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Nara

Akordu is highly praised for its innovative fusion of Spanish and Japanese cuisines, utilizing local Nara ingredients. The ambiance is described as modern and stylish, with a serene garden view. Service is attentive, accommodating dietary restrictions, and the presentation of dishes is artistic. The restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and is considered a must-visit in Nara.

Akordu: A Michelin-Starred Fusion Gem in Nara

Nestled at the foot of Mount Wakakusa in the historic city of Nara, Japan, Akordu offers a captivating fine dining experience that masterfully blends Spanish culinary artistry with Japanese seasonal ingredients. This two Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its creative set menus, thoughtfully crafted with locally sourced seafood, Wagyu beef, fresh vegetables, and fruits from Nara's rich landscape. Diners are treated to a journey of flavors where each dish is a visual masterpiece, designed to evoke the natural beauty of the region.

A sophisticated dining adventure with impeccable service

At Akordu, the culinary voyage is heightened by exceptional hospitality. The attentive staff beautifully presents each course, explaining the inspiration behind the ingredients and culinary techniques. From the precise change of utensils tailored to each dish to the warm presence of the chef and his wife personally thanking guests, every detail reflects a deep respect for tradition and guests alike. The intimate ambiance, complete with an open kitchen and private dining rooms, makes it an ideal spot for memorable celebrations or refined evenings.

Discover the unique blend of Spanish and Japanese flavors

Akordu’s menu is an inspired fusion where the culinary traditions of Spain meet the seasonal bounty of Nara. Guests can expect dishes featuring rare shellfish like barnacles, succulent local shrimp, seabass, and exquisitely tender Wagyu beef. The chef’s inventive approach harmonizes these elements with fresh Japanese vegetables and dairy products to create an unforgettable taste experience that honors the land and its heritage.

Reasonable pricing for a two Michelin-starred experience:

 At around $150 per person, including tax and service, Akordu offers exceptional value compared to similar fine dining options in Tokyo or Osaka.

Meticulous presentation and storytelling:

 Each course is served with a story, and the artful plating evokes the seasonal landscapes of Nara.

 The staff’s attentiveness includes personal touches like pulling out chairs and detailed explanations of ingredients and courses.

 Private dining rooms are available for those seeking an intimate atmosphere for special occasions.

'Akordu' means 'memory' in Basque, reflecting the restaurant’s concept of connecting diners with the land and times gone by.

Yes, a formal dress code is requested for diners.

Yes, Akordu provides private dining rooms for an additional fee.

Beyond the exquisite cuisine, Akordu offers a cultural and sensory experience that captures the essence of Nara’s natural beauty and culinary heritage. Situated near the famous deer parks and historic sites, a meal here complements any exploration of the city’s rich traditions. Visitors consistently praise Akordu for its innovative menu, warm service, and elegant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers, travelers seeking authentic experiences, and aficionados of fine dining.

Experience the harmony of Japanese and Spanish cuisines at Akordu, where every meal becomes a cherished memory.

Asia

Japan

Nestled in the historic city of Nara, Japan, akordu offers a culinary journey that seamlessly blends Japanese tradition with Spanish flair. This Michelin 2-star restaurant is renowned for its innovative menu, artful presentation, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a refined yet adventurous dining experience.

Spanish fine dining & wine pairings in a sleek venue with an open kitchen & private dining rooms.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREenFDcWNREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGduke4U5AWAR0gfSaX-LuMI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREenFDcWNREAE

Nice culinary experience with a set menu that is varied and filling. Plates are all very carefully prepared and original.

Price is reasonable for a 2 michelin star restaurant. Better quality-price than other Michelin restaurants we have tried in Japan.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURONnNxaFZBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGduke4U5AWAR0gfSaX-LuMI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURONnNxaFZBEAE

The restaurant provides both high quality food and services.
All dishes were inspiring and nicely presented.This place just made my journey in Nara so unforgettable. Michelin star well deserved.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNoN09XTlR3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGduke4U5AWAR0gfSaX-LuMI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNoN09XTlR3EAE

Well deserving of its 2 Michelin stars, we had a fantastic dinner at akordu during a recent trip to Nara. The service was pleasant and accommodating despite us not knowing any Japanese. Our waitress did a fantastic job presenting each dish, describing the ingredients and the inspiration drawn by the chef. We were impressed by the artistry of the plating, especially the dishes designed to evoke landscapes and highlight the local seasonal scenery. The food itself was superb, showcasing the finest of the local Nara produce. We will fondly remember our meal at akordu for years to come.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSbDRXV19RRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGduke4U5AWAR0gfSaX-LuMI/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSbDRXV19RRRAB

We don’t need to go Spain. Why? You can understand if you come here. The meat is very soft, so you have to be careful not to swallow it. Your meat is precious. Glad to see you Yoko! Cage!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaelpiQ1VREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGduke4U5AWAR0gfSaX-LuMI/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaelpiQ1VREAE

An unexpectedly fantastic dinner experience and a well-deserved Michelin 2 stars restaurant.

