Isaribi

I. Love. This. Place.
This was our last night in Osaka and this restaurant made it truly memorable. As we sat outside on a bench waiting, we smelled the delicious food smoke, and saw the semicircular tables where people sat drinking beer and watching the chefs work their magic.
We got to sit at one of those tables (you must, don’t get a seat at the back), and the incredibly friendly staff encouraged us to simply shout at the chefs when we wanted to order food — we tried doing this, but as he didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak Japanese, we had to order from the staff instead which worked just fine!
Just picture a huge spread of gorgeous, colorful, fresh food — chicken meatballs, massive prawns, scallops in their shell, beautiful vegetables, beef, pork, more chicken, whole fish, everything! And you order what you fancy, and watch the grillmaster cook everything with an incredible speed and precision. Then when your dish is ready, he puts it on a paddle with a loooooong handle, and the dish is delivered right into your waiting hands.
We loved everything. The ambiance was great, very rowdy with people shouting orders to the chefs, lots of beer consumed, etc — and all the food was cooked perfectly, and served hot, juicy, and delicious. They also have food that isn’t grilled, delivered from the kitchen — do not miss the karage, because Japanese fried chicken is the absolute bomb. Somehow they did something really magical with leeks/​onions — get meat wrapped around an onion of some sort, it will be fantastic. Even things that you think would be ordinary like grilled green peppers were lovely. There are nice light marinades on much of the meat, but it’s also great to add the little powdered green pepper, sansho, for a spicy, Szechuan-​like kick.
Very affordable, delicious, and an absolute blast in a busy and fun area of Osaka near the central station. Don’t miss it! Look for the sign that says Robatayaki and head down the stairs!

I should give 5 stars to be honest but I am also an impossible marker (wish I could give 4.5 stars). First of all the place has a great ambiance. Just sit by the grill and absorb it. The staff is fun and friendly (one if the difference between Osaka and Tokyo) especially the chefs.
The food is great and I recommend the scallops and the chicken meat balls. My Japanese colleague even reckoned that the grilled rice ball (gohan) was actually pretty good.
Finally, coming from Singapore, it is good to see that food does not have to be overpriced to be good (not like salaries and rent are low in the center of Osaka).

Grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables made right in front of you, and icy large beers. Scallop was delicious! Service was quick and friendly. Will be back next time I am in town!

Loved this place. It’s 5 stars but I’m an impossible marker.
Walk down the stairs into a unique, fun, lively restaurant. We were greeted by a chorus of friendly welcome and the unmistakable smell and smoke of seafood and meat on the grill.
Serving up a large variety of seafood, meat and vegetable skewers. A moderate selection of beer, liqueurs and non alcoholic drinks. If you’re lucky enough sit by the grill, soak up the atmosphere, make new friends and watch the chefs do their thing