Takotsubo: A Michelin-Listed Institution Where Osaka's Takoyaki Meets Fine Dining Excellence
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Discover an Unforgettable Dish at a Historic Osaka Restaurant in Tennoji
When you think of Akashiyaki, you might associate it with the specialty of Akashi City in Hyogo Prefecture. However, Osaka’s Tennoji area also boasts a restaurant that serves this authentic delight—none other than Takotsubo.
Takotsubo’s Akashiyaki combines the delicate aroma of dashi with a fluffy batter and succulent, large pieces of octopus for an extraordinary experience. It has been awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction for five consecutive years, underscoring its reputation as an outstanding establishment.
Located in a back alley of Abeno, it’s a highly popular spot where reservations are essential. The demand is warranted by its unwavering quality.
Today, let’s delve into what makes Takotsubo an essential destination for Osaka’s gourmet enthusiasts.
About Takotsubo
Takotsubo is a long-standing takoyaki specialty restaurant headquartered in Osaka’s Tennoji and Abeno districts. Known for its exceptional Akashiyaki, the restaurant has been listed in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand for five years in a row, representing one of Osaka’s premier takoyaki spots.
- Business hours
- Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (Closed on Wednesdays for lunch, open if Wednesday is a holiday)
- Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Irregular holidays
- Telephone number
- +081-6-6629-2728
- Official site
- https://takotubo-abeno.com/
- Parking
- Nearby coin parking available
- How to visit
- 2 - minute walk from Exit 1 of Abeno Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line
- 10 - minute walk from JR/Subway/Hanwa Line Tennoji Station
- Address
- 1F, Kanemura Building, 2 - 4-48 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545 - 0052
Savor the Dashi in the Signature Dish: Akashiyaki
If Takotsubo’s Akashiyaki could be summed up in one phrase, it would be “a dish to savor the dashi.”
As soon as the piping hot balls (similar to takoyaki) are served, they gleam with freshness. Akashiyaki is traditionally enjoyed by dipping it in dashi.
The dashi is incredibly flavorful, with a rich kombu undertone that enhances the taste. Perhaps it’s the hint of katsuobushi that stands out on the first bite. The delightful combination of dashi and batter creates a flavor profile that you just can’t get enough of.
The batter itself is also remarkable, light and fluffy like a gentle omelet. Each bite is a delight to the palate.
One unique feature of Takotsubo’s Akashiyaki is the large pieces of octopus. Juicy, tender, and with the perfect amount of chew, the octopus elevates the dish to another level of enjoyment.
This level of flavor makes it feel like a refined Japanese dish. It pairs perfectly with a highball, too.
More Than Just Akashiyaki! A Full Menu and Extensive Drink Selection
Takotsubo serves more than just Akashiyaki, offering a variety of dishes for dinner.
Food Menu
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Akashiyaki | ¥1,078 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Tonpei | ¥1,980 |
| Ton - ta | ¥1,980 |
| Ton - ichi | ¥1,980 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Yakisoba | ¥1,100 |
| Moyashi Yakisoba | ¥1,210 |
| Omusoba | ¥1,320 |
| Cheese Yakisoba | ¥1,430 |
| Kimchi Yakisoba | ¥1,430 |
| Negi Yakisoba | ¥1,430 |
| Vegetable Yakisoba | ¥1,430 |
| Tororo Yakisoba | ¥1,430 |
| Plentiful Yakisoba | ¥1,760 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Green Onion | ¥165 |
| Fried Egg | ¥165 |
| Kimchi | ¥220 |
| Omelette | ¥165 |
| Raw Egg | ¥165 |
| Cheese | ¥220 |
| Fried Pork | ¥330 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Senju Pickled Eggplant | ¥946 |
| Tomato and Mozzarella | ¥902 |
| Marinated Salmon | ¥968 |
| Grilled Thick Tofu | ¥902 |
| Grilled Squid | ¥902 |
| Grilled Shrimp | ¥902 |
| Pork Kimchi Stir Fry | ¥968 |
| Spinach Salad | ¥902 |
| Marinated Octopus | ¥902 |
| Grilled Yam | ¥902 |
| Butter - Grilled Squid | ¥902 |
| Spicy Soy Octopus Stir Fry | ¥902 |
| Stir - Fried Vegetables | ¥968 |
| Yam and Chicken in Ume Sauce | ¥660 |
| Grated Yam | ¥550 |
| Edamame | ¥440 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Pork | ¥1,100 |
| Octopus | ¥1,100 |
| Squid | ¥1,100 |
| Shrimp | ¥1,100 |
| Bacon | ¥1,110 |
| Beef | ¥1,110 |
| Mixed (Pork, Beef, Squid, Shrimp) | ¥1,430 |
| Oyster (Winter only) | ¥2,090 |
| Oyster Mix (Winter only) | ¥2,530 |
| Pizza | ¥1,650 |
| American | ¥1,650 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Raw Egg | ¥165 |
| Fried Egg | ¥165 |
| Potato | ¥165 |
| Kimchi | ¥220 |
| Rice Cake | ¥165 |
| Corn | ¥165 |
| Cheese | ¥220 |
| Fried Pork | ¥330 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Octopus Rice Ball | ¥275 |
| Octopus Rice Ball with Dashi | ¥495 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Monaka | ¥495 |
| Chocolate Vanilla Monaka | ¥495 |
| Cookie Vanilla Monaka | ¥495 |
| Matcha Monaka | ¥495 |
| Black Sesame Monaka | ¥495 |
For those seeking something other than Akashiyaki, the yakisoba is especially recommended. The meat is juicy and generously portioned, offering a satisfying meal.
