After the diverse and exotic coffee houses of Manila, let’s travel further and learn more about the coffee culture of this hi-tech country. Japan is basically known for its tea, but surprisingly the country is now among the largest coffee consumers among the importing countries, the market is growing steadily.
Coffee is relatively a new phenomenon in Japanese history. Japan isolated itself from the outside world from 1638 until 1853 (sakoku), Nagasaki was the only place which was accessible by foreign merchants.
Dutch merchants were the only consumers of coffee in Japan and the Japanese did not appreciate the black drink right away. However, by the end of the isolation period (during the end of the Meiji restoration in the late 19th century), coffee culture began to spread and many coffee shops emerged, the imports went up ti 140000 bags. Then, after World War II it’s popularity continued to rise due to the restart of imports.
A country known mainly for its solemn tea turned into a worldwide consumer of the caffeinated delicacy. But how did this happen? There are various coffee shops not only in Tokyo, but cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka are also full with better and better cafés that are trying to conquer the Japanese youth and the tourists as well. In this article, we would like to present you Osaka’s 10 best cafes.
10. Granknot Coffee
- Address: 1-23-4 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku | 102 Nagano Bldg., Osaka 550-0014, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6366-3694
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM Sat-Sun 11.00 AM-6.00 PM
- More information about the coffee house: http://www.thecoffeechaser.com/granknot-coffee/
This cozy Osaka café is situated only a few blocks from the Dotonburi area of Osaka. Here you can chill and relax very well with a book in your hands or a tablet while planning your next destination in the big metropolis. The lighting is pleasant, the place has a great vibe. The interior is very cool with old reclaimed tables, a nice place for hanging out with friends or your lover.
Prices are reasonable, the service is good, the waitress speaks English well and is very kind. Here you can really start your day! However, the queue can be very long, but the quality will definitely recompense you. Both locals and tourists admire this place, but the prices are a little bit high.
You can get really proper Stumptown coffees here. Soy coffee (with a nut flavoring), latte (hot or iced), singel origin pour overs, flat whites, drip style coffee… Taste the iced cafe mocha! The hot chocolate is also impeccable.
Foods are also nice, quality baked goods are available. Smoked Salmon Paninis is definitely a must try. Just as the toasts, the pastries and the muffins. Be sure to note Granknot Coffee on your list, this Osaka coffee house is definitely worth a try.
9. Gudetama Cafe
- Address: 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku | Hep Five 7F, Osaka 530-0017, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6366-3694
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
- More information about the coffee house: http://gudetama.createrestaurants.com/jp/
Gudetama Café is cute little Osaka café with an attractive interior, a beautiful, impressive decoration, and gudetama plushies. It is located in the food area of the shopping center Hep5 near Namba station. It is easy to find, the online directions help you a lot. You can take photos with the gudetama dolls. At dinner time, the café can be quite crowded, so you better arrive before. The staff is polite, but their English is not perfect.
The menu does not offer a wide variety of foods, however, the quality and the presentation is good (they look like an anime short series, really imaginative). The onigiri set is also awesome, it is served with a few pieces of chicken karaage, miso soup and gudetama face quail egg are also adorable.
Desserts are also fantastic: you should not miss the Mango pudding with cream and a scoop of ice cream under a pudding, sprinkled with a variety of chopped banana, strawberry, and cherry.
The drinks are beautifully designed, some of them have custom made marshmallows. Gudetama café is definitely worth a visit. Throw it in your Osaka program plan, you won’t be disappointed. And do not forget your camera, you can take fun photos here.
8. West Wood Bakers
- Address: 1-16-9 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0015, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6538-0022
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
- More information about the coffee house: https://tabelog.com/en/osaka
West Wood Bakers is an Osaka café for locals, but tourists are also welcome. And as we know it, locals always know the good places. Located in one of the fanciest venues of Osaka, you can sip a coffee here after or before shopping in one of the boutiques. The atmosphere is really chilling and relaxing and when you enter, you will see the Croque Monsieur and the cakes right away.
The staff is friendly, the service is excellent. If you wish to have a Western style breakfast after the sushi invasion, this is definitely the place for you! Sometimes you have to wait a bit for your meal, but it is worth it. They are particularly busy around 10-11 AM.
The Chilli Fries are amazing! The granola, the burger, the breakfast sandwich with bacon and the prosciutto toast is also excellent. A good selection of baked goods is available. Their coffee is really mild, but if someone likes this style, it’s perfect.
The preparation takes time, but that’s okay because good food and coffee usually need time. The desserts are definitely a must try: strawberry pancakes, the Nutella and cinnamon doughnuts will satisfy your sweet tooth for sure. The portion size is very correct. Do not miss this exciting Osaka coffee house during your Osaka trip!
