The No. 1 Kushikatsu Spot in Nishinomiya Is That Place with the Car Sticking Out [Nishinomiya Kushikatsu 2023]

We’re announcing the results of the survey we ran the week before last: “Best places for kushikatsu in Nishinomiya”!
(This is a tribute project inspired by the surveys done by Hiratsuu.Hirakata Tsushin)

Survey period: September 26–October 9

Valid responses: 34

Since kushikatsu restaurants tend to be more like izakaya-style spots, the overall number of responses was a bit low. We got a lot more for yakitori places, so this was a little surprising.

Ranking of the Best Kushikatsu Restaurants in Nishinomiya by Votes

First place went to Kushitana, famous for the Mini Cooper sticking out of the building along the Ozone Line! Actually, Nishitsuu still hasn’t been there yet. It’s definitely a place we’re curious about.

Favorite Menu Items and Stories from “Best Kushikatsu Restaurants in Nishinomiya”

Katsugen

We tried the “Katsugen Course” at Katsugen! [Nishitsuu Gourmet] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
I’ve never been, but every time I pass by, it’s always packed. Seems like you probably can’t get in without a reservation.
Male in his 20s (lives in the Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi area)

Kushiya Monogatari

We visited Naniwa Kushiya Monogatari Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens! [Nishitsuu Gourmet] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
As someone who eats a lot, the all-you-can-eat style is a blessing… though coating the skewers in batter is kind of a challenge. Is there anyone who can do it without spilling on the table?
Male in his 30s (lives in the Hirota, Taisha, Uegahara area)

Anshantei

We got takeout kushikatsu from Anshantei near Kurakuen-guchi [Nishitsuu Gourmet] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
A secret menu item: banana chocolate with plenty of chocolate sauce 😆
Male in his 40s (lives in the Shukugawa, Kurakuen-guchi area)

Kurakuen Anshantei

We got takeout kushikatsu from Anshantei near Kurakuen-guchi [Nishitsuu Gourmet] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
The oysters are delicious in winter. It’s pricey, but worth going. I’m pretty sure they serve lunch too.
Male in his 50s (lives in the Nigawa, Kotoen area)

Kushikatsu Kamameshi Raku in Kurakuen-guchi
Raku’s prized daikon radish and burdock, slowly simmered in dashi to lock in the flavor, tasted unlike anything I’d ever had before♪ The hamo was soft and fluffy, and the gentle aroma of plum and shiso was irresistible. When I went there before with a friend who had an egg allergy, they handled it perfectly using egg-free batter, and we left completely satisfied. The beer poured by a staff member who has been to an international competition as a draft beer pourer is outstanding with the kushikatsu. It’s a wonderful kushikatsu restaurant where a friendly mother and her two handsome sons welcome you warmly.
Male in his 40s (lives in the Shukugawa, Kurakuen-guchi area)

Kushikatsu Otsuka
Personally, I recommend the squid tentacles, chicken, and shiitake mushrooms. The fried chicken is amazing too!
Male in his 30s (lives in the Mondo-Yakujin, Hinokuchi area)

Kushi Shimoda
This isn’t a place where you order your favorite ingredients. Instead, they serve an omakase course by the number of skewers. They ask in advance about things you dislike and any allergies. The lineup starts with shrimp as the first skewer, and you get to enjoy each freshly fried item while wondering what will come next. Maybe it’s because of my age, but in recent years fried foods have started to sit heavy in my stomach and make me feel unwell. That never happens here, which is the best. I also love the two staff members ✨
Female in her 30s (lives in the Imazu, Hanshin-Kokudo area)

Kushikatsu Shimoda in Imazu
Their work is just so careful, and every kushikatsu is delicious.
Male in his 50s (lives in the Koyoen, Kurakuen area)

Kushikatsu Kabagon

Looks like kushikatsu restaurant Kabagon is opening in front of Kitashukugawa Elementary School. Opens Sunday, August 8 | Nishinomiya Tsushin
It’s a little on the expensive side, but the skewers are creative and never get boring. The manager, or owner maybe, also has a really wonderful personality. My favorite skewers are definitely shrimp and pork.
Female in her 50s (lives in the Koyoen, Kurakuen area)

Kushizen

We went to Kushizen! [Izakaya 3,000-yen drinking night] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
Quail eggs, sillago, garlic
Male in his 20s (lives in the Koroen, Hamawaki, Yomihama area)

Kushizen

We went to Kushizen! [Izakaya 3,000-yen drinking night] | Nishinomiya Tsushin
The oysters are delicious.
Male in his 60s (lives in the Koshien, Koshienhama area)

Bonbori
No matter how much I eat, it never feels heavy at all!!
Female in her 20s (lives outside the city/prefecture)

Kushitana

Angel shrimp
Male in his 30s (lives in the Koshien, Koshienhama area)

Izumiya
へぇ〜 30