We are on our honeymoon trip in Japan and visiting a few cities and many michelin restaurants, this one being the only non-pure-Japanese restaurant during the trip but out-competed other 2 stars we experienced. Impressive things come as follows:

1. The menu: each course is written on a small card and you are not allowed (I mean, you could, but it may spoil the surprise) until the next course, which adds some mystery of the entire meal and enhances the overall dining adventure.

2. The food: Crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Nara, each dish demonstrated heartfelt creativity and perfect harmony. Inspired by nature, the chef masterfully fuses Spanish and Japanese culinary traditions. To offer just a taste without giving too much away: the menu featured local seafood (like shrimp, seabass, and barnacles - a rare shellfish-like seafood) along with a variety of fresh Japanese vegetables, duck, Wagyu beef, dairy products, and fresh fruits. We were so enamored with each course that we left not a drop of sauce behind—which were, incidentally, my favorite part of the meal.

3. The price: At around $150 per person, which included service, tax, and two glasses of hand-squeezed, freshly sweet grape juice, Akordu offers an extraordinary experience at a surprisingly reasonable price, particularly when compared to other two-star restaurants in Tokyo or Osaka.

4. The service:  Both the waitress and the manager displayed exemplary hospitality and professionalism. They enriched each course with stories and information about the ingredients. Attention to detail was evident in the quick change of utensils between courses, each specifically tailored to the dish served.The manager/server would help with the chair every time you sit down, from the beginning and middle when you leave table for restroom - when I was back from restroom in the middle of the course, I found he was waiting for me and the chair was already pulled out and slightly face outside, and at that time I knew he had prepared my seating.

5. The chef: After dinner, when we expressed the enjoyment of all the dishes and felt impressed by all the creation and combination of the food, the chef and his wife came out to thank us for coming and were very happy that we enjoyed the food. As a Japanese tradition, they bowed (90 degree angle) to us when we left and they bowed again/until we got on the taxi.

Highly recommend this restaurant if you would like to experience a harmonious blend of Japanese and Spanish cuisines on your trip to Nara - Japan. A restaurant resides at the bottom of Mount. Wakakusa where you might see many deers hanging around nearby.

Experience 2-Star Michelin Dining at Akordu, Nara Japan

Akordu, meaning 'memory' in Basque, is a Michelin two-star restaurant in Nara, Japan, blending Spanish and Japanese cuisines using local ingredients. Chef Hiroshi Kawashima, trained in Spain, opened Akordu to reflect Nara's history and culture through innovative dishes.

The captivating journey of akordu: a modern spanish dining gem in Nara's heart.

Nestled in the historic city of Nara, Japan, akordu stands as a shining beacon of culinary innovation and cultural fusion. Since its inception in 2008, this remarkable restaurant has crafted a unique niche by blending Spanish gourmet artistry with local Japanese ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience for food lovers and travelers alike.

Akordu began its journey in 2008, uniquely situated in a retired substation in Tomio, within the scenic Nara City. Embracing the "Modern Spain" concept, it quickly distinguished itself with a forward-thinking approach to Spanish cuisine, emphasizing creativity and authenticity.

After six years of enchantment, the original location closed its doors in 2014, marking a brief pause in its culinary story. However, true to its resilient spirit, akordu reopened in 2016, this time near the iconic Todai-ji Temple in Suimon-cho, nestled within the verdant expanse of Nara Park.

akordu today: where tradition meets innovation

Today, akordu is celebrated not only for its exquisite Spanish fine dining but also for its seamless integration with the local culture and ingredients of Nara. The restaurant’s sleek venue features an open kitchen and private dining rooms, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an intimate and dynamic culinary theatre.

Akordu’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned it prestigious recognition, including two Michelin stars, highlighting it as a must-visit destination for discerning travelers and food enthusiasts.

highlights of akordu’s culinary philosophy

A masterful blend of Spanish and Japanese culinary traditions, inspired by the natural beauty and seasonal bounty of Nara.

Diners receive courses sequentially with a sense of mystery, enhancing the adventure and surprise of each meal.

Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from Nara’s finest producers, including seafood, vegetables, Wagyu beef, and fresh fruits.

Hospitality and meticulous attention to detail elevate the dining experience, with personalized presentation and ingredient stories.

Dine In

Restroom

Parking Options

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Accepts Reservations

A charming culinary escape awaits at akordu, nestled in the heart of Suimonchō, one of Nara's vibrant neighborhoods. This captivating restaurant embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi, inviting guests into a warm ambiance that blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary flair. Akordu is renowned for its exquisite fusion of seasonal ingredients, celebrated in beautifully plated dishes that tell a story of Nara’s rich heritage. Just a short stroll from cultural landmarks like Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, akordu serves as an ideal oasis where travelers can recharge after a day of exploration.

akordu

A selection of dishes highlighting Nara's local features, crafted with seasonal ingredients in collaboration with local producers.

