DarumaDotombori

When in Osaka, kushikatsu is something everyone should try. Kushikatsu (literal translation is skewed katsu) is a popular Japanese dish featuring bite-sized meat, seafood, quail eggs, or vegetables skewered on bamboo sticks, then battered in panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden color. Ku...shikatsu Daruma has many locations throughout Osaka, but we chose this location commemorate our visit to Dotonbori (trivia: Both Dotonbori and Dotombori are used to refer to the famous Osaka entertainment district, but Dotonbori [with an 'n'] is generally considered more accurate and is the official spelling based on the original canal name, Dōtonbori). We waited in line for about 15 minutes to be seated which is considered good based on the location. Once seated, we were asked for our drink order. As for ordering food, they do have printed menu but only in Japanese but you don't need to be concerned as they provide a QR code for you to scan with your mobile phone. This will take you to their online menu which you order your food from. The menu offers English version for tourists (I chose Japanese while the others used English). The QR code actually has the table number you sit at so everyone can order instead of designating a person to order. We chose their largest set called Shinsekai, then followed up with a plethora of indivisual items of choice (or curiosity). The food arrived shortly after ordering and you can order additional items anytime as well. One thing you NEED to be aware is that you do NOT second dip your kushikatsu into provided sauce. To work around this you can order a side of cabbage pieces which you can scoop the sauce and drip it onto your half-eaten items or onto your plate. This is one etiquette you MUST observe at any kushikatsu restaurants. As for the food, they were good, but not overly impressed. It is, after all, kushikatsu was originated in food stalls for commoners for quick (and cheap) bites. Regardless, when in Osaka, you need to try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu which they're known for. We can say we ordered unique items and were definitely glad to taste and experience kushikatsu in Osaka. All three of us did agree next day to avoid deep fried/Oily food during the stay in Osaka though...but no regret coming here. The restaurant (at least at this location) was lively and at times loud...do not expect quiet eating experience. You should definitely try kushikatsu when visiting Osaka.

Visited March 2026

It’s ok, fast food and everything is deep fried. We had to order via QR code which didn’t work and took a while for someone to reset the table so we could order. What we had was ok, the chicken was very dry but the cheese sticks were lovely as was the octopus. Ok meal but not cheap for what it reall...y is!

Visited February 2025

This is my favorite restaurant in Dotombori! They have the greatest selection of deliciously battered and deep fried meat, seafood, fish, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and rice cakes...the chicken meatball is my favorite! We ordered a set from the menu to save money and then just ordered more skewers ...of our favorites. The food always comes quickly and you can ask the server what each item is as it is disguised in the breading. The dipping sauce is renowned for its amazingly delicious flavor! If you are in Dotombori I highly recommend Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma!

Visited July 2024

The food was excellent, service was quick, and we just kept ordering more and more. There was a lot of variety of fried skewers and there was something for everyone. I personally liked the beef skewer and the sausage and cheese skewer.

Visited August 2023

Absolutely incredible, definitely go. We went at about 5:30pm and waited 30min to get in, well worth it. You’re given a screen to order from and English is available. You can choose to have just about anything fried and it’s all amazing. My favourites were the pig neck, mozzarella and A-grade Japane...se beef. Ordered two rounds of about 10 skewers each time as well as drinks and paid about AUD60.

Visited May 2023