Osaka Japanese Restaurant: Where Sushi Comes Alive in Louisville, KY

Osaka Introduce

For those in Kentucky with a craving for authentic and exciting Japanese cuisine, Osaka Japanese Restaurant on Frankfort Avenue in Louisville offers a truly unique dining experience. This established local eatery is celebrated not only for its "amazing" and fresh sushi but also for its flair, exemplified by the unforgettable "flaming" Osaka Roll that captivates diners with its dazzling presentation.

Located in a vibrant and "people friendly part of town," Osaka Japanese Restaurant provides a relaxed and comfortable ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal, a family dinner, or a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned sushi enthusiast or looking to explore the rich flavors of Japanese cooking, Osaka promises a delightful culinary journey with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Location and Accessibility

Osaka Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 2039 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of Frankfort Avenue, one of Louisville's most beloved and walkable neighborhoods. The area is renowned for its charming boutiques, art galleries, and a diverse array of local eateries, making it a very "people friendly part of town."

While parking can sometimes be a consideration in popular urban areas, tips from local patrons suggest parking on nearby streets like Bellaire Avenue and Frankfort Avenue, which offer a "quick walk to the restaurant." Its accessibility and location within such a vibrant community make Osaka Japanese Restaurant a convenient and appealing choice for residents across Louisville and the wider Kentucky region looking for a delightful dining experience.

Services Offered

Osaka Japanese Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of services and a diverse menu to cater to all preferences and dining occasions:

Dine-In Service: Enjoy a "relaxed and comfortable" ambiance in their inviting dining space. Whether you're seeking an intimate dinner or a lively gathering, the atmosphere is suitable for various group sizes.
Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: Osaka is well-known for its wide selection of sushi, offering both classic and creative rolls. Highlights include:
- Specialty Rolls: The star of the show is the "Osaka Roll," featuring spicy crab, fried shrimp, and avocado inside, topped with steamed shrimp and mozzarella cheese, famously "served over a flaming dish." Other unique rolls include the "Derby Roll" (spicy crab with steamed scallop and shrimp), "Earthquake Roll," "Zacking Roll" (deep-fried red snapper), "H-Roll," "Spicy Crunch Roll," "Kimchi Roll," "Cherry Blossom Roll," "Ninja Roll" (whole roll deep-fried), "9-1-1 Roll" (spicy tuna, cream cheese, jalapeno), "Fire Dragon Roll," "Double Spicy Roll," "Volcano Roll," "Frankfort Roll" (minced yellowtail, cream cheese, jalapeno, deep-fried), "Crown Roll," "Big Mouth Roll," "Giant Roll," "Tornado Roll," "Romantic Roll," "Triple Tuna Roll," "Pink Lady Roll," "Paradox Roll," "Brian Roll," "Lobster A & B Rolls," and "King Cobra Roll."
- Classic Rolls: Familiar favorites such as "California Roll," "Spicy Tuna Roll," "Philadelphia Roll," "Dragon Roll," "Rainbow Roll," "Shrimp Tempura Roll," and "Spider Roll."
- Nigiri & Sashimi: Traditional individual pieces of fish over rice or sliced raw fish, including Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Eel, Shrimp, and more.
- Vegetarian Rolls: Options like AAC Roll (avocado, asparagus, cucumber), Avocado Roll, Kappa Maki (cucumber), and Sweet Roll (sweet potato, avocado).
Japanese & Asian Kitchen Dishes: Beyond sushi, Osaka offers a full menu of cooked Japanese and Asian entrees, ensuring there's something for everyone:
- Appetizers: Including Edamame, Gyoza (dumplings), Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings), Tempura (Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura), and various salads.
- Hibachi: While not explicitly mentioned as a full hibachi steakhouse with grills at every table, a review mentions wanting to "try the Hibachi," indicating it's a significant part of their offerings.
- Teriyaki Dinners: Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, and Salmon Teriyaki options.
- Noodle Dishes: Including "Seafood Udon" (praised by a customer) and various Yakisoba options.
- Other Entrees: Such as Katsu (breaded chicken or pork cutlets), Bulgogi (thin slices of marinated beef), Fried Rice, and Bento Boxes.
Beverage Selection: A range of non-alcoholic drinks, and often a selection of sake, wines, and beers to complement your meal.
Takeout & Delivery: For convenient dining at home, Osaka Japanese Restaurant offers takeout and delivery services through popular platforms like DoorDash, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food wherever you are in Louisville.

