Yamada Cafe

Some diners return to Yamada Cafe just for the cream puffs displayed in the case. Reviews mention their crisp pastry and smooth cream. They make a tempting treat to enjoy with coffee after a meal, or to take home when you fancy something sweet.

Lunch centres on a chef’s choice plate, with a little of several sides, or sets featuring pasta or pizza. One reported plate included roast pork, nanban-style fish, a rice croquette and salad, making for a lively mix of Western-style food and Japanese sides. Choose the plate to sample a variety of the day’s dishes, or a set if you’d rather make pasta the focus.

Some diners opt to have their pasta made with fresh noodles. One lunch review praised the tagliatelle, saying the sauce clung well to the noodles and the dish stayed enjoyable to the last bite. On another visit, a Sicilian-style pasta with tomato and aubergine came with a meat sauce rich in garlic. Pasta sets with an appetiser, soup and bread, and pizza sets with salad and bread have also been reported. For two diners, ordering different sets to share is another way to enjoy the meal.

To round off lunch with something sweet, look for the cream puffs available at the shop or desserts such as seasonal parfaits. Yamada Cafe is in Kamisumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, and also opens for dinner.