Nara Restaurants(122)
COURSE MENUSukiyaki Kappo Kitsune
Just a short walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, this back-alley sukiyaki restaurant is reinventing Meiji-era cuisine with French-influenced starters and Nara-grown local ingredients.
SEAT RESERVATIONL'Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai
A Michelin-starred stalwart, where the canon of French cuisine is reimagined with local produce in the sunlit dining room overlooking the spectacular Yamato Plains.
SEAT RESERVATIONKuramoto Ryori Maruto Shoyu
Time, innovation, and flavor converge in an old soy sauce brewery that’s earned a Michelin Green Star. Kuramoto Ryori Maruto Shoyu is revitalizing taste buds while preserving a slice of Nara's history with every perfect dish.
SEAT RESERVATIONNara Nikon
With a practice informed by old masters, Chef Shimizu Shojiro earned two Michelin Stars by demonstrating that there is still space to play in the world of traditional Japanese cuisine.
SEAT RESERVATIONWa Yamamura
Seasonal dishes birthed from kindness and care — such is the lovingly vibrant Japanese cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Nara.
SEAT RESERVATIONMusoan
The sun-drenched, Michelin-beloved Musoan in Nara Park celebrates traditional Japanese cooking as it should be: produce-led, rich and traditional.
SEAT RESERVATIONMasala an Takumi
Nestled in a renovated traditional farmhouse in Nara, Masala an Takumi defies expectations as a Michelin-approved Indian fusion spot with its smart reinterpretations of spice blends and warm, home-bound hospitality.
COURSE MENUKitashinchi Harami Shin-Omiya
This Nara specialty restaurant spreads the gospel of the harami. Japanese kuroge wagyu black beef skirt steak is presented in a number of increasingly luxurious ways, incorporating premium ingredients like truffles and caviar.
COURSE MENUNikusho Geihinkan Nara
Yamato beef grown on its own ranch served up on the platter in Nikusho Geihinkan’s flagship course, where adventurous rare cuts, luxurious sirloin and offal become seemingly endless.
COURSE MENUNikusho Geihinkan Tomio
Always fresh-cut to order, taste Nikusho Geihinkan’s yakiniku made with local Yamato beef from their cattle ranch. The cozy lodge atmosphere is the perfect spot to grill diverse expertly hand-cut meats.
COURSE MENUNikusho Geihinkan Tawaramoto
Whole wagyu cattle become sets of sectioned in-house cuts of beef in this crowd-pleasing yakiniku joint in Tawaramoto, Nara.
COURSE MENUNikusho Geihinkan Tenri
Style meets comfort at this popular yakiniku restaurant nestled Tenri, Nara, where every dining table has a private room for A5-grade beef fares without interruption.
SEAT RESERVATIONLa Trace
Michelin star-studded La Trace, the chic French restaurant in Nara, isn’t a new kid on the block, but its hyper-seasonal ingredients and the chef’s brilliance keep mealtime refreshingly innovative.
SEAT RESERVATIONChugokusai Naramachi Kuko
This double-starred Michelin restaurant whips out fun Sichuan-meet-Cantonese dim sums using vegetables harvested from its own garden and farm.
SEAT RESERVATIONLa Terrasse Irisee
Behind its wooden door, is a romantic French dining experience in Nara over looking the water, will satisfy guests who desire savoring carefully selected French and local ingredients.
SEAT RESERVATIONSushi Kawashima
In a region well known for being distant from the sea, Nara’s Sushi Kawashima takes creative liberties that cut a stark but celebrated line in the world of fine dining.
SEAT RESERVATIONDa Terra
After renovating part of his family’s century-old house into a dining room, Chef Nakai invites guests to sample some of the 100 vegetables from his family farm in his signature Michelin-starred omakase course.
SEAT RESERVATIONKaiseki Morimoto
In a sleepy town where Japan’s first emperor ascended the throne, a Michelin-starred chef remains rooted in simplicity and sincerity.
SEAT RESERVATIONLega’
Sugawara Shuga's love for Italian food and his home country radiates through this stalwart restaurant in Katsuragi, which received a coveted Michelin star in 2024.
SEAT RESERVATIONInada
Three generations of the Inada family have guided the restaurant through changing times and an eventual path to Michelin status.
