Takeichi — Restaurant in Osaka

We stumbled upon Takeichi by chance, drawn in by the small sign outside with a few lines of English - a quiet invitation amidst the glowing chaos of Umeda. My friend and I had been wandering, searching for that elusive combination: authentic Japanese food and an ice-cold beer after a long day.

We passed countless restaurants vying for our attention, yet something about Takeichi’s understated curtain - graceful, refined, almost whispering “trust me” - made us stop. We slipped behind it, climbed a short flight of stairs, and emerged into a warmly buzzing room filled with locals, laughter, and the enticing aroma of the local cuisine.

The atmosphere was intimate, almost familial - the kind of place where regulars have their favourite seats and the chef knows exactly how they like their dish prepared. The owner and head chef, Gakuya Nakase himself greeted us with a kind smile and seated us at the counter - the best seats in the house. From there, we could watch him at work: slicing, arranging, and plating with the calm precision of a man who has devoted his life to mastery.

Over a pair of frosty beers, we browsed the English menus, and he kindly offered a few recommendations, explaining ingredients and techniques in his gentle, confident English. I decided on the five-course Omakase - and from the very first bite, I knew we had found something special.

Nakase-san is a Michelin-trained chef, and it shows in every gesture and every plate. Each dish arrived like a small performance - delicate, precise, yet full of soul. The ingredients, sourced locally from the Kansai region, and inspired and prepared using a hybrid of Japanese and European methods, spoke for themselves, elevated by his artistry rather than hidden behind it. Watching him work was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece - and then being invited to taste the painting.

As we ate, conversation flowed effortlessly - about life in Osaka, his years of training in Japan and Europe, the beauty of Japanese history and cuisine. There was no rush, no pretension - just good food, good company, and a chef who truly loves what he does.

After the final course, my friend mentioned he had never tried sake before. Nakase-san’s eyes lit up. With the enthusiasm of a teacher, he explained the different grades and brewing methods, then poured us small tastings of each, transforming our meal into a full sensory experience.

When we finally left, we did so reluctantly, feeling as though we had discovered one of Osaka’s best-kept secrets.

To anyone expecting fine dining to mean white tablecloths, hushed voices, and a room full of influencers - this isn’t that. Nakase-san’s restaurant is something rarer: a place where skill, warmth, and authenticity converge. A restaurant for those who want to taste Japan, not just photograph it.

If you measure a meal by how deeply it lingers in your memory, Nakase-san deserves every star it can get.

Thank you, Nakase-san -...

On our final evening in Japan, we had the pleasure of dining at Takeichi in Osaka. The chef was exceptionally welcoming, even accommodating our 7-month-old child, and spoke decent English, offering insights into local Japanese culture as we made our dining choices. The restaurant provides an English menu, and the chef was more than willing to elaborate on any dish when asked.

The food was outstanding, as the chef really takes pride in the preparation—while being surprisingly affordable given the variety of dishes and alcohol we enjoyed. This spot was ideal for us, as my wife enjoys raw fish while I preferred a cooked option, ultimately choosing the wagyu beef, which was superb.

Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I highly recommend Takeichi to anyone...

I wandered into Takeichi by chance after the long flight to Osaka still weary eyed from the long flight. I arrived solo, tired, and ravenous, but left hours later with my stomach and soul full.

The kind gentlemen of Takeichi were great hosts and incredibly welcoming. The inviting atmosphere was yet outdone by the well curated flavorful Omakase menu fusing ingredients from the cold waters of Hokkaido to the shores of Okinawa. The courses were full of complex flavor and well portioned to fill the appetite of even the most hungry traveler.

Arigato Gozaimashita! I cannot wait to return with friends in tow on...