Sakamoto Sushi

Between Osaka’s sushi obsessives, Sakamoto Sushi is a compact bar by Nishikujo Station with an approachable disposition to sushi. It’s here that the easygoing chef Sakamoto Kei runs a cheery service with a glaring lack of pretension and a well-grounded omakase, or chef’s choice, at a price tag that’s modest. Ask him about the recommended sushi of the day, and he’ll teasingly say, “Everything.” A night here might start with assorted sashimi of barracuda, tuna and grunt, before a parade of fresh nigiri – some crabs or boiled abalone, and others fatty tuna or firefly squid — lands straight from the counter kitchen and showcases Sakamoto’s brilliance. He seasons his rice with sweetened vinegar to bring out the Kansai character. Clam is gently cooked in a broth for the just-right bounce and horse mackerel is grilled before brushed with sauce. Although it’s not sushi, his shirako (milt) “risotto” is a show-stopper. No matter the lineup, by the time the custardy chawanmushi or seasonal soup of the day arrives, you’ll know that you’ve taken through the day’s best catch. Michelin Guide accolades: 2024 - Bib Gourmand