Chef's choice of main course

YAMATO beef

YAMATO beef fillet

Seasonal fresh fruit juices

Seasonal Menu

Nestled in the heart of Nara, akordu offers a masterful fusion of Japanese and Spanish fine dining traditions, presented with exceptional artistry and inspired by the local seasonal bounty. This two Michelin-star restaurant crafts each course with meticulous care, showcasing the finest ingredients from Nara’s rich culinary landscape.

While the menu focuses on main courses, each dining experience begins with carefully curated small plates crafted to tease the palate with fresh vegetables and seafood sourced locally. These starters set the tone for an unforgettable gastronomic journey that combines innovation with tradition.

The main highlights of akordu’s seasonal menu revolve around the exquisite YAMATO beef, renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. Diners can indulge in several variations: the Chef's choice of main course, which may vary seasonally to showcase the best local produce; YAMATO beef prepared with expert precision; and the premium YAMATO beef fillet, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese wagyu.

Although specific dessert items are not listed, the seasonal menu promises a delightful conclusion with desserts crafted from fresh fruits and dairy products sourced from the region. The chef’s artistic plating elevates each dish to a visual and flavorful masterpiece, leaving guests with a lasting impression of harmony and elegance.

To complement the culinary experience, akordu offers a refined selection of wines and cocktails, perfectly paired to enhance the flavors of each course. Additionally, seasonal juices crafted from fresh, local fruits provide a refreshing and non-alcoholic option that highlights the best flavors of Nara’s harvest.

 provide the freshest flavors highlighted in every dish.

 evokes the natural landscapes and seasonal scenery of Nara.

 with attentive service enriches the overall dining adventure.

Savor the flavors of Japan at Akordu in Nara. Enjoy exquisite dishes in a cozy ambiance. Don't miss this culinary gem—book your table today!

Akordu: Cozy Dining in Nara, Japan's Culinary Gem

Nara City Municipality

Additional charge for reserving a private room.

Private Room Designation

A selection of wines paired with the meal.

Wine Pairing Course

Discover Akordu: A Michelin-Starred Culinary Gem in Nara

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Suimonchō in Nara, Japan, Akordu offers an exquisite dining experience that beautifully fuses Spanish and Japanese culinary traditions. This two Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its innovative set menus that emphasize locally sourced ingredients from Nara, engaging foodies and travelers seeking a sophisticated gastronomic adventure.

Akordu's dishes are masterpieces, carefully prepared and artfully presented to evoke the stunning landscapes and seasonal beauty of Nara. The menu features an exciting array of local seafood such as shrimp, seabass, and the rare barnacles, alongside fresh Japanese vegetables, succulent duck, premium Wagyu beef, dairy products, and luscious fruits. Diners often find themselves savoring every last drop of the rich sauces, a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to flavor harmony and creativity.

A Dining Experience Enhanced by Impeccable Service

Beyond the exquisite food, Akordu is celebrated for its exceptional hospitality. The staff, including attentive waitresses and managers, enrich the meal by sharing insights about each dish’s ingredients and inspiration. The seamless transition between courses with tailored utensils and thoughtful gestures like preparing seating after restroom breaks elevate your dining into a truly immersive experience. The chef and his wife personally thank guests with a traditional Japanese bow, adding a warm and authentic touch to your visit.

Exclusive Offerings and Practical Details

For an intimate and exclusive experience, reserve a private room for an additional fee of 467 JPY during your meal at Akordu.

Enjoy a carefully curated set menu that varies with the seasons, providing a fresh and filling culinary journey every visit.

Pair your meal with exquisite wines and cocktails or enjoy freshly squeezed grape juice, enhancing each dish's flavors.

Akordu accepts credit and debit cards, NFC payments, and offers free parking, making your visit hassle-free.

Why Akordu Should Be on Your Nara Itinerary

Whether you're a foodie, a curious traveler, or a lover of fine dining, Akordu offers more than just a meal — it delivers a cultural and sensory journey that captures the essence of Nara and the creativity of its chef. Located near the scenic Mount Wakakusa, where deer roam freely, this restaurant blends world-class cuisine with the natural beauty of Japan, making it an unmissable destination for your next trip.

 known for creative fusion cuisine inspired by Spanish and Japanese flavors.

 with set menus around $150 including exquisite beverage pairings.

 that makes every guest feel special and welcomed.

Nara Prefecture

Discover Akordu in Nara, Japan – a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering innovative Japanese-Spanish fusion cuisine, exquisite local ingredients, and scenic views.

Akordu Nara: Luxury Dining & Cultural Experience in Japan

Enjoy a memorable meal at Akordu Nara, blending Japanese and Spanish flavors, with scenic views, private rooms, and award-winning service. Reserve now!

Nara’s Akordu: Exclusive Culinary Experience & Fine Dining

Visit Akordu in Nara for a unique Japanese-Spanish culinary journey, locally sourced ingredients, stylish ambiance, and exceptional service. Book your table today!

Experience 2-Star Michelin Dining at Akordu, Nara Japan

toi Inshokuten

NARA NIKON

La forme d'éternité