Gajo

This nihon-ryori restaurant in Osaka is undoubtedly one for the sake connoisseurs, or those looking for a masterclass in the depth and variety of Japan’s favorite traditional liquor. The cuisine at Gajo is exquisite, but even more so when paired with some of the sake offerings from the establishment’s collection. Gajo stocks some of the rarest vintages in existence on their shelves, and their regular lineup is a showcase of some of the very best breweries in the country, including the multiple-award-winning Niizawa Kizashi junmai daiginjo from Miyagi Prefecture. But rather than selecting these sakes to match the cuisine, the master chef at Gajo does things in reverse. He crafts delicate, seasonal dishes with an eye towards complementing the high-end bottles on his shelf. And the finest sake requires the finest ingredients to pair with. Accordingly, Gajo makes use of the very best; their course meals comprise a range of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and prime-grade meats, with a particular focus on their dashi broth and handmade soba. For those particular about their sake, or looking for an entry point into this world, Gajo offers both an accessible and memorable experience.