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Vegan
Japanese
Macrobiotic
Organic
Western
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Little cafe tucked away in the back streets serving lunch and dinner. Offers salads, fried soy meat bowl, a vegan plate that changes according to the season, burgers, and other Japanese dishes. In the afternoon there's high tea with cakes. Sake, beer and wine available. Chef owned, English is spoken. Lunchtime can be very busy, so reservations are advised. Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-5:00pm, Sat 11:00am-8:00pm, Sun 11:00am-5:00pm.
193 Reviews
First Review by Stella774
SophiaMT
Points +318
A Must Try - Edit
Beautiful little cafe a 20 minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara station. Onwa is tucked away behind a 7/11 in a residential area and the entry is a small step at the end of the fence. The lunch options were beautiful - I tried the karaage bowl which was fresh, filling, and SO tasty. The matcha latte was perfect for a cold day and also delicious. I sat upstairs with the low tables and floor seating and the staff are so lovely. I am so glad to have made the journey - it's a must try!
Read moreGuest
CristyPC
Points +296
Delicious macrobiotic food - Edit
We had a late lunch here and it was delicious. Great variety. Beautifully presented and super fresh tasty vegan GF food. It’s a lovely calm place to sit too.
Read moreWe also bought some vegan cheesecake for later and it was incredible!
Pros: Delicious fresh food , Incredible vegan cheesecake , GF
Guest
ToxicDose
Points +72
Hidden gem - Edit
Wouldn't have expected such a lovely Restaurant in that area. Place with good food, Tea and cake, everything is vegan. Owner is very charming too.
Read moreGuest
KayokoHashimoto
Points +396
The best vegan restaurant in Japan - Edit
Accept credit card, gluten free and vegan. Cakes look so lovely and delicious (Tried cheeseecake and delicious) English friendly environment #Veganuary
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-02-01
Pros: Cake, Matcha , Veggie plate
Guest
FaithUgates
Points +472
Cozy place and yummy foods - Edit
It was a satisfying lunch in my opinion. I had the vegan delight, it consists of a little bit of everything. I like the variety of it. They have enough selection of foods especially desserts. If I can fit all the cakes in my tummy, I would haha! With the help of the lady taking orders (I forgot her name), I finally chose their classic chocolate cake and paired it with a matcha latte. The cake was rich and very filling. Their location is near the train station (a little bit of a walk though) The place is cozy, really cute. #Veganuary #Veganuary
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-01-30
Pros: wide selection of desserts, all vegan
Guest
Francifra
Points +686
Amazing vegan stop in Nara - Edit
I had vegan Karage. The taste and texture were amazing. They also have a wide choice of desserts. Unfortunately, it is impossible to have one without buying a set. Anyway, it's definitely worth a stop when in Nara.
Read moreGuest
miltoky
Points +700
Amazing - Edit
The owner/staff member was really welcoming, super helpful and very friendly, and spoke very good English, so it was easy to order. I had the Vegan Delight, which was an assortment of different foods, which were all explained to me, a macha latte, and a chocolate and banana cake. It was all delicious. The atmosphere was great, too. A must visit!
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Delicious food, Great atmosphere
Guest
Heike.St
Points +2095
Very tasty cakes! - Edit
Restaurant entrance is just besides a fence, not accessible when handicapped or with stroller. 5-10 minuted walk from train station.
Read moreSeating on down- and upstairs. Upstairs on the floor at low tables with some pillows.
We got a sample platter which was very tasty. But not really enough food to share. The cakes were all the bomb! Very tasty, but small slices.
Matcha latte also very good.
Pros: Cakes
Guest
Vu21
Points +92
Superb food! - Edit
Must go if in Nara, amazing food and welcoming staff. I really recommend the karage and the taco (tried both of these in the platter). The plum wine is also excellent.
Read moreGuest
natcat
Points +76
So good!!! - Edit
Amazing food 😋 makes the very best matcha latte 🎉
Read moreGuest
Hodzic_fam
Points +1846
Great Food and Vibes - Edit
Great high quality food and delightful and very welcoming staff. Highly recommended.
Read morePros: Food quality , Creativity , Atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
Guest
MinaNoir
Points +170
Fantastic food and dessert! - Edit
Everything about Onwa is in all honesty fantastic!
Read moreIs a lovely building, friendly staff and amazing food!!!
Everything we tried (savoury and sweet) tasted so, so good and was prepared with lots of care and dedication.
Japan opening hours are in general difficult to combine with full days out sightseeing but we ate here whenever we got the chance!
Pros: Lovely atmosphere, Friendly staff, Food is amazing
Cons: Opening hours, Sold out fast
Guest
StephBee
Points +126
Absolutely Delicious - Edit
I had the Shojin Karaage Bowl (large) followed by the Tarte Chocolat and everything was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed a much desired Japanese eating experience. I am glad I visited Nara mostly because I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Onwa ありがとうございます
Read moreGuest
Tainto
Points +15
Great taste! - Edit
Nice atmosphere, great food! We had the Karage Bowl - nice texture and flavor 10/10
Read moreGuest
SumnerNichols
Points +111
Great Little Nook with Friendly Service and Amazing Food - Edit
This place is only a five to ten minute walk from the station. It is there, don't worry! Just past another restaurant as you head south. Sneak in past the fence and be prepared to be greeted with smiling faces. A large variety of bakery sweets. Figs, chestnut, chocolate, banana, Japanese pear, etc. Can't remember them all. The fig (which was made fresh that day) was especially delicious and the chocolate was on par with the best of the vegan chocolate cakes I've had in Japan or the US.
