Nippombashi Maruei — Restaurant in Osaka

I don't write reviews often but had to write one for here as this was the first restaurant I entered for my Japan trip.

I found this on Google when looking for nearby restaurants after landing in Osaka and coming to Namba as I wanted to hit DenDen town after. It had good ratings 4.0+/reviews so I thought why not and walked over other restaurants for specifically this which ended up to be a mistake.

First, this restaurant is Korean oriented, from both the reviews and the many Korean signs and text when you arrive. There is some Japanese and English text and signs as well but it's made to cater to Koreans. There are potted plants and umbrellas outside. There are very strict procedures that need to be followed, people going into the restaurant sit in the chairs outside while others form an orderly line as they wait their turn. A young man comes out and preorders after you look at the menu and tell him what you want. I spoke in my limited Japanese to hopefully show respect for the culture and make him comfortable and he was able to understand most of it.

The first issue comes along when there is lot's of smoke bellowing out of the kitchen right onto the waiting area. Not only can you smell it, drops and splatters of liquid lands on you. There was quite a wait even though there were only around 2 people in front of me. Once you get inside, you sit on tiny pillow cushions while your order is prepared for you. All in all, there may only be a few pairs like 3-4 other parties to the left or right of you altogether, it is very small and confined and intimate setting.

The second major issue that prompted this review was the young man waiter yelling at us for having our phone out. Looking at other reviews, this also does not seem to be a one time occurrence. Upon taking out my phone, the young man waiter noticed and yelled as well as screamed and pointed at me which both frightened and scared me at the same time, he then pointed to a tiny sign that was near impossible to notice sitting on top of the kitchen counter where they prepare food with a camera icon and cross across it seemingly to mean pictures were prohibited. As someone who likes to take pictures of my food and restaurant/surroundings not only was this disappointing but upsetting. I put my phone away immediately and apologized but he still seemed gruffy and continued to watch us for the rest of the meal. I noticed other people use their phones without issues and many reviews here include pictures. There was no reason to have a strict policy like this, it's not like this was a famous museum or super fancy restaurant , it just seemed like a nice homebrew restaurant. Even so, this policy could have been announced and executed better. There were no signs besides the tiny one on top of the kitchen counter regarding this, both inside and outside, how was anyone supposed to know about this rule unless you were hyper vigilant? Seems like everyone is due to get yelled at. The young man waiter could have also gently reminded us and come over and speak in a softer voice and ask us to politely not take pictures instead of a shockingly loud yell and point leaving everyone else starting at us. It was very embarrassing and humiliating for everyone and ruined our entire experience. I am not sure if it's because we are or they get a lot of foreigners and tourists, some with bad experiences but there was no need to treat everyone like they just committed a major crime. When we left he was outside smoking. From reviews it stated these were part time students hired to wait.

The third and final issue was the actual food. Coming into this shop, I had high expectations as the reviews echoed praise at the food. We got the famous Eel Rice Bowl and some Curry Udon. Unfortunately, both were very bland and flavorless and more seasoning/spice than actual flavor. Both very average across the board. I am running out of characters so I will say I do not recommend this restaurant, beware the other positive reviews. It ruined my Japan/Japanese perception/experience and I will never be...

Searched for unagi and this place pops up. Located in a relatively quiet building, it was relatively empty when we entered but don't be deceived. We had to unagi single portion bento and pork cutlet with beef slices bento, both were oishi. There's a certain umami to the unagi which is quite distinct and flavourful. Pork cutlet wasn't oily, generous slices and portion that will fill the tummy for most. It was certain affordable and much better than the food you get at shopping centers. So glad we managed to try this shop and will definitely visit again if we are...

Edit: Came here 5 years later, still legendary, but long queue and many Koreans come here now be prepared to wait an hour

Hidden gem of Osaka!! Affordable and no frills dining experience run by a kind family. We tried the miso udon, tempura and unagi don, all are really good! They are also well known for katsu don (rice, pork cutlet, egg). Staff were very kind and also appreciative when I spoke a little Japanese, but they have English menu. Recommended if...