Features / Highlights

Osaka Japanese Restaurant is distinguished by several key features that make it a favorite among locals in Kentucky:

"Fantastic" Presentation, Especially the "Flaming" Osaka Roll: The most unique and memorable highlight is the dramatic "flame presentation" of the Osaka Roll. This visually stunning element, where the server lights the cheese on the roll, creates an exciting and shareable dining experience.
"Very Good" Flavor Combinations: Beyond the show, the "flavor combination" of the Osaka Roll and other dishes is consistently praised, indicating a commitment to taste and quality.
"Freshness" of Sushi: Customers appreciate the "freshness" of the ingredients, a crucial factor for high-quality sushi.
Relaxed and Comfortable Ambiance: The restaurant offers a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, making diners feel at ease during their visit.
Broad Menu Selection: From an extensive range of sushi rolls to various hibachi, tempura, noodle, and other Japanese and Asian dishes, there's a wide variety to suit different tastes and preferences.
Honors Groupon: A significant highlight for value-conscious diners, Osaka Japanese Restaurant "do honor Groupon" (with stated exclusions for Valentine's Day and alcohol), providing an excellent way to experience their food at a reduced price.
Located in a "People Friendly Part of Town": Its prime location on Frankfort Avenue makes it a pleasant area to visit, with other shops and attractions nearby.

Promotions or Special Offers

Osaka Japanese Restaurant offers various ways for customers to enjoy their meals, with a notable emphasis on value through specific platforms:

Groupon Acceptance: A key promotion is their acceptance of Groupon vouchers. As noted by a customer, they "do honor Groupon other than on Valentine’s Day or for alcohol orders," providing a significant discount (e.g., $17 for $30 worth of sushi and Asian food). This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a deal.
Online Ordering Discounts: Through delivery platforms like DoorDash, customers might find exclusive offers such as price reductions on specific items or free delivery for new users or DashPass subscribers.
Lunch Specials: While specific details aren't explicitly provided in the reviews, many Japanese restaurants offer lunch specials during weekday hours. It's advisable to check their current menu or inquire directly for any lunch-specific deals.

Kentucky locals are encouraged to check platforms like Groupon and DoorDash, as well as Osaka Japanese Restaurant's direct website or by calling them, for the most current and specific promotions and offers before visiting or ordering.

Contact Information

To experience the flaming Osaka Roll and other delicious Japanese delights, here's how you can get in touch with Osaka Japanese Restaurant:

Address: 2039 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Phone: (502) 894-9501

Current operating hours generally include lunch and dinner service throughout the week. It's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially on holidays or for specific services, by calling the restaurant directly.

Conclusion: Why Osaka Japanese Restaurant is Suitable for Locals

For the vibrant community of Louisville and residents across Kentucky, Osaka Japanese Restaurant on Frankfort Avenue stands out as an exceptionally suitable and exciting dining choice. Its location in a "really people friendly part of town" makes it an easily accessible and enjoyable destination for any occasion, from a casual sushi craving to a full family dinner.

What truly makes Osaka ideal for locals is its unique blend of culinary excellence and entertaining presentation. The "fantastic" and memorable "flame presentation" of the Osaka Roll, combined with its "very good" flavor, creates a dining experience that goes beyond just taste. The restaurant's commitment to "freshness" in its sushi, along with a broad menu that includes delicious appetizers like "Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura" and satisfying main courses like "seafood udon" and hibachi, ensures there's something to please every palate. The fact that they "honor Groupon" makes high-quality Japanese dining more accessible, adding significant value. With its relaxed and comfortable ambiance, friendly service, and a diverse array of authentic dishes, Osaka Japanese Restaurant is a compelling and highly recommended spot for Kentuckians looking for an engaging and delicious Japanese meal.

Osaka Menu

Classic Rolls
California Roll or Spicy California Roll US$6.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds
Spicy Tuna Roll US$7.95
Spicy tuna, cucumber with spicy sauce on top
Yum Yum Roll US$7.95
Shredded crab mix with spicy sauce
Unagi Roll US$9.95
Fresh water eel, cucumber, avocado
Alaskan Roll US$8.95
Salmon, avocado
Philadelphia Roll US$8.95
Salmon, cream cheese
Smoked Salmon Roll US$8.95
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Creamy Tuna Roll US$9.95
Tuna, avocado, cream cheese
Lemon Roll US$9.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado with slices of lemn on top
Dynamite Roll US$8.95
Blend of Tuna & salmon, cucumber & spicy sauce on top
Shrimp Tempura Roll (6pcs) US$11.95
Deep-fried shrimp, cucumber, avocado & crab
Spider Roll (6pcs) US$12.95
Deep-fried soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado and crab
Munch Roll US$12.95
Spicy crab & shrimp, tempura flakes, chef sauce on top
Dragon Roll US$13.95
Fresh water eel, cucumber, cream cheese & avocado on top
Rainbow Roll US$13.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado with shrimp, tuna, white tuna, salmon and red snapper on top
Kentucky Roll US$14.95
Large roll with cucumber, avocado, tuna, white tuna, salmon and red snapper

