Best Coffee Shops in Osaka, Japan

Asia
Written By Bronwyn Townsend
 

Whether you want specialty coffee in Osaka or a cup of handpour, my guide to the best coffee shops in Osaka makes it easy to find the best places for your caffeine fix.

 
black counter of Glitch coffee in Osaka. Man is brewing coffee which has a light wood counter top and a black panelled front with the glitch logo in gold on the black front.

Glitch Coffee Osaka.

 

Whether you consider top-quality coffee an art or science, finding the best coffee in Osaka is easy with my guide to cafes and coffee shops that focus on specialty coffee. Whether you prefer your morning brew carefully hand-poured or want a bold espresso-based cup, read on to find out where to get your caffeine fix during your Osaka itinerary.

Coffee enthusiasts (read connoisseurs) know the importance of finding an excellent cup of coffee. And you’ll be pleased to know that Osaka takes its coffee as seriously as its cuisine, which says a lot from the ‘Kitchen of Japan’.

Searching high and low across the city, I’ve been scoping out the best coffee shops in Osaka for those who want something more from their morning Joe than the offerings of vending machines and konbinis. While chains like Dotur and Komeda Coffee make morning coffees more accessible, the reality is those who take it seriously want the best they can find.

While not exhaustive, here are my recommendations on the best coffee shops I’ve found in Osaka so far - and I’ll continue to update this list every time I visit the city.

Glitch

With two coffee shops in Tokyo, Glitch opened its Osaka branch in June 2022. Located in Nakanoshima, the location on the ground floor of the Conrad Hotel is a little off the usual tourist trail. Glitch takes coffee very seriously, with every customer receiving a consultation on their preferred tasting notes and flavour profiles before selecting their beans.

I’m always impressed by the subtle fruity notes in the beans I select at Glitch, with the cup of Columbian dark roast giving a hint of melon that was perfectly balanced in my latte. As someone who prefers espresso-based coffee, the team at Glitch help me find a perfect match that pairs well with milk-based drinks. 

Though at Glitch, specialty coffee is all about the experience and that comes at a cost. The beans I chose run at 1,000 yen per cup, making it steeper than most coffees in town. One definitely worth visiting for coffee enthusiasts, even if just once for the experience.

 
close up of a counter top with a vinyl record player, a george harrison vinyl record on a stand, and a small black lamp.
A black ceramic coffee cup on a wooden table top, with a brown glass vase out of focus in the background.
 
 

Aoma

Tucked away in a cosy sun-drenched cafe in Hommachi, Aoma became my local coffee shop during my most recent stay in Osaka. Their house blend provided a creamy, smooth latte that I looked forward to drinking immediately as it wasn’t served too hot.

Lined with plants and a a vinyl record player, there is a cosy ambience that can’t be beaten here. On sunny mornings, the sunlight streams through the window over the barista, adding to the homely appeal of Aoma.

I typically opted for their house blend and loved taking the time to slowly sip in the sun at the small stool seating out the front. Aoma is a great spot for third-wave coffee enthusiasts, and you can often spot the team selecting and roasting the beans at the back of the store.

In addition to dine-in/take out coffee options, you can also purchase a range of beans or ready-to-go pour over bags to have a little taste of Aoma at home.

 
Aoma coffee logo in white script font on a glass window with a warm wooden window frame and soft warm interior lighting out of focus in the background.
warm light wood shelving inside coffee shop, with plants in the background and speakers on the shelves.
two lattes in black handless cups on a polished concrete countertop.
 
 

Notequal Coffee

A little hole in the wall spot in Hommachi, this one-man operated coffee shop is ultra-sleek with an all-black interior and furnishings. All this dark minimalism leaves the coffee to really shine.

Offering a range of light, medium, and dark roast options from across the globe, there’s plenty of choice to suit almost any taste preferences. Offering both espresso-based coffee and pour-over options, coffee is truly a craft at this cosy spot.

Opting for a Brazilian medium roast, I was delighted with the smooth, subtle flavours and perfect creaminess of my latte. My husband was equally impressed with his oat latte, in his case selecting a Columbian light roast.

