Nakamuraya

Incredible authentic Italian restaurant in Nara. The guy who runs it is from Sardinia, he chose a great wine for us and genuinely a lovely man. Hidden gem, would recommend. Slightly, but only slightly, smaller portions but that’s according to western standards.

I booked in advance for the dinner course. 7mins walk from my hotel. See to find the location just use google map. Warm welcome by host. Well taken care of from the start till the end. Explained each course in detail. 9-course meal, simple, elegant & appetising. I especially remember the cold soup with hot fried fish - the skin was crispy & tasty. It’s affordable course meal with cosy environment. Recommended when u r in Nara.

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.

Very nice little place! Owner was extremely friendly and food was so tasty!

I came here for dinner on a Friday, and I was a little worried because the reviews were mixed, but the foreign staff weren't the type to smile and be friendly, but they did their job very well. The chef and assistant were very nice.
When serving the food, they explained the ingredients and production area. The presentation of the food was also good. The water was served in a Baccarat glass and tasted very good. I think the plates also complement the food. The main meat of the course meal was larger than I expected, and I was really full. Lastly, I heard that he had opened a bakery in Soni Village, and I received a souvenir from him. I would like to visit again.