Osaka Coffee Guide: 20 Best Specialty Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss

Hello, coffee lovers! Welcome to the vibrant world of Osaka coffee. Osaka, known for its free-spirited atmosphere in Japan, boasts a coffee culture that’s as lively and intriguing as the city itself.
Imagine Osaka’s coffee scene as a bustling street in the heart of the city. New cafes are popping up constantly, with baristas who’ve honed their skills abroad showcasing their talents. It’s truly a paradise for coffee enthusiasts, making Osaka one of the best cities for specialty coffee in Japan.
Specialty coffee in Osaka has become an integral part of daily life, available even in convenience stores. But the experience goes beyond that. From relaxing in cozy cafes to grabbing a quick takeaway on busy mornings, the ways to enjoy Osaka coffee are as diverse as the city itself.

What Makes Osaka’s Coffee Scene Unique

What sets Osaka’s coffee scene apart? It’s the legendary Osaka friendliness. Staff and customers alike create a welcoming atmosphere in every cafe. Stepping into one of the best cafes in Osaka feels like visiting an old friend’s house.
Another crucial factor is the influx of international tourists. This cosmopolitan environment elevates Osaka’s coffee culture, pushing cafes to meet world-class standards. The result? A thriving specialty coffee scene in Osaka that rivals any global coffee destination.

How to Use This Guide

Navigating Osaka’s subway might seem daunting, but don’t worry!

For each of the best cafes in Osaka I recommend, I’ve included the nearest station and a brief area description.
When ordering at Osaka coffee shops, pointing at the menu or using gestures can be helpful if there’s a language barrier. For more complex questions, translation apps are your best friend.

You’ll be ordering like a local in no time!

List of cafes

	The nearest station	Opening Hours	The roasting level	TO GO	Seating
OSARU Coffee	JR Namba St 2mins	08:00 – 19:00	Light roast~	〇	Yes
Le Premier Cafe Roastery NAMBA(TAKE OUT)	JR Namba St 5mins	10:00 – 18:00	Light roast~	〇	Only bench seats
LiLo Coffee Roasters	Shinsaibashi St 3mins	11:00 – 23:00	Light roast~	〇	Yes
Mel Coffee Roasters	Yotsubashi St 2mins	10:00 – 18:00	Light roast~	〇	Only bench seats
Mill Pour Coffee	Yotsubashi St 5mins	09:00 – 17:30	Only Espresso based	〇	Only bench seats
YARD Coffee & Craft Chocolate	Tennouji St 8mins	10:00 – 18:00	Light roast~	〇	Yes
AUN COFFEE	Tennouji St 15mins	09:00 – 19:00	Light roast~	〇	Yes
GLITCH COFFEE OSAKA	Higobashi St 2 mins	08:00 – 19:00	Light roast	〇	Yes
Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters	Higobashi St 9 mins	11:00 – 19:30	Light ~ Dark	〇	Yes
Unir SPECIALTY COFFEE	Umeda/Osaka St A few mins	10:00 – 20:00	Only Espresso based	〇	Standing
TASHIRO COFFEE ROASTERS	Umeda/Osaka St A few mins	10:00 – 20:00	Light ~ Dark	〇	Standing
PATHFINDER XNOBU	Nakazakicho St ２ mins	10:00 – 18:00	Only Espresso based	〇	Yes
The Gut’s Coffee	Nakazakicho St ２ mins	09:30 – 18:00	Light roast~	〇	Only bench seats
CAFE TALES	Hommachi St 4mins	08:00 – 18:00	Light roast~	〇	Yes
aoma coffee	Hommachi St 2mins	11:00 – 17:00	Light roast~	〇	Standing
EMBANKMENT coffee	Kitahama St 2 mins	11:00 – 18:00※	Light roast only	〇	Yes
Kitahama Port Roastery	Kitahama St 6 mins	10:30 – 19:00	Light ~ Dark	〇	No
NOWA coffee roastery	Minamimorimachi St 6 mins	11:00 – 19:00	Light ~ Dark	〇	Only bench seats
tempt coffee	Minamimorimachi St 6 mins	09:30 – 20:00※	Light roast~	〇	Standing
TERRA COFFEE ROASTERS	Esaka St ８ mins	12:00 – 17:00※	Light roast~	〇	A few

Namba/Shinsaibashi/Tennoji Area

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment with famous spots like Dotonbori
• Diverse accommodations for all budgets with excellent tourist facilities
• Rich in culture: modern shopping districts to ancient temples
• Superior access from Kansai International Airport

OSARU Coffee

This conveniently located cafe is closest to JR Namba Station, but it’s also within walking distance from Namba Station on various lines.
The roastery is located in the adjacent building, allowing them to offer freshly roasted coffee.
As indicated on their sign, their morning menu is also popular, making it a hot spot from early morning. The shop opens at 8:00 AM, and when I visited around 8:10 AM, there were already several customers inside. More customers kept coming in, and the place was quickly filled to capacity.
If you want to dine in, I recommend arriving around the opening time of 8:00 AM

There’s also seating on the second floor, but I expect it fills up quickly too. There are many hotels nearby, and I noticed a lot of international tourists visiting the cafe, which clearly demonstrates its popularity.”

