No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to a cafe. Cafes provide an excellent break from the hustle and bustle of major cities. They’re quiet places where you can enjoy a light meal, a cup of coffee, or a slice of delicious cake. Every Japanese city has its cafes, and the Kansai region metropolis Osaka is no exception.
Recently, well-known Japanese dining site Tabelog published its rankings of the top 10 cafes in Osaka in 2022. Here’s a closer look at their rankings and which cafes they decided were the true cream of the crop.
If you’re planning a visit to Osaka, definitely give some of these fantastic cafes a try! (And if your Japanese skills are a little rusty, make sure to check out our Japanese restaurant cheat sheet beforehand.)
#1: Kochikaze
2-22 Kuseicho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City
Tucked in the heart of Osaka’s residential Tamatsukuri district, Kochikaze is known for one thing: its kakigoori (shaved ice) menu. The cafe serves a rotating menu of seasonal shaved ices using pure locally sourced ice and handmade syrups. Syrup flavors include plum, strawberry, milk, carrot, black honey, and many more.
In addition to the popular shaved ices, Kochikaze also serves a mix of set meals and bento lunches as well as tea and coffee.
#2: Sammy Pooh
4-9-11 Junyoko Building 1F, Minami-Senba, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
If you’re hungry for something a little more substantial around lunchtime, you can’t go wrong with Sammy Pooh’s “all you can eat bread” option. This bakery regularly offers between 40 and 50 different types of bread every day, including croissants, pastries, sandwiches, and more. The cafe’s menu also includes Western favorites such as pizza, pasta, salads, and hamburgers. Do keep in mind that this cafe is located in Osaka’s downtown area and is often quite crowded during peak lunchtime hours! [1]
#3: Cocoo Cafe
2-2-23 Utsubo-honcho, Nishi Ward, Osaka City
Cocoo Cafe is a regular presence on Tabelog’s rankings, making the top eight in both 2020 and 2022. It specializes in elaborately decorated treats, ranging from piles of shaved ice to lattes decorated with delicate foam patterns. This cafe is one of the best options if you’re in the mood for something light, as it primarily offers pastries, snacks, and sweets – although the egg sandwich is also a perennially popular dish.
However, if you want to go, make sure you call ahead. Due to its small size and limited seating, Cocoo Cafe is reservation-only and does not accept walk-ins.
#4: MLESNATEA OSAKA
2-5-25 Herbis Plaza B1F, Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka City
Pancakes in Japan are not just a breakfast food – they are enjoyed all day long as a sweet, fluffy, butter-topped treat. MLESNATEA is best known for its stack of picture-perfect pancakes, which are served with various toppings including salted caramel, butter, cream, and the cafe’s signature “tea sauce.” As the name suggests, freshly brewed mlesna (Ceylon) tea is also one of the cafe’s signature offerings.
#5: Cacaotier Gokan
2-6-9 Koraibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City
As the name of this cafe suggests, this is a must-visit dining experience for chocolate lovers. Chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate parfaits – Cacaotier Gokan has got it all. The cafe also sells bonbons that customers can purchase to go. They make one-of-a-kind souvenirs for friends and family.
For those who want something a little bit more filling than simply chocolate sweets, the cafe also offers a daily special lunch featuring offerings such as soups, stews, and salads.
#6: Cafe Basara Kaeru-do
2-2-24 PRADIPA 1F, Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka City
From the moment you walk into this traditionally decorated cafe, you know that you are in for a tasty Japanese food experience. Their specialty is “100-hour curry.” This dark brown, nearly black curry roux is simmered for one hundred hours before being served. Other dining options include oden, hamburg steak, small plates of traditional Japanese dishes such as the “countryside plate,” and dessert parfaits.
#7: London Tea Room Dojima
2-1-23 JPR Building, Sonezaki-shinchi, Kita Ward, Osaka City
Offering up a London-inspired high tea experience, this cafe is making its second appearance on Tabelog’s Top 8 after first securing a spot in 2021. It’s easy to recognize due to its signature dark green sign proudly displaying the Union Jack.
Tea is this cafe’s specialty, but visitors can also enjoy sandwiches, set meals, pastries, or a full English breakfast. Special afternoon tea and high tea sets come with a mix of all of the above!
#8: Cafe AMADEUS STORY
3-6-32 Daibiru Main Building 1F, Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City
Located just around the corner from Osaka’s National Museum of Art, Cafe AMADEUS STORY returns to the Tabelog list after a 2021 appearance. It specializes in a variety of drinks including Dallmayr coffee, AMADEUS black tea, German mineral water, Czech beer, and more.
In addition to the drinks, Cafe AMADEUS STORY offers rich pastries and Western-themed set meals such as hamburger steak. You can also purchase the various teas and coffees available at this cafe in larger quantities to take home for later. [2]
Every city in Japan has its own unique offering of cafes with menus ranging from light snacks to hearty meals and a wide spread of teas, coffees, breads, and pastries. If you’re visiting Osaka, why not give one of these eight cafes a try? Alternately, if you have any other favorite cafes in Osaka – or anywhere else in Japan – let us know on Twitter.
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Sources
[1] Net Lab. "「大阪のカフェの名店」人気ランキングTOP8！ 第1位は「こちかぜ」！【食べログ カフェ 百名店 2022】" 25 September 2022. Link.
[2] Tabelog. "Osaka Top 8 Cafes 2022." 16 August 2022. Link.
