Shokudo Akari

The heart of Shokudo Akari beats with owner-chef Minamimoto Fumimasa’s deep love for his hometown in Wakayama Prefecture. While it’s easy for restaurants to resort to gimmicks for appeals, Minamimoto’s cooking is as thoughtful and sincere as it is creative. The menu — ala carte odes of locally charged dishes like mashed taro and scallop salads, silky yellowtail sashimi and chicken liver simmered with ginger — typified the city’s izakaya soul while still slicing through the groove. It’s the type of place that reminds guests why Osaka is a great city to dine in — and why there’s still so much more beyond. Items of Kansai provenance are smoke-kissed over Kishu binchotan charcoal. Other reputation-defining standouts include the fried mackerel and ricepot powered by dashi alone. The lattice-like cedarwood beams conjure an image of a river of fire that charges through Kamikura Shrine during the Oto Fire Festival. The L-shaped counter is cut from wood sourced from his hometown. No matter your dinner order, make sure you order the spring rolls, filled with Pacific saury and bamboo shoots. Michelin Guide accolades: 2024 - Bib Gourmand