Curry & Cafe Koruri — Restaurant in Nara

I don’t write reviews but I wanted to give my first one to this quaint mom and pop shop with astounding curry. The overall flavor was well balanced and the pickled vegetables were an excellent complement. The meat and vegetables were delicious as well, but what elevates the restaurant as a whole is the feeling of nostalgia the entire experience creates. The owners were warm and extremely welcoming. The mom half of the duo was attentive and kind. She even gave us a little origami present! The pop half has a collection of acoustic and electric guitars and basses, model dioramas of the city and some temples. The couple also decorated the restaurant with adorable Moomin pictures and figures. Reminiscent of going back home for a warm bowl of food cooked with care and love, you feel welcomed to place you have somehow already known for a long time. Away from plenty of the other crowds and deer mafia, this charming restaurant tucked away in a quiet neighborhood was a welcome surprise after wandering the temple and bustling park grounds. The food was good, the restaurant was delightful, and the owners...

Really small cute little place. The lady at the counter was very very nice and had good English (menus also have some English on them). Got the chicken curry and it was definitely one of the better curries I’ve had in Japan and was made even better after the long walk through Nara park and the primeval forest to the peak of mount wakakusa. The curry didn’t taste too strong of spinach despite containing it, but all the flavours were deep and not overpowering.

Got an ice coffee as well which was pretty standard and refreshing but you could control your sweetness which was nice to have.

Also got the ice cream and it was really creamy and rich, and the addition of the berries added a nice touch.

They even gave us a cute little origami deer as a gift!

Also, the lady accidentally overcharged one of the people I ate with but we didn’t care to go back since the place is so nice and he didn’t mind being charged some more. But she came running to find us and give my friend back his money! Incredible service truly. Definitely worth coming to if you’re in Nara...

This restaurant is a hidden gem in a quiet and quaint Nara neighborhood. This was my first time ever trying Japanese curry so I wanted to make sure I went somewhere local and with a good atmosphere. I was not disappointed at all with the friendly husband and wife running the restaurant. The food was amazing and I love that they offer 1/2 portion size plates so you can try different plates without ordering too much food at once. I got the chicken curry (full size) and the baked curry (half size). I’ve never seen baked curry before but it tasted amazing especially the cheese on top. At the end of my meal I ordered cookies and ice cream with a hot tea. The wife also spoke very good English and was helpful on explaining the menu. Please try this restaurant if you’re in Nara.

Side note: this restaurant is located in an alleyway so it can be hard to locate at first. I added a pic of the alleyway...