Dinner at Wafu Motsu Ryori Arata (和風もつ料理 あらた)

Dinner at Wafu Motsu Ryori Arata (和風もつ料理 あらた)

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【Awards】Tabelog 2026 Bronze Award【Tabelog Rating (as of posting date)】4.02【Location】Approximately a 3-minute walk from Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station, Osaka【Reservation/Reservation Method/Reservation Timing】None【Wait Time】1 hour【Number of Visitors】2 people【Seating】Counter【Overview of the Restaurant and Chef's Background】A renowned restaurant specializing in Wagyu offal dishes, located in the Nishinakajima-Minamigata area of Osaka, which has received top-level ratings nationwide.Established in 1980, this long-standing restaurant was previously run by the former owner who retired a few years ago, and now the son manages the establishment. His quick and efficient service, combined with his charming banter, instantly attracts first-time customers.While there is an a la carte menu, most patrons opt for the omakase (chef's choice) option. A full range of a la carte dishes is provided, with the possibility of additional orders.Currently, the restaurant operates on shortened hours from 5 PM to 8 PM, with only about two seatings available.Reservations are not accepted, so waiting in line is the only option. There are 12 counter seats and 2 auxiliary seats, but it seems nearly impossible to accommodate a total of 14 seats, making the effective maximum capacity 13. According to the restaurant's official X account, around 6:30 PM is the best time to aim for.【Atmosphere】Lively, somewhat cramped【Cost per Person】JPY 4,200【Order】Omakase Course【Details】◆ Japanese-style simmered dish◆ Tongue stew◆ Chire sashimi◆ Minowaki (blanched tripe)◆ Neck smoked◆ Grilled tongue skewer◆ Fresh omasum◆ Grilled heart skewer◆ Heart tataki◆ Call tongue◆ Tail stew◆ Tail zosui (rice soup)◇ Special highball (JPY 300) x 2◇ Oolong tea【Impressions】For several years, this has been the restaurant I most wanted to visit in Osaka, but due to the lack of reservations and the need to line up early (with limited seating, it was uncertain if I would even get in), I hadn’t had the opportunity until now.Determined, I arrived at 4 PM, an hour before opening. I had seen reviews suggesting that arriving an hour early would allow for a spot in the first seating, but... there were already a lot of people.With 12 regular counter seats and 2 auxiliary seats, totaling 14, there were already 14 people lined up, including three salarymen in front of me. I thought, "Oh no, this is it—I'll be waiting until around 7 PM since everyone is likely ordering the omakase." Feeling hopeless but unwilling to back down, I decided to stay in line.Just before opening, an employee came to count the line. They informed us, "There are 2 auxiliary seats, but realistically only 1 can be used, so the actual capacity is 13. Therefore, we can't accommodate the three of you..."Miraculously, my companion and I were able to move up and get into the first seating.I felt like I had used up all my luck, but I was grateful to finally enter this long-awaited restaurant.While offal restaurants often have a hard-boiled atmosphere, stepping inside revealed a lively space filled with a humorous owner and equally cheerful regulars, creating an environment full of laughter.This called for a drink, so I ordered the rumored special highball that gets you quite tipsy. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it involves mixing a certain shochu with ginger ale and adding a slice of lemon.The portion was generous, but as I brought it to my lips, most of the ginger ale spilled out, leaving me with almost pure liquor (laughs).It had a slightly sweet yet refreshing taste, delicious whether paired with the offal or enjoyed on its own, making it a dangerously good drink.While there is an a la carte menu displayed on the wall, most people order the omakase. The omakase includes almost all the a la carte dishes, except for a few like the zosui.The offal dishes utilizing Wagyu here are truly delicious. The pink-hued omasum, deep red chire, and glistening heart and mino are all incredibly exquisite, and the sauces that elevate them are thoughtfully crafted.Of course, all the other dishes are also exceptionally tasty. Amazing!After enjoying drinks and food while having a great time with everyone, the bill came to about JPY 4,000 per person. No matter the scorching heat or heavy snow, I would definitely wait in line for this.When we left around 7 PM, a young couple who had started lining up behind us before 5 PM was still waiting. They really held out. But I believe they will have a rewarding experience waiting for them.

9 / 10