Best Restaurants & Dining Options Near the Osaka Expo 2025 Venue
The Osaka Expo 2025 will be an exciting event, attracting people from all over the world. As you explore the exhibits and shows, you’ll need to take breaks and enjoy some tasty food. Luckily, the Expo site in Yumeshima, Osaka, has many places to eat that fit different tastes and budgets.
From Japanese classics to international dishes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some great restaurants and food spots near the Osaka Expo 2025 venue.
Top Restaurants Near the Osaka Expo Venue
1. Kitahama Retro Cafe
Located just a short train ride from Yumeshima, Kitahama Retro Cafe combines European elegance with Japanese hospitality. Famous for its afternoon tea sets, the cafe serves an assortment of sandwiches, pastries, and freshly brewed tea. It’s the perfect spot for visitors seeking a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Kitahama Retro Cafe is housed in a historical building, adding charm to your dining experience. The interiors are reminiscent of early 20th-century Europe.
Must-Try:
Scones with clotted cream and jam
Classic Earl Grey tea
Location: Kitahama, Central Osaka
2. Kani Doraku Dotombori
If you’re a seafood lover, Kani Doraku is a must-visit. This well-known crab restaurant is famous for its wide selection of crab dishes, including grilled crab legs, crab sashimi, and kani miso (crab roe).
Founded in 1960, Kani Doraku has become a symbol of Osaka’s culinary culture. Its large, moving neon crab sign in Dotombori is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
The restaurant uses fresh, high-quality crab sourced from Hokkaido and other regions, ensuring every dish is delicious. It also offers private dining rooms and traditional tatami seating for an authentic Japanese experience.
Must-Try:
Crab hotpot
Crab sushi platter
Location: Dotombori, a 20-minute train ride from Yumeshima
3. Honke Shibato
Honke Shibato specializes in kushikatsu, which are Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers. Kushikatsu is a local favorite that originated in Osaka’s Shinsekai district. The skewers are dipped in a light batter, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection.
Honke Shibato offers a large variety of options, from classic vegetables like lotus root and eggplant to seafood such as prawns and scallops, and even tender meat cuts. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the crispy, flavorful tradition of kushikatsu in a fun and casual setting.
Must-Try:
Prawn kushikatsu
Quail egg kushikatsu
Location: Near Universal City, a convenient stop near the Expo venue
4. Endo Sushi
Endo Sushi is located at the Osaka Central Fish Market, one of the busiest seafood markets in Japan. This family-run restaurant has been welcoming guests for over a century, serving sushi made with fish delivered fresh from the market every day.
The restaurant’s reputation for top-quality seafood at reasonable prices has made it a favorite among locals and tourists. The casual atmosphere makes it a great place for anyone to enjoy authentic sushi, including specialties like fatty tuna (toro) and omakase sets that showcase the chef’s choices for the freshest catch of the day.
Must-Try:
Omakase sushi set
Toro (fatty tuna)
Location: Noda, a short drive from Yumeshima
5. Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a truly immersive food experience, visit Kuromon Ichiba Market. This vibrant market has been serving Osaka for over 190 years and is often called "Osaka's Kitchen."
Kuromon Ichiba Market features over 150 vendors offering an incredible range of food, including fresh seafood, grilled skewers, premium Wagyu beef, and sweet treats like teriyaki. The market is not just a place to eat but also a cultural experience, where you can watch vendors expertly prepare dishes right in front of you.
Must-Try:
Grilled scallops
Wagyu beef skewers
Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste)
Location: Nipponbashi, easily accessible from Yumeshima
International Dining Options
For those craving non-Japanese cuisines, Osaka’s international dining scene is thriving. Near the Expo venue, you’ll find everything from Italian trattorias to Korean BBQ spots.
Experience the rich flavors of Osaka on a guided food tour through Shinsekai.
El Pancho
El Pancho is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offering an array of tacos, burritos, and margaritas. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for groups.
Why Visit: The colorful decor and friendly staff create a festive environment that adds to the dining experience.
Must-Try:
Fish tacos
Frozen margaritas
Location: Shinsaibashi, 25 minutes from Yumeshima
La Pizza Napoletana
For authentic Italian pizza, La Pizza Napoletana delivers. This pizzeria is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts.
Why Visit: The restaurant adheres to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques, ensuring an authentic Italian taste.
