In the heart of Osaka's Minami district lies Dotonbori. Among the huge billboards that line this street, what stands out uniquely is "Takoya Dotonbori Kuru Dotonbori Honban".
This restaurant is located at the Namba Station on the Subway Noda Line, and is just 3 minutes' walk from the Kintetsu Namba Station in Osaka.
This restaurant, marked by a large octopus sign, is actually not just a regular octopus tempura shop.
This is a renowned restaurant that carries the history of Osaka's flour-based culture, constantly offering new and surprising experiences to its customers.
“くくる”と言えばタコ焼きを指しますが、実はそのルーツは「明石焼」にあります。
Mishiki-yaki, born in Mikishi, Hyogo Prefecture during the Edo period (around 1835), has a longer history than takoyaki.
It is said that the origin of Osaka's tempura can be traced back to the restaurant "Kaijima-ya" in Akashi. This restaurant adapted the technique of making radio-wrapped tempura by adding octopus to the traditional "tako-nari" (octopus-infused) egg custard, thus marking the beginning of Osaka-style tempura.
In 1973, in Osaka, they were among the first to introduce the "Akashi-yaki" dish. In 1976, they launched a dish called "Tako-yaki" with a white dove symbol.
In 1985, the Takoyaki House “KU/KU/RU Dotonbori Store” (current main store) opened.
In fact, it was this "Shiro Hoto" person who popularized the local dish "Tako-yaki" from Akashi under the name "Akashi-yaki"!
The name of the restaurant, “Kukuru,” is derived from the sound of a dove’s call, a symbol of happiness.
Not just delicious, but it seems like it can also bring happiness. What a wonderful name for a restaurant.
When you visit the "Kukuru Dotonbori Main Store", there's something you absolutely can't miss.
Exclusive to our store: “Famous Surprising Tako-yaki” priced at 2,140 yen (including tax)
As the product name suggests, the octopus is completely protruding! Given its size, you might think it might be "too large for the dish", but after eating it, you'll be surprised twice.
It has a perfect softness that makes it easy to eat, along with a crisp texture that provides a great bite.
It's amazing that the scallops, which shrink when cooked, can maintain this size! The dough also contains a lot of umami flavor.
It's a dish that definitely makes a strong impression, so it's sure to be popular on social media.
For those who find Daidōzuru crowded and tiring, we recommend a set meal that allows you to sit comfortably inside the restaurant. Reservations are also available.
Specially prepared by KuKuru: Multi-Happiness Shabu Course. Price: 7,205 yen per person (including taxes).
A full-flavored menu featuring octopus, which challenges the traditional image of an octopus-yaki restaurant.
◆코스 내용◆
1プレートに3種類のタコ焼きが盛られています（各8個）。名物「明石焼き」も1プレートに8個。3名様の場合は、タコ焼きまたは明石焼きを合計2プレート提供します。利尻産の水だこを使用しています。
Vegetable platter + water dako. Two desserts today (matcha or vanilla ice cream). Drinks are free (beer, highball, shot, soft drinks). The shabushaba made with Ikitshi’s water dako is delicious. It’s a pleasure to enjoy both the fluffy and thick teriyaki donburi, as well as the elegant Akashi-yaki donburi that is cooked with broth.
As you enter the restaurant, the first thing that catches your eye is the "Nebutako Kabuki" displayed above.
This is a traditional Aomori nebuta created by Nebuta Master Kako Kitamura. Those who visited the World Expo in Osaka, Kansai region in 2025 and saw it displayed at “Ring Side Market Place West” as part of the “Sustainable Food Court Osaka Renmeguri～Food and Festival EXPO～” surely have a vivid memory of it. This “Nebuta Kōbukiyu” was introduced to the market as one of the first examples in December 2022.
The restaurant has 42 seats.
In addition to the counter seats, there are also tatami-style seats further back.
Support for placing orders via smartphone (super convenient!)
While eating taukariyaki while looking up at those imposing buta, one feels as if they have come to the World Expo or a festival.
The Shirahata Food Group has been leading the food culture of Osaka since its beginnings in ice cream production. It includes stores like "Rappoppō" and "Kukkuru," which have always played a significant role in shaping Osaka's culinary traditions.
In 1990, the restaurant began its operations with a booth at the "Flower World Expo." Later, in 2005, it participated in the "Love & Earth Expo." By 2025, it will be present at the "Osaka・Kansai World Expo." Events like "Sustainable Food Court Osaka Renmeguri" have seen significant growth even during the 2025 World Expo. From the past to the future, let us experience the energy of "Kukuru," which connects Osaka's food culture. Please feel this energy at our main store.
You can choose to eat the food taken out and along the Todonbori River, or you can enjoy it leisurely under the "Nebuta" booth inside the restaurant. If you visit Osaka, be sure to stop by!
