XEX WEST (Complex Dining)

Herbis Ent 7F, 2-2-22 Kita-ku Umeda, Osaka/06-4795-0065/11:30 - 15:30 (LO 14:30) 18:00 - 24:00 (LO 23:00)/¥7000-20000/7.5 pickles

Tokyo style dining arrived in Osaka!

XEX has come to Kansai area for the first time. XEX WEST consists of three parts: “The BAR”, "AN" (Japanese restaurant) and "Salvatore Cuomo Bros" (Italian restaurant). This new hip place on the top floor of Herbis Ent is certainly a place to be seen for Osaka celebrities (if it's not an oxymoron).

I tried their Italian restaurant and the experience was really pleasant. They try very hard to keep the italian atmosphere. At least one of their waiters/waitresses constantly keep shouting words in Italian. Well, it didn't bother me but if you understand Italian, you may feel bit awkward. They have Napoli (5800 yen), Salvatore (7800 yen) and Special courses (12,000 yen)for dinner and all are pre-fix courses. We ordered Salvatore course that comes with 2 starters, pizza, pasta, main course and dessert. Each dish was pleasure both for eyes and palates and the volume was ample. I found their wine menu quite well organized and reasonable.

I strongly recommend this restaurant if you're planning a dinner for your anniversary or somebody's birthday. English menu and service available. Credit cards OK.

Check their homepage.

Food: 7 Service: 7.5 Ambience: 7.5 Total: 7.5 pickles

How to get there: It's on the 7th floor of Herbis Ent in Umeda.

Sun Dynamic Kitchen & Bar (Modern Japanese)

Nissei Building, Phoenix Tower 27 F, 4-15-10 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka / 06-6367-5512 / 11:30-14:00 / 17:00-22:30 (LO; Weekends 21:30) / Yen 9000 / 6.5 pickels / ¥¥

This Modern Japanese is an interesting option for business entertainment and a romantic evening alike

The Sun is one of the more interesting restaurants in Osaka. Located on the 27F of the Nissei building with spectacular views on downtown Osaka, the place impresses you once you set foot in it. The ambience is stunning and feels warm despite of the ultra-modern interior design. You have the choice of Tatami rooms and counter seats, but we prefer the tables in front of the counter, which offer the best views.

The menu includes more traditional Japanese fare like Sashimi. However their 'Sun Original' dishes, which one may call Modern Japanese, are where the kitchen really shines. A must eat is the Yosei Tofu, add your choice of condiments and enjoy the creamy and fresh taste of the Tofu.

Most of the menu is in Japanese, but at least the non-seasonal dishes have an English 'title'. And if you are lucky, you may occasionally find an English-speaking waiter. The selection of wines is rather limited, unfortunately. The only downside of the place is the service, which generally is rather inattentive. Also don't come too late, as some products may be out of stock, as it happened to us a couple of times already,

Be sure to make your reservation in advance, since the place is popular. The Sun adds to your bill a Yen 800 table charge and a 10% service charge.

Food: 6.5 Service: 5 Ambience: 9 Total: 6.5 pickles

Website: http://www.gnavi.co.jp/dynac/sun/

La Tortuga (French)

1-5-22 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka/06-4706-7524/11:30-14:00&17:30-22:00/Closed on Sunday/Yen 6000/8 pickles /¥¥¥

Savory and hearty country fare for urban gourmands.

Kitahama, the Wall Street of Osaka, seems to be rapidly becoming a mecca for discerning restaurant-goers. Although it might easily be overlooked (there are only 20 table seats, and 9 at the counter), we think La Tortuga, ("tortoise" in French), is one of the better new restaurants there. The decor is stylish and cozy and the service, though pleasant, was not fawning. But it is really the food that sets Tortuga apart. Our friend warned us the portions would be huge and insisted we order just a few dishes to share. Usually Tortuga's tiny kitchen doesn't accept a la carte orders from large groups, but he persuaded the chef to allow it. As starters for the six of us he ordered "country pate", "tuna tartar with capers" and "serrano ham." Although it took a long time (we were warned it would) each appetizer was delicious when it finally arrived. The 3cm pate slab shamed the stingy slices we've been served elsewhere, yet it was barely enough to whet three appetites, nevermind pacify six. Other starters were also ample and tasty but not "huge." Perhaps our appetites were larger than our friend was accustomed to, we chided. But then the three main dishes came. It was all we could do to finish them, and (to make a long story short) well worth the effort to do so. Each was as savory as it was hearty. For example the, "hobo (white fish) a al acqua pazza" is a whole fish stewed in the tomato-based sauce a la Italian. "African guinea bird in cocotte" is a juicy and ever so tender fowl(half) cooked in a big cocotte pot (30 cm long). We were impressed, not to mention stuffed. This is one restaurant to which we intend to return soon.

