Showa Taishu Horumon Ohatsu Tenjin

Restaurant Details

The Showa-era-inspired yakiniku joint, part of the larger Showa Taishu Horumon chain, speaks its love language through the wonderful world of horumon (beef offal).

Located inside the Ohatsutenjin Arcade in Osaka, the retro decor is a major highlight. The walls are adorned with vintage posters, and the decor looks like it was borrowed from another watering hole in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the energetic staff weaves through the space, serving punchy alcoholic drinks (the Taishu Lemon Sour is a crowd favorite) and beers to guests.

The kitchen boasts one of Japan’s largest selections of fresh offal. While this cuisine may seem unfamiliar — cow intestines aren’t in everyone’s comfort zone — the store’s secret sourcing methods ensure high-quality, fresh cuts that even non-offal lovers can enjoy.

As the evening progresses, the crowd thickens, and the kitchen’s signature meat cuts start making their rounds. The “Harami Baka” is the centerpiece — a gigantic skirt steak rubbed with the store’s special sauce. For those who prefer rare steak, the melt-in-your-mouth yukhoe steak, topped with a rich Ran-ou egg from Oita Prefecture, is a must-try. Other cuts of red meat are prepared according to their texture and thickness, with favorites including the salt-marinated beef tongue and a platter of loin and ribs grilled tableside using charcoal in true yakiniku fashion.

With 122 seats and a constant buzz in the air, expect an atmosphere full of mingling, laughter and the lively clink of glasses, especially late into the evening, when the staff leads toasts and cheers.