Must-Try:
Margherita pizza
Prosciutto e rucola pizza
Location: Umeda, 30 minutes from the Expo venue
Explore Osaka's Namba district with a local guide on a bar-hopping night tour.
Manakamana
Manakamana brings the bold flavors of Nepal to Osaka. Specializing in traditional Nepalese curries and momos (dumplings), it’s a hidden gem worth visiting.
Why Visit: The cozy interior and rich flavors offer a comforting and satisfying meal.
Must-Try:
Chicken tikka masala
Vegetable momos
Location: Tenma, a short train ride from Yumeshima
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options
While Japan is traditionally a meat- and seafood-heavy culture, Osaka has seen a rise in vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in recent years. Here are some top picks:
Paprika Shokudo Vegan
This cozy vegan cafe serves a variety of plant-based dishes, including Japanese curry, pasta, and burgers. Their colorful presentation and use of organic ingredients make for a delightful dining experience.
Why Visit: Paprika Shokudo is committed to sustainability and caters to diners with various dietary needs.
Must-Try:
Vegan ramen
Matcha parfait
Location: Tennoji, 35 minutes from the Expo site
Green Earth
One of Osaka’s first vegetarian restaurants, Green Earth offers a mix of Western and Japanese-inspired dishes. The cafe’s laid-back vibe is perfect for unwinding after a busy day at the Expo.
Why Visit: The menu is simple yet flavorful, focusing on wholesome ingredients.
Must-Try:
Tofu steak
Vegan cheesecake
Location: Kitahama, near central Osaka
Aju Organic & Natural
This hidden gem focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients. With an emphasis on sustainability, Aju Organic & Natural offers a range of healthy and delicious vegan dishes.
Why Visit: The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh and innovative options.
Must-Try:
Organic Buddha bowl
Seasonal vegetable tempura
Location: Umeda, accessible via a short train ride
Street Food Near the Expo Venue
No trip to Osaka is complete without indulging in its legendary street food. Near the Expo venue, several food stalls and vendors offer a taste of the city’s culinary soul.
Takoyaki Stalls
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are synonymous with Osaka. Made with a batter filled with octopus, ginger, and green onions, these savory bites are cooked to golden perfection and topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and takoyaki sauce.
Why Visit: Watching skilled vendors flip takoyaki in their grills is part of the experience.
Recommended Vendors:
Aizuya (considered the birthplace of takoyaki)
Wanaka in Dotombori
Okonomiyaki Stalls
Okonomiyaki, often described as a savory Japanese pancake, is a dish made from batter mixed with shredded cabbage, eggs, and a variety of toppings such as pork, seafood, or cheese.
The batter is cooked on a hot grill, creating a crispy and flavorful base, and then topped with mayonnaise, a tangy okonomiyaki sauce, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes that dance in the heat.
Why Visit: Many stalls and small eateries offer customized options, allowing diners to choose their preferred ingredients. Watching skilled chefs expertly flip and prepare okonomiyaki on large griddles is an experience in itself.
Best Spots:
Mizuno in Dotombori: A family-run spot famous for its traditional Osaka-style okonomiyaki.
Kiji in Umeda: Known for its authentic flavors and lively atmosphere.
Savor Every Bite Near Osaka Expo 2025
The area around the Osaka Expo 2025 venue is a true treasure trove of food. From iconic street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to sophisticated sushi restaurants and international dining spots, every meal can be an adventure.
These recommendations are just the start of what you can discover. Try new flavors, explore hidden gems, and let Osaka’s rich culinary culture add even more excitement to your Expo experience.
Explore Osaka's culinary delights on a 3-hour guided tour.
FAQs
What types of food is Osaka famous for?
Osaka is known for its rich culinary culture, particularly street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). These dishes are a must-try when visiting the city.
Are there vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants near the Osaka Expo 2025 venue?
Yes, Osaka has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Notable spots near the Expo venue include Green Earth, Paprika Shokudo Vegan, and Café Atl, offering a variety of plant-based dishes.
What is a convenient option for a quick meal during the Expo?
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer high-quality bento boxes, sandwiches, and snacks that are affordable and perfect for a quick meal.
Are there international cuisine options near the Expo venue?
Yes, Yumeshima and nearby areas offer diverse international dining options, such as Banja Luka (Balkan cuisine), El Pancho (Mexican food), and Trattoria Pizzeria Cerchio (Italian dishes).
