Okada

This is the best Kaiseki we've had on our trip to Japan - it was surprisingly better than what we had in Kyoto and Tokyo. The quality and presentation of the food were both excellent. Even though the chef and the staff spoke limited English and we were the only non-Japanese patrons that night, they made sure to explain every dish to us. We had a lovely meal. Thank you, team Okada!

Okada is a kaiseki restaurant in Nara, not too far from Nara Park. Reservations are required at this restaurant as the restaurant accepts 8-9 guests per evening, allowing for a personalized dining experience with the chef. Every dish is artfully created and features the best seasonal and regional ingredients. Service is very good. Prices are reasonable.

Absolutely impeccable food, presentation, service, everything. I managed to get a same-day dinner reservation and it was the best meal of my entire Japan trip. Every course was absolutely delicious and the staff went above and beyond to translate each dish into English for me (bringing out books with photos of various ingredients and pointing at the relevant ones). Couldn't recommend it more highly.

Absolute wonderful Kaiseki experience! Went for the dinner course and every single dish is artistically presented and packed with natural flavors of the seasonal ingredients. Ahead of each bite, the head chef and his staff offer introduction of the ingredient selections in English as best as they can, making the overall dining atmosphere very engaging.

Edit: After going to other kaiseki restaurants like Hassun in Kyoto, I've grown to appreciate this place more. The chef doesn't give favoritism to Japanese clients (especially regulars) which I appreciate. There's so many more courses despite being significantly cheaper than many other kaiseki places too, and more attention to detail. One of the best meals of my life and a truly fantastic kaiseki experience! I really appreciated how the chef was willing to experiment with slightly non-traditional ingredients like the Turkish kadayıf and even cream cheese with (what I took to be) lemongrass. The service was outstanding and everyone tried really hard to explain to us each dish despite the considerable language barrier. We really hope to come back the next time we're at Nara.

Very interesting for a few reasons. If you want an off the beaten path experience, you can’t go wrong here. First, presentation is immaculate, every course is an art itself. When you are being served, you always wonder what’s next and can’t wait for it. Second, most dishes are perfectly balanced, I especially like the fish in the fish soup, just salty and tender enough, but not overwhelming your taste Bud. And the potato rice,l with a hint of umami on the rice just makes you crave for more. Third, the staffs are on the younger side, but if anything, it makes the experience more casual and enjoyable, everyone engages with everyone, that’s the point of fine dining, right? To have a good time. Fourth, I am not familiar with traditional Kaiseki, but mashed lotus root with crab favor, carrot with wasabi favor, apple mousse with a bit chunk of apple, it’s not what I’ve expected but I am not complaining. It’s worth a trip of you can get a reservation. Bonus point of you aren’t full by the end, you get free refill on the white rice

M so glad I decided to dine here. I booked way ahead for dinner. Ingredients were very common, nothing fancy, but the execution of the food is good. Service is also very friendly despite not able to converse much in English. Really enjoyed my meal here. Thanks chef!!

I would highly recommend Okada to anyone visiting Nara! It is an absolute gem! My husband and I had such a wonderful time at Okada on our last night in Nara. The food and drinks were delicious! The chef and all the other staff were so warm and friendly and even the other guests at the restaurant too! Thank you for making our time at Nara so memorable!