Izakaya Toyo

While I do not like seafood, I believe this place is really enjoyable especially watching my family devour the food. Got here an hour before opening on a Friday, and there was already a line. The food was good, but the tuna cheek was amazing and full of charcoal flavour. Service was pretty nice, though he was get angry at you for taking pictures or going on the side road. Watching him put his hand in the fire is very painful, but he is a specialist. Was amazing getting to watch this in real life.

Reached at 1210hrs was 3rd in line. Service started exactly at 1300hrs (note it’s only standing arrangements.) Started serving the appetiser (scallop with crab meat) tuna sashimi (superb fresh). Sake per serving 400yen. Then came the fire show. (Must order the main Grilled Tuna Cheek) Chef was very welcoming and entertaining. Video and photos allowed anytime except when they explained kindly not to during serving time. Overall this is great food and experience to dine outdoors.

Few years ago, I first watched Netflix’s Asian street food and knew about Izayaka Toyo-san. I went to visit Toyo-san stall when I was in Osaka in May. We arrived 10 mins before the opening time (1 pm). Oh gosh, there was a long queue. However we only waited about 20 minutes and were escorted to a table far from Toyo-San kitchen. We ordered the eel, seared tuna cheeks, salmon, tuna, and fatty tuna and sushi set and squids and salad. All food are fresh and appetizing. The real show-stopper is the aburi maguro, (the fresh, flame-seared tuna cooked in an exclusive and unique Toyo-san way). The staff are friendly and can speak English. Their service are fast and attentive. Toyo-san broiled the tuna chunks on the hot grill with a blowtorch. He then cooked the tuna with one of his barehands in such a carefree way that one could not resist to watch and wonder if his hands were just fire proof and never got burnt! (Though he constantly dipped his hand in a bucket of ice next to the grill before he touched the tuna with his hand). Miraculously I did not see any burns on his hand!? We enjoyed the casual and relaxing vibe. But if you do not like standing around a table and sharing the table with others. Then this is not your cup of tea. Although we were standing at a table far from Toyo-san, I did not hesitate to go to the front and take a video of Toyo-san’s tuna cooking show. Toyo-san is a very friendly and outgoing person. He will try to accommodate all photos requests. One can feel the true and deep charm and passion of Toyo-san. experience the charm and passion of Toyo-san. It is definitely worth for a visit to experience the charm and passion of Toyo-san and enjoy amazingly delicious fresh food. Izakaya Toyo opening hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday: closed Tuesday, Wed, Friday: 1-6:30pm Saturday : noon-6:30pm

Visiting and tasting Toyo's izakaya's delicious food was a bucket list item and the experience was worth the travel and effort. We didn't have to wait long in line and were quite impressed with the food and show. Every time you hear a sizzling sound, everyone breaks out their cameras to capture the famous griller in action. A must-visit in Osaka.