Special Rolls
Osaka Roll US$16.95
Spicy crab, fried shrimp,avocado inside; shrimp, mozzarella on top; served on a flaming dish
Zacking Roll US$9.95
Deep fried red snapper, cream cheese with crunch and chef’s sauce on top
H-Roll US$11.95
Spicy crab, fried shrimp with rice seasoning & spicy sauce on top
Spicy Crunch Roll US$9.95
Tempura flakes inside, shrimp and spicy sauce on top
Kimchi Roll (6pcs) US$10.95
Spicy korean cabbage, fried egg, crab, cucumber, avocado & sesame oil
911 Roll US$10.95
Special mix of tuna, cream cheese & jalapeño
Cherry Blossom Roll US$11.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado & tuna and special sauce on top
Orange Salmon Roll US$11.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado with salmon & special sauce on top
Fire Dragon Roll US$13.95
Fresh water eel, cucumber, avocado inside & spicy tuna on top
Double Spicy Roll US$12.95
Spicy crab inside; spicy tuna, avocado & spicy sauce on top
Volcano Roll US$13.95
Crab, cucumber, avocado with torched spicy scallop and crab on top
Derby Roll (6pcs) US$13.95
Spicy crab inside; steamed scallop and shrimp on top, torched
Devil Roll US$14.95
Fried shrimp, tempura flakes inside; spicy crab & avocado on top
Flower Roll US$16.95
Spicy crab, avocado inside 4 different raw fish on top; crawfish in the center
Road of Texas Roll US$15.95
Spicy crab, steamed asparagus, cream cheese inside; rib eye steak on top
Giant Roll US$15.95
Large roll that’s half fried shrimp half tuna, crab, avocado, asparagus & cucumber
Tornado Roll (6pcs) US$13.95
Fresh salmon, crab, cream cheese & sesame seed
Romantic Roll US$13.95
Smoked salmon, crab, avocado, cream cheese with kiwi fruit and chef’s sauce on top
Triple Tuna Roll US$16.95
Spicy tuna, cucumber inside with tuna, white tuna & spicy sauce on top
Pink Lady Roll US$14.95
Avocado, cucumber spicy crab inside; steamed shrimp & spicy sauce on top; wrapped in soy paper
Downtown Roll US$14.95
White tuna, avocado , cucumber inside; fresh tuna and flakes on top
Paradox Roll US$15.95
Avocado, cucumber, crab inside fresh salmon & grilled eel chef sauce on top
Brian Roll US$14.95
Fried shrimp, spicy crab inside shrimp & avocado on top
Lobster Roll (6pcs) US$14.95
Avocado, cucumber, crab, steamed lobster; torched mayo a, chef’s sauce and flake on top
Mango Crunchy Roll US$13.95
Mango, tempura flakes inside; avocado & salmon on top
King Cobra Roll (10pcs) US$25.95
Yum yum, fried shrimp, cream cheese, asparagus & fresh water eel on top

Deep-fried Rolls
Crispy Roll (6pcs) US$11.95
Salmon, cream cheese, avocado; whole roll deep-fried
Big Bang Roll (6pcs) US$11.95
Fried shrimp, spicy crab, cream cheese, avocado; whole roll deep-fried
Frankfort Roll US$13.95
Minced yellowtail, cream cheese, jalapeño with spicy sauce; whole roll deep- fried
Crown Roll US$13.95
Spicy crawfish, cream cheese, jalapeño with spicy sauce; whole roll deep-pried
Vegas Roll US$11.95
Mix of spicy tuna & salmon, cream cheese with chef’s sauce on top

Seaweed outside roll (6pcs)
Tuna Roll US$6.95
Seaweed outside tuna roll
Yellowtail Roll US$7.45
Seaweed outside yellowtail roll
Salmon Roll US$6.95
Seaweed outside salmon roll
Futomaki roll US$9.95
Pickled japanese vegetables, avocado, cucumber, egg and crab

