Shin-Osaka Station is probably the first train station many would arrive at when visiting Osaka because it is the prefecture’s main bullet train station. Fortunately, there are a couple of vegan-friendly restaurants near the station where non-meat eaters can enjoy food. One of them even offers gluten-free options!
Table of Contents
- vegecafe+α
- Has gluten-free options.
- Merrymomo (メリーモモ)
- Taiwan Soshoku Rakuzen (台湾蔬食 楽膳)
- Allium-free options/suitable for oriental vegetarian
vegecafe+α
A vegetarian/vegan-friendly spot around Shin-Osaka Station is vegecafe+α. The beautifully decorated café uses plenty of pesticide-free vegetables from the roof-top garden of the building. vegecafe+α has a cozy vibe and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Osaka.
It is also renowned for its gelato that has won prizes for three consecutive years from the world-recognized gelato contest!
While it is a little more expensive than average and you might find the portion not as big as you would expect, the food is flavorful and tasty.
Remember to ask for the vegetarian/vegan menu because it isn’t a vegan cafe. They also have plenty of gluten-free options!
vegecafe+α’s Business Hours and Access Information
- vegecafe+α is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
- It is:
- A 6-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station (西中島南方駅).
- A 10-minute walk from Hankyu’s Minamikata Station (南方駅)
- A 7-minute walk from Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅)
Merrymomo (メリーモモ)
Also close to Shin-Osaka Station, there is a vegan restaurant with a macrobiotic diet theme. The restaurant’s motto is “The more you eat, the healthier your body becomes”, so the restaurant sources vegetables grown without chemical fertilizers as much as possible.
Seasonings are also carefully selected, using only those made from traditional methods and without chemicals. Of course, you won’t find white sugar in Merrymomo’s kitchen either.
During lunchtime, the most popular menu is the traditional Japanese lunch set. The set comes with a main dish, 4 side dishes, brown rice, and miso soup. As the main dish changes daily, you can visit Merrymomo for a few days in a row without being served the same thing!
The Tantan Noodle (vege bamboo noodles with spicy sesame miso soup) is nice if you are after noodle soup. The taste is close to T’s Tantan, the famous vegan noodle restaurant chain in Tokyo. The soup is thick and delicious.
Merrymomo also has several vegan cakes and desserts, perfect for morning or afternoon tea. The handmade cakes don’t just have a beautiful appearance, but the taste is amazing too!
Tip: The restaurant also serves traditional Japanese breakfast and sells bento boxes.
Merrymomo’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Merrymomo is open from:
- 7:30 am to 10 pm on weekdays
- 11 am to 10 pm on Saturdays
- The last order is taken at 9 pm.
- It is:
- A 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station (西中島南方駅).
- A 7-minute walk from Hankyu’s Minamikata Station (南方駅)
- A 10-minute walk from Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅)
Taiwan Soshoku Rakuzen (台湾蔬食 楽膳)
Rakuzen was first opened during the pandemic in December 2021 as a takeaway bento shop. As their bento boxes are made to provide a healthy and balanced diet, ingredients are carefully selected. Only those grown from local farms using minimal pesticides are sourced. And of course, only natural seasoning is used!
Surprisingly, all their vegan bento boxes do not contain onions, garlic, shallot, and leek, which is perfect for Buddhists and those who dislike strong-smelling vegetables.
Note that Rakuzen also sells non-vegan bento boxes. Remember to let the staff know if you want the vegan ones.
Tip: We recommend ordering a bento box and a serving of gyoza dumplings. The Veggie Minced Pork Rice (ベジルーロー飯) and Veggie Karaage are nice too.
Important: Reservation through their Instagram Account or Online is essential by 12 pm the day before.
If you prefer to dine it, visit Rakuzen’s restaurant in Higashimikuni. The Taiwan Veggies Kitchen RAKUZEN is just a one-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Higashimikuni Station (東三国駅), which is one station away from Shin-Osaka.
Taiwan Soshoku Rakuzen’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Taiwan Soshoku Rakuzen is open from 11 am to 3 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- The last order is taken at 9 pm.
- It is a 15-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station (西中島南方駅) or Hankyu’s Jūsō Station (十三駅) or Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅).
Discover Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Other Parts of Osaka
Obviously, the Northern Osaka Prefecture won’t be the only part of Osaka you visit. So refer to our Top Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Osaka for places to enjoy delicious vegan/vegetarian food!
