Tabelog ratingBarmans Chocolate Nara mochiiden koubou (バーマンズチョコレート 奈良餅飯殿工房) is the unique creation of a bartender and a chocolatier, dedicated to one thing: perfectly pairing fine spirits with chocolate. Their signature products are smooth, melt-in-the-mouth nama-chocolates, each infused with one of nine distinct liquors, including single malt whisky, cognac, rum, and grappa.
Visitors consistently praise the clarity of each spirit's aroma, which shines through without overpowering the silky chocolate. The nine-piece tasting box is a popular choice for sampling the range, with reviewers in 2024 paying around ¥1,944. The café also offers excellent value, with sets of two chocolates and a coffee or tea costing about ¥660–¥770. For a richer treat, the premium chocolate cake set, featuring a dense, rum-laced cake, was recently noted at ¥1,210. Many guests consider the shop a rare bargain, offering a level of craftsmanship that far exceeds its modest prices, making it a highly recommended gift.
The main challenge is finding the shop. It is tucked away on the second floor of the OK Building, above a supermarket, and can be easy to miss. The café space is very small, and some visitors have reported needing to ring a bell to get a staff member's attention.
- Getting There: The shop is about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
- Booking: Walk-in only. Reservations are not accepted.
- Payment: Credit cards are not accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments (including PayPay) are welcome.
- Age Suitability: All chocolates contain alcohol and are not suitable for children or those who avoid alcohol.
- Seating: There are a few seats for the café, but takeaway is the primary focus. The shop provides careful packaging with an 8-hour cool pack for travel.
- Practical Tip: The entrance is on the 2nd floor of the OK Building and can be hard to spot, so allow a little extra time to find it.
