Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan｜Kokoya

2023/04/05 - A very warm, homely, and delicious family ran restaurant. I'd searched on Google Maps for "Katsu kare", and this came up. I am very happy with my choice - I had a delicious katsu kare and beer, and then was persuaded to try their speciality - tonpeiyaki. This was a fine craft to see it being made on the chef's custom built hot plate. It was hearty, filling and delicious. The family - father, son and mother were very kind to me personally, and I regrettably didn't return when I said due to other commitments. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. My Japanese was practically non-existent, but they helped me order what I wished, and were patient when I did try to speak some. If I come back to Japan in the future, I will for certain return here for some tonpeiyaki. ごちそうさまでした

I want to eat delicious handmade rice! So I searched for and found Kokoya. I was surprised to find that there was a store just like I had imagined in the Shonai Nishihonmachi shopping district, right next to Shonai Station! I wish I knew sooner. It has the atmosphere of a popular bar, but since it is a set meal restaurant, you can enjoy a hearty meal without hesitation. There have been many customers enjoying a drink since it opened, and it is a wonderful restaurant where everyone can enjoy food and drinks in the style they want to enjoy. They also brought tableware and utensils for children, so even children with children could enjoy their meals without any worries. The first time I visited was after 1pm on a public holiday, and the restaurant was full, so I had to wait a little while until a seat became available. The second time I went there was around 11:30, just after it opened on a weekday, and by the time I started eating, the restaurant was full and it was a very popular restaurant. The main diners tend to eat their food quickly and then leave, so it's hard to find a seat available. I think. However, if you are short on time, I think it is better to visit right after opening. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff's attentiveness and customer service are warm and heart-warming, making you want to come back again and again.

It's cheap, you can drink from noon, and the atmosphere is nice. Yakisoba and okonomiyaki are by far more delicious than major specialty stores!