Wagyu Idaten

Step through the doors and walk past a life-sized samurai replica to see why Wagyu Idaten is a specialty restaurant dedicated to beef. Located in Osaka’s vibrant Namba area, at the heart of the menu of this viral restaurant is the exceptional A5-ranked beef, masterfully prepared into traditional dishes like tataki and sukiyaki. The standout is the Idaten-ju, a bento box featuring A5-grade succulent uchihira (thigh meat), slow-grilled and seared to perfection. Though it can be served plain, customers can also get the option adorned with a luxurious topping of sea urchin, soy sauce-pickled salmon roe and aromatic kinome leaf buds. For a multisensory delight, try the sushi bento. Upon opening the box, a cloud of smoke rises, revealing eight meticulously crafted sushi morsels topped with wagyu instead of the usual fish. Conveniently located just a minute from the station and close to Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Yasaka Shrine, Wagyu Idaten is easily accessible. Reservations are not available, but waiting might be worth it.