In Osaka, Kura Elevates Teppanyaki into an Exceptional Dining Experience
Suspended between sky and city, Kura reveals itself as a gastronomic stage where teppan-yaki becomes a true art of spectacle and precision. At the top of the Conrad Osaka, the restaurant celebrates this cuisine of fire and mastery, where every movement of the chef contributes to the experience as much as the flavor. Facing the grills, guests witness the transformation of exceptional ingredients, elevated live in a constant dialogue between Japanese tradition and contemporary elegance. Between the heat of the teppan, the rigor of craftsmanship, and the striking view over Osaka, discover Kura, which promises an intense and refined sensory immersion.
Conrad Osaka, Contemporary Luxury Above the City
Nearly 200 meters above ground, Conrad Osaka defines itself as an address suspended in the sky, designed for sophisticated travelers in search of contemporary luxury. The hotel offers a spectacular relationship with the city and nature: through immense bay windows, guests take in rivers, the urban horizon, the distant sea, and mountains all at once. The 164 rooms, all spacious and elegantly pared down, blend modern design with abstract references to Japanese craftsmanship, creating a soothing atmosphere. A true lifestyle destination, Conrad Osaka houses several restaurants and bars with varied concepts, a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, as well as spaces dedicated to events. The experience is enriched by a remarkable collection of nearly 400 works of art, inspired by the five senses and the breath of nature, anchoring the hotel within the creative district of Nakanoshima.
Kura, The Japanese Art of Teppanyaki and Sushi
Perched on the 40th floor, the restaurant Kura embodies a contemporary and refined vision of Japanese gastronomy, deeply rooted in tradition. The venue highlights teppan-yaki and sushi through an immersive experience where precision of movement and quality of ingredients are at the heart of every moment. Around several intimate counters, guests watch the preparation of exceptional dishes executed before their eyes by chefs whose expertise has been entirely shaped within the restaurant. Kobe and Ōmi beef, seasonal vegetables, delicately prepared rice: each ingredient is selected with absolute rigor and elevated through a presentation as elegant as it is spectacular.
The interior architecture pays tribute to the history of Nakanoshima, a former storage and trading district, through generous use of lacquer and partitions that softly structure the space. The atmosphere, both open and intimate, blends modern Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort, notably through deep leather armchairs arranged around the teppan-yaki grills. Large bay windows offer panoramic views over Osaka: by day, the city comes alive before guests' eyes; at dusk, the sky takes on red reflections; at night, illuminated skyscrapers create a spectacular backdrop. Lunch and dinner menus evolve with the seasons, offering a sensitive interpretation of Japan and its natural transformations throughout the year.
The sushi bar completes the experience with a more confidential approach. Seated around an Edo-style cypress counter, guests discover Edomae sushi menus prepared with extreme precision, using fish sourced from the coastal waters of Kansai. Nigiri, sashimi, and accompaniments are served in a harmonious sequence, punctuated by a miso soup and a dessert. For truly special moments, a private room dedicated to teppan-yaki allows guests to enjoy an exclusive setting with high ceilings, ideal for business meetings, romantic dinners, or intimate celebrations, while preserving the essence of the “Kura” style, down to the artisanal utensils inspired by Karatsu-yaki.
Japanese Wagyū, The Common Thread of an Exceptional Menu
Conceived as a true gastronomic journey, the AMATSUBOSHI menu unfolds throughout the dinner, highlighting Japan's finest wagyū and the seasonality of ingredients through a precise, elegant, and deeply sensory cuisine. The dinner opens with a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, whose crystalline freshness and fine bubbles awaken the palate and immediately set an atmosphere of refinement. This first vibrant note subtly prepares the way for a succession of dishes where every detail is carefully mastered.
The first bite sets the tone. On a plate with mineral, almost organic patterns rests a nigiri of sirloin beef delicately seared over an open flame. The meat, pink and melting, reveals a light sear that releases grilled aromas while maintaining a silky texture. On top, a generous spoonful of Hokkaido sea urchin brings an iodized, creamy richness, while a few grains of Kristal caviar punctuate the whole with saline and elegant notes. The balance is remarkable: the milky sweetness of the uni, the controlled power of the beef, and the finesse of the caviar answer one another in a luxurious and perfectly harmonious bite.
Continuing on, a deeper, more comforting dish makes its appearance. Presented on an immaculate plate, Kuroge wagyū beef slowly braised in Kuninocho beer from Osaka showcases patient, masterful cooking. The meat, dark and melting, nearly falls apart at the touch of a spoon and develops malty, lightly caramelized notes. A generous shower of freshly grated truffle envelops the dish in earthy aromas, while a thin, crispy tuile of Koshihikari rice from Kyotango adds contrast and lightness, playing precisely between crunch and creaminess.
The dinner then continues on a more delicate note with finely sliced Kuroge wagyū bresaola, featuring subtle marbling and a deep rosy hue. The silky texture and natural sweetness of the meat are enhanced by the accompaniment of ampo persimmon from Wakayama, gently candied, whose fruity sweetness brightens the dish. A drizzle of olive oil from Shodoshima, with round and slightly herbaceous notes, ties the flavors together.
A change of pace follows with a dish of great purity. Served in a clear, delicately scented broth, shabu-shabu of Matsusaka beef sirloin, sliced with extreme finesse, is barely immersed before being enjoyed. The meat takes on a rosy hue and reveals a melting texture emblematic of this exceptional wagyū. Japanese parsley adds vegetal freshness, while matsutake mushroom releases its elegant, woody aromas, composing a subtle and deeply refined harmony.
A brief moment of freshness then cleanses the palate with a pomegranate sorbet, featuring tangy, invigorating notes, preparing the tasting of the main course. Presented as an elegant, pared-down composition, the following plate showcases a prime cut of Kuroge wagyū fillet, grilled with absolute precision. Cut into generous cubes, the meat reveals a delicately seared surface and a juicy, melting center. Around it, a selection of grilled seasonal vegetables brings balance and nuance, while the condiments — fresh wasabi, sudachi, and Aomori garlic presented as crispy chips — allow each bite to be adjusted to the desired intensity.
To conclude the savory portion, the dinner ends with a Kuroge wagyū sukiyaki, presented in a small vessel placed directly on the teppan. Thin slices of beef, glossy and melting, are simmered in a sweet-and-savory sauce with soy accents, then accompanied by perfectly pearly white rice and tsukemono that add a crunchy, lightly acidic freshness. The ensemble offers a warm and elegant conclusion, faithful to the spirit of Japanese cuisine.
Finally, the tasting ends on a note of lightness with a plate of seasonal fruits, presented with elegant simplicity. Perfectly ripe fruits, arranged with precision, highlight their natural freshness. We paired it with an amazake that prolongs the moment with its milky, subtly fermented sweetness, offering a soothing and harmonious end to the meal.
My Opinion
Kura establishes itself as a true gastronomic destination where Japanese cuisine reaches a rare level of expression. Here, excellence of ingredients, absolute mastery of technique, and precision of cooking come together with a subtly orchestrated presentation, enhanced by the striking view over Osaka. Between spectacular teppan-yaki, sushi of remarkable purity, and exceptional wagyū interpreted with elegance, Kura delivers a contemporary vision that remains deeply respectful of Japanese traditions. A table suspended between sky and city, leaving a lasting impression through the intensity of its experience as much as the accuracy of its refinement.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Kura for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain fully independent in my opinions in this article!
