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“Takoyaki equals Osaka!” Many visitors associate this iconic street food with the vibrant city. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy between sightseeing adventures.
But with so many takoyaki shops around, choosing the best one can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of 13 takoyaki spots recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide! These are the finest places that have earned the Bib Gourmand title for offering exceptional flavors at great value.
From popular tourist spots to hidden local gems, this guide delivers the best of Osaka’s takoyaki scene. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a takoyaki expert, ready to explore the flavors of Osaka like never before!
Enjoy the finest takoyaki at Michelin-approved spots offering great taste at affordable prices. Don’t miss out on this ultimate experience!
From traditional styles to creative twists, here are 13 Michelin-approved takoyaki shops in Osaka. These restaurants were featured in the Bib Gourmand category between 2016 and 2020. From classic takoyaki made with rich dashi to luxurious versions using A5-grade wagyu beef, each shop showcases Osaka’s culinary excellence. Organized by area, this list makes it easy to incorporate these spots into your travel itinerary.
| Shop Name | Location | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka Iggy | Juso | ◯ | ||||
| Hanadako | Umeda | ◯ | ||||
| Takoriki | Karahori | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Umaiya | Tenma | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Tamaya | Tenma | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Kogaryu | Shinsaibashi | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Akaoni | Dotonbori | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Otakoya | Dotonbori | ◯ | ||||
| Wanaka | Sennichimae | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Yamachan | Tennoji | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Takotsubo | Tennoji | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Naniwaya | Sumiyoshi | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Aizuya | Tamade | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
The Umeda and Tenma neighborhoods are home to a diverse range of takoyaki shops, from long-standing establishments to innovative newcomers.
A pioneer of modern takoyaki! Located in Juso, this innovative shop is famous for its “Suji-yaki,” featuring A4 and A5-grade wagyu beef. The harmony of rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef and crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside takoyaki is unforgettable. Michelin-listed in 2018.
Read more about Osaka Iggy
Located just steps from Umeda Station in the bustling Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, Hanadako is a crowd favorite. With a crispy thin outer layer and soft, fluffy interior, their takoyaki is sure to bring a smile to your face. Topped with crispy aonori, flavorful katsuobushi, and their signature sauce-mayo combination, this spot is perfect for a quick bite during your Osaka explorations. Michelin-listed in 2018.
Read more about Hanadako
Boasting over 70 years of history in Tenma, Umaiya offers a classic flavor steeped in tradition. Their batter is infused with a secret dashi recipe, perfectly complementing the tender texture of fresh Akashi octopus. After just one bite, you’ll understand why this shop was Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016. Experience the golden flavors perfected in Osaka, the land of flour-based cuisine.
Read more about Umaiya
Tamaya’s takoyaki defies expectations, offering a gourmet twist that feels like it belongs in a French restaurant. Their batter, enriched with lobster broth, provides a uniquely luxurious flavor. Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016, this spot exemplifies innovation in takoyaki. Pair it with wine for a truly sophisticated experience.
Read more about Tamaya
Minami, the heart of Osaka tourism, is the perfect place to enjoy street food while sightseeing. Don’t miss these Michelin-listed takoyaki gems!
With a history spanning 50 years in the lively Amerikamura district, Kogaryu is a must-visit. Their signature takoyaki, topped with a special mayonnaise sauce, is crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside. Generous amounts of aonori and katsuobushi add the perfect finishing touch. Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016.
Read more about Kogaryu
Famous for its creative takes on takoyaki, Akaoni is a popular spot in Dotonbori. Their specialty, “Chap Chap,” is a takoyaki dish served in a savory dashi broth. This innovative offering lets the umami of the broth soak into the takoyaki for an unparalleled flavor. With over 10 menu options ranging from classic to creative, it’s no surprise that Akaoni was Michelin-listed for three consecutive years.
Read more about Akaoni
Established in 1972, Otako has been a staple in Dotonbori’s competitive takoyaki scene for over 50 years. Known for its generously-sized Akashi octopus chunks, their takoyaki offers bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Watching the skilled chefs expertly prepare each batch is part of the charm. Michelin-listed in 2016.
Read more about Otako
Wanaka is a perennial favorite in Sennichimae, drawing long lines daily. Their batter, crafted with kombu and katsuobushi dashi, is exceptional on its own. Add to that their variety of toppings, including classic sauce and unique options like ponzu, and you have a winning combination. Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016. (Photo shows their Shin-Osaka Station branch.)
Read more about Wanaka
As a rising hotspot for Osaka tourism, Tennoji and Abeno offer unique takoyaki experiences.
Yamachan’s special batter, prepared with a secret soup recipe, is a delight even on its own. However, it becomes extraordinary when paired with their signature sauce. The combination of tender octopus and fluffy, flavorful batter creates a perfect harmony. This shop has maintained its original taste since its founding and was Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016.
Read more about Yamachan
Known for their delicate Akashi-style takoyaki, Takotsubo has preserved its traditional recipe since the 1950s. Their fluffy batter encases fresh octopus, perfectly complemented by a refined dashi broth. This masterpiece, with its delicate and balanced flavors, earned Takotsubo a Michelin listing for five consecutive years starting in 2016.
Read more about Takotsubo
Hidden away from the bustling tourist crowds, these spots are cherished by locals for their exceptional takoyaki.
Located near Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Naniwaya is perfect for a post-visit treat. Their takoyaki boasts a crispy exterior and a molten center, with flavor options including soy sauce and classic sauce. Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2016, this shop is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Read more about Naniwaya
Established in 1933, Aizuya is the original takoyaki shop. Their traditional recipe, dating back to the days when takoyaki was called “Radio-yaki,” delivers a simple yet profound flavor perfected over nearly 90 years. It’s no wonder this shop was Michelin-listed for three consecutive years. Experience the true essence of takoyaki at this historic location.
Read more about Aizuya
Nestled in the retro Karahori Shopping Street, Takoriki offers a modern take on takoyaki. With its unique pairing of takoyaki with champagne or wine, this shop redefines how takoyaki can be enjoyed. Michelin-listed for three consecutive years starting in 2018, Takoriki provides a gourmet experience ideal for dates or girls’ nights out. Savor this new way of enjoying Osaka’s iconic dish.
Read more about Takoriki
Osaka’s takoyaki culture has evolved through time, from traditional establishments with 90-year histories to innovative new shops. The 13 Michelin-listed spots featured here represent the pinnacle of flavor and craftsmanship.
Notably, all these shops offer their exquisite takoyaki at affordable prices, a testament to the Michelin Guide’s focus on great value. From the popular Dotonbori area to hidden gems in residential neighborhoods, Osaka offers endless opportunities to discover amazing takoyaki.
This guide organizes shops by their main location, but many have branches in other parts of Osaka. Check their details to find a branch near you.
From their crispy exteriors to their gooey interiors, these golden takoyaki bites embody Osaka’s culinary spirit. Use this guide to find your favorite spot and enjoy the ultimate takoyaki experience!
