Dotonbori, the center of Osaka Minami, is famous as a tourist spot, but it is also a treasure trove of local gourmet food. Among them, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) is extremely popular as a B-class gourmet food that is typical of Osaka.
This time, we will introduce 8 carefully selected kushikatsu restaurants that are really popular in Dotonbori based on actual reviews and reputations. Please use this as a reference for sightseeing and eating out.
1. Kushikatsu Daruma Dotonbori Branch
- Business hours : 11:00-22:30 (last order 22:00)
- Closed : Open all year round
- Address : 1-6-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
The birthplace of kushikatsu is a must-visit
Daruma, a long-established restaurant founded in 1929, is a symbol of Osaka’s kushikatsu culture. It is characterized by its secret sauce, light batter, and freshly fried food. Many customers have commented that the restaurant has a “tourist-friendly atmosphere” and that the kushikatsu is fried to perfection
2. Kushikatsu Shirotaya
- Business hours : 12:00-23:00
- Closed : Irregular holidays
- Address : 3F Nakaza Kuidaore Building, 1-7-21 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Popular Kushikatsu Restaurants Here
This is a restaurant where you can enjoy kushikatsu at your leisure in a calm, Japanese-modern atmosphere. They also have an all-you-can-eat menu, so it’s recommended for those who value value for money. It has been well-received, with people saying, “The batter is crispy and light, so it doesn’t make you feel heavy,” and “It’s perfect for families
3. Japan’s No. 1 Kushikatsu Yokozuna Hozenji Branch
- Business hours : 11:00 – 5:00 the next morning
- Closed : Open everyday
- Address : 1-6-22 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Look for the flashy Osaka sign
The flashy lantern and huge sign are the landmarks. The attraction is that you can try a variety of Osaka specialties in addition to kushikatsu. Reviews include comments such as “It’s convenient because it’s open even late at night” and “It’s for tourists, but the food isn’t bad.
4. Kushikatsu Restaurant Katsu Namba Walk Branch
- Business hours : 11:00-22:00
- Closed : Irregular holidays (according to the facility)
- Address : 1-5-7 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Namba Walk Third Avenue North Street
If you want to enjoy elegant and unique kushikatsu, this is the place
This is a famous restaurant where you can enjoy authentic kushikatsu made with carefully selected ingredients. The “Omakase Course” is popular, and seasonal ingredients are carefully fried and served. It has a reputation for being “suitable for dates with its refined taste” and “frying at the perfect timing.
5. Kushikatsu Katsudai Dotonbori Branch
- Business hours : 11:00-22:00
- Closed : Open all year round
- Address : 1-5-9 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
This is the Dotonbori branch of Katsudai, a famous restaurant in Shinsekai Janjan Yokocho. They use ingredients delivered directly from the source and offer a wide variety of kushikatsu. It has received high praise, with people saying, “The flavor of the ingredients really comes through,” and “It’s great that you can enjoy the view along the river while you eat.
6. Kushikatsu Sakura Nankai Namba Branch
- Business hours : 11:00-22:00
- Closed : Open all year round
- Address : Namba CITY Main Building B2F, 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
The batter is made from rice flour and has a light texture. It is popular with female groups, with many users saying that “even women can eat a lot” and “there are many unique menu items so you won’t get bored.
7. Kushikatsu Janjan Shinsekai Main Branch
- Business hours : 10:00-22:00
- Closed : Irregular holidays
- Address : 2-6-1 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
We would also like to introduce a long-established restaurant with its main store in Shinsekai. Shinsekai can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes from Dotonbori.
It is known for its hearty kushikatsu (deep-bodied skewered cutlets) made with fresh bread crumbs. It has been praised for its “firm, crunchy batter” and “taste of old-fashioned Osaka.
summary
If you’re going on a kushikatsu tour around Dotonbori, you can’t miss the eight shops we introduced here.
Each shop has its own unique features, so you can choose the one that suits your situation.
Kushikatsu is Osaka’s soul food, and you can choose the portion size that suits you best depending on your stomach and future plans.
Please enjoy kushikatsu, one of Osaka’s representative gourmet foods.
