A nondescript basement eatery in downtown Osaka, Isaribi is one of those rare gems that are incredibly difficult to find. A traditional restaurant that serves wood-fired barbecues, also known as Robatayaki, Isaribi is extremely popular with the locals of the city and is gradually wooing travellers with its delicious fare. Eating at this establishment is a quintessentially Japanese affair as visitors are seated in a semicircle around the barbecue counters, just the way communal dining works and can watch the chef prepare their food. With its origins in the Kansai region, the Robatayaki method essentially entails the grilling of seafood, meat and vegetables over a hot charcoal. The barbecued fare is then presented with all the finesse in the world and served to the guests. Its divine aroma can effortlessly put a spell on you.

Isaribi can be a loud and perpetually packed eatery but with its simple wooden interiors and sumptuous fare, you are in for a wonderful experience. A friendly, English-speaking owner and the presence of great beer fetches this restaurant brownie points. The perfect place for a large group of friends, almost everything on Isaribi’s menu is for 300 Yen.