Food: 8 Service: 7 Ambience: 6 Total: 8 pickles

No English menu.

How to get there: Get off at Sakaisuji Kitahama stn (Mitsukoshi exit). SMBC bank is next to Mitsukoshi Dept store on Sakaisuji st. Pass the bank and turn right at the corner. Walk about 500 m and you find the restaurant on your right.

GOZO (Spanish Tapas)

Hiraichi Building 1F, 1-6-11 Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka/06-6204-6606/15:00-27:00/Yen 2500-5000/6 pickles /¥¥

Ole Ole Ole. a real tapas bar amid office buildings in Osaka.

All too often, Japanese attempts to import food concepts result in abomination. But Gozo has succeeded in bringing Tapas to Osaka. Your first hint is 4 or 5 Serrano hams hanging over the counter. The second is the several pans of different(!) paella. The third is the impassable throng of customers jamming this casual, narrow bar space. It's bit hard to find, but if you are working in Osaka, it is worth searching out. We went at 6:00 pm on a Tuesday and were surprised by the crowd. There are not many stools on which to sit, and none that are a safe distance from the constant traffic of sizzling dishes. But as long as you are not averse to crowds, or eating while standing up, Gozo may be an option. It is great before dinner, for a light supper, or after an unsatisfying dinner portion somewhere else. Why. they even have a good selection of Spanish wines and sherries. Tapas ranges from 300 to 2000. Be careful, it adds up!

Food: 7 Service: 5 Ambience: 6 Total: 6 pickles

Bilingual menu Spanish/Japanese.

How to get there: Get off at No5 Exit of Sakaisuji-sen Kitahama Stan (This takes you in front of Mitsukoshi Dept Store). Walk two blocks down South and turn left at Hirano-cho 1 crossing (You can see San-in Godo Bank on the opposite side of the street). It's on the second block on your right. If you're from Midosuji, turn left at Hirano-machi 3 crossing (mid-point between Yodoyabashi and Honmachi) and go 7 or 8 blocks. It's on your right.

Carbon (Spanish)

Sumitomo Shoji Yodoyabashi Bldg 1F, 4-4-12 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka/06-6220-4848/11:30-14:00&17:30-24:00/Closed on Sunday/Yen 6000-10000/7 pickles /¥¥¥

Even jet-setters spoiled by stylish restaurants of major international cities may feel pleased with this new Spanish restaurant in downtown Osaka.

El Poniente "Carbon" is in Yodoyabashi, an office area one block from Midosuji -- not a first class location for restaurants. But, step inside and you may breath a sigh of relief, as we did, to at last find a bustling, grown-up crowd in a room with a sophisticated international sensibility. At least there is one place in Western Japan where being worldly has an edge over young and cute (or at least so we would like to think).

Carbon offers no non-sense Spanish food with an emphasis on grills. Try Jamon Serrano(Spanish ham) or Quesa manchego (cheese) while you are waiting for them to sear something. The house pates are particularly good with the tasty Spanish wine selection. We had grilled quail, grilled vegetables (served with anchovy/black olive sauce), and grilled beef (oven-roasted and lightly warmed in olive oil just before being served). All dishes were quickly washed down with a warm Spanish red. Carbon offers 4500 yen and 7500 yen courses, but we found the a la carte approach rewarding. For the sporting, there is a standing/mingling bar, of the sort that is all but impossible to find in Japan, where one can wait for a date - or trade-up if made to wait too long.

