For foreign tourists visiting Japan, enjoying the country’s unique cuisine is often one of the most exciting aspects of their journey.
Osaka, often referred to as "the city of food indulgence", is a place where you’ll come across a variety of gourmet delights.
In this article, we introduce five yakitori restaurants around Dotonbori in Osaka where you’ll also encounter the charm of sushi.
Dotonbori is a central hub for sightseeing, and dining here offers a wonderful opportunity to take a deep dive into Japanese culture. Enjoy the bustling streets of Osaka while savoring top-notch yakitori.
Dotonbori and Yakitori Culture
The Dotonbori area has historically been a place where commerce and tourism intersect.
In this vibrant neighborhood, you can enjoy a wide array of Japanese cuisine, but yakitori remains particularly popular.
Chicken, slowly grilled over charcoal, has a simple yet rich flavor that perfectly represents Japan’s izakaya culture.
Enjoying yakitori in Dotonbori is a great way to deepen your understanding of Osaka's food culture.
Here are five must-visit yakitori spots in Dotonbori.
Kitashinchi Toriya Namba CITY Branch
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“Kitashinchi Toriya Namba CITY Branch” is a long-standing yakitori izakaya located near Namba Station.
The restaurant has a history of over 20 years and the main specialty is "Aged Grilled Chicken Skin", which is chicken skin marinated and grilled over four days to allow the flavors to intensify.
Another crowdfavorite is juicy "Fried Chicken Wings".
The retro Japanese decor, with private rooms and recessed kotatsu seating, makes the restaurant ideal for family get-togethers and parties.
Sumibi to Warai no Daidokoro Torisuke Namba Main Branch
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Tucked away along the lively streets of Hozenji, “Sumibi to Warai no Daidokoro Torisuke Namba Main Branch” is a hidden gem of a yakitori restaurant.
The restaurant uses freshly sourced Tanba chicken from Hyogo Prefecture that’s carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal to produce a crispy texture and juicy flavor.
A standout dish is “Homemade Tsukune” (chicken meatballs), which comes with five delightful toppings such as egg yolk, cheese, and tartar sauce.
With both semi-private and casual counter seats, it’s perfect for dates or get-togethers with friends.
Shinsaibashi Imai-ya Main Branch
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“Shinsaibashi Imai-ya Main Branch” specializes in yakitori made from Hinai chicken, a premium breed of Akita Prefecture.
The charcoal-grilled skewers, such as the flavorful “Mune to Kawa no Dakimi Kushi” (chicken breast and skin skewer) and “Shiro Reba” (white liver), are acclaimed for having a rich taste.
The stylish interior, featuring counter and recessed kotatsu seating, has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for dates or business dinners.
In addition to yakitori, you can enjoy dishes like hot pot made with Hinai chicken and the famous Akita “Kiritanpo Nabe” (rice cake hot pot).
The restaurant also has a curated selection of sake from across Japan, making it a popular spot for pairing food with sake.
Jidori to Tori Dashi Oden Takajin Shinsaibashi Main Branch
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At “Jidori to Tori Dashi Oden Takajin Shinsaibashi Main Branch”, you can enjoy both yakitori made from Daisen chicken and chicken-based oden.
The yakitori, made from freshly sourced morning-carved chicken grilled over charcoal, is popular for the rare cuts and deep flavor.
The delicious, signature oden is made with a rich chicken broth, in which the umami is extracted from chicken bone marrow, and features classic ingredients like daikon radish and fried tofu.
The modern Japanese interior, with both counter and private seating, makes the restaurant perfect for dates, business gatherings, or casual dining with friends.
They also offer a variety of local sake and shochu to complement the food.
Nonotori Namba-do
(Source:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27107677/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=3)
Located just a one-minute walk from Namba Station, “Nonotori Namba-do” is a yakitori specialty restaurant that uses carefully selected local chicken from Hyogo Prefecture.
The charcoal-grilled chicken skewers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with popular menu items like “Tataki Mori” (seared chicken platter) and “Negi Dokkan” (green onion heap) praised for their freshness and flavor.
The modern, relaxed interior has private rooms, making it a great spot for dates or business meetings.
For larger groups, the restaurant offers all-you-can-drink courses that include chicken hot pot and a full course of yakitori.
Conclusion
Enjoying yakitori in Dotonbori is not just about the food — it’s about experiencing the essence of Osaka’s food culture.
The five yakitori restaurants introduced in this article each offer unique dining experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
When you visit Osaka, be sure to stop by one of these restaurants to savor authentic yakitori and immerse yourself in the depth of Japanese culinary tradition.
Alongside the delicious food, the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori is guaranteed to make for a memorable experience.