Inada

Between the lush bamboo forest in Hozan-ji Temple and the magnificent slopes of Mt. Ikoma lies Nara’s best-kept secret: Inada, a darling local with a legacy spanning three generations. Normally, such establishments would have been billed as old-timers, but everything about Inada feels fresh or rather, revitalized. It started when Inada Masayuki inherited the restaurant from his grandfather and won it a Michelin star in 2022. Drawing from his fondness for tea ceremonies, Masayuki infuses the traditional kaiseki course with renewed elegance. His brother works alongside him, while their mother takes care of the table service. The Inada siblings would procure the best-market ingredients from Osaka-based purveyors and wholesalers with whom the family has had longstanding relationships. The food here is in its own league, with Inada striking a balance between the intricate sensibilities of a Japanese multicourse meal and the pared-down, snug vibe of a family-run joint. The multicourse menus elevate local produce without feeling overpowering or molecular. Delicate flavors radiate through: abalone and zucchini dressed in a light batter and fried, rice soup adorned with thin egg ribbons and strings of crab, and sterling boiled vegetables. While it's not easily accessible — you’re better off driving rather than using public transportation — the restaurant’s pristine ambiance more than compensates for the effort. Michelin Guide accolades: 2022 - 2024 - 1 Michelin Star