This translation conveys the information about the additional seating, the proximity to hotels, and the cafe’s popularity among international tourists. When combined with the previous translation, it provides a comprehensive description of the cafe’s atmosphere and clientele.

Le Premier Cafe Roastery NAMBA(TAKE OUT)

A coffee stand located a short walk from JR Namba Station, away from the hustle and bustle. They roast various coffee beans in-house and serve them.

On this day, I ordered the well-balanced medium roast from Guatemala.
Despite usually preferring light roasts, I found it easy to drink and recommend it to many people.

It was heartwarming to see customers with baby strollers buying coffee and soft-serve ice cream.
Coffee stands that welcome parents with children create a friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, making them a delightful place to visit.

LiLo Coffee Roasters

This shop is also conveniently located just a short walk from Shinsaibashi and Yotsubashi stations.

One of the highlights of this place is the wide variety of drip coffee options, making it a delightful challenge to choose which one to enjoy.
Due to its location, it attracts many tourists, and it’s not uncommon to see lines forming, especially with visitors from overseas.
The staff can communicate in English, contributing to its popularity among international tourists.

According to the staff, the shop has been featured in overseas media, and positive reviews on Google Maps have also contributed to an increase in visitors.
Of course, the main draw remains the delicious taste of the coffee.

On this day, I had a lightly roasted Yemeni coffee. It had a rich flavor, and upon drinking, I could sense a complex aroma spreading in my mouth. As it cooled down, the taste transformed, revealing a pleasant acidity. It seems to be a rare find, so if you come across it, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Mel Coffee Roasters

A coffee stand located just a short walk from Shinsaibashi and Yotsubashi stations.

If you visit during the coffee bean roasting, you’ll be surrounded by a delightful aroma while enjoying delicious coffee.

With many regular customers, the staff is friendly and willing to offer guidance on coffee choices, making it a welcoming place to visit whenever you’re in doubt.

I love the cappuccino at this cafe, even though their drip coffee is also delicious.
The milk’s smooth texture and the overall taste perfectly suit my preference.

The espresso-based drinks are served faster compared to drip coffee, which is a plus.

The cafe is located in an area with many gourmet restaurants and convenient shopping options.
Enjoying a delightful coffee while exploring the surroundings

Mill Pour Coffee

This coffee stand, located just a short walk from Shinsaibashi and Yotsubashi stations, specializes in espresso-based drinks.
The taste is undoubtedly delicious, but what sets it apart is the exquisite latte art.
Served with stunning designs that make you hesitate to take a sip.

The reason behind this artistry is the owner, who happens to be the 2015 Japan Latte Art Champion.
Experiencing the best latte art in Japan in a casual setting is truly a rare treat

If you can enjoy a drink from the Latte Art Champion, it’s worth it just for that.

It’s not just about the art; you can also appreciate the delicate milk foam and temperature while savoring the drink.

YARD Coffee & Craft Chocolate

This cafe is located in an area close to Tennoji Park and Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, making it convenient for sightseeing.
While many might associate YARD with craft chocolate, their dedication to coffee is also top-notch.
Besides chocolate and coffee, they offer a wide variety of baked goods, making it an enjoyable place to visit.
With its open feel and ample seating, it’s recommended for both solo visitors and groups of friends!

If you arrive right at opening time on a Saturday morning, you can choose your preferred seat, but customers start coming in quickly.

When I visited around 2 PM before, there was a line outside, so if you want to ensure entry, it’s best to arrive at opening time or during off-peak cafe hours.

AUN COFFEE

This specialty coffee and sweets shop is located right next to Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji’s pride.
It’s a relatively new cafe that opened in February 2024.
The highlight is enjoying delicious coffee while viewing Shitennoji Temple.
It’s pet-friendly, which is great for taking a break during walks.

There’s a wide variety of both sweets and coffee.

It’s fantastic to spend time in the open interior while viewing Shitennoji Temple.

Umeda/Nakazakicho Area

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Modern cityscape with top-notch shopping and dining options
• Major transportation hub, easy access to Kyoto, Kobe and other cities
• Wide range of hotels from budget to luxury
• Highlights include Umeda Sky Building and large department stores

GLITCH COFFEE OSAKA

Glitch Coffee is within walking distance from Higobashi Station and Nishi-Umeda Station.
Their dedication to coffee beans is impressive.

