What you’ll get from this article
- Recommended specialty coffee cafes in the Osaka area
- So many cool spots, but where’s the go-to?
- Each shop’s features, attractions, and access information are explained in detail.
- Let’s chill and sip on some top-notch coffee in a hip and stylish joint!”
Truth be told, I often find myself struggling when it comes to recommending places I want to visit or suggesting spots to friends. I’ve been thinking it would be great to have a list for Osaka, categorized by area or roasting intensity, making it easier to decide where to go.
In this article, I’m here to solve those dilemmas by introducing genuinely delicious spots I’ve personally visited!
Whether you’re in Osaka or planning to visit, if you’re pondering where to find the best specialty coffee, this guide is a must-read!
※I’ve created Part2 article.
Dive in and explore more coffee goodness of Osaka.
Kitahama/Minamimorimachi Area
It’s an area with a mix of offices, high-rise apartments, and old residential neighborhoods.
The Sakaisuji and Tanimachi subway lines pass through, ensuring convenient access.
With the revival of inbound demand and the presence of numerous hotels nearby, the cafe scene has regained its vibrancy in this neighborhood.
EMBANKMENT coffee【Light roast】
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.
・Location
Conveniently situated, it’s only a brief 2-minute stroll from Kitahama Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line (Exit 1B).
Official HP：https://elmersgreen.com/collections/embankmentcoffee
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/embankmentcoffee/
Kitahama Port Roastery【From Light to Dark roast】
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!
・Location
Approximately a 6-minute walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (Exit 4), or a 6-minute walk from Kitahama Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line (Exit 1B).
Official HP：https://kitahamaport.jp/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/kitahamaport/?hl=ja
NOWA coffee roastery【From Light to Dark roast】
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.
・Location
Approximately a 6-minute walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (Exit 2).
Official HP：https://nowacoffeeroastery.stores.jp/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/nowacoffeeroastery/
Higobashi/Umeda Area
Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters【From Light to Dark roast】
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 cake shops, making it a great recommendation for those looking to explore and enjoy a variety of treats!
・Location
Approximately a 9-minute walk from Higobashi Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line (Exit 7).
Official HP：http://takamuranet.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/takamura_coffee_roasters/
Unir SPECIALTY COFFEE【Only serves espresso-based drinks】
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.
Seeing these animals, some children are moved to tears.
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.
・Location
Hankyu Department Store 9th Floor
Official HP：http://unir-coffee.com/shop/umeda/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/unir_coffee/
Nakazakicho Area
PATHFINDER XNOBU【Only serves espresso-based drinks】
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.
・Location
Approximately a 2-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (Exit 1).
Official HP：http://pathfinderxnobu.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/pathfinder_baristaschool/
The Gut’s Coffee【Light roast～】
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.
・Location
Approximately a 2-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line (Exit 2)
Official HP：http://www.guts-no1.com/
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/thegutscoffee/
Summary
As mentioned with the ‘7 selections,’ there’s no intention to determine which is the best; each place is unique and guaranteed to satisfy.
All the featured shops in this round-up showcase distinctive qualities, embodying a profound dedication to coffee. I’ll provide the list again for your convenience, so feel free to drop by and explore these exceptional coffee spots!
The summary table
| The nearest station | The roasting level (changeable) | To GO | Table seating | |
| EMBANKMENT coffee | Kitahama St 2 mins | Light roast | 〇 | Yes |
| Kitahama Port Roastery | Kitahama St 6 mins | Light ~ Dark | 〇 | No |
| NOWA coffee roastery | Minamimorimachi St 6 mins | Light ~ Dark | 〇 | Only bench seats |
| Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters | Higobashi St 9 mins | Light ~ Dark | 〇 | Yes |
| Unir SPECIALTY COFFEE | Umeda/Osaka St A few mins | Only Espresso based | 〇 | No |
| PATHFINDER XNOBU | Nakazakicho St ２ mins | Only Espresso based | 〇 | Yes |
| The Gut’s Coffee | Nakazakicho St ２ mins | Light ~ | 〇 | Only bench seats (Inside the store) |
Engaging in conversations with the staff, especially being a former barista, has been a delightful experience. Everyone is incredibly friendly and exudes a passionate energy for coffee! Witnessing the frequent interactions with new customers, even striking up friendly conversations with strangers, paints a charming café atmosphere.
For this article, I sought permission from the establishments before taking photos, and I am truly grateful for their kind approvals.
However, it’s a sad reality that there are increasing instances of poor manners lately. While it’s understandable to feel uplifted in an environment with beautiful latte art and stylish interiors, it’s crucial to adhere to basic etiquette and rules. Drawing from my experiences as a barista, even a single person displaying bad manners can significantly dampen the overall mood for that day…
Basic etiquette
Enjoying a relaxing moment with delicious coffee is even better when shared with everyone! Let’s adhere to the rules and make it an enjoyable day for ourselves and others~ There are still plenty of specialty coffee shops worth recommending. Please consider them for your next visit!
Here is the Part2 of Osaka specialty coffee spots in the Osaka area!
(English version is coming soon.)
Here are some recommended specialty coffee spots in the Kyoto area!
(English version is coming soon.)
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