Which Osaka Dining Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 15 Best

Osaka is famous for its bold flavors, street-food culture, and lively nightlife. Unlike some cities where food is just a side note, Osaka makes it a full-blown experience. Whether you’re after a raw underground music scene combined with local bites or want to learn how to roll your own sushi from a seasoned chef, Osaka delivers. We especially love the Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option for its unfiltered look at the city’s grittier side, or the Sushi Making Experience if you crave authentic, hands-on culinary skills. This city’s food culture is vibrant, honest, and full of surprises—perfect for those who want more than just a meal.

For an overview, this list covers everything from street food tours, traditional sushi classes, and themed dinner shows, to LGBTQ+ friendly excursions and underground music and food experiences. Whether you want a guided walk through hidden neighborhoods or a glamorous dinner with live entertainment, Osaka has something to offer. Check out the options below for your next memorable meal.

1. Osaka: Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option

Explore Osaka’s less touristy neighborhoods with this walking tour that reveals the city’s gritty underside. This tour takes you into abandoned buildings, retro zones, alleys, and even the red-light district, providing an authentic glimpse of how locals truly live and work. The tour includes stories about controversial pasts, taboo topics, and hidden histories that most visitors never see firsthand. The optional dinner upgrade offers local street dishes in alleys full of character, making it a perfect combo of cultural insight and authentic eating.

Rated a stellar 4.8/5 from over 700 reviews, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to see Osaka behind the scenes. Expect to hear amusing anecdotes and learn how the city functions beyond the glossy surface. It’s a steady-paced walk, ideal for those interested in urban history, local traditions, and offbeat stories. The dinner option adds a layer of authentic flavor, making this a comprehensive night out.

Bottom Line: This is a bold choice for curious travelers craving an unfiltered view of Osaka’s complex character. Expect grit, stories, and tasty bites in hidden corners.

2. Osaka: PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting

For around $16.30, this entertaining dinner and show experience combines great food with a lively nightclub setting. The 2-hour casual Italian course includes pizza, pasta, and grilled chicken, with an option to upgrade to an 8-dish premium course featuring high-quality beef. You’ll enjoy your meal in a VIP seat with front-row access to captivating performances, from DJ sets to aerial acts and even sumo shows, all within a vibrant atmosphere.

Rated a perfect 5.0/5 by 26 reviewers, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to combine dinner with a show. The seating offers a personal experience with dedicated service and up-close entertainment. Many reviewers mention the delicious buffet and the impressive variety of acts. Since the venue transforms into a nightclub afterward, it’s perfect for a full evening of fun.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a lively night out with diverse entertainment and great food in a high-energy setting.

3. Eat Our Favorites! Osaka’s Backstreet Dining

This tour invites you to taste Osaka’s best-loved dishes in four different venues, guided by a local. It’s a three-hour journey through the city’s culinary heart, featuring takoyaki, sushi, wagyu beef, and ramen, all paired with sake. The tour explores Tenjinbashi, Japan’s longest shopping street, offering insight into local food culture and daily life.

Rated 4.9/5 from 19 reviews, this tour is ideal for food lovers who want to sample a variety of dishes and learn about local dining customs. The experience is well-paced, and the guide provides personalized recommendations. It’s an excellent value at around $95, especially if you’re eager to try multiple dishes in one night.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Osaka’s culinary diversity with a friendly local guide.

4. Hidden Osaka Foodie Tour: Nishinari Backstreets & Local Dining

This small-group walk (max 5 guests) takes you off the beaten path into Nishinari, often misunderstood but full of authentic flavor. Your guide will lead you through retro streets, colorful murals, and historic sites, revealing stories of social change and resilience. You’ll stop at hand-picked neighborhood restaurants for local dishes and drinks, including street snacks and traditional fare.

Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 12 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its local insights, intimate atmosphere, and authentic food stops. It’s ideal for travelers interested in urban culture, local stories, and street-food tasting. The tour lasts roughly 3 to 4 hours and costs about $84.78.

Bottom Line: A great choice if you want to see a lesser-known side of Osaka and enjoy genuine local meals in a relaxed setting.

5. SUSHI Making Experience at Restaurant

Learn to roll your own sushi with a chef who has over 30 years of experience. Held in a high-quality restaurant, this two-hour class guides you through every step of sushi preparation, from selecting ingredients to shaping rolls. It’s a personalized, hands-on experience, perfect for culinary enthusiasts or anyone wanting a memorable, interactive activity.

Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 8 reviews, guests especially enjoy the personalized instruction and the opportunity to learn from a master chef. The class is suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, and you get to enjoy your creations at the end. Priced at $170.40, it’s a worthwhile investment for foodies wanting a true Japanese culinary lesson.

Bottom Line: This is an ideal experience if you want to bring home new skills and authentic sushi knowledge.

6. Osaka: LGBTQ+ Tour with Dinner and Drinks

Join a local guide for a tour exploring Osaka’s LGBTQ+ scene. The 3-hour experience includes a light dinner in Shin-sekai, a district famous for its Osaka soul food, and visits to the Doyama district, known for its bars and nightlife. You’ll also hear stories about the community’s history and current culture.

Rated 5/5 by 5 reviews, this tour offers a unique cultural perspective and is suited for travelers interested in LGBTQ+ history, nightlife, and local stories. It’s a relaxed, engaging way to discover Osaka’s diverse side and connect with the community.

Bottom Line: Best for adventurous travelers seeking a meaningful cultural experience that combines food, history, and social insights.

7. Osaka: Underground LIVE Music and Food Experience

This experience takes you into Osaka’s underground music scene, meeting local bands and musicians in intimate venues. Besides soaking in authentic live performances, you’ll enjoy local food and drinks in the area, making it a full sensory experience. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to sound checks and artist interviews.

