Gashutoutou

In keeping with Gashutoutou’s philosophy of seasonality and freshness, ingredients are sourced in their prime from all over the country, with seafood and meat in particular brought in directly from Kyushu. Within the Osaka restaurant’s kitchen, experienced chefs then transform these ingredients into traditional Japanese dishes, each one influenced by the flavors of the season. The food is a feast for both eyes and tongue, immaculately plated for optimal aesthetic balance of color and shape. Some highlights on offer include iron-pot cooked rice, which offers a mouthfeel and flavor entirely unlike that of typical white rice or even donabe claypot rice. Wagyu beef sukiyaki and sesame and miso-grilled pork represent Kyushu with aplomb. In addition, Gashutoutou offers an impressive selection of sommelier-chosen sake. But just as key to the Japanese dining experience as cuisine and atmosphere is omotenashi — traditional hospitality. As such, each dining party at Gashutoutou is assigned a personal staff member, to answer any questions that guests might have. The lunch kaiseki course menu is wildly popular with Osaka locals, which features seven courses for around ¥3,000. For those with smaller appetites, lunch sets can also be had for even less — an absolute steal for the quality on offer.