Vegetable Rolls
Vegetable Roll US$6.95
Pickled japanese vegetable, avocado, cucumber
AAC Roll US$6.95
Avocado, asparagus & cucumber
Asparagus Roll US$4.95
Asparagus
Avocado Roll US$4.95
Avocado
Kappa Maki US$4.50
Cucumber
Sweet Roll US$6.95
Sweet potato, avocado

Nigiri or Sashimi
Toro Fatty Tuna
Fatty tuna
Maguro US$6.95
Tuna
Hamachi US$7.45
Yellow Tail
Sake US$6.95
Salmon
Escolar US$6.95
Super White Tuna
Tai US$5.95
Red Snapper
Saba US$5.95
Mackerel
Amaebi
Sweet Shrimp
Ika US$6.95
Squid
Kaibashira US$6.95
Scallop
Hokigai US$5.95
Canadian clam
Smoked Salmon US$6.95
Smoked salmon

Nigiri or Sashimi - cooked
Ebi US$5.45
Shrimp
Unagi US$7.95
Fresh water Eel
Tako US$6.95
Octopus
Kani US$4.95
Crab
Tamago US$4.95
Egg

Roe
Ikura US$6.95
Salmon Roe
Tobiko US$6.95
Flying fish roe
Masago US$5.95
Smelt fish roe
Uzura US$5.95
Quail egg
Inari US$6.45
Sweet tofu

Sushi Bar Special
Sushi Bar ‘A’ US$28.95
7pcs nigiri & California roll
Sushi Bar ‘B’ US$37.95
6pcs Nigiri & 6 pcs Sashimi
Sushi Bar ‘C’ US$48.95
18pcs sashimi & tuna roll

Boat Specials
Boat ‘A’ US$48.95
7pcs nigiri, 8pcs sashimi & tuna roll
Boat ‘B’ US$64.95
8 pcs nigiri, 12 pcs sashimi, cali roll & cucumber roll
Boat ‘C’ US$79.95
12 pcs nigiri, 15 pcs sashimi, tuna roll, cali roll & special roll

Tamaki- Hand rolls
California hand roll US$5.95
California uncut roll
Spicy tuna hand roll US$7.95
Spicy tuna uncut roll
Unagi Hand Roll US$8.95
Unagi uncut roll
Yum Yum hand roll US$6.95
Yum yum uncut roll

Appetizers
Gyoza US$6.95
pork dumplings (5pcs)
Agedashi Tofu US$7.95
Deep fried tofu with special sauce
Edamame US$5.45
Steamed, lightly salted whole soybean
Shrimp Tempura US$8.95
Shrimp & vegetable lightly battered and deep fried
Vegetable Tempura US$7.95
Lightly battered then deep fried vegetable
Fried Oyster US$7.95
Coated with bread crumbs and deep fried
Fried Shrimp US$7.95
Deep fried shrimp (5pcs)
Fried Scallop US$8.95
Coated with bread crumbs & deep fried
Hamachi Kama US$7.95
Grilled yellowtail jaw
Salmon Kama US$7.95
Grilled salmon jaw
Shumai Shrimp US$5.95
Steamed dumplings (8pcs)
Fried Calamari US$7.95
Coated with bread crumbs and deep fried squid rings with special sauce
Egg Rolls US$6.95
Vegetable egg roll (5pcs)
Tuna Tataki US$14.95
Thinly sliced seared tuna with ponzu sauce
Kanisu US$9.95
Crab & avocado inside cucumber roll with ponzu sauce

Entrees
Chicken Teriyaki US$16.95
chicken & vegetable with teriyaki sauce served with steamed rice
Beef Teriyaki US$18.95
Beef& vegetable with teriyaki sauce served with steamed rice
Shrimp Teriyaki US$17.95
Shrimp & vegetable with teriyaki sauce served with steamed rice
Salmon Teriyaki US$16.95
Salmon & vegetable with teriyaki sauce served with steamed rice
Pork Katsu US$16.95
Breaded and deep fried pork cutlet with steamed rice
Chicken Katsu US$16.95
Breaded and deep fried chicken cutlet served with steamed rice
Bulgogi US$16.95
Thin slices of marinated tender beef with vegetable served with steamed rice
Yakisoba Chicken US$16.95
Stir fried noodle with vegetables and chicken
Yakisoba Shrimp US$17.95
Stir fried noodle with vegetables and shrimp
Udon US$13.95
White fat noodle soup
Tempura Udon US$17.95
White fat noodle soup with tempura on the side

