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.


Venue map for Onwa
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150 Reviews

First Review by Stella774

csklar

Points +13

Vegetarian
16 Nov 2024

Excellent meal!

This is a wonderful little restaurant tucked behind a 7/11. The food is first rate- interesting blend of flavors, delicious chocolate mousse-type dessert, great organic ginger ale and terrific service.

Pros: Meal, Dessert, Service

Cons: None, None, None

pixel_pusher

Points +81

Vegan
03 Nov 2024

Amazing little cafe

Onwa was one of my favorite restaurants during my recent trip to Japan. The owners and staff are really attentive and can speak some English. The food is delicious and there's such a wide variety too. I had the Vegan Delight which has a sampling of everything. I would have gotten a dessert too if I weren't so stuffed. They looked amazing. There's a little display at the front of the cafe to tempt you as you walk in. If I ever return to Nara, I'll definitely eat here again.

Also, it may not be apparent at first glance but the entrance is on the right side of the fence. There's a small walking path that's covered by the fence and the ivy.

Pros: Delicious food, Staff is really friendly

Konita1316

Points +207

Vegan
03 Nov 2024

Huge variety of vegan cakes 😋

We tried the basque matcha cake and the chocolate one… They were really good. The staff super kind and friendly. We wish to come back soon. You must try it😊🌱🫶

Pros: The good selection of cakes, The flavor , The positive vibes

Birgit

Points +1856

Vegan
02 Nov 2024

Local vegan food

Onwa is a 40 min.walk from the deer park and even if it seems long it’s worth it. We chose the taco lunch set and the oriental lunch set. Both were beautifully presented and came with all kinds of little morsels to enjoy. The hojicha tea and seasonal kombucha were refreshing and flavorful. For dessert we had the warmed baked apple cake ( the best I ever had ) and the basque cheesecake. The owner chef is so kind and accommodating and has all the talent needed to make her customers very happy. We were!!!!

G.M.

Points +50

Vegan
24 Oct 2024

Nice place, awesome cakes and lovely staff

The place is warm and cosy.
I took the vegan karaaghe dish and it was very good. Their cakes are AWESOME. The banana-chocolate cake was my favourite. The staff is super nice.

Pros: Cakes, Staff, Place

Bridge4_Stella

Points +72

Vegan
24 Oct 2024

Nice little place with good food and terrific cakes

Just behind the Nara RJ station. The place is nice and cozy, and as a plus it has a toilet inside (it's not standard to have one in Japan, as far as I can say).
I had the karaage bowl and it was really good, with fresh vegetables and a tasty rice as side. It comes in medium or large size. I had the medium size and it was enough for me.... also I strongly suggest to reserve some space in your belly to try the cake! There was a lot of choice, I went with the muscat one and it was delicious. The cake comes with a cup of tea of your choice, hot or cold as you prefer.
5 stars, totally earned!

lillyiaschelcic

Points +74

Vegan
22 Oct 2024

Desserts are amazing

Went there for food which was nice but felt too light as we were hungry but the desserts were mind blowing. Took away a few options as really loved them.

SwainC02

Points +271

Vegan
09 Oct 2024

Great little cafe!

The staff were very friendly and the food we ordered was delicious (dumplings and an oriental vegan plate). A brilliant find and well worth the trip there, especially if you have allergies to garlic as well as not being able to eat animal products or gluten.

Pros: The menu, The selection of cakes!, The staff

n1234

Points +65

Vegetarian
05 Oct 2024

Great karaage!

I checked this place out because of the great reviews and yes, it’s worth it! The karaage really is amazing. Very cute spot and kind staff.

The food tastes very fresh and healthy. The pickles were nice on a hot day. The menu even shows the speed that you can expect the dishes (good if you’re waiting on a train).

It took about 30 mins to walk here from Nara Park and it’s very close to the train station if you’re catching a JR train.

Jalan333

Points +389

Vegan
02 Oct 2024

Cute little vegan cafe

Superb karaage and also the cake selection was amazing. The pear cheesecake was so tasty.

Pros: Cakes, Karaage set, Friendly and quiet

teriimiuu

Points +131

Mostly Veg
01 Oct 2024

Small restaurant tucked away from street

Very cute atmosphere and delicious food

angii

Points +98

Vegan
29 Sep 2024

Buonissimi karaage

Il locale è piuttosto piccolo, con i tavoli disposti su più piani. Ho ordinato i karaage con riso e verdure ed era buonissimo!

Updated from previous review on 2024-09-29

RabbleRousy

Points +259

Vegan
21 Sep 2024

The best Karaage I‘ve had

Had the karaage bowl which was absolutely mind blowing! The matcha latte was also one of the best ones I‘ve had. All the sweets also look soooo good, I want to go here again so badly! Must visit when in Nara!

Pros: Karaage, Matcha Latte, Sweets

soiboi3000

Points +79

Vegan
09 Sep 2024

Outstanding little restaurant

Very much worth a visit if you're in Nara for a daytrip. I would even recommend coming here judt for the Onwa experience alone.

The restaurant is about a 10 min walk from JR Nara station and quite hidden. You can choose between two cozy rooms upstairs (floor seating, shoes off) or the first floor which has standard tables and chairs. Upstairs ambiente is very laid back with some groovy music and cozy pillows.

