Tsukino Odori

By far my favorite restaurant on our Japan trip (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka). By our third day in Osaka, I was sick of the tourist eateries in Dotonbori — those cramped, smokey restaurants, serving greasy fast foods. From the outside, I thought this restaurant might be the same, but the small door front, hides the large restaurant space upstairs. I finally was able to relax in a space that feels like an American restaurant.
From the start, the service was outstanding — explanations for all my stupid menu questions, no issues continually adding more dishes. I wish I remembered our waitresses name so that I could give her the recognition.
The food was outstanding. I can’t say it’s typical Japanese yakitori, but I can say the taste was amazing. All of the yakitori meat dishes were tasty and juicy with interesting sauces that had us ordering for more. But you didn’t have to stick to just yakitori. We ordered the escargot, and it was better than any French restaurant that I’ve been to — never had it more tender. You could see the care they put in the preparation and presentation of the dishes.
I wish this restaurant was in the states because I’d be a regular.