Read moreI got the tacos and the rice bowl with the "fried chicken." This place didn't overly salt the crispy gluten chunks (I've noticed this trend at other places). Awesome presentation, delicious masa tacos, and all the traditional Japanese pickles. It was my birthday (thus the chocolate and fig cake indulgence) and they gave me a little candle, took my picture, and played a fun upbeat birthday song. Super English friendly, this was a truly wonderful experience! After you see all of Nara and climb the hill (I would get to Nara by 6:30 or 7 if you are coming from Osaka), don't even think about eating a different meal before getting to Onwa on the way back to the station (okay, not quite on the way back, but only a ten minute detour)!
Guest
griff-the-man
Points +50
A hidden gem (pinnacle of artisan vegan food) - Edit
This cafe is everything you can ever ask out of artisan vegan dining. It combines novel recipes (everything made from scratch) with international and local cultural staples (like basque cheesecake) to create a menu that is neither too large to maintain consistency or too small to feel restricted. The place is clean and artsy. The food is incredible and uses quality ingredients. The fried food is not too greasy, the desserts are flavorful without being overly sweet. Matcha was fantastic and the atmosphere was hipster and cozy. Passing this spot up would be a missed opportunity to say the least.
Read morePros: Desserts made from scratch , Matcha, Turnip cakes
Guest
YosukeSuetake
Points +96
from onwa stff 💕 - Edit
We will be closed today, 8/15 due to a typhoon.
Read moreWe will be open from Wednesday, August 16th.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Updated from previous review on 2023-08-13
Guest
ArtyChoke
Points +124
Hidden gem - Edit
This small but comfortable restaurant has superb all vegan food and a very nice staff. I went there with my family in my birthday, Highest rating!!
Read moreGuest
gwarg
Points +20
Wonderful - Edit
Fantastic food, great atmosphere.
Read morePros: Food , Atmosphere , Price
Guest
joel_laun
Points +3398
Loved it! 🌱💞 - Edit
This is such a calm and friendly place. We came here for lunch and stayed about two hours because it was so relaxing and nice. :)
Read moreThe food was great, we had the karaage bowl and a suuuper yummy blueberry cheese cake matcha latte for dessert. Everything was lovely! Highly recomend it!
Pros: All vegan, Delicious food & cute place, English speaking staff + english menu
Guest
FiMarsh
Points +24
Wow! - Edit
Incredible restaurant tucked away in the back streets. Delicious food, great flavours and friendly staff. Must try the plum wine!!
Read moreGuest
KTVegan
Points +121
Hidden Gem! - Edit
Onwa blew us away with fresh, colorful, delicious food. We dined upstairs and went to town with: turnip cake, Karage, Veg Delight plate, and Karage bowls. All were amazing. Homemade kombucha too. We sampled nearly all their desserts, too: basque cheesecake, berry cheesecake, matcha cheesecake, and melon tart. A perfect spot for our first night in Nara and a birthday celebration.
Read morePros: Great flavor!, Colorful & seasonal, Cool vibe & tunes
Guest
KenPendola
Points +50
Great lunch spot - Edit
I got off the train at Nara station and made a very short walk to this place after checking happy cow. Glad I did! The staff was exceptionally friendly. The food was delicious and healthy with a variety of fresh veggies, rice, and vegan protein. Price point was also totally reasonable for what you get. Don’t miss this one when you’re in Nara!
Read morePros: Nutritionally balanced meal, Super friendly staff, Cute and quiet environment
Guest
Mowsea
Points +104
Yummy! - Edit
Super delicious and yummy food. My non-vegan friend also loved what she got as well. A great place to stop at before visiting the park
Read moreGuest
יעלחדד
Points +131
Very nice food and staff - Edit
We had very good experience!
Read moreFood is very esthetic
Guest
emmalovesanimals
Points +763
delicious & satisfying - Edit
We ate lunch here before spending the day in Nara. It’s quite convenient to the Nara JR station and east to find with google maps. The staff is friendly and welcoming. English menu is available and staff speak some English too. The food is delicious! And there’s a calm and cozy vibe in the small rooms upstairs (two rooms, each with two 4-person tables for floor seating on cushions).
Read moreWe tried the medium and large portions of the karaage bowl. If you’re pretty hungry, I’d go for large. Desserts looked tasty but we didn’t try them. You have to order a dessert and tea set if you want to enjoy desserts at the restaurant. Otherwise you can order just dessert for takeaway.
Highly recommend visiting while in Nara!
Updated from previous review on 2023-05-25
Pros: Convenient location , Delicious food, Calm and relaxed vibe
Guest
EvieP92
Points +65
Delish, charming and in back streets - Edit
I had a bit of trouble finding/getting into this place, but it was well worth it. Delicious karaage bowl, exactly what I needed after a long day, and refreshing iced matcha latte that came in what was basically a bowl! Staff spoke English and were lovely/helpful. Definitely recommend.
Read morePros: Food/drink, Staff, Atmosphere
Cons: Location/ease of getting to.
Guest
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