Nara, an ancient capital of Japan over 1,300 years ago, is renowned not only for its rich historical and cultural heritage but also as the birthplace of many elements of Japanese cuisine, including tea, udon, tofu, and sake. While many visitors opt for day trips, staying overnight in Nara offers the chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culinary scene, which features numerous long-established and renowned restaurants. The city also boasts a variety of hotels and ryokan with exceptional in-house dining, making it an excellent choice to enjoy a luxurious dinner at your accommodation.
The heart of Nara’s dining scene is centered around the area south of Kintetsu Nara Station, where many establishments remain open late into the evening. A standout local specialty is Kaki no Ha Sushi (柿の葉すし), a traditional dish where vinegared rice and slices of fish, typically mackerel or salmon, are wrapped in persimmon leaves. This sushi is gently pressed and left to marinate, allowing the flavors to harmonize while the persimmon leaves impart a delicate, aromatic essence to the fish.
- Specialty Dishes
- Kaki no Ha Sushi(柿の葉すし)
[Dinner Restaurants]Nara-奈良 - Google マイマップ
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1. Kakinohazushi Hirasou Nara Ten-平宗 奈良店 本館
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Kakinohazushi Hirasou Nara Ten is a renowned establishment in Nara, famous for its traditional Kakinoha Sushi, a specialty of the region. The restaurant, housed in a historic building, offers a serene atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. On a recent visit, I enjoyed a set meal featuring somen noodles and Kakinoha Sushi, which perfectly captured the essence of Nara’s culinary heritage. The somen, served with a side of tempura and other local delicacies, was particularly noteworthy for its firm texture and delicate flavor. The sushi, wrapped in fragrant persimmon leaves, had a subtle yet satisfying taste, though I found myself preferring a slightly stronger flavor. Despite the restaurant being busy, the service was efficient and the staff attentive, adding to the overall pleasant experience. For those visiting Nara, Hirasou offers a delightful way to immerse in the local food culture, whether dining in or taking some sushi home as a souvenir.
2. GANKO-とんかつ がんこ
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
GANKO is a Kansai-based pork cutlet chain restaurant located in the bustling shopping street of Nara. The restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere, especially its beautiful garden view that enhances the dining experience. The menu offers a variety of set meals, including shrimp fry mix and the popular pork cutlet, all served with unlimited refills of rice, miso soup, and cabbage. While the taste of the dishes is generally considered average, the interactive element of grinding sesame seeds adds a fun touch to the meal. The restaurant is particularly praised for its attentive service, with staff who are fluent in multiple languages, making it a comfortable choice for both local and international visitors. Despite some inconsistency in the quality of the food, such as varying textures in the pork cutlets, the overall dining experience is pleasant, offering good value for money, especially during time-limited offers.
3. Genki shin Nara Ten-元喜神 奈良店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Genki Shin Nara Ten is a popular ramen and tsukemen restaurant located just a three-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Known for its rich chicken-based broth, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including the signature chicken paitan ramen and tsukemen. The tsukemen is particularly popular, with diners enjoying the option to turn the leftover broth into a flavorful porridge by using the table-side IH heater to mix in rice and egg. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, such as Nara-grown rice and Yamato chicken, ensuring a high-quality dining experience. The menu also includes a unique touch with dishes like the Red Tsukemen, which comes in varying levels of spiciness. Despite its popularity among both locals and tourists, the service remains attentive, with staff accommodating both Japanese and foreign customers. The restaurant’s location in the bustling Higashimuki Shopping Street makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Nara, and its spacious seating arrangement allows for a comfortable dining experience even during peak hours.
4. Naramachi-江戸川 ならまち店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Edogawa in Naramachi offers a traditional Japanese dining experience in a renovated kimono merchant’s house dating back to the early Meiji period. This eel specialty restaurant is popular for its delicate Kanto-style steamed eel, which is tender and flavorful, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and provides excellent customer service, making it a suitable choice for special occasions, such as family gatherings or birthdays. The menu features a variety of eel dishes, including hitsumabushi and eel bowls, as well as regional specialties like Asuka nabe, a tofu-based hotpot. While some diners appreciate the refined flavors, others find the seasoning of certain dishes like Asuka nabe too mild. The restaurant’s interior is a mix of traditional tatami rooms and more modern private rooms, offering a serene atmosphere that complements the historical setting of Naramachi. Despite some mixed reviews on the flavor profile, Edogawa remains a notable spot for those seeking a classic Japanese dining experience in a historic environment.
5. SAKURA BURGER-さくらバーガー
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Sakura Burger, located just a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, is a popular spot known for its gourmet burgers, often recognized among the top restaurants in the area. The cozy, American-inspired interior with wooden furnishings adds warmth and charm, perfectly complementing the high-quality food. The Sakura Burger, featuring a perfectly cooked beef patty, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and unique house-made tartar sauce, is nestled in a bun that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The homemade ketchup, rich in tomato flavor, adds a fresh twist to the meal, making it a standout favorite among customers. With a variety of options, including the Sakura Cheese Burger and the Sakura Mankai Burger, the generous portions and the freshness of the ingredients are highly appreciated. Service is friendly and attentive, and despite the occasional busy periods, the quality of the food makes the wait worthwhile. Overall, Sakura Burger offers a must-try gourmet burger experience in Nara, combining excellent ingredients, skillful preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere.