Recommended izakaya in Nara Prefecture! 20 popular picks by area, including Nara City and Kashihara City

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Sugino Shin-Omiya Ten, a 4-minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station, is an izakaya where reviews say the aroma of dashi broth that greets you at the door whets your appetite and raises expectations.

On the second floor, the dining area has counter and table seating, and it is said to be a popular spot that is often full. They also offer a wide selection of Japanese sake, and people say you can enjoy a relaxed meal here.

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The house specialty oden (Japanese stew) is said to have a clear dashi broth that gently brings out the good flavors of the ingredients.

daikon radish is said to be deeply infused with flavor, with a refined taste that still feels satisfying. They also offer unusual options like jidori (local chicken) and kuki wakame (wakame stems), and part of the appeal is the fun of choosing from more than 20 kinds.

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The "rolled cabbage" is a popular dish, with the meat's savory flavor melting into the broth and a juicy taste that comes through more with each bite.

The fresh tang of the plum sauce makes a nice accent, and people say it offers a well-balanced blend of Japanese and Western flavors.

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Furyu Mikaku Ryozanpaku, a 10-minute walk from JR Nara Station, is a popular izakaya known for its calm space with the feel of a traditional Japanese house.

At the counter seats, you can enjoy the lively feel of the cooking, while the Private rooms are said to make it easy to relax and spend time comfortably. It is well loved as a place where you can enjoy seasonal ingredients from Nara.

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The specialty "Yamato Pork (Japanese pork brand) rock salt grill" is known for its light seasoning, which brings out the natural sweetness of the pork.

The rock salt adds just the right touch of flavor, making this a dish where you can really taste the rich flavor of the tender meat, and it is said to be the kind of taste that makes you want to come back for more.

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The popular Miwa somen (Miwa wheat noodles) with vegetable ankake sauce also gets high marks for the table-side finish, where they pour the dashi-rich thick sauce over the fried somen right in front of you.

You can enjoy the combo of its light, crispy texture and refined umami, and it apparently pairs well with alcohol too.

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Ochakeya Nara Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, with a calm atmosphere and rows of Semi-private room style seats.

It is known for oden (Japanese stew) and kushiage (deep-fried skewers), and also offers a good selection of local sake from Nara, making it a popular place where you can casually enjoy food and drinks.

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The "Oden Omakase assortment 5 items" is said to be excellent, with items like daikon radish, egg, and atsuage (deep-fried tofu) slowly soaking up the dashi broth for a refined taste.

The gentle savory flavor is pleasant, and people also seem to like the thoughtful touch of serving the ingredients cut in half.

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The "Kushikatsu Omakase assortment 8 Skewers" is a plate known for its freshly fried, light batter, and people say it pairs well with beer or a highball.

The ingredients really shine in the final dish, and it is a popular menu item that many people order together with oden (Japanese stew).

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Nara Sakagura Nabe, an 8-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, is a warm izakaya housed in a renovated old folk house, and reviews say it is a place where you can enjoy a distinctly Nara atmosphere.

The attic and basement have sake brewery-style spaces, where you can enjoy a wide range of labels including Japanese sake, wine, and shochu.

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The specialty sake kasu kuroto-nabe (Hot Pot for sake lees connoisseurs) stands out for its rich soup made with sake lees from a sake brewery in Nara and stock from Yamato Nikudori (free-range chicken from Nara).

The flavors of pork, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables come together for a soothing taste that really hits the spot. People also like that you can finish the meal by adding pasta or rice to enjoy it in a carbonara-style or risotto-style dish.

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The "Yamato Beef wara-yaki (straw-seared)" is a popular dish, praised for its tasty flavor from the fragrant sear on the surface and for letting you fully enjoy Nara's branded beef.

Many say that wasabi and yakumi (condiments) bring out the natural umami of the ingredients, and that it also pairs well with Japanese sake.

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Irori to Jizake Yamato no Sanzoku, a 2-minute walk from JR Nara Station, is an izakaya with a lively feel where you can still relax.

The clean interior has Private rooms and Sunken kotatsu seating, so you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. They also offer a good selection of Nara Japanese sake and fruit liqueurs, making it a convenient place for many occasions.

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Their signature "sanzoku-yaki (grilled chicken with sweet and savory sauce)" is known for its sweet and savory sauce that brings out the tenderness of the chicken, making it a satisfying dish.

The style served with green onion salt lemon sauce is also popular, with a bold feel that is still easy to enjoy. It is said to pair well with Japanese sake, making it a popular dish.

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The “Harushika (Spring Deer) tasting set,” which lets you enjoy a noted local sake from Nara, gets reviews praising its gentle aroma and clean finish.

