A Modern Take on Nara's Traditional Food Culture

Yoru Shokudo Earth

Name: Yoru Shokudo Earth
Address: Unit B, 1F Collezione, 708 Kumecho, Kashihara City, Nara, 634-0063, JP
Telephone: +81-744-24-5479
Price range: From 1,500 yen

夜食堂アース

A Dining Spot Filled with "Nara's Best Local Flavors"

"Yoru Shokudo Earth," located in Kumecho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, offers a selection of dishes that showcase flavors distinctive to Nara. The restaurant provides visitors with an introduction to the region's culinary appeal while also giving local residents an opportunity to rediscover its character.

A Modern Take on Nara's Traditional Food Culture

"Yoru Shokudo Earth," located about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, showcases an abundance of ingredients from Nara Prefecture, including "Yamato Beef," "Yamato Pork," "Yamato Nikudori" chicken, narazuke pickles, rice, "Yamato Imo," and seasonal vegetables. The menu brings a modern sensibility to traditional Nara food culture, with colorful, visually striking dishes served throughout the day. At lunchtime, a well-received set meal includes free refills of ancient-grain rice and grated "Yamato Imo." Both lunch and dinner offer a broad introduction to flavors distinctive to Nara Prefecture.

Made with a generous variety of ingredients from Nara Prefecture

A favorite among visitors

The Signature "NARAUMA Manyo Gozen" Set

The signature "NARAUMA Manyo Gozen" brings together a wide range of flavors from Nara Prefecture in a single set meal. The generous assortment includes "Yamato Gyoza" made with Nara's branded "Yamato Pork" and "Yamato Vegetables," along with "Yamato Beef Croquette," "Ikaruga Specialty Tatsuta-age," "Fried Shrimp with Narazuke Tartar Sauce," "Narazuke Potato Salad," "Ancient Grain Rice from Asuka Village," and "Grated Yamato Imo." Three set-meal options are available not only at lunch but also in the evening, making the restaurant a fitting choice for a more substantial meal.

A Blend of Ancient Rice from Asuka, Nara

The rice combines "Hinohikari from Nara Prefecture" with ancient grains from Asuka Village, creating a pleasantly chewy texture and rich flavor that deepens with each bite. Its fragrant character and natural sweetness, distinct from plain white rice, pair well with the varied side dishes served in the set meals. Complimentary rice refills are available with all three set-meal options, offering a generous taste of high-quality ingredients from Nara Prefecture.
Rich, Creamy Tororo Made with "Yamato Imo"

Grated "Yamato Imo," one of the traditional "Yamato Vegetables," is another distinctive feature. Known for its stronger viscosity and richer flavor than typical nagaimo, it is blended in-house with nagaimo to create a smoother, more mellow texture. Its natural sweetness and richness pair especially well with ancient grain rice from Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture. Complimentary refills are also available at lunch.

Available to order during dinner service

"Yamato Beef Sirloin Steak Garlic Pilaf"

The signature "Yamato Beef Sirloin Steak Garlic Pilaf" features "Yamato Beef," a historic Wagyu brand with roots dating back to the Kamakura period. Known for its fine texture and refined sweetness, the beef is seared until fragrant and paired with garlic-infused pilaf. The rich flavor of the "Yamato Beef" deepens with each bite, while the aromatic garlic brings the dish together in satisfying balance. Generously portioned, the dish also works well for sharing among several diners.

Must-try signature dish

"Complete Asuka-Fujiwara Plate Set" with a Generous Selection

This plate-style set meal centers on distinctive local flavors, with selections such as "100% Beef Hamburg Steak," "Extra-Large Head-On Fried Shrimp with Narazuke Tartar Sauce," "Beef Sirloin Cutlet," and "Narazuke Potato Salad." Created in support of "The Capital of Asuka and Fujiwara," which is seeking World Heritage registration, the menu offers a rich introduction to the food culture and appeal of Nara Prefecture.
Seasonal Flavors in the "Yorushokudo Seasonal Gozen"

For a taste of the season, the monthly changing "Yoru Shokudo Seasonal Gozen" offers a varied selection built around ingredients at their seasonal peak. Along with the main dish, each set introduces new flavors from month to month, complemented by familiar favorites such as grated "Yamato Imo," "Miwa Somen Baby Leaf Salad," and "Narazuke Potato Salad." Seasonal touches throughout the meal bring color and variety to the table.

Restaurant highlights

Craft beer from Nara Prefecture is a featured selection

A Varied Drink Selection Showcasing Local Flavors

The drink selection features distinctive local options, including craft beer brewed in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, along with local sake, shochu, plum wine, and original cocktails inspired by the character of Nara. A broad wine lineup is also available by the bottle and glass. The variety makes it easy to pair a casual drink with the meal, adding another distinctive element to the dining experience.
A recommended drink also available without alcohol

Distinctive Non-Alcoholic Drinks Unique to Nara

The non-alcoholic drink selection is also extensive, featuring options such as "Soni Kogen Yamato Cola," made with more than 15 herbs and spices, and "Nose Shuzo Kotoka Cider," made with the branded strawberry "Kotoka." The lineup offers a variety of distinctive choices for non-drinkers as well.

Interior

Table seating for groups of various sizes

A spacious, open layout

Sofa seating for up to about six guests

The interior offers counter seating, tables, and spacious sofa seats, accommodating solo drinks, meals with friends, family gatherings, and private bookings for larger groups. The flexible space is also well suited to parties, welcome and farewell gatherings, and a variety of other occasions.

Counter Seating for a Relaxed Meal

The counter seating is often chosen by solo visitors and provides a relaxed setting for savoring drinks at a leisurely pace. Conversation with the owner, whose "deep affection for Nara Prefecture" is evident, adds a personal touch while dishes and drinks are served.

A message from the owner

Driven by the wish that "a visit to Nara Prefecture should include a full taste of its local flavors," the restaurant uses ingredients sourced from producers throughout the prefecture and brings a distinctly Nara character to both food and drinks. The aim is to create a place where visitors and local residents alike can discover the appeal of Nara through its cuisine. Casual lunches are served during the day, while evenings offer a relaxed setting for meals accompanied by drinks.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

Located near Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, "Yoru Shokudo Earth" offers an approachable introduction to the food culture of Nara Prefecture. Set meals and drinks feature an abundance of local ingredients, making the restaurant a fitting choice for visitors seeking flavors distinctive to Nara. A stop after exploring historic Kashihara City adds further depth to the experience of the region through its cuisine, creating a memorable culinary highlight during the journey.