Highly recommend the Vegan Delight plate which has a bit pf everything. Definitely don't miss out on a side of karaage because you will find it in the vegan delighy plate and will want for more!

Dessert selection was various tartes, cheesecakes and chocolate cake. Picked prach tarte and matcha and was in heaven.

Easily one of the best and most wholesome places if eaten at.

Pros: Tasty food, Very laid-back atmosphere, Amazing desserts

ShelA

Points +519

Vegan
04 Sep 2024

Delicious little spot

We visited on a weekday for lunch. Service was kind and efficient, food was delicious. We will go back again…tomorrow! We really enjoyed it that much.

Pros: Traditional , Delicious , Friendly

mvshrln

Points +91

Vegetarian
25 Aug 2024

Perfect little cafe!

We visited here for lunch and tried the set meals - both of which were fresh, tasty and filling, and paired very well with the matcha. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed.

mxijyx

Points +269

Vegan
24 Aug 2024

best experience in japan

a tiny hidden gem in the Nara city centre, amazingly nice staff speaking both English and Japanese.

Pros: all vegan, tasty , open kitchen

FlorenceUsagi

Points +27

Vegan
16 Aug 2024

Excellent little café

Onwa was recommended to us by the owner of a great pastry shop in Tokyo as we were looking for a good quality vegan café in Nara. Onwa is located next to the Nara train station. It is a little cozy place, well decorated, quiet and peaceful where you can sit on the first floor or in one of the two rooms of the second floor.

We stepped by in the middle of the afternoon after visiting the Nara park with all the cute shika. The air conditioning was a blessing and the cold drinks we took refreshed and delighted us.

I also took a matcha cheesecake and my boyfriend a chocolate cake, which were vegan and gluten free. They were homemade and delicious with natural ingredients, not too sugary.

The staff was very kind and gave us all the information we needed. We really enjoyed our tea time at Onwa and highly recommend it if you plan a trip to Nara !

Pros: High quality vegan products, Cozy place, Located near the train station

Cons: No cons. Everything was perfect !

Miam43

Points +101

Vegan
31 Jul 2024

Great meals, amazing desserts

Nice café close to the station. We had the tacos meal and the karaage bowl. Both were great - we highly recommend the karaage bowl as we haven’t found it in Japan so far.
Great desserts too 🤩

VeganAbroad

Points +1028

Vegan
23 Jun 2024

Worth a trip

Out of the way but worth the trip!!

croffi

Points +571

Vegan
06 Jun 2024

Delicious karaage (fried chicken) rice bowl

I was blown away by this cute cafe in Nara. I found it difficult finding fully vegan places in Japan so I was especially surprised at how delicious the food was.

I ordered the karaage rice bowl. The veggies were so fresh.

The staff was very friendly and attentive.

A quick walk from Nara station. I highly recommend you check it out!!!

There are also fresh desserts to eat there or to go.

The prices are reasonable, not more than non-vegan dish averages in Japan.

Updated from previous review on 2024-06-06

Pros: Delicious vegan food, Close to Nara station, Friendly staff

Ani_vegetarian

Points +73

Vegetarian
19 May 2024

Menü

I ordered a menu. The menu was served on a tray. There were various appetizers. It tasted delicious. I was very hungry and chose two pieces of cake for dessert. Chocolate cake and strawberry cake. It was very filling. I had matcha tea with it. The atmosphere was very cozy. I ate Japanese style on the floor. I can highly recommend this restaurant. It was a taste experience and the staff very friendly.

Pros: Menue, Various appetizers, Dessert

12munchies

Points +2856

Vegan
19 May 2024

that’s a really cute and cozy spot to be

I went there twice so far. As usually I ordered as many dishes I could eat so I have an overview, also it seemed to be very tasty and I was not disappointed.
The portions are not so huge but therefore also really not expensive especially for that area.
They have a huge and great variety of cakes to eat there or for takeaway too.
I loved the Karaage (deep fried soy meat). My recommendation for that store. And also the chocolate tart and the chestnut cake.
Staff and owner are very friendly.
Maybe the entry isn’t so clear when you go there for the fort time so I added a picture as well.

Pros: Karaage on rice (super tasty with sweet vinegar), all the cakes , cute little kitchen

IlkaS

Points +1091

Vegan
11 May 2024

Cozy sweet spot with nice food

You have to have the plan to go there otherwise you would‘t find it.
We had two tea sets (combo of drink and cake)
I had a matcha latte (with soy milk) and a cheesecake. Both really great!

Pros: Nice staff, Nice food and drinks, Nice staff

gurusimon

Points +874

Vegan
11 May 2024

Best cake

Maroon cake was creamy and perfect. Recommend the homemade Kombucha in combination.

JascintaMorton

Points +68

Vegan
09 May 2024

Fully Vegan and gf

So close to the Nara station, a good selection to choose from and they have desserts. Menu in japanese and English. Staff were super friendly too. Also reasonably cheap.

Pros: Variety of options , Sweets as well , English menu

BradBuilds

Points +135

Vegan
05 May 2024

Flavors were amazing

Everything was great. 10/10 will come back and try all the cake!




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