The large office buildings of Osaka Ekimae might look like regular skyscrapers but are actually filled with delicious eateries and shops in the basements floors. Their lower floors provide a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from traditional Japanese food to cheap lunches or high-end European fare, through the four buildings.
Featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese cuisine, Imai Kisho is a higher-end choice for lunch and dinner. A sampling of dishes from the rotating menu are paired well with the variety of regional sake that is offered. The food relies on the natural taste of the product without excess additives or spices. Their sashimi is the most popular item, however, there are plenty of cooked options. Their course meals offer a sampling of their signature items, along with a paired sake, starting from 4500 JPY.
Imai Kisho is open from 12 PM to 2 PM on weekdays and 12 PM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM on Saturdays. It is located in Osaka Ekimae Bldg 1.
View this post on Instagram
Verde Cafe specializes in healthy, vegetable based meals, perfect for a detox from heavy Osaka food. Lunch sets include rice and a daily option of a Western-style main dish. The lunch sets are affordable, starting from 780 JPY. The cafe is also open during the day, serving hot beverages and homemade desserts. For dinner, the menu turns into Spanish-style tapas and shared dishes. Diners can choose from an option of small plates, from pasta to ajillo. The bar opens in the evening, and serves fresh, fruit based drinks. Dishes can be ordered a la carte, or diners can choose from the course meal option, starting from 4500 JPY, which offers an all-you-can drink menu.
View this post on Instagram
Verde Cafe and Bar is open from 11 AM to 11 PM everyday. It is located in Osaka Ekimae Bldg 2. 
Sanuki Udon Shikoku-ya
Named after Shikoku’s famous dish, Sanuki Udon Shikoku-ya has gained popularity because of its chewy, square shaped noodles. Curry udon is popular in winter because the warm and thick broth sticks to the ribs, while the Bukkake udon is popular in summer. Bukkake udon consists of chilled noodles, kamaboko and topped with a raw egg. There are plenty of options for udon, from plain noodles to tempura toppings. The restaurant offers bar seating and easy ordering and is ideal for a quick lunch. The bowls and sets are affordable, starting from 700 JPY.
View this post on Instagram
Sanuki Udon Shikoku-ya is open from 11 AM to 9PM on weekdays and Sundays and from 11AM to 5PM on Saturdays. It is located in Osaka Ekimae Bldg 2.
Rokunen Yonkumi Travel back in time to the sixth grade at Rokunen Yonkumi, a classroom themed izakaya. Tables are school desks and drinks are served in chemistry lab equipment, a twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya. Chalkboards line the walls and school supplies and toys decorate the restaurant, fulfilling nostalgia in every corner of the establishment. However, the food strays far from typical cafeteria cuisine, Rokunen Yonkumi offers izakaya fare, from fried meat to sashimi. There are plenty of course deals featuring all-you-can drink options, starting from 3500 JPY.
View this post on Instagram
Rokunen Yonkumi is open from 5 PM to 11:30 PM everyday. It is located in Osaka Ekimae Bldg 3.
View this post on Instagram
For a traditional Japanese izakaya experience, check out Nippon Bar, known for its wide variety of homey Japanese favorites. Diners can order an assortment of small dishes, from sashimi to oden, and can choose an all-you-can drink option starting from 2500 JPY. The alcohol options are endless, from the fruity chu-hai to a variety of Japanese sake. Dishes can also be ordered a la carte, starting from 500 yen.
Nippon Bar is open from 5PM to 11PM everyday. It is located in Osaka Ekimae Bldg 4.
View this post on Instagram