Food: 8 Service: 6 Ambience: 7 Total: 7 pickles

Bilingual menu Spanish/Japanese.

How to get there: It's behind Sumitomo Bldg in Yodoyabashi. Get off at No.10 Exit of Subway Yodoyabashi Stn. Walk two blocks towards South (to Shinsaibashi direction) and turn Right. Turn left at the first corner and it's on your right.

Ron Steakhouse (Teppanyaki)

Steak Ron Bldg 1F 10-2 1chome Sonezaki Shinchi, Osaka / 06-6344-6664 / Lunch 11:30〜3:00 / Dinner 17:00〜22:30 / Closed on Sunday / Yen 20000 / 7.5 pickels / ¥¥¥¥¥

Bill Clinton's favorite Steakhouse in Osaka

Although there are many excellent Tappanyaki restaurants in Osaka's leading hotels, Ron in Kita-Shinchi remains my favorite. They are proud of having hosted Bill Clinton when he was still governor. Well, as a pleasure loving man he must have enjoyed this.

Ron feels warm and cozy with brown leather couches arranged around the cooking tables, where seasoned chefs will prepare some of the best Teppanyaki around. The menu offers various courses, starting from just under Yen 10000. Definitely not cheap, but all dishes from appetizer to dessert are prepared with the attention to detail that you expect from pricey food. Of course the meat is first rate. The Kobe beef just melts in your mouth.

Their wine assortment includes some of the best bottles from the renowned winemakers in France, but also more moderate offers. On my last visit our waiter was happy to recommend good wines in perfect English, and continued offering a service that was close to perfection. Unobtrusive, but perfectly attentive, everything was there whenever we needed it.

Ron is a safe bet for pleasing your guests and yourself alike. For preserving this state just one hint - let your staff settle the bill.

English menu available, English spoken.

Update: On our recent visit that waiter about whom I raved earlier on, offered a service bordering rude. Maybe it had to do with the fact that we had no reservation and were dressed casually, whereas last time it was a formal business dinner. No smile, no attention being paid to us, English menu only offered upon request, had to ask for the wine list and call him with a loud 'excuse me' after he passed our table several times for getting some advise on the wine. Maybe he just had a bad day, but he shouldn't have too many of those... The good service by the chef at the table made up for that somewhat. Nevertheless for the time being we have to downgrade their rating and pull their star.

Food: 7.5 Service: 7 Ambience: 7.5 Total: 7.5 pickels

HOW TO GET THERE: In Kita-Shinchi along Route 1 (Route 2 from Kobe changes into 1 just before) between Yotsubashi Suji and Midosuji on the right. By train: exit Kita-Shinchi Station of JR Tozai Line, walk to the left for about 100 m. Ron is located on the ground floor along the main road and easy to spot.

Sa Sa (Modern Japanese)

Gendaiorange Bld 4F, 1-9-1, Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka / 06-6533-3113 / 11:00-16:00 / 17:00-24:00 / Yen 6000 / 7.5 pickels / ¥¥

A serious contender for the 'most beautiful' food in Osaka

Sa Sa 'New & Traditional Recipes Wafu Table' is located on the 4th floor of Gendaiorange Bld. in Minamihorie, just above the BaliLax. And it's not less spectacular. The interior design combines traditional and modern Japanese elements. They have some secluded tables for your romantic dinner, but I prefer the ones with a view on the pool of BaliLax just below.

The menu offers a large variety of dishes, including more traditional fare. But their 'fusion' cuisine clearly dominates. The food presentation is in a class of its own, with some creations almost too beautiful to eat. Once you dare to destroy this art, you are not disappointed either.

If there is something to improve, it's the service. It's not bad, and everything we ordered was served properly and promptly, but we would have appreciated if a bit more attention would have been paid to us. Maybe it had to do with the fact that we were a group of foreigners and they were scared of us because of their limited English skills.

All in all a great place, making the Gendaiorange building the 'style leader' of Osaka's restaurant scene.

No English menu.

