Musi Vege cafe Namba City — Restaurant in Osaka

WHY? Great flavours, friendly staff and conveniently located in NAMBA.

FOOD: Ok, this is where you feel like locals really are spoiled. Having this kind of place that has a uniquely good take on how to apply and layer different flavours to achieve not just a meal, but rather an experience. This level reminds me more of michelin gourmet food at a much higher price point. The star of the show is the rice though. The texture of this rice (and the seeds they add in) makes the rice just levels above anything else.

SERVICE: I asked for both eat in and takeaway, and although it is japan, and people are not comfortable speaking english, the staff took their time to understand my requirements and even went back to my table to tell me ‘that it is time for last order if you want the takeaway’. 5/5 stars - whoever served me, thanks for the good service :)

Ambience: The feeling you get is american bistro meets wooden instagram-like fittings that make the place look very appealing, however this is not a place where people or the place allows you to eat in silence. Expect noise from your co-conspirators.

VALUE: I paid ¥1353 for the set and ¥638 for the fried oysters. This means it does break the ¥1000 barrier however if you have the budget for this then your tastebuds will reward you. Alternatively you can order takeaway which takes a set at...

Not exactly vegetarian, not exactly vegan, and honestly I'm not sure if it's healthy either. Nevertheless, a nice place to get a balanced meal and fulfill your fiber needs.

I came alone for dinner on a Monday night. I got their set menu of deep fried chicken with black vinegar sauce, which came with multigrain rice, soy milk soup, some side dishes that I could not identify (but I was too hungry to ask the staff so I devoured them anyway), and the highlight of the meal: a basket full of assorted steamed vegetables. There were a little of every variety of veggie you could imagine in the steamer. The chicken was juicy and pairs well with the tangy sauce, while the steamed veggies give a nice crunch and sweetness.

All in all, let's just conclude it's healthy so I can...

Went here after the place came up on a Google maps search for "vegetarian restaurant". Unfortunately, after inspecting the menu and consulting with the staff, it turns out they do NOT have a single vegetarian dish here, despite what the name and Google might suggest. Everything contains either meat or fish/ seafood or both. There is no option to get any of the dishes without either. If you're looking for vegetarian or vegan places, I'm afraid you'll have to cross this one off your list, as drinks are the only option for you here.

Rating is based on my friend, who's been here before and praised the food, as well as on the nice staff who was understanding of us walking out after 15 minutes without...