Where to eat in Osaka

A Michelin Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki landmark in the retro Shin-Umeda Shokudogai food alley beside Osaka Station. Kiji's savoury griddled pancakes have drawn devoted crowds for years, and the no-reservations counter is part of the charm. Closed Sundays; expect a queue.

Address: Umeda Sky Building B1F, 1-1-90 Ōyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka 531-0076, Japan

A late-night Kitashinchi favourite specialising in kasu udon, the Osaka classic topped with crispy fried beef offal (aburakasu) for deep, rich flavour. Open from evening through the early morning - perfect to round off a night out. Closed Sundays.

Address: 1-chōme-7-6 1F, Sonezakishinchi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0002, Japan

Osaka's most talked-about giant onigiri shop, where rice balls roughly twice the convenience-store size are pressed to order with premium Niigata Koshihikari rice and over 1,500 possible fillings. A minute from Nakazaki-cho Station; opens early and closes when the rice runs out.

Address: 1-chōme-5-20 1F, Nakazaki, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0016, Japan

On the 40th floor of Conrad Osaka, KURA pairs theatrical teppanyaki with an elegant sushi counter and sweeping skyline views over Nakanoshima. Premium wagyu, fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients are prepared before you - a polished special-occasion choice.

Address: KURA, Conrad Osaka 40F, 3-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0005, Japan

A cosy gyoza specialist near Daikokucho Station, Tsutsumu makes its dough from scratch and serves dumplings pan-fried, boiled and steamed. The handmade gyoza are additive- and garlic-free. Open evenings into the early hours - a relaxed spot over plates of dumplings.

Address: 3-chōme-12-23 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan

A Dotonbori institution with over half a century of history, Gyozaoh! is famous for gyoza nearly twice the usual size. The signature fried gyoza is the star, best hot off the griddle in the buzzing heart of Osaka's nightlife district.

Address: 2-chōme-4-14 Dōtonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan