Nara Restaurants(69)
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.
SEAT RESERVATIONYamaoka Pizza
Find the Michelin-featured pizzeria after a hilly journey to Mt. Ikoma, where the chef uses local spring water and less salt content to bake rustic, wood-fired pizza.
SEAT RESERVATIONNoto Toto Teuchisoba Tabiki
No-photography soba joint where the owner grows his own buckwheat berries to craft hand-kneaded noodles.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagino Toyokawa
If the saying holds true: three years to master the art of skewering the unagi, eight for the splitting and a lifetime for the grilling — then the chef of this restaurant is a true devotee.
SEAT RESERVATIONPizzeria Luna Nuova
Just a brisk walk from Nara Station is this Bib Gourmand award-winning pizzeria by Akai Kenji, who continues to use Italian wheat for his dough and makes good use of his wood-fired oven.
SEAT RESERVATIONOryori Hanagaki
Describing cooking as a “battle against nature”, Chef Furuta Toshihiko sources only the finest ingredients for his Michelin-starred cooking at this highly exclusive Nara restaurant that only serves two parties a day.
SEAT RESERVATIONHitoshizuku
Located in central Nara, just a short walk from the city’s most famous attractions, this kappo counter restaurant offers unbeatable value for fine Japanese course meals. A comfortably modern setting and attractive price point make it a must-visit.
SEAT RESERVATIONPizzeria Trattoria Magazzino
One of the greater pizzerias in Japan hides in the foot of Mt. Nijo in Nara Prefecture, where owner Hironori Noda grows his own vegetables and flies his cheese in from Italy.
SEAT RESERVATIONA Votre Sante
French haute cuisine without the haute price tag — A Votre Sante blends nostalgic countryside charm and moderately priced French fare to Ikoma.
SEAT RESERVATIONKiminami
Indulge in the soulful artistry of Nara soba at this charming joint, where even dishes beyond noodles celebrate the pure harmony of buckwheat and water.
SEAT RESERVATIONKushizukushi
The simple joy of savoring Osaka’s beloved deep-fried skewers made exciting with a medley of regional Japanese ingredients in this beloved kushikatsu joint.
SEAT RESERVATIONChukasoba Oshitani
Come for the textbook-perfect shio and soy sauce ramen once; return for the latest time-limited ramen innovation twice.
SEAT RESERVATIONLe Content
Hiding in plain sight south of Ayamike area in Nara, Le Content is one of the best introduction to business-class French cuisine for locals.
SEAT RESERVATIONLa Pie
Chef Hisaoka’s venture, La Pie, brings him back to his hometown in Nara, where he delivers French cuisine's inherent refinement and gastronomic recognition to the cozy streets of Naramachi.
SEAT RESERVATIONOryori Honjo
From Tokyo to Paris and now back to Kansai, Oryori Honjo represents a chef's journey dedicated to preserving Nara’s food culture and Kyoto cuisine's traditional flavors.
SEAT RESERVATIONMenya Ittoku
Menya Ittoku may not be fancy, but if you’ve come this far, it’s all about the chicken-based salt ramen with a Michelin ping to its reputation.
SEAT RESERVATIONToi Inshokuten
Michelin-featured, pan-Indian cooking with heart and soul in Nara, with careful adjustments to classic curries served teishoku-style on a vibrant thali platter.
SEAT RESERVATIONSimple Comme Bonjour
Sophisticated but approachable, Kagauchi Kotaru’s dynamic French cuisine plays by its own rule with a relatively simple brief: keep things changing.
SEAT RESERVATIONShunsai Chuka Bar Mitsukan
Just about the coolest way to taste Nara-made Sichuan fares in a bright-lit bar with a Chinese resto fit-out, there’s a reason why this award-winning izakaya earns its Michelin status.
SEAT RESERVATIONIke Edoyakiunagi Asahitei
From its Edo-style unagi on Koshihikari rice to heirloom cedar furniture, every bit of this award-winning unagi restaurant in Nara breathes excellence and decades of legacy.
SEAT RESERVATIONSosakukushinomise Rindo
Osaka’s kushikatsu skewers are reimagined through the brilliance of a Michelin-awarded chef with a background in French. To eat, there’s deep-fried risotto, croque monsieur and Western-influenced morsels.
SEAT RESERVATION(37+1) Sanjuhachi
From the mind of Michelin-lauded chef Toshikazu Kamei comes a farm-to-table Italian restaurant that champions two purest elements: water and soil.
SEAT RESERVATIONChez Kurahashi
It’s devastatingly cliched to tell people that a restaurant is “modern” French these days, but nothing quite takes on a liberal approach as much as Michelin-selected Chez Kurahashi.
SEAT RESERVATIONNihonryori Hanagiku
Immerse yourself in a century-old legacy of hospitality at this traditional Japanese restaurant, located within the opulent Nara Hotel which has hosted luminaries such as Einstein, Audrey Hepburn and royalties.
SEAT RESERVATIONTsurugyu
Try your hand at becoming a top grill-master at this authentic charcoal yakiniku store.
SEAT RESERVATIONRamenya Mitsuba the Second
The thick, creamy broth of this Nara noodle shop sets a whole new standard for ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONKimiya
Be pleasantly surprised at the tenderness of meat that's so soft, a fork can be used to cut it!
SEAT RESERVATIONShikinoaji Enzu
Ask and you shall receive — this Michelin-listed kappo once flew the radar but is quickly gaining popularity for its tempura, made-to-order sushi, and grilled items served under the warm hospitality of the owner.
Recent Reviews from Guests
Exploring 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.