Our story begins with a journey as extraordinary as our cuisine. Fleeing Vietnam as young children, our founders Vivian and her brother were rescued by a Norwegian fishing vessel bound for Osaka, Japan. There, they found solace and warmth in the embrace of a compassionate Japanese host family, shaping their values of kindness and generosity. The time they spent in Japan left a lasting impression — an appreciation for the culture, the cuisine, and the spirit of hospitality that would one day become the foundation of everything Osaka stands for. Their journey continued to America, where tragedy struck on September 11th, 2001, claiming the lives of two beloved cousins in the Twin Towers. Yet, amidst adversity, our family found resilience and eventually made a new home in Memphis in 2003.
The road that brought Vivian and her brother to Memphis was long and marked by both loss and discovery. Along the way, they carried with them the flavors, traditions, and lessons absorbed from every place they called home, however briefly. Food had always been a source of comfort and connection throughout their journey, and it was only natural that it would eventually become the vehicle through which they chose to share their story with a new community. Memphis, with its own deep roots in culture and cuisine, felt like the right place to plant something lasting.
In 2004, guided by our vision to honor our past and share the flavors of our journey, we opened the first Osaka Japanese Cuisine in Cordova, Tennessee. The name “Osaka” pays homage to the fortuitous encounter with that Norwegian fishing vessel bound for the bustling port — and to the enduring spirit of the extraordinary host family who offered refuge in our time of need. Naming the restaurant after that city was never just a business decision. It was an act of gratitude, a way of carrying forward the kindness that was shown to two young children far from home. From those modest beginnings, Osaka has grown into a cherished culinary landmark across the Memphis area, now serving guests at three locations. Each dish reflects our commitment to excellence and our deep appreciation for the culinary traditions of Japan that continue to inspire us.
Opening Osaka was as much about building community as it was about serving food. From the beginning, the goal was to create a place where guests felt genuinely welcomed — where the experience at the table reflected the same warmth that had been extended to our founders during the hardest chapters of their lives. Over two decades later, that intention hasn’t changed. The faces are familiar, the regulars feel like family, and every new guest is an opportunity to extend the same hospitality that once meant everything to a pair of children finding their way in an unfamiliar world.
At Osaka, we are passionate about delivering dining experiences of the highest caliber. We meticulously select the freshest ingredients from local markets and source premium seafood from around the world. We remain committed to authenticity in every detail — while many restaurants have switched to lower-cost margarine, we use only real butter to elevate the flavor of every dish. Every meal at Osaka is a heartfelt celebration of resilience, gratitude, and the timeless allure of tradition.
Today, Osaka is proud to be a gathering place for families, friends, and food lovers across the Memphis area. Whether you’re joining us for a birthday celebration around the teppanyaki grill, a quiet weeknight dinner, or your first taste of shabu shabu, we welcome you as we would welcome a guest into our home — with warmth, care, and food made with genuine pride. We hope your experience at Osaka becomes part of your story, just as Memphis has become part of ours.
From teppanyaki and hibachi to conveyor belt sushi and shabu shabu, there’s something for everyone at Osaka. Browse our full menu and start planning your next visit.