New Osaka

I stopped in the new Osaka downtown yesterday for lunch. It is on Market between 4th and 5th (where Skyline Chili once resided). It is the same folks from the Frankort Ave. location ... the same waiter that always waits on my wife and I at the Frankfort Ave location was there and recognized me right away. The sushi was the same excellent quality.

The restaurant was pretty full. Hopefully they can make it. It is nice to have the varieties downtown.

The only fear I have is the ability to support 2 sushi shops on one block ... Bendoya is only around the corner - closer proximity than the new Liquor Barn is to the Beverage Warehouse!

We tried out Osaka for lunch. I was impressed. The interior is nice, though VERY large and a bit cavernous feeling. It was packed to the brims, and service was on the slow side, though apologetic and we felt she was doing her best.

The ginger house salad was basic, but the dressing was solid. The sushi was excellent, very fresh and well prepared.

They're only open until 2:00pm, and only during the week. It looks to me like they will definitely be around for awhile - with the PNC Building, Aegon Building, Humana Building, National City Tower, and various government offices/courts so close, I think they'll do fine.

For me, the food was on par, maybe even slightly better, than Caviar, though I do prefer Caviar's decor, ambiance, and service. Osaka just had a bit of a cafeteria (though nicely appointed cafeteria) feel to it.

Overall, a great addition for us downtown workers.