Few people know that Nara was Japan’s original capital city. Due to its past it is full of important historic treasures. Some of the oldest and largest Japanese temples are in Nara. When you visit this marvelous place, you can also learn a lot about traditional culture through the healthy cuisine. Here are some of the places you should go to.
1. Tonkatsu Ganko
This is a perfect place to enjoy real Japanese cuisine in a nice and relaxed atmosphere. With the inner garden and lots of wood details, the restaurant looks like an old house, so peaceful and warm, with the staff dressed in kimonos. It offers the healthy cuisine through the variety of dishes. Everything is prepared with utmost care and the ingredients is carefully selected. Tofu is handmade, vegetables and meat come from the specially assigned farms, and the seafood comes directly from fishermen. Come alone or with your family, you will certainly have one of the best meals ever, and it is very affordable.
Information
- Name: Tonkatsu Ganko
- Address: 19 Higashimukinaka-machi | Central Nara, Nara, Nara Prefecture
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Delivery: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Attire: Casual
- Wi-Fi: No
- Website: gankofood.co.jp
2. Parco
If you want to experience something different, come to this small cozy restaurant. They offer great Japanese food but served on hot tables. It is a warm, welcoming local place, but also a refreshment for tourists who want to enjoy outstanding flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. Everything tastes great. They even serve some of the English menu, but even that has a kind of a tender touch of Japanese taste. The most popular dishes are okonomiyakis and wagyu beef. You can also try some nice sake there. Enjoy your meal for a really good price.
Information
- Name: Parco
- Address: 1-1 Tsurufukuincho, Nara 630-8393, Nara Prefecture
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Delivery: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
3. Shizuka
If you have never tried kamameshi before, you must definitely come to this restaurant. You will absolutely love the rice and seafood or chicken combined with wonderful ingredients giving you a memorable experience. You will feel the beauty of Japanese cuisine. Since it is very popular, you might have to queue for a while, especially on weekends and holidays, but it’s worth it. When you feel the sophisticated and delicate flavor of their food, you will definitely want to come back again.
Information
- Name: Shizuka
- Address: 59-11 Noborioji-cho | Nara-kōen, Nara, Nara Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Website: kamameshi-shizuka.jp
4. Maguro Koya
This nice small restaurant near Kintetsu Nara Station has become extremely popular with tourists. The food in the restaurant is so delicious, that they regularly receive reservations from the nearby hotels. The place itself might look a bit old, but they will always serve fresh and tasty food. They specialize in serving wonderful maguro tuna prepared in many different ways and you can watch your food being prepared as you sit and wait for it. There you can meet people from all over the world if you come alone and sit at the counter.
Information
- Name: Maguro Koya
- Address: 6 Hanashibacho | 1F Hanashibacho Heights, Nara 630-8266, Nara Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 11.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
5. Nino
If you decide to go to an Italian restaurant in Nara, then you must visit Nino. You will instantly see that the people who manage it do it with great passion. You will be surprised how friendly and nice they are, and you will get exceptional service and, of course, try some delicious food. Enjoy mini risotto, fungi pizza or pasta and great desserts, all prepared with full-hearted care. So, when you start missing Italian food, go to Nino and you will get a memorable meal and leave the place with a huge smile.
Information
- Name: Nino
- Address: 11-11 Nishimikadocho | 1F Prime Bldg, Nara 630-8225, Nara Prefecture
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Attire: Casual
6. Steak Ciel Bleu
If you decide to come to this restaurant, be sure to make a reservation because it is very small but popular. They serve food which is actually a combination of French and Japanese teppanyaki style food. It sounds unusual, but it is wonderfully delicious and prepared in a very creative, even artistic way. You can watch your food being prepared in front of you and the chef will explain you everything about the dishes. You will be surprised when you experience the taste of the food which just melts in your mouth. Enjoy it!
Information
- Name: Steak Ciel Bleu
- Address: 470 Sanjocho | 2F Kiraboshi Bldg., Nara 630-8244, Nara Prefecture
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Website: steak-cielbleu.com
7. Yatagarasu
All those chicken lovers should come to Yatagarasu, one of the best restaurants in Nara. They only serve poultry dishes using the freshest poultry from the nearby farms. You can choose to sit at the counter or in some tatami seats as you watch the chefs cook your meal. You will get the chicken you have never tasted before, so tender and tasty. But it’s not only chicken that is amazing, all the food is great, and you must try some fried tofu in a savory dashi broth. If you have never tried chicken sashimi before, than this is definitely the right place for you. You will love it.
Information
- Name: Yatagarasu
- Address: 13-1, Hayashikojicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
- Opening hours: 5.00 p.m. – 00.00 a.m.
- Website: yatagarasu.myp7.com
As you could see, restaurants in Nara may not be big and glamorous, but they offer really wonderful and tasty food that is truly memorable. You will always want to go back and taste the flavors again.
Have a good trip and travel!
