Doraku — Restaurant in Nara

We were traveling in Japan as an extended family when we happened upon Doraku by chance. The dining experience there turned out to be one of the best meals- if not THE best- we had during our trip.

Which, going by the generally high standards of food in Japan, is a great, but well deserved compliment.

It's not a fancy place; it's family run by the chef, his wife, and their daughter who helps out. But my god, was the food good! The chef clearly prides himself on the meals he cooks, and his two front of house staff- and himself- were the most gracious hosts.

The highlight here is obviously the perfect steaks- just perfect in every way- flavorsome, juicy, tender. Cooked perfectly to the done-ness of your choice. I really appreciated how the steaks served were not the sort that almost fetishizes marbling- where the meat is so full of fat that it melts into a puddle of fat on your tongue and lacks the subtle interplay of structure and flavor that is the characteristic of a perfect steak.

The perfection of the steak almost shades the accompanying dishes, but rest assured, go for the full-course meal, every course was excellent.

If I ever visit that part of Japan again, I will make sure to have another meal here.

If you are reading this, and in the area, you owe it to yourself to give this...

土曜昼13時頃訪問。店に入る時2組すれ違いで出て行ったので中に入るとノーゲス。民家をリフォームしておりインテリアはオシャレにしてあります。お水は井戸水、箸置きは葉を枝から目の前で切って使用。まかないステーキ定食100g...

久っしぶりに、オール★5のお店です。 ヘレステーキ180、今まで食べたステーキの中で一番美味しかったです。 はじめにサラダが出てきます。キレイな野菜でモリモリの量、海苔も散らしてて見た目から美味しいです。 使ってるお水が地下100mの井戸水とのことで、かなり軟水でした。ただのお冷が美味しく感じました。 女将さんの接客は、老舗高級旅館の大女将のように手厚く上品でした。 またヘレステーキを食べに、そして女将さんに会いに、行きたいと思います。 ちなみにこのヘレ肉の牛は、日本酒春鹿の酒粕を食べて...