The Best Cheap Michelin Star Restaurants in Osaka Japan

Japan is a foodie’s paradise.

The craftsmanship, artistry and of course, taste is at a whole new level in Japanese cuisine.

However, what attracts gastronomy enthusiasts to Japan is the availability of high-quality food even at the most modest restaurants.

The attention to detail and obsession with quality is inherent in all sections of Japanese society.

It is no surprise then that three cities in Japan feature in the top 5 for highest number of Michelin star restaurants in the world.

These three cities are Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

While Tokyo has the distinction of having the most Michelin star restaurants in the world, Osaka is not far behind.

At last count, the city had already reached 100 plus Michelin star restaurants.

What is even more commendable, is that Osaka has some of the most affordable Michelin star restaurants in Japan.

These restaurants are spread throughout Osaka, from small alleys to train stations to fine dining eateries.

Therefore today, I am going to focus on the best, cheapest and most affordable Michelin star restaurants in Japan.

Do not let the location or size of some of these restaurants fool you.

They all serve some of the highest quality food you can have the pleasure of tasting anywhere in the world.

Note: For the best experiences, food tours and day tours in Osaka, visit Viator.

20 Best, Cheapest and Most Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants in Osaka

Here are the 20 best, cheapest and most affordable Michelin star restaurants in Osaka, Japan.

Considering these restaurants have all been granted Michelin Stars, they all exceed expectations in service, quality and food taste.

1) Udonbo Osaka Honten

Udonbo Osaka Honten specializes in Sanuki udon and is incredibly popular for its noodles, broth, sauces and meat.

Usually, there is always a queue to enter this small eatery but it is totally worth the wait.

Address: B2F, Osakaekimae Daisan Bldg, 1-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0001

Timings:

11 am to 9 pm – Monday to Friday.

11 am to 8 pm – Saturday.

11 am to 4 pm – Sunday.

2) Udonya Kisuke

Udonya Kisuke is one of the best places in Osaka for udon noodles.

As with most places in this list, it is a small eatery with extraordinary food quality. Hence, expect queuing up or long wait.

Do try their tempura dishes along with udon noodles.

Address: 4-1 Tsurunocho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0014

Timings:

12 pm to 4 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

12 pm to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Closed on Tuesdays.

3) Naniwa Okina

A wonderful authentic Japanese restaurant, Naniwa Okina is popular for its soba dishes.

It is everything that you hope for from a traditional Japanese restaurant with perfection in food taste and quality.

Naniwa Okina is a bit more expensive than majority of the restaurants in this list but it’s worth it.

Address: 4-1-18 Nishitemma, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0047

Timings:

11.30 am to 8 pm – Tuesday to Saturday.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

4) Okonomiyaki Kiji

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese savory pancake. You get a delightful combination of meat and toppings grilled to perfection.

If you want to taste this famous Japanese dish, you need to visit Okonomiyaki Kiji.

Near to the JR Osaka Station, you can hop in for a quick taste of wonderful authentic Japanese dishes.

Address: 2F, Shinumeda Shokudogai, 9-20 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0017

Timings:

11.30 am to 9.30 pm – Monday to Saturday.

Closed on Sundays.

5) Watanabe Curry Honten

Watanabe Curry Honten specializes in curries that are hearty and delightful.

What is really interesting about this place is that it is a fusion between Japanese and Indian curries.

Therefore, you will see a lot of Indian influence with its spices. You even see a few Indian curries on the menu.

This small eatery is definitely recommended for curry lovers who want something different.

Address: 3F, 2-2-5 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0002

Timings:

11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm – Monday to Friday.

11.30 am to 4 pm on Sundays.

Closed on Saturdays.

6) Hakugintei

Hakugintei serves incredible sweet and spicy curries from the Kansai region but with an international touch.

The result is some of the most incredible Japanese and international fusion curries you have ever tasted.

Located in the Chuo Ward, do visit this restaurant if in the area and you want to taste hearty curries.

Address: 4-4-12 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0047

Timings:

11.30 am to 4 pm – Monday to Friday.

11.30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.

Closed on Sundays.

7) Tonkatsu Katsu Hana

Tonkatsu Katsu Hana is the place to go if you want to taste authentic Tonkatsu.

It is a Japanese panko crusted pork cutlet that is deep fried and often served with rice and cabbage.

Interestingly, the sauces served at Tonkatsu Katsu Hana have an Italian touch to them. This is thanks to the chef’s experience with western cuisine.

The variety of sweet, fatty pork offered at the restaurant is especially appreciated by its patrons.

Address: 2-2-11 Kitakyuhojimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0057

Timings:

11.30 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

6 pm to 10 pm on Fridays.

11.30 am to 3 pm on Sundays.

Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

8) Pizzeria da Tigre

If you fancy authentic Italian pizza in Osaka with ingredients imported from Italy, Pizzeria da Tigre is where you need to be.

Pizzeria da Tigre does complete justice to Italian culinary magnificence. It is definitely a great place to spend an afternoon.

Address: 1-18-13 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0013

Timings:

11.30 am to 9 pm – Wednesday to Sunday.

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

9) Aozora Blue

Aozora Blue is one of the best places in Osaka to try udon noodles. The chef has his own unique style and is known for his signature udon dish – Arabiki.

A nice family friendly restaurant, patrons also appreciate the tempura at Aozora Blue along with the superb service.

Address: 4-5-8 Hiranomachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0046

Timings:

11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 10 pm from Monday to Friday.

11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 9 pm on Saturdays.

Closed on Sundays.