Food: 7 Service: 6 Ambience: 9 Total: 7.5 Pickels

HOW TO GET THERE: By car - On Hanshin Expressway Nr. 3 (Kobe Line) take exit Awaza. Go to the left following Chuo-dori till you reach the junction Naniwa-suji. Make a right turn and go down Naniwa-suji. After crossing Nagahori-dori turn left to Orange Road, which is probably the seventh street on your left. The Gendaiorange Bld is at the end of Orange Road on the left.

Santa Lucia (Italian)

1-9-17, Kyomachibori, Nishi-ku, Osaka / 06-6444-8881 / 11:00-14:00 / 18:00-21:30 (last order) / Yen 10000 / 6.5 pickels / ¥¥/¥¥¥

Mamma mia!! Great Italian home cooking in downtown Osaka.

Santa Lucia is located in one of those extremely narrow houses, typical for Japanese downtown dwellings. The Italian-style facade decorated with red geraniums in window boxes makes the place a truly Italian site. When entering the restaurant your senses already convey you an idea of what to expect. You see a colorful array of fresh vegetables, marinated antipasti and fresh seafood. Your nose picks up the smell of pizza and other delightful dishes. Yes, you are looking at the core of Santa Lucia - the kitchen. After that mouthwatering experience you can't wait to treat your palate. Being to Santa Lucia several times, the creations by Italian chef and owner Stelvio Spano were never disappointing. The menu delivers in true Italian style and the portions are wholly satisfying. The dining rooms are on the second and third floor that you reach by climbing up a very steep and narrow staircase. If you think that going up is an adventure, wait for descending it. Especially after a full course meal and wine.

Try the prosecco with blood orange juice as an aperitif while deciding what to eat, and enjoy the complimentary selection of homemade deep-fried bread and rolls with herbs. Appetizers include a plate of mortadella, salami, and mozzarella cheese so fresh and soft that you don't mind having it just plain. Warm slices of homemade Italian sausages, tuna carpaccio or marinated vegetables and seafood are tempting choices. The primi piatti offers a wide selection of pastas and risotto. The seafood risotto comes with large mussels, clams and squid, and is well balanced with a hint of chillis for a piquant risotto delight. Among main courses, the mixed grilled seafood is excellent, and a succulent large lamb chop accompanied by grilled vegetables and fresh tomatoes makes a light and tasty dish. Round off the meal with tiramisu or panna cotta, and cappuccino served with amaretti.

Food: 7 | Service: 6 | Ambience: 6.5 | Total: 6.5

Menu in Japanese and Italian, daily menu in Japanese only.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take Yotsubashi Line to Higobashi Station. At Higobashi Station take Exit 7 and walk to the right until you have passed China Airlines and Resona Bank. At the corner of Resona Bank take the road to the right. Santa Lucia is in that street on the second corner on your left.

BaliLax THE GARDEN (SE Asian)

Gendaiorange Bld 3F, 1-9-1, Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka / 06-6538-4402 / Mon-Thu 17:00-24:00 / Fri 17:00-5:00 / Sat 12:00-5:00 / Before Holiday 17:00-5:00 / Sun & Holiday 12:00-24:00 / Yen 5000 / 6.5 pickels / ¥¥

Resort-like dining experience in an exotic Balinese ambience

You don't have to take the airplane to enjoy a dinner in a Balinese atmosphere. Just take the elevator to the 3rd floor of the Gendaiorange Bld in Minamihorie and enter the world of BaliLax. The interior decoration is just stunning. Places like that are hard to be found, not only in Osaka. A relaxing and exotic ambience with lush greenery, dimmed lights, wooden carved screens and Indonesian furniture sets the tone.

BaliLax offers several dining areas. The best spot for alfresco dining is by the poolside on the open terrace transferring you to a Balinese resort - a must dining experience especially during summer time. Inside, apart from the usual table dining you can chose cozy booths where you sit on the floor with comfortable cushions, each area separated by white transparent curtains.

But of course, it is not only the interior that makes this place worth going. The menu offers different kinds of Southeast Asian dishes between Yen 500 and Yen 1300. For starters we tried some rice paper spring rolls with prawns, tuna avocado salad, as well as some Indonesian dishes with a modern touch like warm gado gado salad and ostriches sate. In the mille-feuille with fish and asparagus the tomato sauce was a bit too dominant. And although there was nothing wrong with the mee goreng and chop chee, we weren't too excited either.

