Osaka
大阪
Osaka is famous around the world as a city that lives and breathes food — the kind of place where people travel just to eat, and where every street seems to have something sizzling, steaming or being flipped on a hotplate. It’s energetic, bold, a little chaotic, and completely obsessed with good flavour.
And the best part? Even if you’re gluten free, you don’t have to miss out. I was honestly surprised by how many options I found — from naturally gluten-free dishes to cafés that understand dietary needs and even fully gluten-free spots hidden around the city. Osaka turned out to be incredibly welcoming to coeliacs, and it quickly became one of my favourite places in Japan to eat.
So yes, the food capital of Japan is absolutely on the table for gluten-free travellers — and I’m excited to show you exactly where to go.
If you want sushi but you’re gluten-free (and vegan/vegetarian), Shojin Sushi Minamo is a total win. The whole place is 100% gluten-free and fully vegan, which means you can dig into beautifully crafted sushi without worrying about hidden soy-sauce or wheat contamination. Their sushi sets are creative - using plant-based ingredients to mimic traditional sushi textures and flavours. The vibe is intimate and peaceful, with only a handful of seats, tucked away near Shinsaibashi, making it a surprisingly refined hidden-gem among Osaka’s busy nightlife districts
Area: Shinsaibashi
Booking required: Definitely
Other Dietary Requirements: All vegan
Recommendation: 8 piece sushi set
Comeconoco lives up to its name: a lab-style café dedicated entirely to gluten-free cooking and baking. I still think some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had came from here - soft, tasty bread (rice-flour based) stuffed with fresh fillings, all 100% coeliac-safe. On top of sandwiches, they also do pizzas, cakes, scones - basically whatever you want from a bakery but GF. The owner/chef seems really serious about cross-contamination and ingredient sourcing, which made the whole meal feel safe and relaxing rather than stressy. They also run cooking classes too!
Area: Tennoji
Booking required: No (unless doing a cooking class)
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: Lunch set! Comes with a toastie, salad, pasta, and scone!
If you want a proper ramen bowl but need gluten-free, OSAKA ENGINE RAMEN was a revelation. Their ramen is rich, flavourful and comforting - but they also take coeliac awareness seriously: according to listings, their menu can accommodate gluten-free needs. I had one of the tastiest GF ramen bowls there - full broth, good texture noodles, and it still felt like a “real ramen.” For anyone travelling gluten-free in Osaka and missing those big, warming noodle bowls - this is a must-go. Also, don't miss out on their amazing gyoza, maybe the best ones of the trip!
Area: Hommachi
Booking required: Yes!
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: Classic Ramen & Gyoza, Plum Wine
Haccha booth is a sweet little treat spot: their crepes are mostly gluten-free (apart from one with an Oreo-topping). I got the crepe with nutella and strawberries as a wee dessert after visiting Osaka Engine Ramen. A great spot for something sweet!
Area: Hommachi
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: Any of them!
Vegan Cafe Tsuki Neko is small and cute and absolutely covered in cats memoribillia! Which is totally up my alley. Pretty much everything on the menu is gluten-free (except for one drink). I had the “cat pancake” there which came with cream, fruit, and sauces - it was yummy. I will mention that the service felt a little bit off, and we were mostly ignored but maybe they were having an off day. It's also very small (seats about 7) so there may be a wait to eat!
Area: Tennoji
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: I liked the iced matcha drink
I stumbled past Tsuji Coffee and Bagel on the way to the Osaka Museum of the Home, and was so happy to find that everything was gluten free! They serve bagels in a variety of flavours like sesame, cheese, fig, and lots more. The bagels were soft and chewy and it was a great casual spot for brunch or a takeaway bagel + coffee on the go.
Area: Nishitanabe
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: Cheese & Sesame
OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar was a great spot. They have a gluten free menu and separate grill for their okonomiyaki, they use soy-pulp/okara instead of wheat flour, and also have vegan/vegetarian options too!
The food was great and yet the most surprising part was that it’s run by a solo chef-owner, who both cooks and serves everyone - 7 days a week! It gets super busy though - I’d recommend showing up about 20 minutes before they open so you don’t end up waiting too long.
Area: Dotonbori
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Recommendation: Beef Okonomiyaki & Gyoza!
Chocolatta is a 100% gluten-free bakery and sandwich shop which I loved. Their sandwiches were solid, tasty, and the breads were once again, incredible! The Japan gluten free community has really cracked the rice bread situation. It's phenomenal. ChocoLatta was a comforting, easy option if you wanted a guaranteed gluten-free meal without the stress of checking every ingredient. My sandwich was the BLT with egg, and it was perfect, no notes!
Area: Matsuyamachi
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian Options
Recommendation: BLT
Places I didn't get to try, but were on my list:
-
Spys Oasis, Medicinal Spicy Curry Gluten-free Bar – A cosy curry bar serving rich, spice-forward gluten-free medicinal-style curries.
-
sari sari store（cocowell） – A colourful café-shop offering coconut-based, naturally gluten-free ice cream and treats.
-
RE-public by BASE ISLAND KITCHEN – A stylish spot known for fresh, island-inspired dishes with strong gluten-free awareness.
-
ナナハコスイーツ工房 – A charming gluten-free sweets workshop offering beautifully crafted Japanese treats.
-
FOLK茶菓 (folksaka) cafe + bakery – A serene café-bakery focused on minimalist Japanese flavours with excellent gluten-free options.
-
Vegan and Gluten Free Osaka – A fully vegan and gluten-free café perfect for worry-free comfort dishes and desserts.
-
Gluten Free Cafe & Shisha Bar Anosaki Konosaki – A unique late-night spot combining a fully gluten-free menu with shisha in a relaxed setting.
-
米粉たこ焼き 88(はちはち) – A dedicated rice-flour takoyaki stand serving perfectly crispy, coeliac-safe takoyaki.