Osaka is often called Japan’s kitchen. It’s famous for the old light-up fugu storefront, standing eateries along Dotonbori, and the massive, welcoming arms of the Glico man. What better way to invite people in for a meal than using a giant food brand mascot as your city’s icon? Osaka's convenient location and exciting sights and smells bring vacationers from across the globe to grab a bite of local favorites like takoyaki and fugu.
Of course, no foodie town would be complete without at least a few stellar sushi spots, and port-city Osaka is no exception. We’ll share some of the best-kept secrets of Osaka’s omakase sushi scene as well as some surprisingly reasonably priced favorites. Take a bite out of the best of Osaka bay with this omakase location menu from byFood!
Are you comfortable with splurging? See our list of the best omakase sushi restaurants in Osaka for premium dining experiences.
What is Omakase?
Omakase comes from the Japanese verb makaseru, loosely meaning “I’ll leave it up to you.” Unlike very traditional kaiseki dining, which may mean hours of courses that showcase a variety of cooking styles, omakase sets might just consist of 8 or 10 pieces of sushi that the chef has chosen that day.
Omakase sushi courses in Osaka invite guests to put their faith in the chef, who will serve the best possible menu with attention to season and skillset. Some sushi chefs are experts at the techniques of old-fashioned sushi, such as Edomae sushi, from a time when fish had to be preserved and prepared to eat safely. Others specialize in cutting and selecting only the most prized pieces of fish and adding nothing extra.
No matter what type of course you choose, omakase is a very traditional way of eating, making this a highly recommended experience for travelers who want a fully Japanese meal but aren’t ready for kaiseki. Leave dinner to the chef, and know that whatever they put in front of you will be fantastic…even if you don’t know exactly what it will be! Read more about omakase.
Where to Find Affordable Omakase Sushi in Osaka
Is there such a thing as affordable omakase? Yes! These 10 restaurants in Japan's third most populous city promise fresh and delectable sushi that won't break the bank.
- Sushi Harasho
- Sushi Kappou Mori
- Sushi Dokoro Shinmon
- Sushiya Rentaro
- Masaru
- Sushi Roku
- Sushi Toyotaka
- Tachizushi Shioya
- Amano
- Sushi Tanamachi
1. Sushi Harasho
Affordable sushi doesn’t always mean cheap-at Sushi Harasho, you’ll enjoy an award-winning sushi omakase course at a surprisingly reasonable price! Although it’s usually a fight to secure seats at such a high-class establishment, you can rely on byFood’s reservation service. Our strong restaurant relationships ensure that guests not only have an unforgettable Osaka sushi omakase experience but also make booking and seating stress-free. After all, the best meals have to be enjoyed in a relaxing setting! Sink into a night to remember at Harasho- where elegance and tradition breed stellar sushi. Find a table on byFood.
2. Sushi Kappou Mori
This homey spot is just a few hundred meters away from Ebie station. It’s one of those “You gotta know to go” eateries with a mysterious exterior that hides the welcoming space inside. If you are up to brave some very local Osaka culture — and, don’t worry; Kansai residents have a reputation for their welcoming, warm demeanor— this place offers one of the best omakase sushi deals in the country. Fortunately for you, ordering omakase doesn’t require Japanese reading ability, so you can skip trying to parse the chef’s menu and get right to the good stuff. The course is less than ¥5,000 and comes with 12 pieces of nigiri sushi, three small plates, and a soup-variety dish to finish it all off. According to locals, Sushi Kappou Mori is the place to get gourmet quality sushi at half price. The chef’s favorite sake lines the back wall, and you’ll be able to enjoy your dinner with lovingly cared-for and chosen dishware, making this dining experience a feast for the eyes, as well. More information.
3. Sushi Dokoro Shinmon
Sushi Dokoro Shinmon combines fresh, top-quality ingredients with entertainment at their 10-counter-seat restaurant. Guests will experience a once-in-a-lifetime omakase sushi meal that’s ideal for special occasions. The omakase course features hand-picked ingredients selected by Chef Akinori Dairaku. Originally from Chiba Prefecture, he’s honed his skills through years of practice and study. While working as the head chef at an organic restaurant, he decided to switch his specialty to sushi, taking his skills and expertise to Osaka. Make a reservation at Sushi Dokoro Shinmon.