The desserts are recommendable and offer something from east and west. The banana brownie with caramelized nuts and vanilla ice cream as well as the parfait "The Garden" and the Mont Blanc cake were a pleasure. Finnish off with a cup of Balinese coffee.

No English menu.

Food: 5.5 Service: 5.5 Ambience: 9 Total: 6.5 Pickels

HOW TO GET THERE: By car - On Hanshin Expressway Nr. 3 (Kobe Line) take exit Awaza. Go to the left following Chuo-dori till you reach the junction Naniwa-suji. Make a right turn and go down Naniwa-suji. After crossing Nagahori-dori turn left to Orange Road, which is probably the seventh street on your left. The Gendaiorange Bld is at the end of Orange Road on the left.

Website: http://balilax.com/horie/

Modo di Ponte Vecchio (Italian)

30F Yasuda Seimei Osaka Bldg, 3-3-20 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka/06-4795-8888/ 11:30-14:00/18:00-22:00/Closed on 1st,3rd Mon/ Yen 8000 /8 pickels/¥¥¥

An inspiration for "great Italian taste in style" in the middle of Osaka.

Since opening the first Ponte Vecchio in Sakaisuji Honmachi (now in Temma), Chef Yamane has never betrayed the expectaion of true food lovers. Modo di Ponte Vecchio, his third restaurant, is attracting an even bigger crowd than its predeccesors with great ambience at reasonable prices. For those who remember the original, the newest incarnation of Ponte Vecchio is more of a crowd-pleaser, with stylish but casual atmosphere and attentive service.
A 5000 yen pre-fix course comes with 1 appetizer, your choice of 2 dishes from 30 pasta and main dish selections, and your choice from the dessert menu. If you feel extravagant, go for their 8000 yen "omakase" (chef's recommendation) menu - for that I got "marinated mackeral w/sweet tomato sauce", "homard lobster in phyllo w/truffle sauce", "linguine w/oysters, tomato sauce", "pappardelle chicken and cabbage sauce", "young chicken roll w/foie gras", and "chestnut tiramusu w/caramel ice cream".
I liked the food presentation and, in general, the taste was good; but at the same time I thought it lacked impact. Well, I suppose I expected too much, or perhaps the Chef was too busy opening his 4th restaurant in Namba Parks. Still, there is no doubt this is one of the top Italian restaurants in Osaka and I will certainly make a point of trying to come back when the chef is in residence.

Food: 7 Service: 8.5 Ambience: 8.5 Total: 8 pickels

Ask for English menu when making reservation. Basic order in English is OK.

HOW TO GET THERE: It's across the street from the Ritz Carlton Osaka. 30th Floor of Yasuda Seimei Building.

Ashoka (Indian)

Osaka Maru Biru B2F 1-9-20 Umeda Kita-ku Osaka/06-6346-0333/11:30-14:30,17:00-21:00(Sun -20:30)/Closed on 3rdMon/JPY5000/5.0 pickles

An unpromising basement room in the Maru building serves up some of the best Indian in Kansai.

There are a few stylish and elegant spots near Umeda (honest!); but I think we can all agree that the basement of the Maru building is not one of them. Not at least in many years. Yet, it is in this very spot that the venerable Ashoka serves up some of the tangiest Indian food to be found on our side of this mild and muggy island. Oh, the room is overflowing with the usual subcontinental knickknacks, and the service is ordinary to gruff, but the tandoori is great and the mutton sagwala is heavenly. It is well know that Indian food is essential to an urban diet; yet it is surprisingly hard to get good curry in Japan. Having dined at Ashoka, you'll never again want to eat at any of its many lesser look-alikes. It is no wonder that this humble room fills up so quickly in the evening.

Food: 6 Service: 5 Ambience: 5 Total: 5 pickles

English menu available & English speaking staff

HOW TO GET THERE: The 'marubiru' is the tall cylindrical building next to the Hilton in Umeda.