Known as Japan’s “City of Gourmet Delights”, Osaka offers far more than just it’s famous street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The city is also home to countless top-rated sushi restaurants that source the freshest seafood from across Japan. Among them, counter-style sushi—where diners sit face-to-face with skilled chefs—offers an especially intimate experience, allowing you to appreciate both the craftsmanship and the true flavor of each ingredient.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected four exceptional sushi restaurants in Osaka City where you can savor authentic counter-style sushi. We’ll also introduce the essence of Edomae sushi, Japan’s most traditional and iconic sushi style.
(Written by AutoReserve Editorial Team)
The Art of Edomae Sushi: Discover the Depth of Japan’s Counter-Style Tradition
If you’re seeking a truly authentic sushi experience in Japan, skip the conveyor belt and head to a counter-style Edomae sushi restaurant instead.
Originating in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Edomae sushi is the traditional style of hand-pressed sushi (nigiri-zushi), characterized by the chef’s meticulous preparation techniques such as simmering or marinating fish to enhance umami. These subtle processes transform simple fish and rice into an extraordinary culinary experience.
At the counter, you can watch the chef slice, season, and shape each piece of sushi right before your eyes—and taste it the moment it’s made. It’s an immersive experience that captures the true spirit of Japanese dining.
Sushi Sogoro｜A Hidden Gem Offering Exquisite Sushi Crafted by a Master Chef
Location and Atmosphere:
Just a two-minute walk from Kitashinchi Station in Osaka’s Kita Ward, “Sushi Sogoro” is an intimate hideaway where you can enjoy authentic sushi without formality. The refined, tranquil interior features only seven counter seats, allowing diners to experience the chef’s artistry up close.
The restaurant is helmed by a highly skilled chef who trained at one of Nagoya’s most exclusive restaurants. Guided by the philosophy of “bringing out the best in each ingredient,” he prepares each piece with precision, using rice cooked in an earthenware pot and seasonal seafood sourced from across Japan.
Recommended Dishes:
・Omakase Course (¥13,200): A seasonal chef’s selection featuring delicate dishes such as flounder with yuzu, snow crab with shrimp taro and monkfish liver sauce, and grilled cutlassfish, along with an assortment of premium sushi.
・Lunch Course (¥8,800): Includes three seasonal dishes, 12 pieces of sushi, and red miso soup. The menu changes monthly to reflect the best seasonal ingredients.
Price Range:
Dinner courses range from ¥10,000–¥16,000, and lunch from ¥3,000–¥7,000, making this a perfect choice for special occasions. “Sushi Sogoro” is a true hidden gem in Kitashinchi that offers an elegant escape from everyday life.
Sushi urag｜A Refined Dining Experience Showcasing Seasonal Perfection
Location and Atmosphere:
Located in Oyodominami, west of Umeda, “Sushi urag” is a luxury sushi restaurant centered around a striking 6.4-meter L-shaped counter. The serene atmosphere makes it ideal for dates or business dinners.
The owner trained at a renowned restaurant in Akashi before opening his own establishment, where he expresses his unique vision of sushi. His nigiri features rice made with three-year-aged vinegar from Minoo and premium “Nihonbare” rice from Shiga Prefecture—both carefully chosen to highlight the natural sweetness of seasonal fish.
Recommended Dishes:
・Omakase Dinner Course (¥13,200): A lavish menu featuring 9–10 pieces of seasonal sushi, plus tempura, charcoal-grilled dishes, and sashimi.
・Lunch Nigiri Course (¥6,600): A value-packed option that includes 12 pieces of sushi, a vegetable hand roll, and a small side dish.
Price Range:
Dinner courses are priced around ¥20,000–¥30,000, while lunch ranges from ¥6,000–¥10,000. Each piece is a perfect harmony of seasoned rice and fresh toppings, reflecting the chef’s dedication and skill. Three private rooms are also available for an exclusive dining experience.
Junchan Sushi｜A Beloved Namba Classic Known for Overflowing Ikura and Generous Portions
Location and Atmosphere:
A six-minute walk from Namba Station, “Junchan Sushi” is a long-standing favorite tucked away in a back alley near Dotonbori. Founded over 50 years ago, this family-run restaurant continues to delight guests with its motto: “We love seeing our customers smile.”
The cozy, welcoming atmosphere—run by a husband-and-wife team—features 20 seats and a relaxed setting where you can enjoy high-quality sushi without the formality.
The portions here are legendary. Expect generous servings of seasonal seafood, especially the restaurant’s signature “Kobore Ikura” (overflowing salmon roe), a social media favorite. Despite the use of premium ingredients like uni (sea urchin) and ikura, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable.
Recommended Dishes:
・Junchan Set (from ¥3,500): A 10-piece nigiri set featuring large cuts of fish, including uni and ikura, served with a hearty clam soup.
・Toro-Taku Roll (market price): The restaurant’s most popular item—a roll stuffed generously with fatty tuna.
Price Range:
The average cost is around ¥6,000–¥8,000. Sets are available for solo diners, making this a perfect stop for both locals and visitors.
Echuya｜A Local Favorite Serving Authentic Sushi in Tennoji’s Retro District
Location and Atmosphere:
Just a four-minute walk from Tengachaya Station, “Echuya” stands out with it`s traditional exterior and welcoming atmosphere. Inside, the L-shaped six-seat counter and a few tables create a bright, comfortable setting where you can watch the chef at work.
Here, authentic sushi starts at just ¥100 per piece, offering incredible value for money. With warm hospitality and outstanding cost performance, “Echuya” is loved by both locals and international visitors.
In addition to sushi, the restaurant also serves flavorful dishes like simmered abalone, squid salt-pickled in its own ink, rock oysters, and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).
Recommended Dishes:
・Omakase Nigiri (market price / around ¥1,000–¥1,500 for 5 pieces): The chef selects the best seafood of the day, crafting beautifully presented sushi on par with high-end establishments.
・¥6,600 Course: A full course featuring top seasonal ingredients and the restaurant’s most popular side dishes.
Price Range:
Expect to spend around ¥6,500–¥10,000. With it`s fresh seafood, warm service, and unbeatable value, “Echuya” guarantees satisfaction with every visit.
Information
Sushi Sogoro
Address: Shinchi Liberty Building 1F, 1-3-32, Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Hours: 11:30AM–2PM / 5PM–11PM
Booking: Sushi Sogoro
Tel：+81 6-6347-6568
Sushi urag
Address: 2 Chome-7-4 Oyodominami, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0075
Hours: 12AM–3PM / 6PM–9PM
Booking: Sushi urag
Tel：+81 6-6454-0022
Junchan Sushi
Address: 1 Chome-6-16 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074
Hours: Sun / Tue–Sat & Public holiday 5:30PM–10PM ; Closed Mon
Booking: Junchan Sushi
Tel：+81 6-6213-2779
Echuya
Address: 1-4-1 Kishizato, Nishinari-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Hours: Sun / Tue & Wed / Fri ＆ Sat & Public holiday 5PM–9PM ; Closed Mon & Thu
Booking: Echuya
Tel：+81 6-6656-0363
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