Eating in Osaka
大阪で食べる
From konbini to fancy restaurants. Osaka is Japan's kitchen - eat well!
Phrases (8)
1
2名です
にめいです
ni-mei desu
Two people
名 (mei) is the counter for people in restaurants. 一名 (ichi-mei), 二名 (ni-mei), 三名 (san-mei)...
2
おすすめは何ですか
おすすめはなんですか
osusume wa nan desu ka
What do you recommend?
Great way to try local specialties. Staff appreciate being asked.
3
すみません、注文いいですか
すみません、ちゅうもんいいですか
sumimasen, chuumon ii desu ka
Excuse me, can I order?
To call staff. In izakaya, just shout すみません loudly - it's normal!
4
これをください
kore wo kudasai
This one, please
Point at menu while saying this. Works everywhere. これ (kore) = this thing near me.
5
お会計お願いします
おかいけいおねがいします
okaikei onegai shimasu
Check, please
Or just say 会計 (kaikei) casually. In Osaka izakaya: おあいそ (oaiso) is also used.
6
いただきます
itadakimasu
Thanks for the food (before eating)
Literally: "I humbly receive"
Say before eating. Shows gratitude for the food, the cook, and everyone involved. Essential Japanese manners.
7
ごちそうさまでした
gochisousama deshita
Thanks for the meal (after eating)
Say after eating and when leaving restaurant. Staff will respond with ありがとうございました.
8
めっちゃうまい！
めっちゃうまい
meccha umai!
Super delicious! (Kansai)
めっちゃ (meccha) = very/super (Kansai). うまい (umai) = delicious (casual, slightly masculine). Osaka food deserves this!
Practice Dialogue
Staff
いらっしゃいませ
irasshaimase
Welcome!
You
2名です
ni-mei desu
Two people
Staff
こちらへどうぞ
kochira e douzo
This way please
You
おすすめは何ですか
osusume wa nan desu ka
What do you recommend?
Cultural Notes
- Osaka is called "Japan's Kitchen" (天下の台所). Food is serious business here!
- Local specialties: たこ焼き (takoyaki), お好み焼き (okonomiyaki), 串カツ (kushikatsu). Try them all!
- In kushikatsu restaurants, never double-dip in the shared sauce. It's the one food rule taken very seriously.
Practice Tips
- Shadowing: Repeat each phrase out loud immediately after reading
- Context: Imagine yourself in the situation while practicing
- Real use: Try one new phrase each day in real situations