In Osaka, one of our favorite eating venue are a bunch of shops scattered throughout a labyrinth under a rail overpass. We love joining the bunches of locals and commuters as they grab a bite before the office, snatch a quick lunch or unwind after work.
After lunch, we peeked through a nearby curtain and spied this gentleman prepping chicken offal for the night’s menu. We tried a couple of nights later, but every joint including this one, was overflowing on a Friday night. Hoping we can get in tonight.
The wife ordered the Choi-Nomi set. Choice of 2 Oden, a *small amount of Edamame AND a beverage. DW graciously ceded her drink choice to me, and I chose beer. Highball seemed a bit rough for this time and place.
My wife and I were in Japan almost exactly a year ago. My wife did all the planning and we spent several nights in Kobe. I think that was solely so she could get more Kobe beef. She screwed up the reservation for Mouriya Honten but they were nice enough to make a phone call and walk us across the street to Royal Mouriya where we were seated immediately.
Our experience was exactly as you described and photographed. One of the most memorable meals of a food-centric trip.
Didn’t even make a reservation. Wife surmised that no reservations were needed in this off season. I feebly ventured my opinion to the contrary, then wisely STFU’ed.
Do we have a ressy? Uh…no. Some out of earshot discussions and a quick phone call later. We are granted a spot reservation at the the Royal, 3rd floor across the way!! That works.
To the best of my weak recollection, seems we sat in the same position at the same store on an earlier visit.
Rikimaru Yakiniku is an AYCE restaurant chain in Japan. Chains get a bad rap and somewhat deservedly so in the USA. Our experience with Japanese chains (even imported branches) have been mostly positive.
We went all out! The 120 minute All You can Eat & All You can Drink @ 3780ÂĄ/pp & 1400ÂĄ/pp respectively. USD$76.01 for entire meal for us two.