Explore Osaka’s food scene with We Lodge.
Osaka is Japan’s food capital, offering everything from sushi to takoyaki—but the real adventure goes beyond what you see at street level. Beneath the city, an entire world of hidden restaurants and lively izakayas awaits, where locals unwind after work over incredible food and drinks.
The We Lodge Food Club is here to guide you through it all, from unique soy-based dining experiences to budget-friendly lunch deals and high-end culinary gems. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, we’ve got you covered.
We recommend starting with our FAQ to get a better understanding of the language and how to navigate Osaka’s dining scene.
Then, use the filtering tool below to find your perfect spot, and hover over the icons to check booking details and budget ranges. Plus, we’ve made it easy by recommending great restaurants close to our properties, so a fantastic meal is always within reach!
Kick off your culinary adventure here and get up to date with Osaka’s food lingo—it’s the perfect way to start!
An Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub where people gather to enjoy drinks and share a variety of small dishes. Think of it as a mix between a casual restaurant and a bar. The menu typically includes grilled skewers (yakitori), sashimi, tempura, and seasonal specialties, all designed to share. It’s a relaxed and social dining experience, perfect for unwinding with friends or colleagues over sake, shochu, or beer.
Otoshi refers to a small appetizer or starter served at an izakaya when you order drinks. It’s typically a simple dish. The cost for Otoshi usually ranges from 300 to 500 yen. It’s a great way to begin your meal while you decide on other dishes to order!
Hover over the icons for more details, or check out the basic guide below to understand what they mean.
Casual / Izakaya
Bar
International Restaurant
Fine Dining
Cafe
Price indication
Booking is suggested
No reservation needed
Tabelog.com is a must-have for food lovers! The English version of Japan’s top restaurant review site just launched—perfect timing for EXPO 2025. While they do have an app, it’s only available in Japanese, so international visitors will need to use the website to explore and book restaurants.
Osaka is a city best explored both above and below ground. Beneath the bustling streets, you’ll find a network of underground walkways lined with shops and an incredible restaurant scene. Hidden among them are countless izakayas, where Osaka’s workforce unwinds after a long day – eating, drinking, and enjoying life.
Many restaurants offer incredible lunch set menus on weekdays at unbeatable prices—expect a generous plate of Japanese food for just $6–$10.
Dinner prices can be three times higher, so we highly recommend taking advantage of lunchtime deals to experience top-tier restaurants for a fraction of the cost.
Below, you’ll find our recommendations—feel free to explore or use the filter feature to narrow down your options!
