Japanese restaurant • 11 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
San Santei Dining, a renovated traditional house nestled in the temple town of Todaiji, is an enchanting hidden gem dining place that exudes the elegance of Nara. It remains a well-kept secret yet draws a wide range of people, from locals to tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.
The signature dish at San Santei is the exquisite tempura soba, seasoned with a secret sauce passed down through generations of the time-honored establishment. The freshly boiled noodles are topped with flavorful and abundant tempura. It offers a nostalgic yet refreshing taste that brings out the full flavor of the ingredients.
Another recommended dish is the wild vegetable soba, made with seasonal mountain vegetables freshly harvested in the mountains of Nara. It provides a deep and satisfying taste, despite its unassuming appearance, earning praise from those who taste it.
San Santei is housed in a traditional building that is over 100 years old, beautifully renovated to retain the ambiance of that era. The presence of features such as a spiral staircase and a raised tatami-floored seating area reflects the essence of the past. Nestled in a quiet corner of a rustic alley, it exudes an extraordinary nostalgic atmosphere.
After your meal, taking a break in the spacious garden with a wide view of Nara Park is highly recommended. The tranquil space enveloped in greenery serves as an excellent spot to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of travel.
San Santei Dining is a charming hidden gem dining place with an unchanging authenticity of Japanese cuisine and a nostalgic atmosphere. When visiting Nara, be sure to stop by and experience a peaceful and extraordinary moment in a non-daily flow of time.