Sugino Azabujuban Shin oomiya ten: Refined Izakaya Fare

Sugino Azabujuban Shin oomiya ten (すぎ乃 新大宮店) is an izakaya in Nara that elevates classic comfort dishes with meticulous technique. Its reputation is built on two pillars: a remarkable oden and an exceptional pork shabu-shabu. Unlike typical oden where all items simmer in one pot, here each ingredient is cooked in one of approximately 25 distinct dashi broths, each tailored to bring out the best in that specific item. The pork shabu-shabu, often served with lettuce and a house-made ponzu sauce, is the other main draw.

Guests consistently praise the oden, with the daikon radish, egg topped with ikura (salmon roe), and roll cabbage being frequent highlights. The delicate pork shabu-shabu also receives high marks, as do smaller plates like sashimi (katsuo tataki and aburi shime-saba), renkon hasamiage (lotus root sandwiches), and a simple potato soup starter. The well-curated sake list, featuring local Nara breweries, is another point of appreciation.

While most experiences are positive, a minority of reviewers mention slow or forgetful service during busy periods. A few have also noted that some dishes feel small for their price. A mandatory otoshi (cover charge with a small appetiser) is standard, which has surprised some diners.

Dinner typically costs between ¥5,000 and ¥6,000 per person. Reviewers have recently paid around ¥290 for oden daikon, ¥480 for roll cabbage, ¥580 for aji fry (fried horse mackerel), and ¥890 for sweet-and-sour pork. The otoshi charge is generally around ¥500. Most find it good value for the quality and craft involved.

• Location: On the 2nd floor of the Princess Court Building in Omiyacho, Nara. It is a 4-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line.
• Reservations: Reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant is popular and often busy. Seating time is typically limited to 2.5 hours.
• Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and PayPay are accepted. Electronic money is not accepted.
• Children: The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages, including babies in strollers.
• Language: There is no English menu, but staff are often reported to be helpful and can assist with ordering.
• Service: An otoshi (appetiser/cover charge) of ¥500 per person is automatically added to the bill. Service can be slow during peak hours.
• Smoking: A designated smoking area for heated tobacco products only is available at the counter seats.
• Parking: There is no parking available.