Bento Box - served with 3pc nigiri, Cali Roll, tempura & Gyoza(2pcs)
Bento Chicken US$25.95
Teriyaki chicken bento
Bento Salmon US$27.95
Teriyaki salmon bento
Bento Shrimp US$26.95
Teriyaki shrimp bento
Bento Beef US$27.95

Rice
Egg Fried Rice US$6.95
Egg
Vegetable Fried Rice US$7.95
Egg, carrot, zucchini, onion
Chicken Fried Rice US$10.95
Egg, chicken
Shrimp Fried Rice US$10.95
Egg, shrimp
Beef Fried Rice US$11.95
Egg, beef
Combination Fried Rice US$12.95
Egg, carrot, zucchini, onion, shrimp, chicken & beef

Soups & Salads
Miso Soup US$2.95
Soybean paste base soup- green onion, seaweed, tofu
Mushroom soup US$3.45
Mushroom, green onion
Seaweed Soup US$3.45
Seaweed
House Ginger Salad US$3.95
Iceberg lettuce, carrot & ginger dressing
Seaweed Salad US$5.95
Julienned radish , seaweed & seaweed salad dressing
Octopus Salad US$8.95
Octopus, cucumber
Smoked Squid Salad US$5.95
Julienned radish, smoked squid
Tofu Salad US$7.95
Deep fried tofu, iceberg lettuce, carrot with ginger dressing

Osaka Details

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking

Osaka Photos

Osaka Location

Osaka

Kentucky Jefferson County Louisville Clifton Frankfort Avenue

2039 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, USA

Osaka Reviews

My Son and his Fiance' was craving some Sushi and this is a place he has never tried so we gave it a whirl. This is located on Frankfort Ave in a really people friendly part of town. We ordered the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura as an appetizer and each ordered a roll. I ordered the Specialty called the "Osaka Roll"! The other two rolls were pretty typical Derby Roll and Earthquake roll.The presentation of the Osaka Roll was fantastic and came out to the table where the server lit the plate and it cooked the cheese that was on this roll with the flames. It's pictured above with a flame along with the other two rolls. The whole flame presentation was very cool and the flavor combination was also very good.Service was pretty straightforward nothing over the top (average experience) and the ambience of the restaurant was relaxed and comfortable. As it stands I would like to give this place a try again and try the Hibachi but I would definitely recommend the restaurant if you are up for a new place to check out.
March 13 · Mike Terry
It has been a while since I’ve had decent Japanese food. Unlike some have said, they do honor Groupon other than on Valentine’s Day or for alcohol orders. I enjoyed the seafood udon, and the (flaming) Osaka roll that tastes like freshness. Tip: park on Bellaire & Frankfort and it’s a quick walk to the restaurant.
January 25 · Clenith Watson
To see 4.5 stars on a sushi restaurant is frustrating. This place is a 3 star restaurant at best charging for top tier sushi. If your an into rolls I’d still say go somewhere else for quality. That must be what’s bringing the reviews though. The spicy tuna roll was almost sorry drenched in another sauce that might have actually ruined okay spicy tuna. The nigiri is served lukewarm and the sushi rice the cut is over is horrid. You can’t forget to leave out the globs of wasabi that accompanied the rice. I can’t say I’m a professional by any means but I’d like to think the Japanese would frown on the construction of these rolls. Please read my view understanding I can appreciate good food that is not my style. This is not worth what they’re offering and they know that. Hence to why they have no website with a menu to check out. $26.95 for Sushi A that had 7 pieces of Nigiri as well as a California roll included (I upgraded the California to the spicy tuna). That is fairly standard with a nice place that includes soup and salad or atleast one or the other. This place is making a fortune of there poor practice of making sushi and I do not recommend you visiting. Sapporo provides a much more fulfilling experience at a much better value. I’ve tried the vast majority of the sushi restaurants around town. Unfortunately this one was another let down. I’m hopeful for the upcoming places here as it’s really a small market of sushi worth eating, in and outside of Louisville!
March 27 · Noah Kerr
Clean location! Great food! No live Hibachi in front of you. Largest Sushi list that I have seen in Louisville.
March 08 · Brian Rose
Chicken teriyaki entree ordered to go. Wish I had checked before I left and got home. Literally looks like it was cooked in a dishwasher. 🤢 Came with white rice- not even fried. Used to love getting sushi from here but it’s gone downhill the past couple visits.
February 05 · Destiny Nicholas