Tabelog ratingSankyuu Mitsumata (三九みつまた) is a small, owner-run kappo-style izakaya in Nara, just a short walk from Shin-Omiya Station. It has built a strong local following for its focus on exceptionally fresh seafood and the warm, hands-on hospitality of its chef. The menu is notably large and dynamic, with reviewers consistently mentioning a list of around 80 small plates that change with the seasons.
The highlight for most guests is the quality of the seafood. The sashimi platter is repeatedly praised, with reviewers singling out delicacies like sea urchin (uni), abalone (awabi), pufferfish (fugu), and bonito (katsuo). Beyond raw fish, creative dishes like whitebait and garlic-scallop kakiage (mixed tempura), classic beef steak (gyukatsu), and comforting finishers like Inaniwa udon or rice with salmon roe (ikura) are all popular. The sake list is extensive, and the owner is often complimented for his personal service, from helping choose a sake cup to explaining the dishes. The main point of minor criticism is that the small space can get quite lively and noisy when full.
Reviewers find Sankyuu Mitsumata to offer excellent value for the quality. A typical dinner costs between ¥6,000 and ¥8,000 per person, though this can rise with heavy drinking. Set courses are available, with reviewers reporting options around ¥5,000, ¥6,000, and ¥7,000, as well as a more extensive omakase menu for ¥10,000. À la carte, a beef steak was recently noted at around ¥2,200.
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended, as the restaurant is often fully booked with local regulars.
- Getting There: It's a 4–5 minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station.
- Seating: There are 7 counter seats, which offer a view of the chef at work, and three small private rooms with sunken kotatsu tables. Request a private room for a quieter experience.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) and electronic money are accepted. QR code payments are not.
- Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
- Language: While there is no full English menu, at least one traveller reported receiving helpful assistance in English from the owner.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