There is space to seat around seven people inside, and a handful of spaces outside on days with good weather. Notequal Coffee in Osaka also offers oat milk for those looking for a non-dairy option.

a mirrow with a hash-like logo in focus and the reflection out of focus, surrounded by a black background.
A pout over coffee set up with a resuable cup on a counter top.
 

LILO Coffee Roasters

LILO Coffee Roasters is no secret among those in search of the best coffee in Osaka. A small coffee shop that seats no more than six people, it’s located in the Americamura/Shinsaibashi area and is a hot spot for those in the know.

The team are knowledgeable and can help you select the best bean for your taste preferences, though due to its location in a busy area, lines can be long. 

The emphasis at LILO is on single origin specialty coffee and you can purchase beans to brew at home too. In addition to brilliant coffee, they also offer a handful of seasonal drinks (sakura during spring for example) and have a decaf option on the menu too.

interior of Lilo Coffee roasters in Osaka. Wooden door frame and various framed posters on the wall.
woman's hand holding an iced latte with the LILO coffee roasters logo printed on a plastic takeaway cup.
 

Pathfinder XNOBU

Inspired by Melbourne coffee shops, this unassuming coffee shop in Osaka is one that should satisfy Aussie coffee lovers. Pathfinder XNOBU has room to seat around eight people inside, and there is a selection of desserts on offer to accompany your coffee if you choose.

I found the espresso to be smooth and the milk was silky with just the right amount of foam in my flat white. The team is kind and attentive, and they’re skilled baristas who have mastered the art of a great espresso.

There are alternative milk options including Bonsoy, Minor Figures Oat, and almond milk, giving those in search of non-dairy coffee in Osaka a great selection.

Located in Kita Ward, it’s right by the kitschy neighborhood of Nakazaki (a personal favourite of mine) and just up the road from the delicious Onigiri spot, Onigiri Gorichan.

light wash exterior with black door and window frames of Pathfinder XNOBU coffee shop in Osaka. There is a small logo above the doorway, and olive tree in the foreground, and two stools in front of the window.
Cup of coffee with latte art on a light wood table. There are rayban sunglasses out of focus in the background behind the coffee cup.
 

Mill Pour Coffee

A small hole-in-the-wall space just a short walk from Shinsaibashi, Mill Pour Coffee is great whether you want to simply grab a coffee or add something for breakfast too. Those in search of a strong coffee should be happy with the brew that is served here, with plenty of bold flavour and a caffeine kick to boot.

Focused on espresso-based coffees, you can also grab a cold brew in the summer months and they offer only organic and non-GMO beans. However, regular milk is the only option, no alternative milks are available at Mill Pour Coffee currently.

The food menu is limited to French toast and hot dogs, which I can’t comment on as I didn’t have either, but reviews seem positive - particularly about the French toast.

woman's hand holding a takeaway coffee cup with mill pour logo.
exterior of mill pour coffee with a wooden sign showing an illustration of a coffee and hotdog.
 

Neel

More cafe than exclusively coffee shop, this aesthetic spot in Nakazaki is perfect for those looking for a brunch or lunch option. With a small, but tasty menu, I enjoyed brunch at Neel after a quiet morning wandering around the neighborhood.

The avocado and poached egg tartine was delicious and the coffee is smooth but on the lighter side. If it’s only coffee you’re looking for, then Neel may not be right for you as there can be a wait, especially if you want to dine in.

However, if you’re looking for a cosy coffee shop with more filling meal options, including the popular katsu sando, then Neel is a great option. 

Going beyond the standard coffee menu, which includes decaf and oat milk options, you can also choose from matcha or an Okinawa sugar latte.

 
warm wooden interior of Neel cafe. two tables and chairs under a warm light.
exterior of Neel cafe in Osaka with a light wash wall, wooden door way, and a small round lightbox with the neel logo which is the illustration of a pear.
avocado and poached egg tartine with iced coffee in the background on a light blue table top.
 
 

Coffee in Osaka is part of an expanding and exciting collective, with baristas across the city serving excellent espresso and handpour drinks. Not yet complete (I’ve got plenty more to visit), this list is a collection of the best coffee shops I’ve enjoyed during several visits to the city, and I’ll continue to expand on my search for the best coffee in Osaka.

 
Bronwyn Townsend
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