Tako Saki: Artisanal Takoyaki with a Dashi Kick

Tako Saki (たこ咲) has earned a reputation in Nagoya's bustling Osu district for one thing: takoyaki with an exceptionally soft, almost melting texture and a pronounced, savoury flavour from its dashi-rich batter. Unlike typical street stall takoyaki, these are known for being incredibly tender inside while maintaining a slightly crisp shell, a texture locals call fuwatoro. Each ball contains a noticeably large piece of octopus, making them a substantial snack.

Guests consistently praise the strong umami backbone of the batter. The most frequently recommended variations are the 元祖醤油 (ganso shōyu), a classic soy sauce flavour, and the ネギマヨ (negi-mayo), topped with green onions and mayonnaise. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥750–¥850 for a standard portion of eight pieces of the soy and green-onion mayo takoyaki, and ¥700–¥800 for the sauce-and-mayo version. A canned beer or chūhai to go with it costs about ¥300–¥400.

The main drawback is also part of its fame: the wait. The shop operates on a strict order-first system where you pay, receive a numbered tag and a pickup time, and then return. Waits of 30 minutes to two hours are common. The shop itself is tiny, with only a handful of counter seats, so most customers get their takoyaki to go and eat it while exploring the Osu shopping arcades. A few visitors have noted the owner can be curt, but agree the food quality is consistently excellent.

Most people consider Tako Saki great value, judging the price fair for the generous portions, large octopus pieces, and superior flavour. While a few find it a touch expensive for takoyaki, the consensus is that it's worth both the price and the wait.

• Booking: Walk-ins are the only option. You order and pay first, receive a number and a pickup time, and then return. Waits can be long (30–120 minutes), so plan accordingly.
• Getting There: Located a 5-minute walk from Kamimaezu Station.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Seating: A small counter with about 6 seats. Takeout is very common.
• Language: The menu is in Japanese, but many non-Japanese reviewers report that ordering by pointing is easy.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Smoking: The premises are non-smoking.