Rated 5/5 from 1 review, this tour is ideal for music fans eager to explore Osaka’s indie scene away from tourist spots. The focus on local talents and authentic venues makes it special. It’s suited for adults interested in music, culture, and social scenes.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a different kind of nightlife experience in Osaka, combining music, food, and local culture.

8. Osaka: PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER LIVE&CLUB VIP

Enjoy an upscale night with this VIP dinner experience at Piccadilly. From a premium vantage point, you’ll savor seasonal dishes while watching live performances up close. The VIP table provides personalized service, making it perfect for a special night out.

Rated 5/5 by one reviewer, this experience is all about luxury, entertainment, and exclusivity. It’s suited for travelers celebrating a special occasion or those who appreciate high-end dining combined with live entertainment.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a refined, memorable evening in a stylish setting.

9. Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner)

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Osaka’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and red light district. It’s a 3-hour walking adventure led by a local guide, revealing hidden stories and cultural insights. The tour can be upgraded to include a traditional dinner, making it a full evening experience.

Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from over 1,200 reviews, it’s praised for its depth of local knowledge and personalized approach. It’s best suited for travelers who want a deep dive into Osaka’s social fabric without feeling rushed.

Bottom Line: A versatile option for those interested in history, culture, and authentic local cuisine.

10. Osaka Indy Music and Local Dinner Adventure

This private tour is designed for music lovers wanting to experience Osaka’s indie scene firsthand. You’ll attend live performances at hidden venues, then relax with a local dinner featuring kushikatsu—Osaka’s famous crispy skewers.

Rated 5/5 by one reviewer, it’s perfect for music fans who want an intimate, authentic night. The personalized guide will help you discover underground venues and connect you with the local music culture.

Bottom Line: A must-try for those eager to see Osaka’s underground music and sample local cuisine in a relaxed environment.

11. Osaka Foodcrawl : 3-hour Tour for the Best Food Experience

This food-focused tour takes you through three restaurants in Osaka, sampling favorite local dishes. You’ll visit various eateries and enjoy special ingredients that are only available locally. The guide helps you connect with chefs to understand what makes Osaka cuisine special.

Rated 4.5/5, it’s a great option for foodies wanting a curated, multi-stop experience. It’s best suited for those who want to taste a variety of dishes and learn about food sourcing.

Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a delicious, well-rounded meal tour, with a focus on local ingredients and culture.

12. Osaka: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Gion Night Walk w/Dinner

This experience combines a day trip to Kyoto, exploring Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates, with an evening walk through Gion—famous for geishas and traditional streets. The tour concludes with a Kobe beef shabu-shabu dinner.

While technically outside Osaka, it’s a fantastic option for those wanting a full day of culture and cuisine. The highlight is the Kobe beef dinner, showcasing Japan’s top-quality Wagyu.

Bottom Line: Best suited for culture and food lovers wanting a comprehensive Kyoto experience combined with a luxurious meal.

13. Osaka: Kyoto Scenic Day & Night Bus Tour with dinner (Kobe Beef)

This long day trip from Osaka takes you to Kyoto’s scenic spots like Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari, then wraps up with a special dinner featuring Kobe beef. It’s a comfortable way to see Kyoto’s highlights without the hassle of planning.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews yet), it’s suitable for those who want a guided tour that combines sightseeing and luxury dining. The Kobe beef dinner is a standout feature, showcasing Japan’s best Wagyu.

Bottom Line: Good for travelers who value convenience and quality in a full-day sightseeing and dining experience.

14. Osaka Omotenashi Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience

This high-end experience offers a luxurious meal at a top restaurant, where you’ll learn proper manners and etiquette for Japanese dining. The tour includes visits to sushi, yakitori, teppanyaki, and shabu-shabu spots, along with a bar for Japanese sake and shochu tastings.

Rated with no reviews yet, this is suited for those seeking a sophisticated, educational night. It’s perfect for food connoisseurs and culture enthusiasts wanting an indulgent introduction to Japanese dining customs.

Bottom Line: Ideal for special occasions or culinary travelers wanting an elegant, informative dinner experience.

15. Osaka: Special Sushi-Making Dinner Course

This sushi-making class is designed for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Under the guidance of a seasoned sushi chef with over 30 years’ experience, you’ll create your own sushi in a calm, authentic setting. The two-hour course ends with you enjoying your sushi and learning tips to recreate it at home.

Rated 0/5 (no reviews), it’s a great choice for hands-on learners and those wanting to bring Japanese culinary skills home. The experience combines education, fun, and delicious food.

Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary adventurers eager to master sushi making in an authentic environment.

How to Choose Your Osaka Dining Experience

When selecting your perfect meal adventure, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a deep cultural dive into Osaka’s grittier side, the Deep Backstreets Walking Tour offers a rich, honest look. If you’re after a lively entertainment night, the PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB combines great food with captivating performances.

For those wanting to learn a new skill, the Sushi Making Experience provides an authentic, hands-on opportunity, while the Hidden Osaka Foodie Tour is perfect to explore local neighborhoods and hidden eateries.

Consider your budget, timing, and whether you prefer guided walking tours, cultural shows, or classes. Booking early is wise, especially for popular experiences like the sushi class or the Piccadilly dinner show.

Osaka’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you want to sample street-food in alleys, watch a live show while dining, or learn the art of sushi, you’ll find options that cater exactly to your tastes. For a more adventurous, raw experience, the Deep Backstreet Tour is a no-brainer. If you prefer glamorous nights of entertainment, the Dinner Show at Piccadilly offers a memorable evening. For culinary education, the Sushi Making Experience is both fun and educational.

Whatever your style, Osaka won’t disappoint. Just remember to book early and be ready for flavors that are bold, honest, and unforgettable.