My Solitaire Wedding

EAT:   Lunch  at Grenier Umeda Store  Japan, 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita Ward, Kakudacho, 8 Hankyu Grand Building, 1F Located in the heart of Umeda, Osaka, Grenier Umeda Store is a pastry shop that draws long lines and glowing reviews — especially for its signature mille-feuille.  Tucked beneath the stairs of the Hankyu Grand Building, it’s a spot that many dessert lovers seek out.  There’s no dine-in space, just a small bench outside. Most customers opt for takeaway and enjoy their treats in the nearby plaza —  which makes enjoying the food on-site a bit awkward — especially in bad weather or peak hours. And we are also joined in by plump pigeons hoping for a crumb or two. We sampled two items from their menu, both beautifully crafted and visually festive: Mont Blanc Mille-Feuille (Halloween Edition): This baked pastry featured a rich purple sweet potato cream piped into a spooky Halloween design. It was fun to look at and had a nice bala...

  EAT:  LiLo Coffee Roasters, Osaka Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−10−28 Shinsaibashi M, １階 In the heart of Amerika-Mura, Osaka’s edgy and eclectic neighborhood, lies a tiny coffee haven that packs a serious punch:  LiLo Coffee Roasters . Known for its expertly brewed specialty coffee and vibrant energy, this café is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a good cup — even if you have to squeeze in to enjoy it. The space is super crowded, especially on weekends, and seating is very tight — but that’s part of its charm. If you’re lucky enough to snag an indoor seat, especially on a cold rainy day like today, it’s the perfect spot to warm up with a comforting brew. We tried the espresso blend, and it was a standout. The flavor profile was: Chocolaty and nutty , with Hints of blueberry  that added a subtle fruitiness Each coffee comes with a  tasting card  that includes: The  flavor notes ...

  EAT:    Dinner  at Ginpe Osaka Shinsaibashi Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−15−15 いちご心斎橋ビル B1F If you're craving a traditional Japanese seafood experience in Osaka — one that blends elegance, freshness, and craftsmanship —  Ginpei Shinsaibashi  is a top-tier choice. Located just a short walk from Shinsaibashi Station, this refined restaurant specializes in seasonal fish dishes sourced directly from Wakayama and Kochi, served in a serene, beautifully designed space. The menu is written in kanji , reflecting the restaurant’s deeply traditional Japanese roots. For non-Japanese speakers, this can be a bit intimidating — but thankfully, our meal was expertly ordered by le hubs’ colleague's Japanese wife, who knew exactly what to choose. Her selections brought out the best of Ginpei’s offerings. We visited for dinner and were treated to a beautifully curated meal that showcased Ginpei’s commitme...

  EAT:    Lunch  at Maruyoshi Sushi at Osaka Kizu Market 2 Chome-2-8 Shikitsuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0012, Japan Located at  2-2-8 Shikitsu Higashi , Maruyoshi is just a short walk from  Daikokucho Station , making it easy to reach even on a tight itinerary. The restaurant is small — around 15 seats — with a tight but welcoming layout. Expect counter seating and a few window-side spots. It’s best to arrive early (before 9:30 AM) to avoid the growing queue. Despite its modest size, the vibe is warm and efficient. Staff are friendly, and service is lightning-fast. You’ll be handed a menu while waiting, and your order will be taken before you’re seated — ensuring your food arrives almost immediately. We visited Maruyoshi for a  sushi lunch , and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We started with a tasting of  all the different cuts of tuna  — the rich, melt-in-your-mouth  otoro , the perfectly balanced  chutoro , and the lean...

  EAT:   Lunch  at Steakhouse Kozai Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−17−15 丸清ビル 2F If you're a steak enthusiast with a taste for premium Japanese beef,  Steak House Kozai  in Osaka's Chuo district is a must-visit. Tucked away on the second floor of the Marukiyo Building in Shinsaibashi, this intimate steakhouse delivers a dining experience that’s both refined and deeply satisfying. We were fortunate to walk in without a reservation and ended up being the  last guests served for lunch —a spontaneous decision that turned into a memorable meal. Despite the late lunch hour at 2 pm, the service was impeccable and the food was prepared with care and precision. Before cooking, the chef presented the  waygu beef along with its official certification , proudly showcasing the authenticity and quality of the Kobe beef. We ordered two different sets, and both were outstanding: Premium Kobe Beef Dice Steak Course : This course wa...

  EAT:   Dinner  at Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Hoten Japan, 〒542-0076 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Namba, 1 Chome−7−16 現代こいさんビル 2F When in Osaka,  okonomiyaki  is a must—and if you’re looking for one of the best,  Ajinoya Honten in Namba  is a name that comes up time and again. With decades of history and a Bib Gourmand nod under its belt, this spot has become a pilgrimage site for food lovers seeking the perfect savory pancake. I made my way to the  main shop in Namba , and as expected, there was already a queue forming. I waited for about  an hour  before it was our turn, but the staff kept things moving efficiently, and once seated, the food was served promptly. I went for the  mixed okonomiyaki and mixed yakisoba set. The mixed okonomiyaki , which came loaded with pork, squid, shrimp, and octopus. The texture was spot-on—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with a rich umami flavor that lingered beautifully. The combination of...