Hiraso — Restaurant in Nara

I won't lie and say that we found this place by accident, as I have been simply studying the map nearby my hotel looking for somewhere to eat; to me and my father this stood out. Well, mainly to him, I won't lie. But when we came, we were greeted with great kindness and lots of smiles, immediately served some cold tea that was surprisingly refined (it had a very complete taste, bitter only at first, kind of smokey) and with a dinner menu that had a few I interesting options. I like that there were enough for anyone to find what they like, but not too many to the point of feeling overwhelmed and indecisive. The tofu was the most surprising dish for me (I got the Tennpyou which is kakinoba sushi, miwa some noodle, sashimi, sesame tofu, potof) as it had an insanely rich texture and taste which is unusual, I mean, I never tried anything like it so just for that five stars! I also really liked the consistency of the rice of the sushi, and the sashimi had a delicate taste (I'm pretty sure it was tuna, but I don't usually eat a lot of fish, so I have endless doubts about anything hahah). I'm not sure how to describe the dessert if not "very very Japanese" it was essentially what most westeners would call a regular red bean paste mochi, but kind of turned inside out so the paste was outside and the "mochi" inside. Overall, not too sweet, just the right amount. Before I forget, let me describe how the inside of the restaurant is: Very traditional, everything is in wood, and we got the option to choose between the traditional Japanese table (therefore sitting in the correct position at a low table, all upon a slightly raised platform to create distance between where you leave your shoes and where you eat) and the regular table. We chose the former, which, admittedly, was wrong for us, as we are in no way capable of remaining in the correct seating position for prolonged periods of time as our feet don't stay flat, so I must apologize to everyone who saw us sitting like a cheap interpretation of Japan made by someone who has never left their home country (not even with their mind). Sorry!!

Overall, great ambience, service, position, and most importantly food. 10/10, a must visit for...

This place has very good reviews and one 1-star review that said "I don't know why people like this place," which was not detailed. Here is more detail that might help you make a decision.

Note: this place has way more and better looking lunch options and takeout options than dinner options!

The staff is wonderful and the English menu is thorough and helpful. There is both tatami and table seating.

This place is a little on the expensive side but not unreasonable. Decent calm ambience and good opportunity to try local variations. Would recommend but not as a must-eat.

There is not much fish in the sushi, as others have said. We had a sampling of things and all the flavors are very subtle and interesting, so it's definitely not a 1-star experience. The pictured meal ran us 3,600 yen which was totally fine especially given the variety of dishes. Not enough food to fill two people, but we weren't that hungry so it was pretty perfect.

I am surprised, however, by the description of this place in some reviews as "the best sushi experience in Japan" because even without research, and for less money, one can have a better sushi experience in Kyoto or Tokyo. In Nara, we have not found a better but affordable-ish sushi option, but we also haven't...

If I could give more than a 5* rating I would do so. We ran into this place unplanned and were the only customers at the time of our visit. While the staff does not speak english well, they do have an english menu and used their phone to translate and communicate with us, explained all the food to us and were it comes from, gave us some extraordinary tuna nigiri for free and were overall just lovely people, sharing interest in us and were we come from etc. The food itself was outright the best sushi I've had in my life and it was not even close. I must admit I did not yet try high class, very expensive sushi but for a very reasonable price you will get some really high quality food here (the tempura was also great). Would definitely recommend to go there when you visit Nara and if I happen to be around this place anytime again, I will definitely visit again. P.s.: They might have changed the name of the restaurant by now as the staff told me this is their first day under...