Nagahori ★ 4.6
The world's first Michelin-starred izakaya (one star since 2010); Shigeo Nakamura cooks dashimaki tamago and roasted chicken to careful izakaya standard.
OrderRoasted chicken, Dashimaki tamago, Sake pairing
7 japanese izakaya places in Osaka we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Osaka | Japanese Izakaya across every city.
The izakaya is where Osaka's eat-yourself-broke spirit lives, all small plates, cheap pours and shoulder-to-shoulder counters. The Hozenji Yokocho lane near Dotonbori and Namba is the scene in miniature, with its late izakayas and standing sake counters spilling out after dark. Nagahori brings a more considered, kappo-leaning version of the form in Kitashinchi and Fukushima, while the Tenma Izakaya Backstreets in Tenma and Tenjinbashi pack in the densest cluster of drinking spots in the city.
Okazu Izakaya Kuu ★ 4.4
A warmly lit Hozenji Yokocho izakaya serving Osaka obanzai small plates and house sake; hidden beside the moss-covered Fudo-Myoo altar in a lantern-lit alley.
OrderObanzai set, Dashimaki tamago, Sake flight
Nagahori ★ 4.6
Nagahori became the first izakaya in the world to earn a Michelin star in 2010 and retains it in the 2026 guide; chef Shigeo Nakamura serves heirloom.
Hozenji Yokocho Izakayas Late ★ 4.0
The lantern-lit Hozenji Yokocho izakayas run until 01:00 or later, serving house sake and Osaka obanzai plates; most warm-lit well after midnight.
TipThe alley is at its most peaceful and warm-lit between 23:00 and midnight; pre-midnight it is busy but still beautiful.
Hozenji Yokocho Sake Counter ★ 4.8
The dozen izakayas lining Hozenji Yokocho are visible from Dotonbori but entered by only a fraction of tourists. Moss-covered walls and lanterns.
Tenma Izakaya Backstreets ★ 4.7
Over 200 izakayas packed into the alleys behind Tenmangu Shrine; entered almost exclusively by local workers, largely unseen from Tenjinbashi-suji.
Nagahori Michelin Izakaya ★ 4.5
The world's first Michelin-starred izakaya, unknown outside Japan despite a star held since 2010. No English signage; booking requires Japanese.
Japanese Izakaya tastings, classes and tours in Osaka
This cuisine
Private tour · 4 hours
Private Osaka Food Tour: Authentic Izakayas & Local Gems
Discover Osaka’s best on a private 4-hour tour exploring Dotonbori, Namba, and Shinsekai with a local guide. Enjoy iconic street foods and visit a historic shrine for ...
from¥28,874 Check dates
Guided tour · 3 hours
Osaka: Food Tour with 15 Dishes & 3 drinks With Local Expert
The most popular food tour in Osaka 7 years straight! Discover 15 dishes at 5 local eateries & 3 drinks. Local foodie experts will take you to the whole range: Tachino...
from¥10,660 Check dates
Guided tour · 3 hours
Osaka: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Walking Tour Private or Group
Discover incredible Osaka on a group tour (meet in Namba) or private tour (meet at central hotel). Explore day or night and see cobblestone streets, billboards, seafoo...
from¥5,720 Check dates