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Hidden gems: restaurants in Nara
Map viewDiscover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Nara. Ratings are based from 2056 places in Nara
Maguro Koya
6 Hanashibacho 1F Hanashibacho Heights 630-8266
"Small restaurant operated and owned by an elderly couple. They were so amazing and hospitable. The tuna dishes were so delicious, we tried them all just because they looked amazing. Definitely visit h..."
Nakatanido
29 Hashimotocho 630-8217
"Must try if you're in Nara! It tastes so authentic and the price is pretty cheap for such legendary mochi. But you might go there and don't find the famous mochi pounding scene (i don't know if they g..."
Tonkatsu Ganko Nara
19 Higashimukinaka-machi
"Friendly and pleasant staff with great service. Explained to us how the use the sauce when the foods are serviced. The foods are excellent and the portion is great. Highly recommend."
Parco
1-1 Tsurufukuincho 630-8393
"Great food in an unpretentious place. We had fabulous Wagyu beef and good Okonomiyaki (Osaka style). Although I like the Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima better, it was great to have it on day two of our Japa..."
Surugamachi no Okonomiyakiya
606-8 Sanjocho 630-8244
"Absolutely Fantastic! So small place but delicious okonomiyaky. The owner is such a friendly an kind woman. Not turistic restaurant, low average price. I ll come back thousands times."
Sakura Burger
6 Higashimuki Kitamachi 630-8214
"One of the best burgers I've ever had. The meat was cooked just right. A little too greasy but still pretty damn amazing. Would recommend to any one looking for a good hamburger in Japan. This place c..."
Wakakusa Curry Hompo
38-1 Mochiidonocho 630-8222
"The best curry. I was craving curry and found this place on Google. It was so good I ate here both days I was in Nara. The spicy lamb curry is amazing. Just the right amount of heat and seasoning. I t..."
Kamaiki
13-2 Higashimuki Minamimachi 630-8216
"Great udon place and very nice service. Sides of chicken and shrimp tempura were also very good. A selection of local sakes complemented the meal very well. Reasonable prices. Highly recommended."
Okaru
13 Higashimuki Minamimachi 630-8216
"Came here on my first visit to Japan and loved it so much! No on my second visit that told my friend we should eat there after visiting the temples and we bought loved the food and service. Would rec..."
Kasuga Ninai Jyaya
160 Kasuganocho 630-8212
"Beautiful place to spend a day in Nara. The forest is gorgeous and the deer are super friendly!! Lots of nice walking trails in and around this shrine as well. Make sure you're aware and respectful of..."
Kinari Pizza
5 Nishiterabayashicho 630-8372
"Nice place to eat local pizzas. It is well hiden within the small streets of Nara making it kind like a secret place. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the pizzas are really good even though a bit t..."
Mizuya Chaya
30 Kasuganocho 630-0812
"Beautiful little thatched tea house. Chef speaks great English and was very friendly. People eating udon looked like they were enjoying it. We had matcha ice cream and it was delicious."
Starbucks Coffee JR Nara Former Station
1082 Sanjohommachi 630-8122
"Cute store within the heritage JR (Japan Rail) Nara station building."
Coco Ichibanya Nara Kamisanjo
7 Kamisanjocho 630-8228
"Delicious Japanese curry. I just build my own. 300 grams is standard if you’re hungry for rice, otherwise stick to 200 grams of it. Pork Katsu is my go to and I get an egg add on. 2 for Spicy was pe..."
Gateu de Dois
1-19 Saidaijiminamimachi 631-0824
"I stopped by on a trip. We received two chocolate cakes that won the award, but both were surprised and delicious with a rich and complex taste and a texture that betrayed the imagination. It looks be..."
China Dining Hiten
26 Higashimukiminamimachi 630-8216
"The best Chinese food I’ve ever had AND they had an entire vegan menu! I got the vegan set with the sweet and sour soy meat, but if I were to go back I’d get a full portion of that. Everyone else..."
Naraizumi Yusai
22 Nishiterabayashicho 630-8372
"The best of Nara's sake can be found here. Even unique sake from red and black rice, which I wld term as the Rose of sake. Very very value for money. Definitely worth a visit"
Saizeriya Kintetsu Nara Station Bldg
28 Higashimuki Nakamachi Nara Kintetsu Bldg. 3F 630-8215
"Nice station and very helpfull staff. Usually crowded and you can many tourist groups with guide travelling toward Nara park and Buddha temple. Plenty of good restaurants outside the station. I love t..."
Wadokoro Yoshino
8-1 Sanjohonmachi
"A great Thai restaurant serving authentic quality dishes. The disdes are very professionally prepared with quality ingredients. Service is attentive. The white table cloths add an additional touch of..."
Japanese Restaurant Ryozanpaku
13 Nishijodocho 630-8345
"Fantastic Kaiseke Ryori, a authentic Japanese cuisine with around 10 dishes. We chose a "Fuku" manual and every small dish is really tasty. Especially the fish are so fresh! We sit by the bar right in..."