Tabelog ratingMakino (まき埜) is a destination for soba purists in Osaka. Its reputation is built on serving ten-wari soba—noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour, a rarity that requires great skill to perfect. The experience is centered on the quality of the noodles themselves, served in a small, focused setting.
The signature dish that draws crowds is the nishumori, a tasting set of two distinct noodle types: a refined, pale mori soba and a dark, rustic, flat-cut inaka soba. Reviewers consistently praise the firm texture and fragrant aroma of both. The two-piece shrimp tempura (ebiten) is another highlight, noted for being exceptionally crisp and sweet. The meal concludes with a thick, creamy soba-yu (the hot water the noodles were cooked in), which is considered a delicacy. The shop also offers a well-chosen sake list and small plates like dashimaki tamago.
The shop is small, and its popularity means queues are almost unavoidable, with waits often ranging from 20 to over 60 minutes. The rustic inaka soba frequently sells out early, so an early arrival is recommended. While many international visitors find the service polite, a minority of reviews mention it can feel brusque or that staff enforce house rules strictly, such as a one-drink minimum for evening reservations.
Lunch typically costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999, while dinner is around ¥5,000 to ¥5,999. Reviewers recently paid approximately ¥1,650–¥1,700 for the nishumori tasting set and ¥1,700–¥1,850 for soba with shrimp tempura. Most agree the quality justifies the price, especially for those who appreciate high-end soba.
- Location: In the Fukushima district of Osaka, on the 1st floor of the Chateau Nishi-Umeda building.
- Getting There: A 10-minute walk from Fukushima Station or Osaka Station (JR Loop Line).
- Reservations: Not accepted for lunch; expect to queue. Dinner reservations are accepted for arrivals between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM and require a one-drink minimum order per person.
- Payment: Cash and PayPay are accepted. Credit cards and other forms of electronic money are not.
- Seating: 16 seats, including a counter and a few small tables.
- Children: Children of elementary school age and older are welcome. Preschool-aged children are not permitted.
- Service: An English menu has been available at times, but be prepared for businesslike service. Popular items can sell out.
