When visiting the scenic Nara Prefecture, one should definitely stop by this restaurant | Nara Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Oct 09 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Nara

When visiting the scenic Nara Prefecture, one should definitely stop by this restaurant | Nara

Nara, an ancient city brimming with attractions including World Heritage sites and national treasures, offers a plethora of sights to see. After visiting your desired locations, enhance your journey with a delicious meal. We will introduce you to select restaurants where you can savor local ingredients unique to the nature-rich Nara, as well as the finest Wagyu beef and seafood.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Nara.

Kitsune

Elevating luxurious sukiyaki to an even tastier, new style

Elevating luxurious sukiyaki to an even more delicious, new style

Located just a five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and one block behind Sarusawa Pond, Kitsune is a sukiyaki kappo restaurant. The "Kitsune Full Course" features Yamato beef sukiyaki as the main dish, accompanied by a selection of genre-less dishes made with ingredients from Nara Prefecture. The "Gyumabushi Gozen" allows diners to enjoy the taste variations of sukiyaki meat served over white rice with various condiments, while the "Sukiyaki Chirashi Ju" is also popular, beautifully arranged with sukiyaki and seafood.

The restaurant is located in a corner of a trendy mixed-use complex that blends novelty with a classic ambiance. The interior, simplified by eliminating unnecessary decorations and using wood and black tones, is sleek and stylish. In addition to easily accessible counter seats for solo diners, private rooms are also available, offering a sense of privacy. The walls, used also for sound equipment, ensure a quiet environment where the hustle and bustle of the outside world is completely shut out, allowing guests to enjoy a unique taste of sukiyaki.

Kitsune

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,860 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Access: 5-minutes walk from Exit 1 of Kintetsu Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line / Past Higashimuki Shopping Street, it's one street back from Sarusawa Pond
Address: Shika Saru Kitsune Building, 22, Ganriin-Cho, Nara-Shi, Nara
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Sakura Tea House

A hidden gem specializing in seafood dishes, where one can indulge in a lavish seafood course.

A hidden gem where one can indulge in a seafood feast, specializing in fish and shellfish dishes.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Omiya Station, nestled quietly in a residential area, Sakura Chaya is a restaurant renowned for its course meals featuring an abundance of fresh seafood. Directly sourced from fishing ports across Japan, including Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, the restaurant offers the tastiest seafood of the season. Each dish is crafted to highlight the seasonal flavors. Additionally, they carefully select Japanese sake that pairs well with each type of seafood, choosing from local breweries across the country. With a wide array of rare sakes brewed in small distilleries, guests are encouraged to enjoy comparing different varieties.

When visiting the picturesque Nara Prefecture, one should definitely stop by this restaurant | Nara

The restaurant has no signboard, only a gently glowing cherry blossom lamp as a landmark. Upon opening the door, one is greeted by a serene space infused with a Japanese aesthetic. The first floor of the restaurant features four counter seats, a table for four, and a private room also accommodating four guests. The second floor offers table seating for up to 20 guests, suitable for larger groups. Despite being located in landlocked Nara Prefecture, this hidden gem is beloved by discerning fans for its delicious seafood.

Osakanadokoro Sakurachaya

Open: Lunch 11:45 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Reservations required by the day before / Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *Last entry at 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 9,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 275m from Shin-Omiya Station
Address: 4-253-3, Omiya-cho, Nara-shi, Nara
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Teppanyaki Yamakawa

Enjoy the highest grade Yamagata beef at a luxurious teppanyaki restaurant

Located just a one-minute walk from Nara Station, in the basement of a hotel, is the teppanyaki restaurant Yamaga. Guests can enjoy the highest grade of Yamagata beef in a luxurious atmosphere. The high-quality, fresh Yamagata beef, sourced through exclusive channels, is characterized by its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich sweetness. Three generously portioned courses are available, featuring perfectly grilled Yamagata beef steaks along with a variety of dishes made with seasonal vegetables and seafood.

When visiting the scenic Nara Prefecture, one must definitely stop by this restaurant | Nara

The restaurant boasts a luxurious interior that creates an elegant and high-quality atmosphere. With an open kitchen style, diners can closely observe the chefs' spectacular performances, while the sound of sizzling meat and the aromatic scents stimulate the appetite. Located just a short walk from Nara Station, it is also close to popular tourist destinations including Nara Park, making it an ideal spot to relax and indulge in luxury after a full day of sightseeing in Nara.

Teppanyaki Sanga

Open: [Wednesday - Friday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) [Friday - Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: On the B1F of Piazza Hotel, immediately from the front exit of JR [Nara Station]
Address: B1F, Piazza Hotel, 11-20 Sanjo Honmachi, Nara city, Nara
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Yakiniku Kappo Miyabi

An ideal course menu made possible by purchasing an entire Wagyu beef and by reservation only

An ideal course menu made possible by purchasing an entire black-haired Wagyu cow and by being reservation-only

Located near Yamato-Takada Station, the restaurant Yakiniku Kappo Delicious offers an exclusive "Omakase Yakiniku Kappo Course for 7,500 yen (tax included)" by reservation only. Guests can enjoy creative dishes using almost all rare parts of a whole purchased Kuroge Wagyu, including marbled meat, lean meat, and offal. As it is reservation-only, it is also possible to discuss the details of the dishes, and the quality and quantity of the meat in advance. The restaurant accommodates guests of all ages, from seniors to families with small children, meeting the needs of every generation.

A sophisticated and serene Japanese atmosphere fills the restaurant. Inside, guests can stretch their legs and relax in sunken kotatsu seats or at table seats, and there is also a fully private VIP room that can accommodate up to 10 people. The roasters installed at each table are operated by professional staff who take care of grilling the meat. While waiting for their meal to be ready, guests can enjoy their food and share stories of their travels.

Yakiniku Kappo Bimi

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY
Access: 13-minute by car from the Horyuji IC Exit
Address: 812-1, Hirao, Koryo-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara

Ristorante Borgo KONISHI

Savor Italian cuisine filled with the bounties of Nara, a taste available only in Nara

Ristorante Borgo KONISHI is an Italian restaurant located just a one-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, offering easy access. This restaurant blends Italian culinary culture with the natural bounty of Nara, providing authentic Italian cuisine that highlights the charm of the ingredients. Both lunch and dinner feature a variety of courses, including traditional courses and limited-time offerings. Each course is available for groups of 2 to 4 people, and advance reservations are required.

When visiting the picturesque Nara Prefecture, one should definitely stop by this recommended restaurant | Nara

The restaurant offers a quiet and serene atmosphere, featuring only 8 counter seats. The space is simple, beautiful, and warm, designed with ergonomic considerations to ensure exceptional comfort. The high-quality natural wood counter and chairs enhance the charm of the restaurant. Additionally, a selection of Italian wines curated by a Sommelier Excellence is available. Enjoy Italian cuisine that captures the rich nature of Nara, accompanied by exquisite wines.

Ristorante Borgo Konishi

Open: [Tuesdays-Sundays/Holidays] Lunch 11:00-15:00 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 18:00-23:00 (last order 21:30)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara station; go straight down Konishi Sakura street, and it will be on your right.
Address: 2F Flats Konishi, 24 Konishi-cho, Nara, Nara
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.