7. Eggs ‘n Things Shinsaibashi
- Address: 2-10-2 Nishishinsaibashi | 1F CriceNikko Nishishinsaibashi, Osaka 542-0086, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6214-6214
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- More information about the coffee house: http://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com
Eggs ‘n Things Shinsaibashi -a cozy chain restaurant from the US- is located only about a 15-minute walk from Namba station on a small road. The place is easy to find. When you enter this café, you will feel like you are in Hawaii, the vibes are really pulsating.
The spacious and clean interior is decorated with beachy colors and surfboards, the ambiance is really exotic! The padded armchairs are really comfy, the service is fast and efficient, the servers speak English well. The prices are little high though and the lines can be long outside.
The ideal place to have a nice Western breakfast and start the day. The focus on breakfast items: omelets, scrambled eggs, and bacon, loco moco, pancakes, waffles, egg benedict with salmon and avocado… A little paradise.
But you can also have a good lunch here, the Beef steak and eggs and the Portuguese Sausage and Ahi Tuna steak are definitely a must try. The Thanksgiving special – one egg with turkey and cranberry, and one egg with smoked salmon- and the home-style potatoes are also outstanding. I’m sure I would not miss this Osaka café if I traveled to the second largest Japan metropolis! Definitely one of the best Osaka cafés.
6. Bvlgari Il Cafe
- Address: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita-ku | 5F Hankyu Umeda, Osaka 530-0017, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6313-1575
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- More information about the coffee house: http://www.bulgarihotels.com
Bvlgari Il Cafe is a small, cozy, relatively unknown Osaka coffee shop situated on the 5th floor of a department store (next to Bulgari showroom and other designer stores), which is easily accessible from the Osaka station. The decoration is very posh and nice, the ambiance will put you in a good mood. Sit out on the terrace, you will enjoy its wonderful atmosphere!
The presentation of the cakes is wonderful, the service is excellent – a lovely lady will do her best to please you – however, the prices are quite high. The place can be pretty crowded sometimes and children are not always allowed in. The presentation of the foods is nice, the chef takes care of every little detail. The portions are not too big, but if you are on diet, this may be the place for you.
You can order a tea set here (such as African red bush), the cappuccino there is amazing, just as the wine cocktails. The Italian food should definitely not be missed here, the tiramisu is excellent. The chocolates are to die for, don’t miss it. This Osaka coffee shop will offer you a lifetime experience, it is definitely worth a visit while hanging out in Osaka!
5. Elk Osaka
- Address: 1-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0086, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6245-3773
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- More information about the coffee house: http://cafe-elk.com
Are you in a mood for Western breakfast? Elk Osaka will satisfy your cravings. This amazingly designed, super trendy place has a really cool ambiance, no surprise that is almost always filled. The service is really attentive and polite. Note that only cash is accepted, you cannot pay with your credit card.
This place offers you the best pancakes that are available in Osaka. The chocolate banana pancakes, the berry pancakes, the matcha pancakes! They are so light and fluffy. Phenomenal! Eggs Benedict and Elk Sandwich and the cookies are also a must try!
The foods are not ordinary, but it is neither so far from the traditional flavors: a perfect transition between the two! Only fresh and organic ingredients are used, they pay attention to the details. Do not miss the banana brulee and the chocolate & nuts.
The design of the foods is so amazing, that you will immediately want to shoot a photo of them and post it on Instagram! The coffee art is so nice, they also have a wide variety of beers and juices, including Lemon beer and blood orange juice. We highly recommend this amazing pancake heaven! It is definitely worth a try.
4. Brooklyn Roasting Company, Kitahama
- Address: 2-1-16 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0041, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6125-5740
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00 Sat-Sun 10.00-19.00
- More information about the coffee house: http://brooklynroasting.jp/
This lovely, funky, vibey Osaka coffee shop is located near the river, only one station from the Umeda. Just sit outside and enjoy the view of Nakanoshima Park on the comfortable sofa chairs! You won’t be disappointed, the hipster feeling will enchant you. As if you were in the USA, Britain or Australia! So cozy and lively! Full of trendy looking, bearded guys.
Brooklyn Roasting Company shares space with a flower shop, so the scents of the flowers and the coffee mingle interestingly. The colors are so vibrant and special. This gives Brooklyn Roasting Company a unique character! They do a mean drip coffee with rotating beans, the Brazil Daterra is definitely a must try! Their macchiato is also fine.
You can take the beans home and roast your own coffee. The rich flavors of their black drinks are just delicious! There is a large selection of such specialties as maple syrup coffee and plain latte. But be careful, because at the end of the day the choice is limited.
Their baked goodies, sandwiches, and croissants are also impeccable! Beers are available too, and not bad at all! Do not miss Brooklyn Roasting Company during your Osaka trip! This Osaka coffee shop well deserves a try! One of the best Osaka cafés.
3. The City Bakery
- Address: Ofukacho, Kita-ku | B1F Umekita Square, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6359-2010
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM
- More information about the coffee house: https://tabelog.com
The City Bakery is a perfect little place located near Osaka station, surrounded by commercial/shopping towers. The service is very attentive, they speak English, which is a nice plus. The interiors are lovely, you will enjoy the relaxing, intimate atmosphere.
If you want something else like old-school Japanese coffee shops or big hotel breakfast, this is the right place for you. Sit down, read a newspaper and chill at one of the individual high tables. Enjoy the open layout. But note that getting there is not so easy, you have to navigate a bit. The prices are high, but worth it.
You can have a nice breakfast here with a small omelet, a French toast or a croissant with a cup of freshly made, steamy morning espresso. Their hot chocolate and their latte are among of the best ones in the city. The yogurt with granola (fresh banana & honey) and eggs Benedict are a must try! Especially that the eggs are served on an English muffin. So special!
The roasted tomato tuna bread, the coconut cookie and the blueberry & corn bread are definitely a must try. The bread and the pastries are so fresh! The sausages and eggs are of good quality. When you leave, the offer you some travelers (cookies and sandwich). What a nice gesture! This place is highly recommended, it is definitely worth a visit!
2. LiLo Coffee Roasters
- Address: 1-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi | 1F Shinsaibashi Bldg., Osaka 542-0086, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6227-8666
- Opening hours: Thu-Tue 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Wed 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- More information about the coffee house: http://liloinveve.com/coffee/
This little Western styled gem is located in the middle of a street close to the local shopping street. If you had enough of shopping around at Shinsaibashi, you should definitely visit this café. The ambiance is very hip, this is a typical happy, hipster place. If you want to smoke, just sit down at one of the outdoor smoking tables and light your cigarette without hesitation.
A perfect spot to chill out for a while and leave.the busy city behind. There is only 9 seats in LiLo Coffee Roasters, so if it is full, you can still grab a take away and strom out with it. The barista is very polite and speaks English quite well, the prices are reasonable.
They have very delicious coffees from Ethiopia and Kenya, the cookies are marvelous too. You can choose your own beans from medium to bold and smooth and you can even buy and take it home to roast your own.
You even get a little card that are describing the tasting notes. Enjoy your large cup of flat white, your hot soy chai latte ot iced coffee here, this is definitely a place worth visiting! Or just drink a good cappuccino! Highly recommended!
1. Kuma Kafe
- Address: 4-4-15 Chikko, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0021, Osaka Prefecture
- Telephone: +81 6-6572-2450
- Opening hours: Wed – Sun 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- More information about the coffee house: https://www.facebook.com/kumakafe/
Kuma Café is a wonderful café with good vibes and a homey atmosphere not far from the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The art-filled interior is really unique: the ceiling is covered with memorabilia like banknotes from around the world, while the wall is pasted up with a lot of beautiful photographs.
The decoration also includes bear dolls of all kinds, the chill music will completely relax you. You will have a great time with your family or your friends here. The owner is called Paul, a former stuntman at Universal Studio. When you enter, he will greet you kindly and will offer meals from the menu.
His hospitality is overwhelming! This easy-going place will totally cajole you with its generous portions prepared from fresh ingredients. You have to try the Margarita and the Hawaiian pizza, the egg and bacon burger and the avocado burger. They will give you extra chips.
The pizzas are huge, tasty and freshly made. Their Western/Australian style coffee is amazing, just as the maple syrup pancakes, it is so delicious and sweet. You will love this Western styled place, it is definitely worth a try! This is one of the best Osaka cafés. Don’t miss it.
Summary:
The trendy Osaka cafés with their cool designs and latte artists may make you feel as you were in New York City or LA. The Japanese Youth appreciate these hip, modern coffee houses. Harajuku girls meet up here, order quality cups of coffee and take photos to upload to Instagram to hunt likes. However, old-fashioned cafés are also present.
The older ones favor the „Bubble era” cafes that evoke the atmosphere of the late 1980’s when Japan’s economic bubble came about (money began to emanate and people started to trust the market). People are still smoking their cigarettes here, not caring about the new smoking laws that are slowly taking effect.
As if they were still in the economic golden age of the country. You should definitely visit this city if you are coffee lover, whether you are young or old. It will be a wonderful experience.
If interested in more Japanese cafés, stay tuned and check out our article about The Best Cafés of Tokyo, the heart of Japan!