Best restaurants in Nara

Restaurants in Nara

A good place to sample local Nara specialities like kakinoha-zushi (pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf – don't eat the leaf!) and chagayu (rice porridge made with roasted green tea). Look for the lattice-wood front.

Restaurants in Nara

This popular spot in Naramachi is styled like an old storehouse and has just 16 seats around a counter amid dark-wood panels and an old beer sign. Indulge in mini-katsu (mini pork cutlets), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and oden (fish cake and veggie hot pot). Reservations recommended; it's often full.

Restaurants in Nara

A reliable choice offering a variety of dishes, from sashimi to tempura to noodles to wagyū (Japanese beef). Try its speciality: dishes marinated in sake lees. The place is big enough for you to be able to get a table (and lunch is, generously, served until 4pm); ingredients are listed on the menu to help diners with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Restaurants in Nara

With its red lanterns and plastic food models out the front, Kameya doesn't look like anything special, but the okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) at this casual restaurant – running since the 1960s – is actually pretty good. Try the house special 'inakappe', a pancake stuffed with udon noodles and prawns. Staff are friendly and speak English.

Restaurants in Nara

Part of the somewhat Mediterranean-looking Axe Unit complex (towards the back), Mellow is indeed a relaxed space in which to eat pasta and brick-oven pizzas or sip coffee, cocktails or beer. Unlike many places, it serves food throughout the afternoon.

Restaurants in Nara

Adjacent to Nara-kōen and across from the Nara National Museum, this convenient collection of a dozen restaurants and cafes offers a variety of dishes (mostly Japanese, but also sandwiches and sweets). Most places serve lunch and dinner.

Restaurants in Nara

This unexpectedly good (and popular!) burger joint serves juicy patties on toasted buns loaded with your choice of toppings. It also does hot dogs (from ¥540) and sandwiches (from ¥820). There are only a few tables, though, so the queue moves slowly.