Among them, the famous cho-karakuchi (extra dry sake) seems to pair especially well with food, and many people try the tasting comparison. It is a recommended option for those who want to enjoy local sake.

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SYURAKU, a 2-minute walk from JR Nara Station, is a well-reviewed izakaya on the third floor of a building, known for its nice hideaway-like atmosphere.

Inside, the softly lit space has counter and table seating, and it is popular for fresh fish dishes from the fish tank in the restaurant and Japanese sake from Nara.

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The appeal of the “Tsukuri 5-shu Mori (five-piece assorted sashimi platter)” is that the selection changes daily based on what they bring in.

Fresh fish such as live horse mackerel prepared as ikizukuri and madai (Sea Bream), with their production regions clearly listed, line the platter and pair well with Japanese sake. People also seem to enjoy the excitement of choosing from the handwritten menu.

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The “anago hiraki tempura (butterflied conger eel tempura)” is known for its tender flesh and light batter, making it a well-liked dish with a pleasant texture.

It sometimes appears as a daily special, and on some days it sells out early. It is loved as a tempura dish that lets you casually enjoy a seasonal taste.

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Yamato Yasai to Kushiyaki Yamato Kintetsu Nara Ten is a cozy izakaya just a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, located on the second floor of a building in the shopping arcade.

With Semi-private room seating and counter seats, it has a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal at ease. They offer Yamato yasai (traditional vegetables from Nara), kushiyaki (grilled skewers), and Nara Japanese sake, making this a place where you can feel the local charm.

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The "Yamato Nikudori tataki assortment" is finished with the skin side nicely browned, and lets you compare the breast and thigh.

The meat has a moist texture with plenty of umami, and many people enjoy it with Japanese sake or local craft beer.

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Nara's local dish asuka-nabe (milk-based chicken and vegetable Hot Pot) is also said to be popular for its mild flavor, with chicken and vegetables simmered in milk and dashi.

Some say they were amazed the first time they tried it, and that they enjoyed it all the way through the To finish udon. It is said to be a dish that lets you fully enjoy the Nara spirit.

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Tosa Ryori to Obanzai Yuzunosu, a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy Kochi regional cuisine and Japanese sake.

Inside, there is counter seating and a raised tatami seating area, creating a calm atmosphere, and many people visit for the katsuo (bonito) dishes.

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The specialty, Tosa no wara-yaki (Tosa-style straw-seared) katsuo no tataki (lightly seared bonito), is said to be delicious, with the fragrant aroma of the straw sear and the rich flavor of the fresh fish standing out.

It is recommended to enjoy it with ponzu sauce or yuzu salt, and it also pairs well with Japanese sake from Kochi.

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"Utsubo no tempura" is a Kochi dish that people are happy to find because it is rare in Nara.

The light, crisp batter lets the flavor spread nicely, and it is said to be especially good with Japanese sake. Another draw is that you can enjoy an ingredient that is not easy to eat in everyday life.

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Kushitenrikiichi Shinomiya Ten, a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy kushi-tempura (tempura skewers).

The compact yet clean interior has counter and table seating, and they also offer a wide selection of Japanese sake, making it a good choice when you want to relax and enjoy a drink.

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The specialty ton-ten (deep-fried pork), made by layering tender aji-buta (Ajiton pork) from Miyazaki Prefecture, is popular for its soft texture and great taste.

Freshly fried, it is light and airy, and people say it goes very well with the house sauce. The Chinese-style batter makes it easy to eat, and many people enjoy pairing it with Japanese sake.

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The "oden assortment" in the photo gets good reviews for its lineup of classics like daikon radish, eggs, and shirataki (konjac noodles), with the rich flavor of the well-soaked broth standing out.

People also say the lightly sweet dashi keeps you coming back for more and pairs perfectly with Japanese sake. It is a popular menu item that many people order along with tempura.

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Hyottoko, a 5-minute walk from JR Nara Station, is a small izakaya (Japanese pub) with mainly counter and table seating, and it is also known for its playful interior. They say you can enjoy a wide variety of kushiage (deep-fried skewers) at reasonable prices.

It is popular with locals as well, and because it is often full, many people make a reservation before visiting.

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The “kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers),” which you can enjoy with sauce, salt, or ponzu sauce to match each ingredient, have a light, crisp coating that brings out the sweetness of the fillings.

There is also a wide variety to choose from, and they say the garlic and seafood in particular have a rich savory taste, with the piping hot texture leaving a strong impression.

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The "kisetsu no kankitsu sour (seasonal citrus sour)" is a popular drink with a bold look, made generously with fruit.