SEAT RESERVATIONAji No Kaze Nishimura
A Michelin-starred gem in ancient Sakurai, Nishimura Norihosa’s traditional cuisine is a masterclass in subtlety: intentional, sincere and pristine.
SEAT RESERVATIONAji no Tabibito Roman
The stunningly beautiful and seasonal dishes of kaiseki intersect with the owner’s deep respect for home cooking in this Michelin-starred locale brimming with a menu that evolves monthly.
SEAT RESERVATIONKoikiryori Aji Manso
Some restaurants stand against the test of time — Koikiryori Aji Manso thrives with it, so head here for a historic meal led by one of Japan’s most acclaimed chefs.
SEAT RESERVATIONGokan Uogin
A dynamic, multisensory traditional Japanese cuisine dedicated to celebrating one exquisite ingredient: rice — glossy, plump, and mildly sweet, cooked under high pressure in custom-made ceramic pots.
SEAT RESERVATIONMatsuki
In the corner of the idyllic Naramachi and within a heritage townhouse, Matsumuro Katsuya’s love for the dainty flows from his kaiseki menu, choice of crockery to effervescent hospitality.
SEAT RESERVATIONOkada
A lesson in perseverance that prevails: a Michelin-starred chef spent 16 years honing his skills at an esteemed store in Osaka before opening his own counter-style kappo in 2019, right by the banks of Sarusawa Pond.
SEAT RESERVATIONTsukumo
In the historic Nara, master chef Nishihara maintains an old-school approach to his cooking and does the ancient capital’s tradition justice.
SEAT RESERVATIONAzekura (JW Marriott Hotel Nara)
Teppanyaki, sushi, and traditional kaiseki menus satisfy a variety of guests at this excellent hotel eatery. The JW Marriott Hotel Nara proudly offers guests a unique dining experience in the heart of one of Japan’s most historic cities.
Recent Reviews from GuestsExploring the Culinary Delights of Nara
Nara, a charming city in Japan known for its historical significance and serene beauty, offers a plethora of exquisite dining options for locals and tourists alike. When you think of Nara, images of ancient temples, gentle deer, and lush landscapes come to mind, but its culinary scene is equally impressive. From traditional Japanese fare to modern fusion dishes, Nara restaurants promise a delightful gastronomic journey. Whether you're a foodie eager to explore local flavors or someone seeking a warm meal after a day of sightseeing, Nara’s dining establishments cater to every palate.
Traditional Japanese Dining Experiences
In the heart of Nara, you will find restaurants that specialize in traditional Japanese cuisine, providing an authentic taste of the country's rich culinary heritage. These establishments typically feature menus that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared in ways that enhance their natural flavors. Sushi and sashimi are staples, often crafted by skilled chefs who have mastered the art of Japanese culinary techniques over many years. Additionally, many places offer exquisite kaiseki meals – a multi-course dining experience that showcases the chef's skill in balancing taste, texture, and presentation.
Another must-try in Nara is local specialties such as kakinoha-zushi, a unique sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, or yomogi mochi, sweet rice cakes flavored with mugwort. Many restaurants take pride in crafting these dishes, giving visitors a taste of Nara’s traditional flavors.
Fusion and Modern Cuisine in Nara
In addition to the traditional dining venues, Nara is home to a variety of restaurants that offer innovative fusion and modern cuisine. These dining spots blend Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques with international flavors, creating unique dishes that surprise and delight. It’s not uncommon to find restaurants that incorporate Western cooking styles with Japanese elements, resulting in culinary masterpieces that are both familiar and exotic. Whether it’s a creative twist on ramen or a refreshing interpretation of tempura, these dishes reflect the dynamic nature of Nara's dining scene.
Many of these modern restaurants also boast inviting atmospheres, making them perfect for leisurely meals or special occasions. With chefs constantly experimenting with their creations, you are guaranteed a menu that pushes the boundaries, offering unexpected flavor combinations and innovative presentation techniques.
Nara restaurants, with their diverse culinary offerings, provide an enriching experience for anyone ready to explore the multitude of flavors Japan offers. Whether indulging in traditional dishes or savoring contemporary cuisine, dining in Nara is a feast for the senses.