Their passion for each cup is admirable, and even the drippers seem to differ between locations.

It appears they’re constantly innovating and experimenting to provide the best cup possible.
The interior features large windows and high ceilings for an excellent open feel, and drinking coffee on the antique-style sofas is exceptional.

There’s also a branch in Tokyo, which sometimes has over an hour wait due to its popularity.
This branch is also thriving, but the wait isn’t as long, so it’s recommended!
You can slowly enjoy a cup of coffee while seated in beautiful chairs.

Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters

Although not very close to the station, this shop is always bustling with many people.

One of the things I love about this place is the extensive selection of drip coffee. Inside, there’s a large roasting machine, and skilled roasters are always at work.

They consistently offer more than 10 varieties to choose from, including COE award-winning coffees. You can even enjoy Esmeralda’s Geisha at the same price as other coffees, a unique feature only available here. The shop also has a rich variety of coffee equipment, making it a great spot for gifts or those who enjoy home brewing.

True to its name, they also offer a variety of wines, and the selection is impressively extensive, attracting many wine enthusiasts.

In this area, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cak

Unir SPECIALTY COFFEE

Located on the 9th floor of Hankyu Department Store, this is a shop primarily focused on espresso-based drinks.

While many visitors stop by for a coffee break during their shopping, I personally make a trip to Hankyu Department Store just for this coffee shop.

The cappuccino is truly delightful – not only the taste, but the milk foam and temperature are all to my liking.

They also sell coffee beans and coffee equipment, making it a recommended spot for gift shopping in true department store fashion.

While the barista who represented Japan in the World Barista Championship is no longer at the Umeda store, I had the pleasure of having coffee brewed by them.

It might have been their captivating skills or the fact that it was my first time with such a talented barista, but I was truly captivated.

*Apparently, the barista from Unir also won the Japan Barista Championship 2022, where they determine Japan’s best barista! Having two champions from one company is truly remarkable… their quality is undoubtedly top-notch.

TASHIRO COFFEE ROASTERS

Positioned on the 1st floor of the Hanshin Department Store, this coffee shop boasts an excellent location, making it an ideal spot for a quick visit after shopping or for a short break.

Soft-serve ice cream and limited-time drinks add to the appeal, catering to a diverse range of age groups.

The extensive variety of coffee beans and coffee-related goods, along with expert guidance, makes it a great place not only for personal indulgence but also for selecting coffee-themed gifts for someone special.

It’s located on the 1st floor of Hanshin Department Store, so there’s minimal need for elevator or escalator travel, which is convenient.

The roasting facility is in Higashi Osaka, and you can also enjoy coffee there.

PATHFINDER XNOBU

Run by a Latte Art World Champion, the latte art crafted by the staff is truly top-notch.
This popular spot is often bustling with female customers and couples.
Especially during cafe hours on weekends, there tends to be a queue, so for those who prefer to avoid waiting, takeout is also recommended.

With a wide variety of drinks, including hot chocolate and chai, it’s a welcoming place even for those who aren’t coffee enthusiasts.

They use their original blend of beans, and you can really feel the dedication of the shop in every sip.

For those who love Melbourne-style cafes, this is a confidently recommended spot.
*Featured on the popular Kansai local program ‘Yo-i Don’ and recognized as a ‘Living National Treasure.

The Gut’s Coffee

A coffee stand that opened its doors in 2019.

With features on television, this shop has gained high visibility.

Similar to the previous shop, this establishment boasts a diverse menu of drinks, including fruity sodas and teas.

They use beans from the popular Sydney-based roaster ‘Single O,’ resulting in exceptionally delicious coffee.

The Nakazakicho area is filled with charms, from vintage clothing stores to popular eateries. It’s a delightful area to explore casually, whether you’re taking a stroll with takeout in hand or enjoying a coffee break.

Honmachi/Kitahama Area

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Quiet business district with riverside views and historic architecture
• Reasonably priced, business-oriented hotels
• Less crowded, offering a more local experience
• Good access to major Osaka attractions

CAFE TALES

Also within walking distance from Hommachi Station, this café stands out with its distinctive feature – they exclusively serve coffee beans from Colombia.
The charming, friendly blonde-haired manager adds to the unique atmosphere.
The focus on beans from a single country, Colombia, is quite rare, but they believe it allows customers to savor the differences in flavor from different regions within Colombia.

Exploring the nuances of coffee from various Colombian regions can be an intriguing journey for coffee enthusiasts.

This cafe not only offers great coffee but also a hearty morning menu.
If you are interested in their morning menu, check out their instagram!
Starting your day with delicious breakfast and coffee here would be fantastic.

