Sourdough Cafe NEINA 寧奈 — Restaurant in Nara

Everyone’s talking about the sourdough but the craft cola was what caught my eye when walking around Nara. And I am super glad that my friend and I stopped in to Neina. I appreciated how friendly the owner was from the moment we stepped in. It’s also awesome to see how passionate about his craft and it clearly shows in the products.

The cola was amazing! There were 6 different syrups we could choose from and he gave tons of insights into the differences of each one. I opted for the Yamato Cola and loved the bold flavors without being too sweet. The owner was also generous enough to let us try the sourdough bread. And as someone who now lives in San Francisco, it is definitely up there with some of the top bakeries. The herbs really shined through and the ingredient quality was very high.

I was certainly not expecting to stop in to a cola and sourdough shop on my trip to Nara. But I definitely am glad that I did, Neina just might even make Nara famous in Japan...

Before exploring Nara, I looked around for a café with authentic bread. Through Google, I discovered Sourdough Café NEINA — and honestly, it was the highlight of my day! The café is located in a quiet area and has a beautifully inviting interior. What truly brings the place to life, though, is the chef, who greeted me so kindly and openly. He helped me choose my meal, asked for feedback, and made the whole experience feel personal. I have never been welcomed this warmly in Japan before. As for the food: the sourdough bread is simply a perfect 10/10. As a European, I felt at home and finally found exactly what I had been missing after three weeks of Japanese cuisine: perfect sourdough and premium ingredients that turn the meal into something really special. On top of that, the café offers a variety of delicious craft colas, each with its own unique flavor profile. I left with a smile on my face and am already looking forward to going...

Sourdough Café NEINA in Nara is an absolute gem and easily deserves five stars. From the moment we walked in, the stylish and spotless space set the tone for what turned out to be an incredible experience. The sourdough bread is the star here—fresh, perfectly baked, and packed with flavor—while the focaccia and sandwiches showcase the same high level of craftsmanship. What truly elevates the visit, however, is the owner himself: warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about his craft. He not only greeted us personally but also enthusiastically shared samples of the breads he had just pulled from the oven, each one more delicious than the last. Between the impeccable quality of the food, the classy atmosphere, and the genuine hospitality, Sourdough Café NEINA is a must-visit spot in Nara that food lovers will be talking about long...