Kitahama, Osaka. This town, once a thriving commercial center with its scattered modern buildings, still retains the atmosphere of timeless architecture and tranquil tranquility.

Standing in that corner is a stately building with striking red brickwork. This is the "Former Osaka Education Life Insurance Building," built in 1912 (Meiji 45) and designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno. Its exterior, made of red brick and granite, remains beautiful even after more than 110 years, and it exudes a strong presence in the Kitahama cityscape.

This location has a long history, having once housed the headquarters of insurance and securities companies, the popular French restaurant "Chez Wada Koraibashi," and the wedding venue "Opera de Maine Koraibashi."

For the next five years, the building remained quietly closed, but in 2025, it reopened as the French restaurant "NELU Koraibashi." In this reborn space, which inherits the memory of the building while "refining" new value, you can enjoy French cuisine and afternoon tea that blend tradition with a new sensibility.

The philosophy of "rebirth" embodied in red brick.

"Buildings have become rooted in the city. I hope that it can become a part of tradition, not just a passing trend," says Yasuhiro Shibata, restaurant manager of "NELU Koraibashi."

The company that breathed new life into this building is Clef de Rêve Co., Ltd., which advocates "the regeneration and value creation of local assets." They said they had been interested in this location ever since the previous wedding venue closed down. However, due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had given up on the idea at one point. Nevertheless, their desire to "connect this building to the future" never faded.

"Since it's such a large building, I didn't think it was necessary to change it unnecessarily."

As Mr. Shibata explains, "NELU Koraibashi" has deliberately avoided large-scale renovations. While utilizing the interior from its previous restaurant days, it has carefully preserved the atmosphere that this place has always had.

The shop's name, "NELU," is said to be derived from the Japanese word "neru," meaning "to refine" or "to polish," and is inspired by the red bricks that symbolize the building. New value is being added to a building that has stood for over 110 years since its completion.

At the entrance, stained glass windows that have been passed down through generations within the building welcome visitors, and a chandelier made on the Italian island of Murano shines from the ceiling. Paintings depicting the building's former appearance adorn the walls. Respecting the history the building has walked, while giving it a new role—this philosophy of "rebirth" permeates the space called "NELU Koraibashi."

The cuisine of "NELU Koraibashi" blends tradition and innovation.

The cuisine will be handled by Grand Chef Hirokuni Akiyoshi. He honed his skills at the prestigious French restaurant La Baie in Osaka, and later served as executive chef for a restaurant group in Nara, including a restaurant that has received a Michelin star.

"This building used to house 'Chez Wada Koraibashi,' a restaurant beloved by the local community. I imagine there was a lot of pressure to move in as another French restaurant."

That's what Mr. Shibata said. Nevertheless, Chef Akiyoshi said he sympathized with the desire to connect the building to the future and decided to stand in this place.

NELU Koraibashi aims for a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation in its cuisine. While employing classical techniques for the main courses, they add a playful touch to the appetizers, emphasizing a balance between lightness and a sense of exclusivity. They actively incorporate ingredients available in the Kansai region, expressing the unique charm of this area in each dish.

Furthermore, they consciously create dishes that evoke a sense of surprise, such as incorporating pickles into their afternoon tea set. By using classical tableware and adding unexpected elements to the dishes, they express the unique worldview of "NELU."

Enjoy afternoon tea in a historic building.

What attracts many people to "NELU Koraibashi" is its "afternoon tea," which is offered with a different theme each season.

The elegant rooms are filled with a delightful array of sweets and savory items like sandwiches perfect for a light meal. The menu is appealing for its emphasis on seasonality and its balanced selection of sweet treats. Furthermore, the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and elegant time in a private room is another unique feature of this establishment.

"It offers a different kind of privacy compared to a hotel. Because it's a historic building, the experience of being in this space itself becomes a special time," says Shibata.

Soft light streams in through the windows. The red brick building exudes a sense of grandeur. As you immerse yourself in the space, you feel as if time itself is slowing down. Here, you can enjoy afternoon tea that embodies the history and history that the building has accumulated.

Where the past and present intersect

Time etched into the red brick wall, and new sensibilities layered upon it.

A time spent at "NELU Koraibashi" is not just about enjoying a meal; it's an experience of savoring "time itself," where the past and present intersect.

The tranquil atmosphere, accompanied by a carefully prepared afternoon tea, will leave a lasting impression that you'll recall even after your trip has ended.

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NELU高麗橋 
電話： 06-4300-4236 
住所：大阪府大阪市中央区高麗橋2-6-4
アクセス：  Osaka Metro堺筋線 北浜駅 から徒歩3分  
HP： https://restaurant.nelu.osaka/
SNS： https://www.instagram.com/nelu_restaurant/

*For details on opening hours and closing days, please check the link above.