Shikinoaji Enzu — Restaurant in Nara

This place was a personal highlight of my trip. This restaurant is within easy walking distance from the Nara JW Marriott location.

The chef was funny and made numerous delicious dishes. We ate here multiple times during our stay, and each time, it was different dishes. Our first time, Google translate struggled with the handwritten menu, but we were able to point to some pictures from Google reviews. After he saw that we were enjoying the food, and hearing we wanted fish dishes, he suggested more items. Subsequent visits, the chef knew what we might enjoy and prepared it.

One of the helpers speaks the most English, but the chef is learning, and knows enough to make communicating any dishes easy enough. Plus, Google translate fills in any gaps.

Grab some highballs and drink along with the chef while enjoying everything the chef has to offer.

If you are in the mood for some blues, the chef will play some CDs from his personal collection.

Yes, smoking is allowed but the smell is not that strong as there is a restaurant vent that removes the smell. So, the place doesn't have that typical "smoke" smell.

Really, this izakaya is...

Stumbled upon this place by chance and decided to give it a try. We arrived late at night and were the only guests, receiving what felt like a private dining experience from the chef himself.

There was no English menu, so the chef simply told us to leave it to him, and we’re glad we did. The food was comforting yet refined, served in an elegant setting. The chef was not only talented but also warm and entertaining. A truly memorable experience.

Overall, an...

Incroyable ! Magnifique! Délicieux ! Le meilleur restaurant que nous ayons fait au Japon jusqu'ici. Faites confiance au chef pour vous concocter un menu de rêve qui vous fera voyager. Le premier soir nous avons goûté 9 plats différents et excellents, certains classiques comme des excellents sashimis ou de la tempura, mais aussi des produits et textures complètement nouvelles et différentes comme des palourdes géantes, de la soupe au sake et miso ou du cabillaud noir rôti au miso. Le chef est incroyable, passionné, drôle et très gentil. La salle est aussi intimiste et confortable, vous voyez le chef préparer devant vous et pouvez échanger avec les autres clients, très souvent que des japonais. Nous avons tellement aimé que nous y sommes retournés pour dîner le lendemain. Très bon rapport qualité prix avec des produits incroyables et très savoureux. Sa collègue parle aussi très bien anglais et peut aider à la traduction. Nous recommandons à 1000% pour une expérience authentique et incroyable. Ce fut notre moment préféré lors de notre visite de...