Japanese restaurant • 229 Kawaharajōchō, Tenri, Nara 632-0016, Japan
Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Tenri Station, 'Sugino Tenri Shop' stands quietly in a narrow alley. This hidden gem of a Japanese cuisine restaurant is loved by locals and visited frequently by people from afar.
Sugino's signature menu item is the oden. The carefully prepared broth has a delicate flavor that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. The egg topped with salmon roe is particularly recommended. The harmony between the creamy egg and the popping texture of the salmon roe is exquisite.
In addition to oden, you can also enjoy numerous dishes made with seasonal ingredients. A popular choice is the fillet cutlet sandwich. The crispy coating and tender fillet meat make an excellent combination, so delicious that you'll want to take it home.
Sugino also offers a rich menu of Japanese sake, focusing on Nara's local sake, which is another attraction. The various brands lined up in the large refrigerator will impress sake connoisseurs. The pairing of delicate cuisine with Nara's local sake will create a moment of bliss.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is also one of Sugino's attractions. Despite the busyness, the chef's careful attention is evident everywhere. The courteous service from student staff also contributes to a pleasant time.
For first-time visitors, we recommend the omakase course (4,400 yen). Starting from the appetizer, sashimi, oden, main dish, and finally the rice cooked in an earthen pot, you can fully enjoy the essence of Sugino.
Sugino is not just an oden restaurant. It is a special place that embodies the depth of Japanese cuisine and Nara's food culture. Whether it's a meal with someone special or a quiet night enjoying sake, be sure to visit. Your time at Tenri's hidden gem 'Sugino' will certainly become an unforgettable memory.