Outback Grill Umeda

Outback Steakhouse was first introduced in the United States in 1988 and since then, have opened branches in Canada, Brazil, UK, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, and of course Japan. The land of the rising sun got its first taste of Outback in 2000 when it opened its doors in Tokyo. Since then, it has opened nine restaurants in Japan and the new Umeda branch seems to be headed in the right direction.

While the concept is Australian, it's an American enterprise through and through. The Umeda Outback Grill offers everything that U.S. Outback does with an extended grill menu such as Sizzling Sliced Sirloin, Rib-Eye Steak (200g ¥1,890; 280g ¥2,290), everyone's favorite juicy steak, served with your choice of 2 side items or a baked potato and New Zealand lamb chops (¥1,890) seasoned and grilled to perfection, served with a fresh vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes and peppercorn gravy. And there's a lot more of where that came from.

As you walk in the store, you cannot help but glance at the other tables with mounds of food. You could smell the familiar scent of Outback's steaks and see a group of people sharing a Bloomin'Onion at a table nearby.

Once you reach the table, you might be surprised to see such wide spaces and large tables for a restaurant in Japan which makes Outback more accommodating for people longing for home. Once seated, we started off with "Aussie-Tizers"— Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie (served with mayonnaise sauce, ¥990) and a colossal Bloomin' Onion (¥890).

According to a National Restaurant News company profile, the concept of the famous Outback Bloomin' Onion came from a Japanese cookbook on food decoration. The idea of cutting an onion into the shape of a flower, dunking it into seasoned batter, deep-frying it and serving it with a small bowl of dip in the middle proved so popular, many restaurants (like the Chili's Grill and Bar chain in the US) copy it outright and give it a different name.

Outback offers a variety of USDA Choice cuts, as well as chicken, seafood and pasta dishes. Most of the entrees are in the ¥1,500 range, and there is something for everyone, even for the young ones. (Umeda Outback Grill does not offer the children's menu but the kids will have a great time, just the same).

Since it was our first time, we decided on the Sizzling Sliced Sirloin (¥1,690). It came with a Teriyaki vegetable medley, and served over grilled onions. This thick cut of meat was tender and juicy, and the grilled onions added just the right touch. Thankfully, the recipe lost nothing in translation; our Outback dish tasted just like the ones back home. We had absolutely no room for dessert, but ordered the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under (¥680) to share anyway. This scrumptious treat is a warm pecan brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and shavings.

Many of the staff speak English and the menu of course, is in English as well so if you're longing for a taste of home-whether you're from the US or downunder, Outback is a place where you can experience
a real-time deja-vu.

OUTBACK GRILL Umeda
Shinsakurabashi Bldg,1F, 2-1-24 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi
Tel: 06-6457-7121
0 minute walk from "Nishi-Umeda" Station, Yotsuhashi-line, exit#10
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat, Sun: 17:00-24:00
Fri: 17:00-27:00
Public Holidays: 17:00-24:00

Text: KS | Photos: Courtesy—Outback Grill