimage if you are into large quantities of eggs, bacon, avocados and tomatoes. There are of course other options available at Melbourne Coffee, Craft & Cider as the name would suggest. The cider and the coffee here comes in from down under and the fresh local produce used to fill up their freshly made toasties is clearly of a very high quality.

• Web:

  www.melbournecoffee.jp

• E-mail:

  hello@melbournecoffee.jp

• Address:

  3-8-7 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 70 8950 7788

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9am–3pm

Micasadeco & Cafe Osaka

At Micasadeco & Cafe Osaka visitors can indulge in mouthwatering Japanese soufflé pancakes that are a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. The brunch menu here is vast but if you are into pancakes, look no further. Sweet, savoury, stuffed with cheese, doused in coconut custard...the options are endless.

• Web:

  micasadecoandcafe.com

• Address:

  1-2-8 Saiwaicho, Naniwa-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6561 1191

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9am–6pm

Ninja Experience Cafe Osaka Dotonbori

Everyone has wished or at least wondered what is like to be a Ninja at some point in their life. At the Ninja Experience Cafe Osaka Dotonbori, the dream comes to life! This cafe is great for kids of all ages and grown ups are sure to join in with the exciting ninjitsu lessons where students learn how to use ancient Japanese weapons and techniques whilst dressed up as ninjas. There are several options available for groups and individual families including set menus and drinks packages.

• Web:

  ninja-cafe.com

• E-mail:

  info@ninja-cafe.com

• Address:

  1-6-8 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 70 8989 2243

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–9pm

Planet 3rd

Planet 3rd is a cute, hip little café within the Hearton hotel which showcases some cool decor in a nice, light atmosphere. They serve a full American breakfast between 7am and noon and have free internet access.

• Web:

  www.cafecompany.co.jp/brands/planet3rd/

• E-mail:

  p3_shinsaibashi@cafecompany.co.jp

• Address:

  1-5-24 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6282 5277

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7am–10pm, Fri & Sat 7am–11pm

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Shinsaibashi

Rue d’Or

You can find the French Bistro Rue d’Or at the exquisite 5-star St. Regis hotel. Here you can enjoy a tasty croissant with a café au lait in the morning or a larger meal later in the day accompanied by a glass of red all the way from France. There is even a new selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets on offer that have been expertly crafted by the in-house deserts specialist.

• Web:

  www.ruedor.stregisosaka.com

• E-mail:

  restaurantreservations.osaka@stregis.com

• Address:

  3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6105 5659

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11.30am–2.30pm/6pm–10pm