akordu (アコルドゥ) Nara

A perfect place for a stylish date! That said, it’s not overly fancy, so you won’t feel too tense. The staff are friendly and create a warm atmosphere.What surprised me first was the menu. It’s in a card case, and you can scan the QR code on the card to explore and enjoy it, which adds a fun twist! Just imagining what dishes will come out is exciting, and the food itself was a delightful experience with various textures, aromas, and sauces.All the dishes were delicious, but the one that stood out to me was the duck. It was tender and undoubtedly the best duck I’ve ever had! After taking a bite, I opened my eyes wide and couldn’t help but exclaim, "So delicious!" Less

Currently on a business trip in Kyoto!I visited akordu in Kintetsu Nara.Ranked 1st in the Tabelog category for Nara Prefecture,2nd for Spanish cuisine nationwide,29th for innovative cuisine nationwide.Nara persimmon leaf lemongrass herbal tea,Pea frangipane with hojicha dashi,Yamato olive herb (forgot to take a photo),Chicken Nara Yamato meat with herb jelly and young corn - exquisite,Sea bream with soy vinegar, green onion, Yamato chicken offal, and truffle green onion - exquisite,Yamato pork terrine with escalivada grilled eggplant,Miya somen whole wheat with arugula sauce and firefly squid - exquisite,Bonito tempura with large iron bean tofu romesco - exquisite,Yamato beef smoked with snap peas - exquisite,Obihiro queso with Kurohimenes chaff shavings,Tiramisu with coffee, chartreuse, and Yamato green lime - exquisite,Kotokas low-temperature extract rose gelato with spiced dough and anise - exquisite,Bitter chocolate ganache chocolate macarons.This is incredibly beautiful innovative cuisine!Many ingredients are local Japanese foods, and the subtly bitter flavors are delightful!!!I was a bit apprehensive about the pairing of sea bream and Yamato chicken offal, but surprisingly, they matched quite well!!However, I felt that all the dishes were a bit too light! I would have preferred a few more punchy dishes that pair well with alcohol!Nonetheless, both the presentation and taste were beautiful, making it a wonderful restaurant that fits the atmosphere of the ancient city of Nara!!!Ranked 1st in the Tabelog category for Nara Prefecture / 30th overall,25th for innovative cuisine nationwide / 30th overall,15th for Spanish cuisine nationwide / 30th overall.This is my first review of a restaurant in Nara Prefecture (I remember having famous meals when I traveled here a long time ago)!!! Less

This was my first visit to the restaurant, which has been selected for the Tabelog Award BRONZE 2026.Located right next to Nara Park, it offers a fantastic view of the greenery through its spacious windows.The course menu is not overly adventurous, and the unusual combinations of ingredients make sense once you taste them, resulting in a well-balanced overall experience.Here are my notes on each dish:- Sea Bream with Soy Sauce, Chicken Liver, and Strawberry Sorbet: At first glance, the combination seemed odd, but the flavors were exquisite.- Yamato Greens Salad, Olive resembling Soil, and Dill: A delightful crunchy texture.- Yamato Pork Ham and Grilled Eggplant: The ham was lightly smoked, retaining moisture and tenderness. When paired with the vinegar sheet and grilled eggplant, the sheet gradually dissolved, enveloping the eggplant in a tangy flavor.- Firefly Squid with Arugula Sauce and Whole Wheat Noodles: The bitterness of the arugula combined perfectly with the umami and slight fishiness of the firefly squid. The whole wheat noodles also had a fragrant aroma that complemented the arugula.- The duck was moist and tender, with a light smoky aroma. The fat was rich and delicious, but the red meat had a hint of bloodiness that made it particularly enjoyable. Less

【Overall Evaluation】 I visit this restaurant at least twice a year, and each time I am amazed, leaving me eager to return. The ambiance captivates my heart with each season. It is undoubtedly a restaurant I want to keep coming back to for special occasions. I highly recommend visiting at least once to see for yourself. Additionally, this place is also focused on weddings. Whether you choose to hold your ceremony in this stunning setting or host a party with loved ones instead of a traditional wedding, it will surely create unforgettable memories for a lifetime. 【Course Structure】 This is a creative and surprising course inspired by the history and poetry of Nara. Appetizer: Sea Bream with Strawberry and Chicken Liver Confit This dish is inspired by a poem from the Nara period. It features sea bream seasoned with a mixture of hisio (the precursor to soy sauce) and vinegar, paired with a bold strawberry sorbet. The layers of sweetness, acidity, and umami create an intellectually stimulating experience. I often create similar dishes at home using hisio and vinegar, so I was delighted to find a similar concept from a professional chef. Hot Appetizer: Homemade Ham with Escalivada of Grilled Vegetables A visually stunning dish featuring marinated spring eggplant, a sauce of bell pepper and garlic, and a sheet of vinegar. Pasta: Pasta with Firefly Squid and Arugula The whole wheat noodles combined with fragrant firefly squid and a sauce enhanced with apple jelly create a perfect balance of flavors. Fish Dish: Kinmedai and Clam with Salsa Verde A refreshing and deep flavor profile enhanced by clam broth, lemongrass, and ginger. Meat Dish (Main): Roasted Duck with Canola Flower Sauce The duck is cooked slowly at low temperatures, resulting in astonishing tenderness. The canola flower sauce evokes the essence of spring, while the sweet potato puree represents the earth, maximizing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Dessert: Strawberry Consommé A fragrant finale featuring rose gelato, tapioca, and a foam of star anise. 【Memorable Wine】 Orange Wine: Recently, I have been intrigued by orange wine. Its apple-like aroma and pleasant bitterness enhance the umami of the vegetables beautifully. Red Wine (Slightly Sweet): I cannot overlook a delicious red wine. Its berry-like, vibrant flavor harmonizes perfectly with the combination of duck and strawberries. 【Service and Atmosphere】 The staff creates an engaging experience by flipping through cards to explain each dish, reminiscent of reading a captivating story. The overwhelming sense of openness outside the windows, combined with refined hospitality, offers a value that transcends mere dining, turning it into a true "experience." Less