The New World

Step into a New World in the depths of Shinsaibashi Parco. The New World is an izakaya by the sio group, which has established itself as one of Japan’s most respected restaurant groups thanks to such restaurants as Sukiyaki Kappo Kitsune in Nara, Oishii Pasta in Fukuoka, and of course the one that started it all: the titular sio in Yoyogi-Uehara. Naturally, the sio group brings all the same hallmarks that made it famous to this Osaka initiative; namely, its refusal to be bound by tradition, and an incorporation of many different culinary influences. For instance, one of the signature items is the two-person obanzai platter. Obanzai is a traditional Kyoto assortment of small dishes. Though they may be made with local seafood and produce, none of the obanzai offered at The New World would be found in any traditional Kyoto-style ryotei. A similar example of this is present in the beef bowl with wasabi, which elevates a salaryman’s favorite with Amakusa wagyu sirloin cap from Nagasaki Prefecture. Effortlessly turning tradition on its head while paying respects to it, The New World has earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Osaka 2024. Things get intimate there as well. There are only two seating types; a U-shaped wraparound counter, and a large, central table. The New World wants to make things as accessible as possible to solo diners, meaning that party sizes are typically small, and the atmosphere casual — reinforced by the glow of purple neon lighting. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work or sightseeing, or to bring a partner on a casual date.