Downtown B’s in Roppongi, Tokyo, is a true delight for anyone searching for an authentic Indian dining experience in Japan. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re enveloped in the ambiance of traditional Indian decor that immediately feels welcoming and genuine. The walls are adorned with beautiful Indian art, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors that pay homage to India’s rich cultural heritage. Every small detail in the decor contributes to an immersive experience that brings you as close to India as possible without leaving Tokyo.
One of the restaurant’s strongest features is the exceptional authenticity of the food. Indian cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and Downtown B’s captures this perfectly. Each dish is prepared with the right balance of spices, giving the food that distinct, rich taste that Indian cuisine lovers appreciate. It’s clear that the chef has a deep understanding of Indian flavors, and it shines through in every bite. The freshness of the ingredients is unmistakable, which enhances the flavors and gives each dish a satisfying depth. The food doesn’t taste overly processed or prepared in advance; it’s cooked with care, resulting in an exceptionally fresh, flavorful experience that makes you want to return for more.
A rare treat that sets Downtown B’s apart from other Indian restaurants in Japan is the presence of tawa chapati on their menu. Tawa chapati is a traditional Indian flatbread typically made on a griddle (called a tawa), which gives it a slightly smoky flavor and a soft texture with just the right amount of chew. This is a rarity in Japan, where naan bread is more commonly offered, but here, the tawa chapati is prepared to perfection. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer something lighter than naan and adds a layer of authenticity to the meal that Indian food enthusiasts will truly appreciate.
For vegetarians, Downtown B’s is a haven. The restaurant provides a wide selection of vegetarian options, which is a refreshing change given that vegetarian dishes are sometimes limited in Japanese restaurants. Here, you can find classics like bhindi masala (okra), gobhi aloo (cauliflower with potatoes), and a variety of paneer dishes, each cooked with its own unique blend of spices. The bhindi masala is perfectly spiced and tender, and the gobhi aloo strikes a great balance between softness and texture. Paneer dishes are creamy and flavorful, with paneer that is soft and fresh, an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys Indian cheese. These vegetarian options ensure that vegetarians don’t feel limited in choice and can enjoy a full, hearty meal.
Adding to the experience is the owner of Downtown B’s, who is incredibly welcoming and friendly. He often goes from table to table, checking in with guests and sharing his recommendations for the best dishes to try. This personal touch makes the experience more intimate and special, as you feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated as a guest. His warmth and attentiveness create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that makes dining at Downtown B’s not just a meal, but a memorable experience.
Cleanliness is another aspect that Downtown B’s excels in. It’s clear that the staff takes great pride in maintaining the restaurant to a high standard, and this extends to the restroom facilities as well. The toilets are kept impeccably clean, which adds to the overall pleasant experience and shows that the restaurant cares about providing a comfortable environment for its guests.
Additionally, Downtown B’s offers a good selection of beers, which is a nice complement to the spicy, flavorful dishes on the menu. For those who enjoy pairing their meal with a drink, the availability of both Indian and international beers adds a relaxed, social vibe to the dining experience. Whether you’re with friends or dining solo, a cold beer and a delicious Indian meal make...
Read moreReview: Downtown B’s – A Hidden Taste of India in Roppongi
Tucked away in the upscale neighborhood of Roppongi, not far from the American Embassy and the Mori Building’s TeamLab Borderless digital art museum, is a little Indian restaurant that truly feels like home ,Downtown B’s.
Run by a friendly and passionate owner named Bonnie,this small restaurant delivers something rare in Tokyo,not just good food, but food made with heart.
The space is cozy, decorated with quotes and writings on the walls that keep you engaged while you wait. The soundtrack is equally charming,soft 80s and 90s hits playing in the background give the place a nostalgic vibe. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a warm gathering spot.
Bonnie himself is the soul of the restaurant. He serves each dish personally, chatting with guests in multiple languages English, Japanese, Hindi, Bengali and more,making everyone feel instantly comfortable. His philosophy is simple :”A meal prepared with heart and honesty has the power to make anyone happy” And honestly, you can taste that in every bite. His kitchen team works with same energy, preparing fresh curries, breads, and rice dishes that arrive at your table full of flavor.
Though the restaurant is small, it throngs with life and warmth. Indians come here for a taste of home, Japanese guests for a touch of spice and warmth, and tourists from across the world for an authentic culinary experience. It’s easy to see why Downtown B’s was acclaimed as a 2020 Local Favorite by Google,a recognition proudly displayed on a sticker by the wall.
On our visit, the highlight was watching my daughter’s reaction. She had been missing Indian naan and chicken curry ever since we left India. The moment she was served, her eyes lit up and she was extremely overjoyed ,it was that heartfelt. The food was simply Fresh ,delicious and authentic, carrying comfort of home even thousands of kilometers away.
Wheelchair accessibility can be a bit challenging due to the compact size of the restaurant, even though it is conveniently located along the roadside
Overall: Downtown B’s is a hidden treasure in Tokyo. If you’re craving real Indian food, want a warm personal dining experience, or just want to discover a place where music, culture, and food come together beautifully, this is the spot to visit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 for heart, food, and...
Read moreI had dinner with my niece and nephew here last Desember. The shop is quaint tiny little shop and we're so lucky some of the seats were still empty when we arrived.
The food as far as my tongue felt is delicious. Unfortunately we forgot what the menu we chose (I think we ordered rice and meat with red sauces.) Excuse me for that horrible vague description and clueless menu name. 😂
Although I'm disappointed to discover at that time; that they aren't spicy since we love spicy food! Hope they can provide options for very spicy curry caterring to SouthEastern tongue. I also remembered I requested several repeated orders for Mango juices for both my twins. One of my rascal ask for Zero Coke but find himself didn't like it and I had to order Mango juice so my nephew didn't choke on his curry rice.
Staffs made really good mango juices. Although it will be nicer if there is an option for big glass portion so we need not repeated order it so much. 🤣
When we decided to call it a night and asked for the bill, the owner; if I was not wrong, double checked and seems to find our order of vanilla ice cream was not served yet. It was too late since they said they're too full so at first I declined, but since suddenly my niece wants it again, the ice cream was nicely served. The owner is friendly and start a small chat with me. He thought I was a mother of two before I mentioned that I was just babysitting my brother's children. 😂
We left the shop on a good mood. The twins are fed full and we start to trek to go back to our hotel.
Turns out I seemed to forget my gloves there! Luckily we were still waiting for the light to turn green, so one of the staff managed to catch up to us & to give me my gloves back. That was so nice of him. :)
Thank you Downtown B! We have a really nice time there. We hope to see you guys...
Read more