Ten years ago when I landed in Japan,French restaurants filled up every nook and corner of Osaka.But within a few months nearly every of these bistro's,restaurants were in hot water. Centuries of snobbish waiters, stubborn chef nearly lost their jobs or swallowed their pride and participated in welcoming of the new king Italian cuisine.For years the french cuisine in Japan,graduated from the original to something which was so Japanese french fusion.Prices were exorbitant,places to stiff to sit down and really enjoy the meal and atmosphere and when the meal did arrive you could not decipher one sauce from the other.In short there was too much and too little of it on the plate. So in the typical monkey see monkey do tradition followed by the media controlled young population of Japan, they gave the boot to the French and opened the doors to fresh breathe of Italian cuisine. Understandable,simple and the key word Healthy olive oil based dishes were welcomed.Within a year most of the french were closing the doors or converting to Italian cuisine.
But after ten years of learning most aspiring Japanese hard headed chef finally understood the trick and hallelujah the bistro's are back.Simple stark decor,simple classic reciepe's of roast chicken or duck breast,well seasoned pork rillette,skate wing meuniere with capers,yummy boudin noir all at affordable prices. There are a few new places in Osaka that now you can head too for a heavenly french meal.
La Tortuga though named in Spanish is my first recommendation lunch is highly recommended as he serves the same meals for two in the night.Prices 3500￥for lunch choice of one appetizer from a selection of 5, one main course from five, dessert or cheese and opps I forgot the daily soup and coffee are included.Dinner time prices range from￥3500-6000￥per person.
Reservations are necessary.
Located in Kitahama Tel:0647067524
La Cocotte this place has stood tall during the time of duress now nearly 25 years old the place serves great classics from Escargot to L'agneau persille.Lunch is classic french bistro pan roasted pork with potato puree and vegetables to grilled black snapper witn beurre blanc sauce.
￥850~￥1500 for lunches night starts from ￥2000~￥3500 per person
Located in Minami senba behind the namba jinja.
Tel:0662519449
