Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo

The entrance to this izakaya is stowed deeper into the building and leads you to a spacious second floor. The vibe is chirpy, and no one is frowned upon for laughing a little louder or staying a bit longer. With a reputation spreading across Osaka, sake guru Fujii Akihiro has opened one of the best bars in town. If you're unsure of what to expect — which is highly unlikely, as reservations are so competitive that visits are always intentional — note sake is the name of the game. Beer for customary “kanpai” might be the first order of business, but it’s sake from there — and what you should order from then on. The izakaya specializes in rare and exceptional brews, boasting a selection so extensive it may overwhelm newcomers. To navigate this, opt for the tasting set, which guides you through a journey of sake varieties sourced from regions like Tohoku, Shikoku, Kansai and even China. From the kitchen, Fujii’s headband-clad apprentices whip out excellent small plates. Start with an assortment of sashimi for your first cup and work your way through the menu of other side dishes. Most nights, patrons fall in love with the homemade miso-marinated tofu, mackerel potato salad, liver pate or chicken wings peppered in cumin. The izakaya store double-checks your ability to drink sake before your visit. Bring a friend who loves to drink, and come out feeling like you've learned something new about sake. Nihonshuzammai Utsutsuyo is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant for 2024.