4. Sushiya Rentaro
Centrally located just 15 minutes from the Osaka JR station is the authentic sushi house Rentaro. This restaurant is brimming with a classically elegant Japanese atmosphere, but the prices are impressively reasonable. Even groups can enjoy a meal here at one of the table seats, or couples and individuals will get an up-close look at the sushi-making process at the counter seats. Rentaro offers omakase sushi at several price points, but even the most luxurious is under ¥10,000! It’s rare to find this quality of sushi at such a reasonable price point so centrally located, so make sure to reserve early if you want a taste of one of the best omakase sushi meals in the city. More information.
5. Masaru
Unassuming in appearance on the outside but far from it on the inside, Masaru can be found in a quiet neighborhood in Osaka. This fantastic sushi restaurant is not like the formal kaiseki-style ones that leave you wondering what the next dish will be — at Masaru, you're able to pick between the a la carte menu and an omakase course meal, which is customized to your own tastes. Seasonal ingredients are used, so expect changing menu items. Sashimi, grilled fish, pickled mackerel, abalone, sea urchin and a huge list of others: Masaru's ingredients are all prepared at just the right texture, with the perfect level of sweetness. Reserve your spot at Masaru on byFood.
6. Sushi Roku
There is the simple elegance of Edomae sushi, where you can enjoy the pairing of rice and fish at its highest level. And then, the is the opulence of elevated sushi at establishments like Sushi Roku. At this, Michelin-started sushi-ya, luxurious ingredients like tuna Totoro and seasonal selections are boiled, aged, pickled, and prepped to create one-of-a-kind sushi dishes. This unforgettable dining experience is one of the top omakase sushi courses in Osaka. For a night to remember, take part in their dinner service, offered from 5 to 11 pm at around ¥20,000 per person. Make a reservation at Sushi Roku.
7. Sushi Toyotaka
Going through Toyotaka’s humble door whisks travelers away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s lively Shinsaibashi district and into the restaurant’s cool and serenity. The simple yet sleek wooden counter’s natural colors and modern design sensibilities are gently highlighted through soft, warm lighting.
Enjoy the restaurant’s omakase course, consisting of high-quality sushi, fresh from the markets trusted by Chef Toyotaka herself. With each season comes an entirely new set of vegetables, and Chef Toyotaka uses this special Japanese region trait to her advantage, offering a special sushi experience with each visit. Sake and other spirits round out the course to provide an unforgettable evening. Find a table at Sushi Toyotaka.
8. Tachizushi Shioya
If you’re looking to enjoy your omakase en route, the lunch set at standing sushi bar Shioya is perfect. Get there early to nab one of their ten-for-sen lunch specials! It’s only ¥1,000 for 12 pieces of chef’s selection nigiri and a miso soup, but it’s such a good deal that they only offer 10 plates a day. Don’t worry if you miss the omakase special, as they offer 8 pieces of daily-rotating nigiri and a beer for about ¥1,200. You’ll be trading the little luxe of a sit-down eatery for high-quality sushi at a low price, but that’s just what makes this some of Osaka’s best on-the-go omakase. Tachizushi Shioya is even conveniently located right inside Umeda station and only a 2-minute walk from Umeda Station. Check the chalkboard or handwritten signage for the day’s off-menu offerings and you might be able to grab yourself a bite of something really special. More information.
9. Amano
Who better to serve a chef’s select course of sushi than a former fishmonger? Yoshihiro Amano was raised in the business by his sushi chef father and worked as a fishmonger before undertaking his apprenticeship. As a result, he formed connections with top-grade fishermen and received exclusive access to fresh distribution channels and industry secrets. In 2013, Amano opened to great acclaim and now holds a Michelin star to attest to the chef's expertise. Suffice it to say, he put in the time so you can dine on exquisite, expertly prepared sushi. The ¥20,000-plus price tag is a guarantee of quality. Save your seat at Amano on byFood.
Looking for more affordable foodie options? Check out the following guides:
- 8 Affordable Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand-Recommended Restaurants in Kyoto
- 10 Affordable Omakase Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo
- 6 Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Tokyo
From shockingly cheap eats to impressively affordable luxury sushi fresh from the sea, Osaka has a price-friendly omakase option for every sushi lover. Whether you’re staying around central Osaka or venturing out, you can rely on Japan’s kitchen to serve up a smile with your sushi. Check out byFood’s listings of recommended Osaka sushi restaurants and easily make reservations for the city’s best sushi omakase.
