Stepping inside Milan’s historic Japanese culinary institution, now in a brand-new location, to see how it holds up against the city’s modern dining scene.
Intro
Historically, Osaka has been one of the most important and respected dining spots in Milan. Opened way back in 1999 in the heart of the city, it defined authenticity and tradition long before sushi became a mainstream, everyday trend. But let’s be real: with so many flashy, neon-lit fusion spots popping up lately, we had to see how this veteran competes with all the new Japanese restaurants in Milan.
After 26 legendary years, they have officially moved! They recently relocated to Via Anfiteatro 6, just a short walk from their old historic spot on Corso Garibaldi, settling right into the charming area between Brera and Moscova. It is a solid, reliable sanctuary for those who appreciate the quiet art of a well-prepared meal!
The vibe
Finding this “new” Osaka feels like a breath of fresh air. The space has been completely renovated, featuring a beautifully simple design conceptualized by the Japanese architect and designer Ishiyama Yukio. The moment you walk through those doors, the chaotic Milanese street energy completely drops, replaced by a welcoming environment that perfectly matches their essential and traditional style.
They have traditional grill and bar seating right in the front, exactly like you would find in authentic spots in Japan! You can grab a stool at the counter and comfortably watch the chefs work their magic. You will often spot Japanese expats dining here, which is always a major green flag for authenticity. It’s definitely more classic and refined than your typical loud Gen-Z hotspot, making it a great choice for a quiet catch-up or a proper foodie date!
The food
We stopped by for a midday break to try their popular lunch menus (teishoku), which are served with rice, miso soup, and small side dishes. We went for the grilled salmon, which was cooked really well—flakey, juicy, and packed with that comforting, subtle smoky flavor. We also tried the gyuniku dashimakitamago (a savory, rolled Japanese omelet stuffed with seasoned beef). It was super fluffy, slightly sweet from the dashi, and genuinely satisfying!
Just a heads-up, their lunch offerings also include classic bowls of ramen and udon, which are perfect for a quick, warming slurp between classes or work meetings! The lunch sets are actually quite reasonable for this upscale area of Milan, usually ranging around €18 to €25. If you decide to visit for dinner, the menu shifts to focus on high-end sushi, sashimi, and premium traditional hot pots like sukiyaki. Dinner prices are definitely steeper—expect to spend around €60 to €90+ per person—but you are paying for imported quality and very careful preparation.
The verdict
So, is the relocated Osaka still worth a visit? Definitely! While it might not have the crazy gimmicks of newer places, it delivers something highly respected in the food scene: consistency and classic flavors. The midday sets offer a very fair price-to-quality ratio, giving you a taste of premium Japanese food without totally draining your wallet.
If you are craving a sophisticated, deeply authentic dining experience that honestly honors Japanese food culture in a beautiful new setting, this place is still a very strong contender in the city!
Osaka 大阪
📍 Via Anfiteatro 6, 20121 Milano
🌐 Website: www.milanoosaka.com, Instagram: osakamilano
Have you tried Osaka yet? Let us know your opinion, and do not forget to bookmark chinatownmilano.it for more authentic eats around the city.