Sukiyaki Shibusuki

Just a stone's throw away from Utsubo Park in Osaka is Sukiyaki Shibusuki, a stylish eatery that is reimagining sukiyaki through a modern lens, whipping out creative iterations of the sweet hot pot with a French flair. The bistro-inspired venue opens only in the evening and operates as both a restaurant and a wine bar. Sukiyaki Shibusuki regards itself as a "mature hideaway"— an evolved, refined way of enjoying sukiyaki by blending elements of East and West, old and new. Iron pots share counter space with sleek wine glasses and half-opened bottles, while a curated menu features spritzers, highballs and fine wines. All is in perfect balance. The kitchen leads with its Kanto-style wagyu sukiyaki, a ridiculously tender and delicately sweet dish featuring marbled beef drenched in house-made warishita sauce. The broth, made with dashi and red wine, is brought to a boil before the marbled meat and vegetables are added. The dish is then crowned with fresh sea urchin, followed by karasumi (salted mullet roe). Other items on the menu are excellently executed with simple, light-touch Euro-leaning combinations. The closing dish for a course, for example, is a cheesy tomato risotto, cooked with the store-special sauce. Then there’s the charmingly trendy dining room, calming service, and a deft, democratic wine list featuring well-priced French house wine served by the glass. It’s easy to feel right at home here, even before the food starts to arrive.