We were feeling great at Tokunaga Liquor Store, but since we were in Osaka, we couldn't help but go bar-hopping. After about an hour of enjoying ourselves, the other four Kansai residents started talking about whether it was time to move on to Matsuhisa. ohtab...

Among the office buildings in Osaki stands a local Chinese restaurant where time seems to have stood still. Established in 1941 (Showa 16), Kouraku has been satisfying the appetites of local workers for over 80 years. Its specialty fried rice lives up to its brown appearance and is a delicious lunchtime dish...

Asakusabashi, home to Torikoe Shrine, is a neighborhood where many historic, independent restaurants still thrive. Sugiei, a local soba noodle shop founded in 1969, is one such establishment. It boasts a warm atmosphere maintained by the second generation owner, side dishes made with soba broth, and its signature curry seiro and curry nanban, which combine spices and dashi stock. Local...

Established over 90 years ago, this restaurant is the first place to go when it comes to tempura bowls in the gourmet town of Ningyocho. The jet-black tempura, drenched in a secret sauce that has been constantly added to, makes a big impact. However, it's not as spicy as it looks, and it's not greasy. The deep Edo flavor is what makes it so appealing. There are often long lines at lunchtime, so we recommend...

Owariya is a long-established soba restaurant in Asakusa that has been in business for over 160 years. Its specialty is a gigantic shrimp tempura that fills the entire width of the bamboo steamer. Beloved by many cultural figures and locals, including the literary great Nagai Kafu, its flavors are not to be underestimated as a tourist spot. The aroma of fragrant sesame oil fills the air at this famous restaurant, making it a popular spot for local Asakusa eaters.