Zojirushi Restaurant Osaka Main Store Interior
Zojirushi Shokudo Osaka Main Branch, located in Namba SkyO, Osaka, is divided into two areas upon entering the restaurant. On the right side are table seats where guests can enjoy their meal comfortably, while on the left is a salon space located close to the kitchen. Next to the salon space, there is a rice refill corner.
Between the table seating area and the salon space, in the center of the restaurant, there is a tea corner where guests can sample various types of tea and enjoy them together with their meal.
The restaurant has approximately 60 seats in total, and the salon space is available for private rental.
Seating Arrangement
The table seating area features bright-colored walls paired with wooden furniture, creating a warm atmosphere. The deep navy accent color, matching the noren of Zojirushi Restaurant, adds a refined and neat impression.
However, the tables are not particularly spacious, so it felt slightly less comfortable for enjoying a leisurely meal.
This is the salon space located in the center of the restaurant. It consists of several large communal tables, offering a different atmosphere from the regular dining area.
It is also used for various programs such as cooking classes and seminars.
Rice Refill Corner
Next to the salon space, there is a rice refill corner, and rice can be refilled freely without any limit.
There is no need to bring your used bowl. Simply tell the staff which type of rice and how much you would like, and they will serve a freshly prepared bowl for you.
Tea Corner
These are three types of tea bags sold at Zojirushi Restaurant. Place a tea bag in a cup, pour hot water over it, and prepare a small dish to hold the used tea bag before bringing everything back to your seat. Tea can also be enjoyed freely without any limit on refills.
The same types of tea are also available as cold options, so you can choose according to your preference.
I usually prefer drinking it hot, but during the hot summer, enjoying it cold is also a nice way to cool down.
Menu
Zojirushi Restaurant is a place where you can directly experience rice cooked with their premium rice cooker, Enbudaki (炎舞炊き). Accordingly, the menu is centered around traditional Japanese set meals with rice as the main focus.
When you order a meal, you can enjoy unlimited rice refills, and tea is also available freely. Since the lunch and dinner menus are different, it is recommended to check in advance depending on your visiting time.
Rice Options
Three types of rice are available. Regardless of the type you choose when placing your initial order, you can select a different type of rice when requesting a refill, which makes it appealing for those who want to enjoy a variety of flavors.
However, for some meal options at Zojirushi Restaurant, the selection may be limited to two types, so it is advisable to check the menu before ordering.
Lunch Menu
This is the basic lunch set menu available exclusively during lunchtime at Zojirushi Restaurant. At the time of my visit, the lunch prices ranged from 2,000 to 3,000 yen, which is slightly higher than that of a typical set meal restaurant.
However, since both rice and tea can be refilled freely, and above all, the quality and flavor of the rice itself are excellent, I believe it is a very satisfying choice.
This menu is available for both lunch and dinner, but it is offered in limited quantities. Zojirushi Restaurant has quite a few limited-quantity items, and depending on the menu, advance reservations may be available, so it is recommended to check in advance before visiting.
In addition, there are various lunch options available, allowing you to enjoy different set meals according to your preference and budget.
Dinner Menu
The dinner menu becomes more elaborate in both composition and variety, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yen. If you add an all-you-can-drink plan, the total price can rise to the 6,000-yen range.
As with lunch, there are also limited-quantity items available. If you enjoy rice, pairing a premium set meal with alcoholic drinks and taking your time over dinner can be a very pleasant option.
4 Ways to Enjoy Your Meal
While enjoying a meal at Zojirushi Restaurant, I have summarized a few ways to enjoy the rice even more deliciously.
First: Refilling Your Rice
First, enjoy your ordered meal as it is, then try refilling with a different type of rice from the one you initially selected. Even with the same side dishes, the taste and overall balance can feel different depending on the type of rice.
Second: Ochazuke
Ochazuke is a traditional Japanese home-style dish in which tea or broth is poured over rice and enjoyed with simple toppings. It is a light and comforting option that is perfect for finishing a meal.
On the table, broth for ochazuke and a small grinder for sesame seeds are provided, allowing you to adjust it to your taste.
Third: Tamago Kake Gohan
Tamago kake gohan is a simple Japanese home-style dish made by placing a raw egg over warm rice and mixing it with soy sauce or other seasonings. In some restaurants in Japan, it is commonly referred to by the abbreviation TKG.
If you are not accustomed to eating raw eggs, you may prefer to enjoy your meal in another way.
Fourth: Rice Ice Cream
The fourth and final option is to enjoy rice ice cream as a dessert after your meal.
Rice ice cream is not commonly available, and it feels especially unique as it allows you to continue enjoying the flavor of rice until the very end of your meal. If you enjoy rice, it is definitely worth trying at least once.
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■Zojirushi Restaurant
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