LAMP BAR — Restaurant in Nara

Wonderful experience during our visit to this bar. I saw some comments about shocked visitor facing 'unexpected' cover charge during the payment but in my case, the assistant inform us about 500¥ cover charge right after we enter. Great move in my opinion, and I think their charge is reasonable.

After we sit, the bartender asking the preference our drink and not long after that we asked for some refreshing beverages. My wife who are not accustomed to alcoholic beverages really enjoy her drink, the bartender can capture our request with great precision.

Their drink is also unique, utilizing many local produce. I asked for Nara style of the 'james bond' martini and they really deliver it.

The nuances in the bar is impecabble. JS Bach Cello Suites is a spot on building our mood. Every inch of the experience seems to be taken into consideration. The pricing is also very fair given the quality delivered.

Arguably one of our best experience during our visit to Japan. Surely I will be...

After reading all the positive reviews, we decided to see what it was like for ourselves. Although it's not the easiest place to find (off the main drag and around the back of a building), we were delighted to be able walk in (no line up) and grab the last 2 seats available in the main space. Our server asked us what we liked and we went with his recommendations - which were tasty and quite interesting. After I told him I liked paper planes, negronis, and drinks containing various kinds of amaro (as long as they are not too sweet), he brought me a clear (!!) negroni made with a house made "Campari". It was quite unusual and tasty and served poured over a large beautifully shaped block of ice. For my wife he suggested a mezcal-based drink which she really enjoyed, and I finished with a light and tasty espresso martini. And despite our concerns about the drinks possibly being quite pricey, we felt Y6700 for 3 tasty cocktails served in a very pleasant atmosphere was...

Unquestionably the best cocktail bar we visited in our two week Japan trip…the owner has a deep understanding of what tastes good in a cocktail. They do not have a cocktail list. He just asks you what you like and recommends something he thinks you will enjoy. He was 100% accurate on every drink he mixed for us and everyone else who walked in.

They hand chisel a bevel into their ice cubes that were always shaped for the glass that was being used…an attention to detail that you rarely see, and another way that you can spot they’re pros.

I started with a dram of Yoichi Single Malt…which didn’t have quite the smoke I was after…but this is Japan not Islay…and followed it up with a Japanese spin on a old fashioned that was truly excellent. Will definitely be back, if I get back...