The drink menu is also extensive.
Drink Menu
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Super Dry Draft Beer (Medium) | ¥649 |
| Super Dry Bottled Beer (Medium) | ¥649 |
| Dry Zero (Non - Alcoholic) | ¥495 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Highball (Black Nikka) | ¥561 |
| Highball (Kaku) | ¥671 |
| Highball (Chita) | ¥726 |
| Highball (Kami AO) | ¥847 |
| Highball (Maker's Mark) | ¥726 |
| Highball (Matsui) | ¥792 |
| Big Highball | +¥400 |
| Ginger Highball | ¥660 |
| Calpis Chuhai | ¥583 |
| Lemon Chuhai | ¥561 |
| Lime Chuhai | ¥561 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Ryoshi Shochu | ¥550 |
| Imo Shochu | ¥550 |
| Umeshu (Plum Wine) | ¥583~ |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Akishika (Junmai) [Osaka] | ¥836 |
| Dewazakura (Sakura Ginjo Nama) [Yamagata] | ¥1,320 |
| Akishika (Junmai Ginjo Nama) [Osaka] | ¥1,430 |
| Orok (Extra Dry Junmai Nama) [Shimane] | ¥1,650 |
| Orok (Junmai Nigori Izumo Kojiya) [Shimane] | ¥1,870 |
| Item Name | Glass | Decanter | Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraware | ¥550 | ¥1,815 | - |
| Niagara | ¥770 | ¥2,574 | ¥3,850 |
| Chardonnay | ¥935 | ¥3,135 | ¥4,730 |
| Muscat Berry A | ¥550 | ¥1,815 | - |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | ¥1,045 | ¥3,850 | ¥5,280 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Cassis Orange | ¥627 |
| Cassis Soda | ¥627 |
| Cassis Grapefruit | ¥627 |
| Cassis Peach | ¥627 |
| Cassis Oolong | ¥627 |
| Mangoyan Orange | ¥627 |
| Mangoyan Lassi | ¥627 |
| Moscow Mule | ¥627 |
| Screwdriver | ¥627 |
| Gin Tonic | ¥627 |
| Gin Buck | ¥627 |
| Orange Blossom | ¥627 |
| Fuzzy Navel | ¥627 |
| Tropical Fuzzy Navel | ¥627 |
| Peach Oolong | ¥627 |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Mitsuya Cider | ¥352 |
| Calpis | ¥352 |
| Calpis Soda | ¥352 |
| Apple Juice | ¥352 |
| Ginger Ale | ¥352 |
| Orange Juice | ¥352 |
| Grapefruit Juice | ¥352 |
| Oolong Tea | ¥352 |
Seating Options for Groups and Solo Diners Alike
Takotsubo’s interior includes three counter seats, table seating, and tatami mats, accommodating groups and solo diners alike.
Table and tatami mat seating are arranged for groups of four, making it ideal for friends or family. For groups larger than four, you may need to split into smaller groups or reserve a tatami area.
Reservations Are a Must! Solo Diners Should Call to Reserve
Due to Takotsubo’s popularity, getting a table without a reservation can be challenging. Even if you wait outside, reserved guests are given priority, and the limited hours often mean seats rarely open up.
To secure a spot, make a reservation a few days in advance. Although reservations can be made online, solo diners must reserve by phone as online booking requires a minimum of two people.
Experience Takotsubo’s Michelin-Endorsed Excellence in Takoyaki
Takotsubo’s Akashiyaki goes beyond Osaka’s casual dining scene.
With kombu and katsuobushi adding depth to the dashi and large, tender octopus pieces, every aspect of the dish is first-class. It’s no wonder Takotsubo has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status for five consecutive years, drawing food enthusiasts back time and time again.
Takotsubo may be a takoyaki restaurant, but it could be described as a fine dining establishment, where Akashiyaki is elevated with refined dashi flavors.
Remember to book ahead—same-day reservations are rarely available. However, the effort is worthwhile to experience Takotsubo’s unparalleled Akashiyaki.
Once again, it’s worth noting that Takotsubo specializes in takoyaki.
If you want to try authentic Akashiyaki in Osaka’s Tennoji area, look no further than Takotsubo. Here, you’ll find a dish crafted with dedication and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
My final tip: when the Akashiyaki arrives, take a bite of the batter alone, then a sip of the dashi. Finally, dip the Akashiyaki into the dashi and enjoy. This sequence brings out each ingredient’s flavor, enhancing the dish’s deliciousness.
Takotsubo is a must-visit for takoyaki enthusiasts in the Abeno and Tennoji areas.
Step into the world of premium dashi and indulge in an unforgettable moment.
