Sushi × Tempura Akira - Namba Shinsaibashi — Restaurant in Osaka

Sushi was terrible - the mackerel was rubbery, the shrimp was mushy and the toro was stringy. The sushi rice comes apart easily.

Our little one had shrimp tempura and it was a-okay.

I have never felt so frustrated having a meal in Japan. -First, we were told there is a 350yen service charge for foreigners. Okay, I understand. They don't seem to speak much English and had to use their phone to translate even for a basic question. Then, we were told the only way to order was to use the LINE app. Most people outside of Asia don't even know what LINE is and my phone was going all crazy trying to get it set up. If they charge me a foreigner service charge I'd expect they at least had a friendlier way for us to order. Next, we wanted sake. We didn't see it on the menu in the LINE app. We asked our server. She said it was separate and we asked for a menu. They brought bottles and wouldn't tell us the prices. My husband got a small bottle and at this point, we still didn't know how much it would cost. I ordered a iced tea. Then our server indicated to us that they required 1 drink per person, including our 4 year old. If the restaurant was full or busy, I understand. There was nothing popular to drink for a little kid, and the restaurant was empty. Our server was not attentive at all, we had to get out of our seat to get her attention from the back (I saw that she was watching a video with another server there) Lastly, and this is what annoyed me the most, the male chef didn't wear a mask, and was coughing the whole time when he was preparing our food. It was gross. We left most food untouched and went to dontonburi for snacks after.

I'd advise anyone, especially tourists, to...

A Night to Remember at 牛の一手

If you’re in Osaka and looking for the spot to kick back, enjoy some incredible beef skewers, and have a night that feels like a scene out of a movie, this is it. No question.

I couldn’t just walk by, the atmosphere hit just right—warm, intimate, and buzzing just enough to feel alive without being chaotic. The smell of charcoal-grilled wagyu filled the air, and from the first bite, I knew I was in for something special. The beef tongue? Ridiculously tender. The wagyu? Next-level. And let’s talk about the drinks—because I had plenty. Ice-cold beers, smooth pours of sake, and just the right pace to keep the night rolling.

But the real highlight? Jaewon. Absolute legend. From expertly pouring drinks to keeping the whole table laughing, he made the night ten times better. This place already delivers on incredible food, but when you mix it with the kind of hospitality and good vibes we had, it becomes a must-visit every time I’m in Osaka.

If you’re reading this, stop overthinking and just go. Order the wagyu, raise a glass, and enjoy the kind of night you’ll be talking about long after it’s over.

5/5....

Had a mix of tempura, sushi, and some fried bites on the side. The tempura was excellent – light, crispy, and not too oily. The shrimp was juicy and the vegetables, especially the pumpkin, had a nice natural sweetness that paired well with the dipping sauce.

The sushi set was fresh and nicely balanced. The rice had good seasoning and texture, and the fish was clean-tasting and generous in portion. I especially liked the seared salmon, which had a slightly smoky flavor and just melted in the mouth. The variety—from tamago to tuna and ikura—made it fun to try different flavors in one plate.

The little fried chicken bites were a nice surprise—crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect with the creamy tartar-like sauce. They made a great snack alongside drinks. Speaking of drinks, the citrus highball was refreshing and paired well with the fried dishes, cutting through the richness.

Overall, it was a well-rounded meal with good quality and variety. Nothing felt too heavy, and everything tasted fresh. A spot worth revisiting, especially if you want a casual meal with...