Nestled in the unsuspecting location of a sleepy little complex off Waterworks Road, Osaka is just over a week old and already there’s a line out the door, with whispers of the scrumptious Japanese fare having reached nearby tastebuds. A rare find in suburbia, the food and service are exquisite, the liquor is BYO and prices are on the very decent side, making an evening north-west drive to Ashgrove worth taking.

Offering dishes that can be eaten solo or shared amongst family and friends, try the Deep Fried Veggie Roll with sweet potato, pumpkin, bean, avocado and cucumber or the Japanese Chicken Curry, both meals served with miso soup and a tiny green salad. With the crisp and crunchy gyoza deliciously addictive, we have our eye on the Gyoza Soup for next time. The extensive menu also features udon and yaki-noodle dishes, teriyaki and karage with rice, mixed tempura and salad, with green tea ice cream for dessert.

Pots of tea beckon free refills and a bento box of hunger-satisfying dreams is available at both lunch and dinner. For owner Chris Chon’s first food baby, Osaka ticks all the right boxes.

Osaka Japanese Dining Bar
Shop 3-4/486 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove
Ph: 07 3366 5440
Open: Mon 5:00-9:00 pm, Tues-Sun lunch 11:00 am to 3:00 pm  and dinner 5:00-9:00 pm