Nara Restaurants(278)

Discover a variety of dining experiences in Nara, from traditional Japanese eateries to modern fusion restaurants.
Photo of 22 Pink03 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Chugokusai Naramachi Kuko

This double-starred Michelin restaurant whips out fun Sichuan-meet-Cantonese dim sums using vegetables harvested from its own garden and farm.

Lunch: $107.47-143.29
Dinner: $107.47-143.29
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet seafood dish with grilled fish and vegetables on bamboo tray
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Hitoshizuku

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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $71.65-107.47
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Vibrant restaurant dish with fresh vegetables and greens
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Pizzeria 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.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Delicious pesto pasta on wooden plate in rustic restaurant setting
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Yamaoka 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $71.65-107.47
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Elegant gourmet steak dish served on a dark plate in a fine dining setting.
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

A Votre Sante

French haute cuisine without the haute price tag — A Votre Sante blends nostalgic countryside charm and moderately priced French fare to Ikoma.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Stacked firewood outside a rustic Japanese soba restaurant
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Noto Toto Teuchisoba Tabiki

No-photography soba joint where the owner grows his own buckwheat berries to craft hand-kneaded noodles.

Dinner: $7.16-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Fresh sashimi platter with garnishes on a blue ceramic plate
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Unagino 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Wood-fired pizza with fresh toppings at a gourmet restaurant
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Pizzeria 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.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Authentic Japanese soba noodles with tempura on a wooden table
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Kiminami

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.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $7.16-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Japanese rice bowl with salmon and seaweed, side of pickled vegetables
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Kushizukushi

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.

Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet ramen bowl with pork, eggs, and onions at a modern restaurant
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Chukasoba Oshitani

Come for the textbook-perfect shio and soy sauce ramen once; return for the latest time-limited ramen innovation twice.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $7.16-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Succulent steak with rich sauce and roasted vegetables
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Le 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet chocolate-covered dessert with nuts on beige plate
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

La 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Exquisite Japanese dish with fish and lotus on elegant green plate
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Oryori 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $57.32-78.81
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Delicious ramen bowl with pork slices and greens in rich broth
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Menya 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.

Lunch: $7.16-35.82
Dinner: $7.16-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Authentic Indian thali with diverse dishes at rustic restaurant
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Toi 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.

Lunch: $14.33-214.94
Dinner: $14.33-21.49
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet seafood dish with vibrant presentation and colorful garnishes
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Simple Comme Bonjour

Sophisticated but approachable, Kagauchi Kotaru’s dynamic French cuisine plays by its own rule with a relatively simple brief: keep things changing.

Lunch: $21.49-42.99
Dinner: $21.49-42.99
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Delicious bowl of ramen with fresh garnish on a wooden table
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Shunsai 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.

Dinner: $21.49-28.66
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Grilled eel donburi with soy glaze in a Japanese restaurant
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Ike 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.

Lunch: $35.82-42.99
Dinner: $35.82-42.99
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet dish with duck breast on elegant glass plate
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Sosakukushinomise 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.

Dinner: $28.66-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet fish dish in elegant restaurant setting
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

(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.

Lunch: $57.32-71.65
Dinner: $71.65-107.47
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Gourmet strawberry dessert with vanilla ice cream
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Chez 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.

Lunch: $35.82-71.65
Dinner: $35.82-71.65
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Artful shrimp tempura dish with lemon in elegant black plate
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Nihonryori 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.

Lunch: $35.82-42.99
Dinner: $71.65-107.47
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 11 Pink03 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Teppan Steak Kashin

Teppanyaki in Kitakatsuragi, Nara. Experience Chef Tatsuya's Imperial Hotel expertise with exquisite wagyu and seafood. Ideal for intimate and lively gatherings.

Dinner: $42.99-57.32
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 01 Pink03 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Kuimono Ya Wan Shin Oomiya Branch

Discover Kuimono Ya Wan in Nara near Shin-Omiya Station, where classic Japanese izakaya dishes and fresh seafood meet warm hospitality.

Dinner: $21.49-28.66
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 04 SoftBeige 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Seirotei Katteguchi

Savour award-winning Cantonese seafood at Hong Kong's Golden Lantern, famed for ginger-lobster and clay pot fish, amidst a cozy ambiance under glowing lanterns.

Dinner: $21.49-28.66
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 19 Pink03 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Poporo

Poporo in Nara blends Italian, Cafe, and Dining Bar cuisines. Known for generous portions and a vintage vibe near JR Nara Station.

Lunch: $7.16-14.33
Dinner: $21.49-28.66
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 01 SoftBeige 01
Photo of restaurant reservation icon SEAT RESERVATION
NARA

Idaki

Japanese izakaya in Kashihara. Known for exquisite seared bonito and authentic seasonal dishes in a rustic atmosphere.

Dinner: $28.66-35.82
Photo of heartV2
Photo of heartV2
Tailor-Made Tours
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We can plan a custom-made food experience or itinerary just for you.
Photo of tailorbg
Photo of reviews smiley iconRecent Reviews from Guests
1 / 2
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
An amazing yet humbling experience created by an exceptional duo. It changes one's perspective of a 1 star dining experience, by serving what is best in the season and highlighting in the simplest of forms. Truly worth the trip to Nara just for this meal.
Lim Gim Wei
February 03, 2025
Modern restaurant interior with wooden decor and cozy lighting
La Trace
Restaurant in Nara
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Very delicious meal especially our server who took great care of us and even gave us a parting gift of their local shichimi powder. The beef was amazing and my wife and I loved the fox dessert! Make sure to visit!!!
Kevin Le
December 21, 2024
Sukiyaki Kappo Kitsune
Restaurant in Nara
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Food and service was exceptional. It was nice to try a lot of local dishes. The server was super friendly and shared a lot of knowledge with us. Would recommend to others to come dine here.
George Tam
October 31, 2024
Sukiyaki Kappo Kitsune
Restaurant in Nara
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
The food was amazing, the meat was very tender and juicy, the vegetables were fresh and tasty and while tasting a lot of dishes we had never seen before was a great experience, it was made even better by the two waitresses who gladly chatted with us in Japanese! The setting was exceptional as well. Definitely recommended.
Kamen Zhekov
October 12, 2024
Sukiyaki Kappo Kitsune
Restaurant in Nara
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Food was great, the staff was waiting for us right at opening and were very kind. The hostess spoke enough english for us to understand everything, and was just a joy to be around. Very happy with the experience, thank you japanbyfood for showing us this great spot and helping us get a reservation!
Jared Vinnedge
May 23, 2024
Sukiyaki Kappo Kitsune
Restaurant in Nara

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.