Visit Nara

This is a friendly, traditional style restaurant with low seats on tatami and staff in kimono. The views over the mountains are spectacular all year round. Meals are served kaiseki style, with many small seasonal dishes, including local specialties. They can cater for vegetarians and have English menus. You can also just stop by for local sweets like kuzu kiri and tea. You do need to take off your shoes at the entrance, which may be difficult if you are wearing hiking boots.