Junkissa American

Junkissa American is a traditional Japanese-style coffee shop, and one of the most iconic of its kind in Osaka. Just a short walk from the main drag of Dotonbori, this old-school café was established in 1946 in a different location and under a different name, before moving to its current address in 1950.

On the menu you’ll find all the classics of a junkissa. There are Napolitan spaghetti with sweet-ketchup sauce, omelette-wrapped omurice, fluffy pancakes, egg and beef cutlet sandwiches, as well as parfaits and sundaes, all served with coffee and tea in dainty porcelain cups.

Junkissa American’s unabashedly retro menu is faithfully matched by an interior that preserves the grandeur of its bygone era. There are maximalist details everywhere you look, from the dripping chandeliers and the patterned carpets and upholstery, to the unique red marble imported from Italy, which, according to the café, is no longer in production. The cosy booth-style seating adds to the charm, while the gently undulating wooden wall with inset stained glass details is just captivating to look at.

Of course, you can’t miss the imposing spiral staircase right at the entrance, now a beloved symbol of Junkissa American. It leads to the second floor, where the walls are adorned with Kawashima Orimono rugs, which add even more regal flourishes to an already exuberant interior.

Junkissa American is a fun little slice of nostalgia in a city that’s rapidly changing – and we love it for reminding us of the good old days.