It’s a wonderful place to rediscover the potential of Colombian coffee.

aoma coffee

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Honmachi Station, it boasts outstanding accessibility.

Specializing in lightly roasted coffee, both hand drip and espresso creations are simply delightful.

They offer a variety of beans for hand drip, regularly changing them to provide a delightful array of flavors.

Sipping coffee leisurely while seated in the tranquil ambiance of the cafe is truly a special experience.

Cafe’s rules when taking photos.

The photos featured here were taken during multiple visits to the cafe.

Across the street, there’s a smoking station, making it an easily accessible environment for smokers too.

EMBANKMENT coffee

It’s a cafe I love so much that I make a special trip to the Kitahama area just to visit.

Specializing in light roasts, they excel in both hand-drip and espresso-based brews — incredibly delicious.

The fact that they offer specialty decaf coffee is a delightful bonus.

And, for those snack cravings, they’ve got a selection of baked goods, making it a happy pitstop when hunger strikes.

All the photos are from the second floor, but there are also table seats on the first floor.

Since the cafe is always crowded after lunch time, it’s recommended to avoid peak hours (around 14:00 to 15:00) if you want to relax and take your time.

Kitahama Port Roastery

A shop located around the central area between Kitahama Station and Minamimorimachi Station.

Seemingly focused on wholesale coffee beans, there’s a delightful aroma wafting through the surroundings at certain times.

While currently limited to takeout only, it’s incredibly satisfying to stroll towards the station with a delicious coffee in hand.

They also sell coffee beans, making it a great recommendation for those who enjoy home brewing. If you ask the staff for recommendations, they’ll always guide you to a perfect choice!

NOWA coffee roastery

Another shop within walking distance from Minamimorimachi Station.

Having relocated in January 2023, it’s brand new, and the interior is pristine!

You can also enjoy your drink inside, making it a welcoming space for a quick break.

Although the nearby road is a bustling thoroughfare with a significant amount of traffic, stepping into the shop feels like entering a different time—a place where you can truly relax.

While there are no traditional table seats, the bench-style seating allows you to leisurely enjoy your coffee.

tempt coffee

This specialty coffee and craft beer shop opened in April 2024.
It’s conveniently located right near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and I noticed international tourists visiting as well.
It’s easy to drop in casually, and it’s great that you can enjoy coffee or beer at the counter. They’re open until 8 PM, so coming for craft beer in the evening is also a good option!

The owner worked for over 4 years at the highly renowned ‘Trunk Coffee’ in Nagoya. He’s easy to talk to and happy to share his extensive knowledge about coffee.

Other Areas

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Few tourist attractions, but offers a glimpse of local Osaka life
• Quiet area with fewer tourists
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere
• Although suburban, good access to central areas of the city

TERRA COFFEE ROASTERS

This cafe is located in a residential area a short walk from Esaka Park.

Esaka Park is nearby, so it’s also nice to get a takeout and drink in the park!
They also serve milk and apple juice, so it’s enjoyable with children too.

Away from the bustle of the city center, it’s a place where you can quietly enjoy your coffee.
On some days, you can hear the cheerful voices of children from the park

Coffee Etiquette in Japan

In Osaka’s specialty coffee shops, hand-dripped coffee often takes center stage over espresso. Keep in mind that non-fat or non-dairy milk options might not always be available.
Remember these etiquette tips when visiting the best cafes in Osaka

Best Times to Visit Osaka Cafes

Osaka’s coffee scene changes with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossom-themed drinks, while summer sees unique iced concoctions. Winter heralds the arrival of Christmas blends with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
To avoid crowds, steer clear of the 2-4 PM rush on weekends.
On weekdays, office area cafes are less busy outside lunch hours.

In popular areas like Umeda or Namba, early mornings or lunchtime can be good opportunities to enjoy your Osaka coffee in peace.

Vegan and Dietary Restriction Options

While vegan options are still limited in many Osaka coffee shops, don’t lose hope!
Use translation apps to ask about alternatives like soy milk or ingredient information.

The specialty coffee scene in Osaka is evolving, and more cafes are starting to cater to diverse dietary needs.

Conclusion

Isn’t Osaka’s coffee scene captivating? Each cafe on this list offers a unique experience, guaranteed to serve you delicious coffee and immerse you in Osaka’s distinct coffee culture. What unites them all is a genuine passion for coffee and a desire
to serve you the best cup possible.
So, grab this guide and embark on your Osaka coffee adventure. Your perfect cup awaits in one of the best cafes in Osaka.

There’s no reason not to dive into the world of Osaka coffee – are you ready for the journey? Enjoy your specialty coffee experience in Osaka!

Here are some recommended specialty coffee spots in the Kyoto area!
(English version is coming soon.)

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amirohblog.com

2024.07.25