Mackerel Sky (マクロル スカイ)

When: March 2011

Where: 4-1062 Kumatori-cho, Osaka (near Kumatorikita Junior High)

What: It's a cafe/restaurant with a light menu of pizza, some nice appetizers like bruschetta and a very extensive drink menu (machiatos, lattes, exotic teas and iced drinks). The real reason to visit is the view; unlike many cafes, this place was. It was built at the edge of a ridge which overlooks farmland. The wall which faces the view is basically all windows and most of the seats are right up against the glass. There's also some outdoor seating, including one table sitting on a platform hanging off the hillside. It's a little slow since there's usually just the owner working in the daytime but very relaxing.

http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2705/A270502/27041646/

Bistro Rue de la Gare (ビストロ リュ ド ラ ガール)

When: Several times since Feb. 2011

Where: 大阪府泉南郡熊取町大久保中2-28-4 Kumatori-cho, Osaka (about 5 minutes walk from JR Kumatori)

What: French cuisine! The chef/ owner trained in France and came back to Kumatori to open her own restaurant. It's actually in a renovated machiya-like house. There is only around 8-10 tables and it fills up quickly so it's best to make a reservation. The food is amazing- the appetizer/ salad alone is enough for lunch and the main courses range from lamb to duck to mussels in cream soup. Lunch is the best deal as it includes salad, entrée, dessert and coffee.

http://www.kit-press.com/navi/gr/ruedelagare/index.html

亀王らーめん (Kio Ramen)

When: May 2010
Where: We went to the one on the Namba side of the Dotombori in Osaka, but it's a chain so there are tons of shops.
What: Delicious tonkotsu ramen! That is, ramen in a pork bone soup. They had other types like miso ramen which we didn't try but the tonkotsu was very yummy. Not much sliced pork on top actually but not expensive and very filling (and nicely greasy). The shop was kind of cool too, decor-wise, not at all like Osho which is basically white walls and some yellowy tables. Unfortunately, it was a bit cramped with only 2 tables and the bar, but okay for 2 people.


http://www.kiou.co.jp/index.html

Noraya

When: Many times since me and Kenji met in 2008

Where: Closest location is in Namba by Nankai station 大阪市中央区難波5-1-60 なんばCITY南館1Ｆ

What: Udon! The set lunch or dinner is great. There are a lot of udon to choose from (kitsune, curry, zaru, etc) plus you get a choice of rice (don't care for the red bean rice myself) and tempura. I like the zaru udon because I can order extra and it comes in a stacked box. The chubby kitty mascot appears on their dishes and you can buy souvenirs at the register if you like. Not expensive at all.

http://www.noraya.com/

ラーメン 峰味 (Ramen Houmi)

When: Many times since November 2009

Where: 大阪市浪速区敷津東3-3-16 サンウッド森本102 Near Imamiya Ebisu station in Osaka

What: Delicious melt-in-your-mouth pork ramen! The pork is so so good, it makes me momentarily weak after I take my first bite. There's also the pork rice bowl which is also fabulous. The best part is that the shop is run by this kind of surly "ojisan" guy who is the owner and in the evening, the only staff (he stays open til really late too). His ramen place is spotless and filled with a certain Showa-era vibe, not at all like Osho. Ramen Ojisan does his work so methodically that it's impossible to rush him, no matter how many customers- he's like 'The Man Who Planted Trees' but with noodles. We always look forward to seeing him.


http://www.houmi.net/index.html

Magic Spice Restaurant

When: December 2009

When: Osaka city, south west of Namba station.

大阪市浪速区稲荷１－１０－２０ Phone: ０６－４３９２－８８７７

What: First of all, the crazy decor is what caught my eye. It's like a kitschy Indian restaurant on acid, with the crazy lighting, giant Ganesh statue and various draperies. The food here is called soup curry, so it's like extra spicy broth with noodles, veggies and meat of your choice, kind of a choose your own adventure type of meal. There was a little chart on our table of spiciness so you could choose the strength of your curry. Being the wuss that I am, I chose the lowest level, "Awakening", which was nice with beef. Kenji gambled and took level 4, "Nirvana". Took him ages to sweat through his bowl! And I don't to imagine how hot level 6, "Aumair" (or Almair?), would be. Plus, we also had lovely kebabs and Kenji and his friend ordered the sparkly sundaes.

http://www.magicspice.net/

GARLIC POWER!

When: November 2009

Where: Near Hanazono-cho Station, on the Yotsubashi line

What: Garlic! With ramen and gyoza. Hooo boy, there was a lot of garlic. The next day I was still smelly and I've decided from now on, only go before my day off. It wasn't expensive at all and just a small place with all counter seats. The ramen came in these massive stone bowls and just the broth alone was heaven. Mmm-mm mm-mm mmm!