Ajikitcho Bunbu-an
味吉兆 ぶんぶ庵

Located beneath the St. Regis Hotel in Osaka’s Honmachi district, Ajikitcho Bunbuan is a Michelin 1-starred restaurant which offers a serene and refined Japanese dining experience: an unexpected oasis beneath the city streets.

The name Kitcho is synonymous with excellence in Japanese cuisine. Founded by Teiichi Yuki, a pioneer who envisioned Japanese food as a global treasure, the Kitcho name has traditionally been passed down only to his family members, with restaurants in Osaka, Tokyo, and Kobe.
Ajikitcho, however, is a rare exception; granted permission by Yuki himself to carry the name, under the leadership of the late Mr. Nakatani, making it the only officially recognized Kitcho outside the family.

Ajikitcho has trained many of Japan’s top chefs, including the founders of Michelin-starred restaurants such as Taian, Wa Yamamura, Yugen, and Nishino. Even Ryugin’s Chef Yamamoto, now internationally acclaimed, began his journey under Ajikitcho’s guidance, highlighting the restaurant’s legacy as a cornerstone of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

Bunbuan, this particular branch, was named by Chef Nakatani after the phrase “bunbu ryōdō”, referring to mastery in both intellect and skill. It is now helmed by third-generation Chef Bunichiro Nakatani, who upholds the values and techniques of traditional Japanese cuisine while mentoring future talent. From seasonal presentation and thoughtful dishware to the art of dashi, every element reflects a deep cultural understanding and aesthetic sense.

The restaurant features a stone-lined main dining hall and private rooms with traditional shoji partitions. Children are welcome in private rooms.
With a warm desire to share Japanese cuisine and culture with guests from around the world, Ajikitcho Bunbuan offers an unforgettable culinary experience grounded in tradition and hospitality.