wad — Restaurant in Osaka

"You can have bad days so you can fall in love with the good days even more" - Izumi Miyamura

If there's such a thing as a Boujee dessert spot... Wad Omotenashi Cafe is top shelf. On social media it is simply known as "WAD" and with the 500-reviews on Google hovering a near perfect 5-stars you know it got my attention. And if you're still not convinced it's also a Ceramics Art Gallery!

My co-worker in Osaka invited me for lunch, so of course I offered dessert afterwards. We're both into high quality Matcha and I perused a cafe I haven't been to and "WAD" topped the list.

Located in the Chuo Ward makes it easy to get to. Finding the doorway might be a chore. The signage is rustic and in a nondescript building, so tbh we passed by the first time. However, circling back I noticed a metal staircase, and yes, the self described "peaceful tearoom" is on the 2nd floor.

As we entered we were warmly greeted, however was told there was a 30-minutes wait for a party of two. All good as it was a sunny autumn day to enjoy. We received the call 20-minutes later that our table was ready. Escorted to our table next to a large window and handed the menus. I already knew I craved Hikari Matcha and Traditional bite. My friend ordered the Shaved Ice with Matcha syrup, Condensed milk, and Azuki. Tea of choice.

After ordering at our table, the bar area opened up for two, and my friend asked if we could be moved there. The server kindly relocated us so we were in the middle of it all with a macro view!

I'm a regular at these types of Japanese tearooms so I knew about the preparation and precision for each order. It's truly a joy to watch... the dedication into each order simply unmatched!

Service as expected and I do mean to perfection. After photos and giggles of my friend making her shaved ice, it was time to indulge every sip & bite. Hikari Matcha was sophisticated and paired well with Wadomonaka. Delicious! My friend really enjoyed her shaved ice and was kind to make a small portion for yours truly. I felt like Otōto!

In the end, I highly recommend Wad Omotenashi Cafe in the quiet part of Chuo Ward. Each ceramic bowl or cup used can be purchased too, if so desired. Like I mentioned earlier , "Wad" is also a Ceramics Art Gallery, and explains why it's so aesthetically pleasing the moment you step in.

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Nestled within a tranquil and minimalistic ambiance, this tea shop is a haven of comfort, particularly cherished by women seeking a serene retreat for afternoon tea. With its inviting and homely atmosphere, it beckons visitors to unwind and indulge in the simple pleasures of life. While the shop may not boast extravagant features, it exudes a charm that is perfect for those seeking solace on a casual day.

One of the highlights of this tea shop is its extensive tea menu, offering a wide array of choices to satisfy any tea enthusiast. From delicate floral blends to robust and aromatic options, there is something to suit every palate. While the prices may lean toward the moderate to high range, the quality of the teas justifies the investment, providing a delightful experience that is worth every penny.

What sets this tea shop apart is its ability to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. The subdued ambiance, combined with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea, creates an oasis of calm, allowing patrons to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is the ideal place to unwind, sip on a warm cup of tea, and embrace a moment of tranquility.

Whether you're seeking a respite from a busy day or simply yearning for a peaceful interlude, this tea shop is the perfect destination. It may not offer extravagant features or grandeur, but it excels in providing a space where visitors can truly unwind and reconnect with themselves. So, if you find yourself in need of a haven to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of tea, look no further than this enchanting tea shop that has captured the...

TLDR: this place is amazing, you won't regret going and it may be your favorite experience in all of Osaka!

1st visit: walking in, the music, lighting, wood, and ambiance invokes a peaceful contentment. When you order the matcha, you get to choose your drinking bowl out of a beautiful selection. While watching the matcha being prepared, you notice how wad is a representation of the Japanese culture: the highest quality and the most attention to detail. Viewing the process itself of making the matcha was soothing.

Then you taste the matcha; the feeling upon the first sip is the same as when you hug your mother after having been apart for years, or when holding a baby. Pure bliss, peace, amazement, awe, speechlessness, gratitude for the moment. You start to reflect upon life and how beautiful it is, how beautiful Japan is. You don't want the experience to ever end, but at the same time you feel peace in knowing that it will. The matcha experience itself made Osaka worth visiting.

2nd visit: music was not as turned up so you could hear people talking more, but I was sat on the front counter so that added to the experience. Seeing up close the care each worker took when making the tea and preparing the Japanese sweets was stunning. When I got up to pay, I had forgotten my receipt at the table but without me noticing, the server had already brought it up to the front for me. I left feeling the same calm and content sensations as the first time. wad brands itself as an omotenashi cafe; it truly does embody the very essence...