Saryo Zeze — Restaurant in Nara

Simply exquisite. It's hard to even call this a "café" since Saryo Zeze is a culinary experience beyond a humble Café. In fact, stepping into the courtyard surprises me because what you see is a beautiful traditional Japanese house with no signage. You almost think you're in the wrong place.

Step inside (shoes off please!) and you enter an intimate, serene environment of Japanese architecture and details invoking an Edo period tea house.

For my order, I started with hot Japanese green tea with Yamato Tachibana citrus. Even on a warm summer day, this tea was refreshing and nourishing. The citrus is a playful addition to the green tea, adding interesting complimenting flavor without overpowering the green tea itself.

For the main course I had the Somen noodle which has a broth made from roasted tea, mackerel, and seaweed, with a side of pickled "Yamato mana" vegetable and plum. Delicately balanced not like a hearty ramen noodle, but delicious nonetheless. The noodle reminds me a bit more like soba noodles and works well here.

Finally and my favorite part, I had the "Small Afternoon Tea Set" and the dessert is Kuzu Anmitsu parfait, tower of Wagashi Japanese sweets, Matcha Terrine, Flour Canelé, and Crème Chantille, and the same Japanese green tea with Yamato Tachibana citrus.

There is a lot to explore here. The Kuzu Anmitsu parfait is a cocktail of sweets on its own with various season fruits.

The tower starts with the Wagashi Japanese sweets at the top which is a nice subtle sweet. My favorite, however is the middle Matcha Terrine. This is the highlight of my entire meal and one that can leave me happy if I only ate this today.

Finally, the Flour Canelé with Crème Chantilly is similar to a donut pastry but of course much much better. It has a smooth, slightly nutty and milky taste, and provides a satisfying finish to the trio of desserts here. The green tea is the perfect coda to finish this culinary journey.

On another note, the service here is first class. Everyone is attentive, friendly, and has a genuine interest to provide excellent.

This is the quintessential Japanese cuisine experience to be had in Nara. If you are here, I highly recommend dining or having an afternoon tea...

Saryō Zeze – A Tranquil Escape with History & Champagne

Tucked within the serene grounds of Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, Saryō Zeze is more than just a café—it's a piece of history, beautifully preserved and reimagined. Once an ancient temple building, this space now serves as a peaceful retreat, where guests can enjoy a quiet moment with tea, coffee, or even something a little more indulgent—champagne.

During the day, Saryō Zeze is open to the public, offering a calm, refined setting with breathtaking garden views. The space itself is elegant and steeped in history, with an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and truly appreciate the surroundings. But what makes this café extra special is its exclusive “Garden Delights” Champagne Hour, available only to hotel guests.

Champagne Hour at Saryō Zeze felt like a hidden luxury, an intimate gathering where we sipped on fine champagne while admiring the centuries-old gardens bathed in golden light. The experience was both elegant and deeply relaxing, a perfect way to unwind after a day exploring Nara. There was something incredibly special about enjoying a glass of champagne in a space that once held centuries of spiritual and cultural significance—a beautiful blend of past and present.

Like the rest of Shisui, the service at Saryō Zeze was exceptional. The staff made sure everything felt effortless, warm, and inviting. Whether you're stopping by for a quiet tea break or indulging in the exclusive champagne hour, this café is a must-visit for those who appreciate tranquility, history, and a touch of understated luxury.

☁️ A hidden gem in Nara, where time slows down, and every sip feels like a moment...

“ZEZE” in Nara, Japan

I enjoyed a beautifully presented lunch set that felt both nourishing and refined. The highlight was the chicken red curry rice, served with a colorful mix of vegetables and paired with multi-grain rice. The curry had a rich depth of flavor, spicy yet gentle, with the chicken tender and the vegetables adding natural sweetness. For dessert, the chiffon cake was airy and delicate, topped with cream that gave it a comforting balance of flavors. The portion was just right, not too heavy, allowing me to enjoy it alongside the meal. To finish, I had herbal tea served in a French press, which added an elegant touch. The tea was soothing and aromatic, a perfect way to settle after the rich curry and sweet cake. The atmosphere of the cafe was deeply calming, with traditional architecture, wooden interiors, and views of the garden creating a serene space. It felt like stepping into a slower rhythm of time, where food and surroundings came together...