Tabelog ratingKamameshi Shizuka Oomiya ten (志津香 大宮店) offers a classic Nara dining experience centered on kamameshi, a dish of rice, broth, and toppings cooked to order in an individual iron pot. What sets it apart is the focus on the rice itself. Each pot is cooked over a direct flame, resulting in fragrant, perfectly seasoned grains and the coveted toasted crust at the bottom, known as okoge. The restaurant is set in a traditional house with views of a small garden, providing a calm, local atmosphere away from the main tourist crowds.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the rice and the clear, umami-rich broth. Popular choices include the Nara Seven Treasures Kamameshi (奈良七種釜めし), which features a mix of local ingredients, and the Yamato Chicken Kamameshi (大和肉鶏釜めし). Seasonal offerings like matsutake mushroom kamameshi are also highly rated. Many diners complement their meal with set menus that include fresh sashimi or a light tempura platter (天ぷら御膳).
The primary criticism is that the seasoning can be quite subtle, which may underwhelm those expecting stronger flavors from the toppings. Some also note that the toppings can seem sparse compared to the generous portion of rice. As each pot is cooked from scratch, expect a wait of 20 to 30 minutes for your food to arrive.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥2,980 for a tempura set, ¥2,430 for the Nara Seven Treasures Kamameshi set, and ¥1,710 for a single pot of Yamato Chicken Kamameshi. The typical spend for lunch or dinner is between ¥2,000 and ¥2,999, which most find to be good value for a carefully prepared regional specialty.
- Reservations: Booking is recommended to avoid waits, and the restaurant asks that you pre-order your main dishes when you reserve.
- Wait Time: Expect a 20–30 minute wait for kamameshi, as each pot is cooked to order. It's best to order everything at once.
- Location: A 7-minute walk south from Shin-Omiya Station or a 10-minute walk west from Nara Station.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (Amex) and electronic money. QR code payments are not accepted.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Seating: Counter seats, tables, and private tatami rooms are available.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Free parking is available for up to 12 cars, but space is limited.