10) Kidatake Udon

Kidatake Udon is known for the chef’s creativity and expertise when it comes to udon noodles.

The thick cut Sanuki udon is highly recommended although their thin noodles are also gaining in popularity.

This place is a real hit with the locals. Their broth, dipping sauces and fresh dough is really appreciated by all guests of the restaurant.

Address: 2-4-17 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, 556-0011

Timings:

11 am to 3 pm – Tuesday to Sunday.

Closed on Mondays

11) Ganesh N

Ganesh N is an interesting restaurant serving Indian curries.

The owner-chef was inspired during her visit to India and brought back some incredible culinary prowess to Osaka.

The menu is limited but you get a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian curry served with rice and veggies.

I do recommend the place if you want a taste of Indian curries in Osaka.

Address: 1-10-18 Tenjimbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0041

Timings:

11.30 am to 3 pm – Tuesday to Sunday.

Closed on Mondays.

12) Okonomiyaki Mizuno

As the name suggests, Okonomiyaki Mizuno is famous for its Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes. They come with generous portions of pork or sea food.

Located in Dotombori in Osaka, this is a small place and you may have to wait in a queue to get in.

However, as all patrons keep saying, it is well worth the wait. The restaurant serves one of the best Okonomiyaki you can taste in Osaka.

Address: 1-4-15 Dotombori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0077

Timings:

11 am to 10 pm on all days, except Thursdays when it is closed.

13) Ramen Kuon

Ramen Kuon has perfected the art of making ramen with an incredibly delectable, distinct taste.

The seafood dominated soup and three-flour noodles are a match made in heaven.

Ramen lovers must try this place during their stay in Osaka for a real treat.

Address: B2F, Semba Centar Bldg Sangokan, 1-4-3 Sembachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Timings:

11 am to 3 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays.

11 am to 2.30 pm on Saturdays.

Closed on Sundays.

14) Naniwa Menjiro

You may have heard of Japan’s famous Michelin star restaurants inside a train station.

Naniwa Menjiro is one of them. The restaurant is located inside Osaka Namba Station towards Kintetsu Namba Line.

As for the menu, it consists of superb ramen dishes that are a delight at any time of the day.

As per Michelin, the signature dish is Ohgonkai Ramen with clams.

It is so cool that in Japan you can have a quick meal at a Michelin star restaurant while waiting for your train.

As a tourist, it is worthwhile visiting the place both for the food and the experience.

Address: 4-1-17 Time’s Place Nanba, Namba, Chuo, Osaka 542-0076 – Inside Osaka Namba Station – Kintetsu Namba Line.

Timings: 11 am to 10 pm open all days.

15) Chuka Soba Mugen

The signature dish of Chuka Soba Mugen is given in the name of the restaurant itself – Chuka Soba.

For the uninitiated, Chuka Soba is similar to ramen but with thin and curly Chinese noodles.

The soup along with the noodles has a delicate and intricate soy, chicken and shellfish flavour.

Overall, Chuka Soba Mugen serves a wholesome bowl of goodness that is just divine.

Address: 5-5-10 Ebie, Fukushima-ku, Osaka, 553-0001

Timings:

11 am to 3 pm on Mondays.

11 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

Closed on Tuesdays.

16) Udondokoro Shigemi

Udondokoro Shigemi is another wonderful place to try udon.

The menu comprises of several Sanuki delicacies and have their own distinct characteristics.

The intricate flavours of the broth at Udondokoro Shigemi are quite interesting and plays on your palate.

Address: B2F, Semba Center Bldg Yongokan, 2-1-4 Sembachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0055

Timings:

11.30 am to 2.30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

17) Gastroteka Bimendi

Gastroteka Bimendi is a popular place for those who want to try Spanish cuisine in Osaka.

Unlike the other eateries in this list which are small, family-friendly Japanese restaurants, this is a bar or pub.

So, if you are in the mood for some Spanish cuisine with nice drinks and laid-back atmosphere, visit Gastroteka Bimendi.

Address: 1-5-9 Utsubohommachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0004

Timings:

11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 12 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

11.30 am to 12 am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Closed on Wednesdays.

18) Synergy

Synergy is an interesting restaurant serving Japanese curries with a focus on health.

The curries are delightful and spicy. However, ingredients are used in such a way that it maximises health benefits as much as possible.

I feel Japanese curries that don’t hold back on flavour but keep the health quotient up is worth trying out.

Address: 2F, 1-5-35 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0003

Timings:

11.30 am to 2 pm from Monday to Friday.

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

19) Udonzin Beat

Udonzin Beat serves hearty, intricately crafted udon bowls with delicious broth and meats.

The restaurant has a nice relaxed vibe to it and you can take your meals with Japanese Sake.

There are several places to try udon noodles in Osaka and Udonzin Beat is one of the best.

Address: 1-16-17 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0013

Timings:

11.30 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10.30 pm on all days, except Wednesdays when it is closed.

20) The New World

The New World is a gastro-pub that has a modern, trendy vibe to it.

It does not serve traditional Japanese cuisine. Instead, you have modern interpretations that are not your typically Japanese flair.

You may have heard of the word Izakaya when in Japan. It means an informal Japanese bar.

The New World is exactly that with more cutting-age ambience and food.

Address: B2, Shinsaibashi PARCO, 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0085

Timings:

11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm open on all days.

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Final thoughts

It is easy to see why Japan has so many Michelin star restaurants throughout the country.

With such focus and dedication to perfection, quality and taste, every restaurant is top notch.

Do try these Michelin star restaurants in Osaka. They are incredible value for money for the kind of food they serve.