People seem to love its eye catching appearance, packed with plenty of grapefruit, and its fresh taste that pairs well with kushikatsu (deep fried skewers).

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Mekiki no Ginji Sanjo-dori Ten is a seafood izakaya (Japanese pub) located a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Nara Station.

The interior has the feel of a fishing port, and its style of letting guests enjoy grilled dishes on tabletop grills is well liked. You can also enjoy drinks from lunchtime, and the bright, casual atmosphere makes it an easy place to visit.

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The house specialty, "kaisen no kirio toshi sashi (assorted offcuts sashimi)," uses very fresh seafood, and people say the thick-cut fish is popular for both its rich flavor and bright presentation.

Reviews also said that every kind of fish was fresh and juicy, giving the kind of Manzoku you would expect from a seafood izakaya.

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The hamayaki (seaside-style grill) cooked on a tabletop stove is popular not only for how good it tastes, but also for the fun of finishing it yourself.

The hotate (scallops) and sazae (turban shells) are said to be satisfyingly large, with their toasty aroma and piping hot taste making drinks go down easy.

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Happo is an izakaya just a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, with a Japanese modern space centered around white wood.

The interior has many partitions and feels calm, so you can relax almost as if you were in a Private room. With its clean feel and hideaway-like atmosphere, it is an appealing spot with a quiet charm.

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The fall and winter only kamo-nabe (duck Hot Pot) is a popular hot pot dish made with Yamato-gamo (Yamato duck) from Gose, Nara.

The duck loin is said to be tender, with rich flavor that spreads the more you chew, and with tsukune (chicken meatballs) and vegetables included, it sounds highly satisfying. The staff finishes the hot pot for you, which is another reason people like it because you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

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The "three-item sashimi assortment" is said to be very fresh and a great match for Japanese sake.

At times, they also serve aburi hokke (lightly seared Atka mackerel), and the kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn) heads are later served deep-fried, so you can enjoy them twice. Reviews also said that the overall quality of the food is high.

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Just a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, Akaboshi Sengyoten is an izakaya where you can enjoy mainly seafood dishes.

The interior has a lively feel, and besides zashiki (tatami seating) and counter seats, the kamakura-gata (igloo-shaped) Semi-private rooms are also popular. Since you can spend time without worrying about the people around you, you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

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The specialty "Akaboshi Sengyo assortment 5-shu (five kinds of fresh seafood assortment)" lets you enjoy fresh seafood delivered from around Japan.

You can really taste the aroma and good flavor of the ingredients, and the bold presentation is also said to stand out. It is a classic menu item with highly satisfying content that also pairs well with Japanese sake.

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Among the well stocked lineup of snacks that go great with drinks, the especially popular item is the "Honki Aji Fry," shown in the photo, which is well liked for its thick cut aji (horse mackerel) and crispy coating.

The fresh fried aroma brings out the rich flavor of the aji, and it is said to pair perfectly with beer.

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A 7-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, Okinawa Ryori to Shimazake Hoshikuzu Tei is an izakaya with a tropical mood, lined with Okinawa style goods.

Despite its hideaway like location, it is cozy, and you can enjoy Okinawa cuisine with awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) and Orion Beer.

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"So-men Chanpuru~" is a fusion dish from Nara and Okinawa made with Miwa somen (thin Japanese wheat noodles).

The aroma of sesame oil whets the appetite, and reviews also say it is simple yet satisfying.

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The "Miyakojima mozuku (Okinawan seaweed) tempura," with its light airy batter and rich mozuku flavor, is a signature dish that goes well with beer and awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit).

Made with mozuku from Miyakojima, it is known for its soft chewy texture and lets you enjoy an authentic local taste.

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Yakitori Club Gnu, a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, is a yakitori restaurant known for its calm atmosphere with counter seating only.

You can enjoy the aroma of charcoal grilling right in front of you, and they also have a good selection of natural wine, Japanese sake, and shochu, making it a great place when you want to spend a quiet time.

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The otoshi (small appetizer) is served in a short course format, with salad, monaka (wafer), three kinds of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), a vegetable skewer, and a palate cleanser.

The monaka and salad also have creative touches, giving the lineup a nice sense of originality.
Because it starts with a course, it is easy to get into the flow of the meal, and people like how it builds anticipation for what is to come.

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The sasami (chicken tender) skewer is said to turn out plump and juicy when carefully grilled over charcoal, bringing out its mild umami.

The flavor shows the care taken with the delicate grilling, and some say it left a real impression. Other popular options include lightly seared liver and tsukune (chicken meatball skewers) shaped after ordering, with a lineup of skewers that make the most of the ingredients.

