Experience Authentic Japanese Cuisine at Nishimura in Sakurai, Nara Japan
Nestled in the charming city of Sakurai in Nara Prefecture, Nishimura offers an extraordinary omakase experience that celebrates the finest seasonal Japanese ingredients. This acclaimed restaurant boasts a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere with just 10 counter seats, inviting guests to savor masterfully crafted dishes prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Loved for its use of quality seafood, fresh vegetables, and traditional Yamato flavors, Nishimura is a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an elegant yet authentic Japanese dining adventure.
Starters and Appetizers
Begin your meal with delicate sesame tofu, a silky smooth blend perfectly balanced with a gentle sesame flavor and a refreshing jelly that awakens the palate. This exquisite starter sets the tone for the thoughtful and refined Japanese cuisine that follows.
Main Course Highlights
Nishimura’s omakase course expertly showcases seasonal ingredients, with each dish focusing on just two main elements to bring out the purest flavors. Highlights include exquisitely grilled fish, such as Ayu (sweetfish), cooked without oil to preserve its natural fats and achieve a perfectly crisp texture reminiscent of tempura. Fresh sashimi from Akashi, including sweet and elastic flounder, offers a sublime taste of the sea. The simmered dish featuring sea bass with tomozuku seaweed in a clear bonito broth highlights the deep umami characteristic of traditional Japanese stock.
- Fried corn - delightfully crispy with a natural sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Miso dengaku with round eggplants - a harmonious blend of sweet, mild miso paired with tender eggplants.
- Rice cooked in an earthenware pot served with chirimen sansho, rice bran pickles, and miso soup provides a comforting and soothing finish to savory courses.
Desserts and Unique Flavors
The dessert offers a surprising and refreshing twist with sansho pepper ice cream. This delicacy combines the subtle heat and aromatic citrus notes of sansho pepper with a delicately sweet frozen treat, leaving a vibrant finish that lingers pleasingly on the palate.
Drink Selection and Hospitality
While Nishimura does not serve coffee or cocktails, it offers a carefully curated selection of premium beers and exquisite sake that complement the refined flavors of the cuisine. Guests often praise the warm and approachable personality of the owner, whose heartfelt hospitality enhances every dining experience, making Nishimura not just a meal but a cherished memory.
