Okada

Okada is a Michelin one-star Japanese Kaiseki restaurant nestled near Sarusawa Pond in Nara. Since opening on September 20, 2019, it offers traditional Kaiseki meals crafted from seasonal ingredients sourced from local Nara markets and vegetables. The menu evolves monthly, emphasizing the natural flavors of fresh produce and the harmony between food and sake. Central to its culinary technique is a dashi stock made from rich Hokkaido kombu and fragrant honkarebushi, enhancing umami and depth in every dish. The restaurant’s serene interior features a central counter for an engaging dining experience, alongside private rooms that provide intimacy. Seasonal aesthetics extend beyond the cuisine into the carefully selected vessels and decor, creating a refined atmosphere. Okada serves only course meals at lunch and dinner, highlighting classic Kaiseki style with modern adaptations aimed at a seamless flow and lingering flavors. Chef and owner Naoki Okada curates signature dishes such as clay pot cooked rice, pike conger in plum sauce, Kinmedai shabu-shabu, and seasonal sashimi assortments. This fine dining destination honors tradition while embracing seasonal change in historic Nara.