Tokyo’s Curry Capital: 4 Must-Try Curry Shops in Jimbocho
Updated: Aug 14
Jimbocho isn’t just Tokyo’s bookstore district.
It’s also one of the city’s most concentrated curry areas - old-school diners, European-style curry houses, and modern spice curry shops all packed into just a few blocks.
With so many curry shops in such a small area, choosing where to start can be overwhelming.
These four standout spots show just how diverse Jimbocho's curry scene can be, from nostalgic katsukare to colorful, spice-driven plates.
1. Kitchen Nankai - Old-School Katsukare With a Jet-Black Roux
If you want classic Japanese curry done right, start here.
Kitchen Nankai (キッチン南海 神保町店) serves one of Tokyo’s best katsukare (katsu curry) plates: crispy tonkatsu on rice, covered in their signature jet-black curry sauce. The sauce is sweet, slightly spicy, savory, and deeply nostalgic. It's the kind of flavor you only get from a shop that’s been serving the same dish for decades.
It’s simple food, done with confidence - and done the same way for years.
You’re here for comfort, speed, and a true “everyday Tokyo” experience. Lines form during peak hours, but they move quickly.
Vibe: Old-school diner, counter seating, fast turnover
What to order: Katsukare (Katsu Curry)
Why it’s special: That jet-black roux - sweet, spicy, and addictive
2. Gavial - Refined European-Style Curry in a Jazz-Filled Space
Gavial (ガヴィアル) is Jimbocho's more refined curry option - ideal if you’re in the mood for something rich, elegant, and slow-cooked.
Inside, expect warm lighting, wooden décor, and soft jazz playing in the background. The curry arrives tableside in a polished metal pot, and you pour it over your rice yourself. It’s a little theatrical, but the flavor backs it up - velvety, buttery curry with real depth.
Seafood curry, beef curry, and cheese-topped variations are all excellent.
If you’re looking for the most refined curry experience among Jimbocho curry shops, this is it.
Vibe: Relaxed, warm, low-lit, jazz playing
What to order: Seafood curry with cheese
Why it’s special: Slow-cooked European-style curry with a rich, buttery finish
3. Ethiopia - Spice-Forward, Vegetable-Heavy Curry With Serious Depth
Ethiopia (エチオピア 本店) is the shop that surprises people.
The curry here is lighter and far more spice-driven than typical Japanese curry. You choose your spice level from a wide scale, and the kitchen uses dozens of spices to create a bright, earthy flavor with slow-building heat. Many dishes come piled with vegetables, giving the curry a refreshing, almost South Asian or even North African feel. This is very different from standard Japanese roux.
It’s hearty without being heavy, making it a great contrast to more traditional Jimbocho curry shops.
Another bonus: Ethiopia usually doesn’t have much of a line, which makes it an easy option for a spontaneous lunch.
Vibe: Simple, no-frills, counter-focused
What to order: Chicken or vegetable curry (spice level 5+ if you like heat)
Why it’s special: Spice-driven curry with tons of vegetables and customizable heat
4. Takeuchi - Colorful, Modern Spice Curry With Big Personality
Takeuchi (タケウチ) is where Jimbocho's curry scene gets playful.
This modern spice-curry shop serves dishes that look like edible artwork - vibrant colors, layered curries, scattered herbs, and bold toppings. Many plates include multiple curry types, each with its own personality, creating a fun mix-and-match experience.
Expect bright spices, tangy notes, creamy elements, and plenty of contrast from bite to bite.
It’s expressive, creative, and consistently the highest-rated curry shop in Jimbocho.
Because of its popularity, expect a line during lunch hours - but the payoff is worth it.
Vibe: Casual, modern, slightly bohemian
What to order: Moriawase-style mixed curry plate
Why it’s special: Multi-curry plates bursting with color, creativity, and spice
Quick Tips for Eating Curry in Jimbocho
• Lines:
– Expect lines at Kitchen Nankai and Takeuchi
– Usually no major wait at Ethiopia
– Moderate or no wait at Gavial
• Cash vs card: Some shops are cash-forward - bring cash just in case.
• Timing: Lunchtime is peak. Go early if you want a shorter wait.
• Try more than one: All four Jimbocho curry shops are within minutes of each other - perfect for a mini curry crawl.
Taste Jimbocho's Curry Scene in Person Jimbocho's curry shops are part of our Full-Day Food Tour, which brings you through this neighborhood alongside other standout food stops across Tokyo. See the Full-Day Food Tour →
