Naramachi Vegan Nabi ならまちヴィーガン菜美 — Restaurant in Nara

I would give 6 stars if I could.

Everything is vegan, gluten-free.

Came here in Aug. 2022. They had been in business for 2 years. A seriously amazing, understated place.

Popped in as soon as we got to Nara around 5pm on a Sunday, an hour before their closing time. The only meal food they had left to serve was the chirashizushi. Bento and lunch plates had sold out, duh.

So much care, thought, patience went into that dish. Impeccably prepared. Delicately plated. Fresh ingredients. With the dish came a piece of paper detailing all ingredients. The top layer is assorted lightly pickled or fresh raw veggies. All green, oh my! My eyes were as pleased as my tongue 😜

Underneath are more goodies: yam, こんにゃく、corn, and soy meat prepared with green peppers... The yuzu sushi rice has ancient rice grains mixed in, presenting a gentle fuchsia colour.

I had to brace myself to not inhale everything in a storm. Because I ate slowly and it was rather nutritionally dense, I felt quite satiated by the chirashizushi. Nonetheless, I got two of their gluten-free muffins: edamame cheese muffin and koji lemon. They also have coconut muffins and fermented azuki muffins, the latter of which had sold out. Muffins are 250 each, heated up and served with a flower of whipped cream if eaten in. They are tiny but big yum!

You really taste the quality and dedication in every food.

The owners are two sisters. One is the soft-spoken chef, the other more the boss, managing the front. She speaks good English and is very genuine and hospitable. The current rental space is reserved for startups and on a 3-year limited lease, so they will have to move in a year's time. I was advised to check their website, which is regularly updated, for the new location.

The joint is rather small, tucked under the shotengai next to the Kintetsu station. Around 5-8 minutes on foot if you go there straight from the station without much browsing. It only seats about 4 people, all counter seats. So if you plan to eat in during meal hours on a weekend or holiday, you may not get seated right away.

They also have a shelf of cat stuff for sale.

Would have been back for lunch the next day if things had lined up on our end. But I'll definitely try eating here again next chance I get.

Thank you for the experience and best of luck in shop...

Naramachi is a beautifully preserved historical district in Nara that offers a quiet, authentic experience of old Japan. Unlike the more famous areas around Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, Naramachi is peaceful and less crowded — it feels like stepping back in time.

The streets are narrow and lined with traditional wooden machiya (merchant houses) that have been converted into small cafes, art galleries, museums, and craft shops. Many of the buildings still have their original facades, and the overall vibe is slow, charming, and very photogenic. It’s the kind of place where you just want to wander without a plan.

One of the highlights was visiting a small shop where they handmade Japanese paper (washi) goods and cute crafts like the migawari-zaru monkey charms, which are symbolic in the area. I also stopped by a cozy café that served matcha and traditional sweets in a tatami room — such a peaceful break from walking.

There are also a few small museums and restored homes you can enter, showing how merchants lived centuries ago. The details inside — sliding doors, tea sets, wooden beams — really bring history to life.

Naramachi is perfect for travelers who want a quiet, cultural walk and a taste of traditional daily life in Japan. It’s easily one of my favorite...

As soon as the owners opened and greeted me, I was sure that it would be the perfect place for lunch, and it was indeed perfect! Throughout the time I was there, the owners radiated kindness, enthusiasm, and care for their customers. One review I’d read mentioned that the owners treat you like family, and I wholeheartedly agree with this! They gave a nice explanation of every dish served (my Japanese is limited and they gave the explanations in English very well!) and they enjoyed learning more about me as a person as well. They were also very considerate, ensuring that their guests stayed hydrated on what was an extremely hot and sunny day. Believe it or not too, their lunch meal was the first time I’ve ever had miso soup, and they set the bar extremely high. I was absolutely blown away by how much flavor the food had and how satisfying it was!

They also have cat themed chopstick holders and coasters, which were adorable. I made a reservation for a full lunch set, and I advise you to do the same. I was genuinely sad that I had to leave, but I’ll absolutely go back there next time...