Tucked in a quaint suburban/boutique setting, this restaurant offers a blend of contemporary Italian and Japanese cuisine at an affordable price. I was welcomed by an Italian Barista with a passion for great coffee and a care for flavour and quality. His recommendations were thoughtful and his service highly commendable. Throughout the evening, he explained each dish and the origin of the main ingredients. From what I saw, he could speak Italian, Japanese and English - he thus doubles as an excellent translator.
I was seated towards the back, past a clean and honest kitchen and bar seating. It was comfortable and private, with the option to sit more communally at the rearmost of the space. I was brought a delicate corn mouse to begin, and the waiter read through an à la carte and dégustation menu. I went for the first banquet, which offered an impressive range of dishes. To open, a Tuna tartare with fish eggs served on a thin layer of fried onion and lettuce with a blueberry dressing. Following this dish I had a mildly spicy sausage, the name of which I have lost, served with earthy vegetables and Parmesan in a half onion. It was warming and delicious paired with a Cabernet, the Terre Gegli Osci. Next, a handmade pasta with zucchini and green beans in a pesto sauce, followed by seared eel on spaghetti. A half raw Tuna with a shaved fish egg, a Muggine Bottarga from Oristano. It was at this point that I learnt that the Japanese chef was trained in Italy, I think I overheard him speaking Italian with the waiter at times too. The dishes seemed to be this mix between Italian delicacies with quality cuts of Japanese meats, a fusion which was just damn good. The chef came over for a chat, and he seemed very kind and passionate about his food.
To finish, a lemon mouse with what I think was some kind of blood orange and peach reduction, served with dark chocolate and the finest coffee I had in Japan.
If you find yourself in Nara, be it by yourself, with a partner or friends and family, you must spend a night at Nakamuraya. The wines, the food and the humble and talented staff will please your stomach as much as your mind.. A truly enjoyable dining experience.
