Nara, Japan｜PEPITA D'ORO

Outstanding food! A unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine highlighting fresh ingredients with beautiful presentation. This restaurant showcases fine dining in a cozy Nara environment. Very impressed with the attentive service and quality as the owner and Chef was running the entire place, and was such a delight! Go for the 'Argento' set menu which is the deal of a lifetime at ¥6,000 and every dish was delicious! Couldn't recommend highly enough!

I stumbled upon this hidden gem when most places had closed by 8 pm, and I'm so glad I did. The culinary skill displayed here is truly first-class. I opted for the "argento" set, as mentioned in a previous review, and it surpassed all expectations. The meat in this set quite literally melts in your mouth, and the fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors is a masterpiece. The harmonious blending of these culinary traditions creates a dining experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. If you find yourself in Nara and want to treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary adventure, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Five stars for the exceptional skill, delightful surprises, and impeccable flavors!

Chef Imatani Italian cuisine is close to the style of Florence, and allows you to enjoy fresh ingredients from local production for local consumption. His cuisine is not an Italian genre, but a special dish that mixes Japanese and Italian. Course meals start at around JPY6000, and à la carte for two people is around JPY20000 (with four glasses of wine).