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Yamato Yagi Sakaba Hoshuku, a 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, is an izakaya run by Toyosawa Shuzo, a Nara sake brewery, and it is known for its wide selection of Japanese sake and pleasantly lively atmosphere.

It also has partitioned seating and barrel-style Private rooms, and people say you can relax there in comfort.

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The specialty drink, "Toyoshuku Junmai Ginjo," is popular for how easy it is to drink and its nice aroma.

You can enjoy a lineup unique to a directly operated shop, and it is also said to be a favorite with fans of Japanese sake. The otoshi (small appetizer), "chilled chawanmushi (savory egg custard)," has a gentle flavor and is well liked as the first dish.

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The “Sakana ga Oishii Dake no Otsukuri Goshumori” is a luxurious five-item sashimi assortment piled high with tuna, amberjack, sea urchin, and more.

Each topping is fresh and thick cut, and people praise the high quality you can enjoy in landlocked Nara. Many also enjoy it with Japanese sake.

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Oshinobi Robata Isshin, a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, is an izakaya that has also become a talking point for its hideaway style, where you enter by using an intercom.

The interior is a calm Japanese-style space with a relaxed feel, and one of its charms is that you can watch charcoal grilled robata cooking from across the counter.

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The signature katsuo (bonito) wara-yaki (straw-seared) is a popular menu item, brought to life by the dramatic live searing over a straw fire.

Reviews also say that along with its toasty aroma, the searing brings out the rich flavor of the fat, making it even more delicious.

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The "otsukuri assortment" is said to feature a wide variety of fish such as tuna, buri (Japanese amberjack), and sawara (Spanish mackerel), and all of them are popular for being fresh and tasty.

Along with the sashimi, they also offer a wide selection of drinks to enjoy, including Japanese sake as well as beer, shochu, and assorted varieties available of sours.

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Yakitori Shusai Kinasee is an izakaya (Japanese pub) just a 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, and it is well loved by locals.

The first floor is a small space centered around counter and table seating, where guests can relax in a calm atmosphere. The attentive service also feels pleasant, making it a nice place to enjoy a leisurely meal.

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The "yakitori moriawase (assorted grilled chicken skewers)" is carefully grilled, and its nice balance of smoky aroma and juicy texture has made it popular.

The negima brings together the sweetness of scallion and the tenderness of chicken, while the bonjiri (tail meat) stands out for its rich fat and great taste. It also pairs well with beer and Japanese sake.

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The classic menu item "kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)" is popular for its light batter and easy-to-enjoy texture.

The "asparagus" in particular is said to have a crisp texture with a touch of sweetness, pairing well with the fragrant sauce and making drinks go down easy.

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Yakitori to Ochazuke Fujin Kashiba Goido Ten, a popular izakaya where you can enjoy a relaxed meal in a calm atmosphere, is a 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Goido Station.

The first floor has counter and table seating with a view of the grill, and the second floor has Sunken kotatsu seating.

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Each skewer of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is said to be carefully grilled, bringing out its savory aroma and rich flavor.

The large thigh and liver skewers have a satisfying bite, and people rave that the liver pairs especially well with salted sesame oil, letting you enjoy its full flavor. They also say it goes great with drinks, with beer and Japanese sake going down easily alongside it.

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The classic sake no chazuke (salmon ochazuke) is a popular menu item, praised for its gentle flavor. It is served with plenty of katsuo dashi (bonito stock) poured over it, and tastes great as you flake the salmon into the broth.

It comes with chopped wasabi and takuan (pickled daikon), so you can also enjoy changes in aroma and texture. It is said to be perfect as the finishing dish after yakitori, and people like its comforting, calming taste.

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Igossou Saikou, a 3-minute walk from JR Oji Station, is a place where you can enjoy a wide range of dishes from Japanese to Western cuisine in a grown-up atmosphere with calm, comfortable lighting, and it is also well liked for its wide selection of Japanese sake and fruit liqueurs.

The counter and table seating are separate, making it easy to enjoy whether you are dining alone or with a group.

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The appeal of the "Today’s Premium Otsukuri (sashimi) assortment" is that the contents change depending on what comes in that day. It is popular for the standout freshness of every item, including katsuo (bonito) and hamachi (young yellowtail).

Many people enjoy it with local sake from Nara, and it is a menu item especially praised for its fish dishes.

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The specialty, "sendo bakugun no katsuo shio tataki (seared bonito tataki with outstanding freshness and salt)," is popular for how the aroma from searing it over straw and the simple seasoning of just salt bring out the good flavor of the bonito.

It is served slightly warm and is said to pair perfectly with Japanese sake.