Tabelog ratingIchioka 45 (市岡45) is a small counter restaurant in Osaka's Dojima district dedicated to a single ingredient: Hanaodori chicken, raised on the owner-chef's family farm in Kagoshima. In an intimate, stylish space with just eight seats, the entire experience revolves around showcasing this special bird through meticulous preparation and a well-chosen sake list.
Guests consistently praise the chicken sashimi platter, which features eight to ten different parts of the bird, each with a distinct texture and flavour. Another highlight is the mizutaki, a simple water-based hotpot where the intensely rich dashi broth draws deep flavour from the chicken. Other frequently mentioned favourites include the 'Jiran with caviar' starter and the fluffy 'fuwatoro oyakodon' rice bowl that finishes the meal. The careful temperature control on grilled items is also noted as a sign of the kitchen's craft.
The restaurant's small size is its main practical drawback, making reservations essential. The entrance is also described as being tucked away and easy to miss. Culinary criticisms are very rare.
Reviewers report a typical dinner spend of ¥5,000–¥5,999 per person. The chicken hotpot course (鶏鍋コース) was recently priced around ¥5,500–¥6,000, while a 'Shuen' course (酒宴コース) with ten sake pairings was noted at ¥8,800. Many diners feel the courses offer excellent value, given the quality of the ingredients and the skill involved, especially for the upscale Kita-Shinchi area.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 1-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station (Exit C-69) or a 4-minute walk from Kitashinchi Station (Exit 11-5). The entrance is inside the KEI Building Dojima on the 1st floor and can be hard to spot.
- Reservations: Essential. With only eight seats, booking well in advance is strongly recommended, as walk-ins are very unlikely.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be 18 years of age or older.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: Seating is at the counter only. There are no private rooms.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid parking lots nearby.
- Lunch: Please note that lunch service is currently suspended.
