Osaka

Hidden under the Hankyu railway, this cozy and nostalgic izakaya restaurant is a popular haunt amongst the locals. Typically in these Japanese-style pub-restaurants they serve grilled fish prepared whilst you wait, and its highly recommended to give it a go. Unlike most Izakaya restaurants, Gataro has an English menu, although that is about the extent of the English here.

Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M is a popular restaurant that offers traditional Japanese cuisine including one of the most exclusive and expensive cuts of meat in the world, Matsusaka beef. It may not be cheap, but it is without a doubt worth every penny. The staff are very friendly here at the Yokocho branch and guests have access to free WiFi.

The Ichiran chain of ramen restaurants are purported to be some of the best in the country and perhaps even further afield. So if you like noodles, this is the place for you. There are numerous variations to choose from, including the local favourite Tonkotsu Ramen which comes with a special sauce made in house.

Touted as one of the best sushi restaurants in Osaka, Endo Sushi uses tried and tested methods of culinary mastery dating back to the early 1900s to create authentic and traditional Japanese cuisine. There are some interesting delicacies here at the Central Market branch such as horse mackerel and conger eel, so be sure to come with a sense of adventure.

This classy restaurant equipped with not one but three Michelin stars has been described as 'mind-blowing', 'exceptional', 'artistic' and 'delicious' by some of the most discerning critics in the game. Hajime is a great place to go if you want something extraordinary. Every dish here is a like a piece of art and every desert, a dream come true.

If you are craving a juicy steak with a touch of Australian tanginess, head straight to Outback Steakhouse Umeda. This restaurant chain can be found in various places throughout Japan as well as the rest of the world. The best of Australian cuisine fits in very comfortably amongst the high class restaurants specialising in beef that the Japanese are known for.

This contemporary restaurant fuses the best of Japanese cuisine with the likes of Italian, Spanish and other well renowned European cooking styles. The set menu changes regularly so it would be wise to check in advance what is being served on the day. The staff here are very friendly and the ambience is pleasant but take some time to pick out a nice outfit for this place as the dress code is rather strict.

Osaka's oldest pancake house offers you a mouthwatering variety of traditional Japanese pancakes with different tantalising ingredients and toppings. Mizuno has been serving up okonomiyaki pancakes for every taste and every meal of the day since 1945. Try the new yam yaki which goes extremely well with squid, shrimp, scallops or pork belly.

Located in Japan's longest shopping arcade Tenjinbashisuji is the fabled Harukoma Sushi, recognisable if only by the line leading up to its inconspicuous front door. Lines move fast however, and the superb quality of the sushi and sashimi served here are certainly worth the wait. Price to quality ratio is among the best in town. Be sure to try the unagi which is a local favourite.