In addition to the area’s famous somen wheat noodles, you can also enjoy soba buckwheat noodles here.
We’ll introduce you to the shops that represent Yamato the best, including old homes restored into new restaurants.
* All prices include taxes. Prices as of January 2024.
Contents may change from this listing.
三輪山本 お食事処
Founded in 1717, 「Miwa Yamamoto」has been inheriting the hand-pulled method for a long history of about 1200 years. We are making the somen by putting quality first.
三輪素麺茶屋 千寿亭
This restaurant is directly managed by a somen maker. Not only do they serve delicious somen, you can also buy the noodles here, too. It’s been featured in the Nara Michelin Guide, as well.
福神堂
This somen shop is right in front of Omiwa Jinja Shrine. Stop by after visiting the shrine!
とろろめし 山和(やまと)
Famous for its “tororomeshi,” a rice bowl dish that uses plenty of grated Nara-grown Japanese yam
大和まほろば
This soba shop is near the burial mound of Emperor Keiko. It’s perfect for a break when out walking the Yamanobe Road.
ル レーヴ (Le Reve)
Neighboring Isonokami Jingu Shrine to the south, this restaurant is surrounded by greenery. Broad and spacious with a Japanese-style exterior and Western furnishings inside, the cafe presents you a place to relax for a spell.
寿司割烹 たちばな
This Japanese restaurant is much loved by locals. It’s a place to enjoy a drink alongside cuisine made with seafood freshly- procured every day at the market by the owner.
ちゃんこ杉
This restaurant specializes in chanko nabe, a single hot pot dish eaten by sumo wrestlers and filled to the brim with meat and vegetables. The Japanese home-style interior feels like a sumo wrestlers’ lodge with plenty of hand prints and photos from wrestlers.
喫茶 みそら屋
This shop is managed by a social welfare NPO. Made with seasonal vegetables, their daily lunch is quite popular. You can also buy hand-made sausages to prepare at home, too.
田舎茶屋 千恵
In an old traditional house built 150 or more years ago, Kaiseki-style meals are served using plenty of home-made, Nara-grown foodstuffs, wild plants, etc. and also rice cooked in an authentic wood-fueled cook stove. Reservation required.
味の風 にしむら
Tucked away in a residential area near Sakurai Station, the 10 counter seats of this shop give it the feel of a hidden gem. It currently holds a Michelin star. A popular restaurant, reservations are required.
らーめん いち庵
This ramen shop near Sakurai City Hall draws in ramen fans from all across the region. We recommend the Tsuru Paitan (“white broth”). It’s a simple yet delicious ramen.
爛柯(らんか)
This is an established okonomiyaki (savory pancake) shop near Sakurai Station. They serve up juicy and enjoyable okonomiyaki.
浜鮨
This shop is directly north of Sakurai Station. They also serve lunch.
MAMAN
This cake shop is popular with locals. They have a number of shops in the Yamato area. The main shop has a calm and quiet atmosphere perfect for a relaxing break. It also sells coffee roasted in-house. The branch north of the station only sells cake. Stop by for a mid-stroll snack!
櫻町珈琲店
長谷路
This shop is located in the town that developed around Hasedera Temple. Here, you can enjoy tea, soba, and other Japanese dishes in a building registered as a cultural property.
酢屋長(すやちょう)
You can admire the view of the elegant Japanese garden from the room on tatami at Monzenmachi in Hasedera, and enjoy the Japanese meal such as somen and soba as well as tea.
泊瀬長者亭
In addition to serving somen and other meals, you can also enjoy a tea break, or even buy some Izumo clay figurines. This is your intelligence HQ for information on the old station town; you'll be able to find out about sightseeing spots and other items of interest here.
笠そば処
Situated high in the mountains, this soba shop commands a beautiful view. Their soba noodles are fresh and delicious, made with buckwheat harvested in the local Kasa area. You can also try your hand at making soba yourself!
大願寺
Come to this storied temple with over 1,200 years of history and you can enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine made with medicinal plans and Yoshino kudzu gathered in the local area. It’s good for both the body and the spirit! Reservations required.
ヒルトコカフェ
This spacious cafe is located in a spacious, renovated traditional home. They have a variety of dishes, including tea and desserts as well as lunch made with plenty of fresh local vegetables and locally-gathered medicinal herbs.
一如庵(いちにょあん)
This restaurant lets you enjoy not only soba but Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, as well. The shop is a renovated traditional home built 150 years ago in a mountainous valley. It’s earned a star in the Michelin Guide. They also have fully vegetarian options. Reservations required. (Reservations for 4 or more people must be made 4 days in advance.)