Rojiura Curry Samurai specializes in Hokkaido-style soup curry, which stands out from typical curry. It's made with a rich blend of vegetables, chicken, pork bones, dried fish, and bonito flakes, without any chemical seasonings, flour, or oil. This technique ensures that the natural flavors shine through.

When dining at Rojira Curry Samurai, start by choosing your curry base flavor, then pick from various soup bases (basic, Japanese-style soy milk, coconut milk, or soy milk with hazelnuts). Next, decide on the spiciness level (from 0 for mild to 10 for very spicy), and select your rice portion (none, S, M, L, or LL). You can even add extra toppings if you like, creating a meal that's perfectly tailored to your preferences.

Located about a 6–7 minute walk from either the East or West Exit (North side) of Shimokitazawa Station, this "hidden gem" is actually quite well-known in the area. Despite its tucked-away location, it's a popular spot with a loyal following, known for its nutritious and all-natural offerings. In fact, the restaurant ranked second in the 2024 "Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots" list. If you're planning to visit, be sure to set aside some time for the wait.

About a 5-minute walk from the East or South-West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station, you'll find a vibrant and uniquely Southeast Asian-inspired building, home to the long-standing soup curry spot, Magic Spice. The atmosphere here is as exotic as the curry itself!

The colorful menu matches the interesting décor, too. Start by choosing your curry flavor (chicken, beef, pork belly, hamburger patty, seafood, etc.), then pick your spice level. Magic Spice offers a range of spice levels with names like Awakening, Dream, Hell, Nirvana, Paradise, Sky, and Void. The closer you get to Void, the spicier it becomes. Given that Magic Spice uses a lot of spices, it's wise to start with Nirvana if you're new to their curry and like it spicy.

The other ingredients are just as diverse, featuring options like maitake mushrooms, Hokkaido coral mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, mini hamburger patties, and tofu, all presented in a creative way. The result is a curry with multiple layers of flavor and a distinctive taste you won't find elsewhere. It's definitely one of the top spots in Shimokitazawa's curry scene!

If you're into coffee, you've probably heard of Ogawa Coffee! This renowned Kyoto coffee brand has been around since 1952. They blend the Western charm of coffee with Kyoto's refined aesthetics and commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every cup is not only carefully crafted but also supports ethical practices. It's a perfect match for Shimokitazawa's indie vibe.

Located on the first floor of "Reload," which opened in 2021, Ogawa Coffee Laboratory offers a unique coffee selection system. The menu is designed as a spectrum, allowing you to choose based on flavor profiles such as acidity, freshness, smoothness, richness, and bitterness. With such a wide range, it might be helpful to chat with a barista who can guide you to the perfect cup. If you can speak a bit of Japanese, definitely take advantage of their expertise to find your ideal coffee.

In addition to selling a variety of coffee beans, brewing kits, and accessories the shop is also set up like a "laboratory." For an extra fee, you can select beans and roasting options and experience the coffee-making process yourself. It's a fun, interactive experience that makes Ogawa Coffee Laboratory the #1 pick on the 2024 "Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots" list!

From the South-West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station, take a 4-5 minute stroll through the bustling alleyways lined with shops to find Cafe Trois Chambres. As you approach, you'll spot the dark wooden Japanese sign. Head up the stairs to the second floor where you'll be greeted by a warm amber glow and retro decor that feels like stepping back into a bygone era.

The star of the menu is their meticulously crafted flannel pour-over coffee. If you enjoy complex flavors, try their blended coffee made from two different beans. For those who aren't into coffee, their lemon tea is also delightful. And don't miss the cheese cake — it's incredibly smooth and creamy. Spending an afternoon here in Shimokitazawa is the perfect way to enjoy a touch of Tokyo's sophisticated charm.

Flipper's is a must-visit spot for anyone heading to Shimokitazawa. Ranked third in the 2024 "Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots," it's a top Instagram-worthy food destination and a pioneer in the trendy soufflé pancake scene. Since opening in 2016, its popularity has soared, with locations in Shibuya, Kichijoji, Jiyugaoka, Umeda, and even Taipei, showing just how much people love their pancakes!

The standout item here is their "Miraculous Pancakes." The Shimokitazawa location offers exclusive flavors like white chocolate strawberry, blueberry pistachio, and strawberry chocolate. They also serve savory options like pancakes with bacon or eggs Benedict, making it perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat. The café is just a 2-3 minute walk from either the East or West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station. Be sure to allow some extra time for a possible wait!

If you're looking for trendy eats and must-try desserts in Tokyo, you definitely can't miss Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory - famous for its Totoro-shaped cream puffs.

They offer classic flavors like custard and chocolate cream, along with seasonal specials such as strawberry cream from January to June and mango cream from July to September. The Totoro puffs are even decorated differently depending on the flavor, making them perfect for photo ops. However, due to the intricate design, these puffs are made in limited quantities and can't be stored for long. They sell out quickly, so it's best to get there early or call ahead to reserve if you can speak Japanese.

They also sell Totoro-shaped cookies, which make great souvenirs to bring back home. There are two locations in Tokyo, with the closer one to Shimokitazawa being the Daita shop. It's about a 7-minute walk from the South-West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station. Given its popularity with both locals and tourists, it's not uncommon for them to sell out by the afternoon, so if you're set on trying these puffs, arriving before the shop opens is highly recommended!

Matcha fans, this one's for you! Shimokita Chaen Oyama is a tea shop specializing in Japanese tea, run by "Japan's Top Tea Masters"— the famous Oyama brothers. These two siblings have earned the prestigious 10th-dan tea master qualification, a rare honor held by only 15 people in Japan. They're not only experts in brewing tea; they're also pioneers in creating new Japanese tea flavor possibilities.

Their must-try is the matcha latte, available in both shaved ice and beverage versions. The shaved ice features matcha-flavored ice with a matcha cream topping, delivering a smooth, non-bitter matcha taste. The drink version combines matcha with frothy milk, creating a beautifully layered drink that's rich but not overwhelming. In the summer, you should definitely try their matcha soft serve or matcha shaved ice, both topped with matcha cream for an extra-indulgent experience.

The shop is located inside the new "Reload" shopping center, about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of Shimokitazawa Station. If you're a matcha enthusiast, it's definitely worth a visit!

Located on the second floor of the Shimokitazawa Ekiue commercial facility, cafe Noce opened in April 2023. It initially focused on light meals, offering handmade paninis, French toast, desserts, coffee, and tea. By November, they introduced iron skillet pasta and homemade burgers with fresh ingredients. In June 2024, they added a shaved ice menu, featuring flavors like strawberry condensed milk and matcha condensed milk — perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

The paninis are great for travelers looking for a light bite, paired with a refreshing ice cream soda for that laid-back Shimokitazawa vibe. The prices are also very reasonable, around 1,000 yen, making it a great deal compared to other cafés where desserts and drinks can easily cost 2,000–3,000 yen each!

Osaka Yakiniku Futago is a well-known chain with locations across Japan. It embodies a friendly, down-to-earth izakaya style and features mini tabletop grills, making it perfect for small groups or solo diners. The menu offers over 30 options, including their famous large cuts of Kuroge Wagyu pork belly and "manga-style" large sirloin steaks. Their beef tongue comes in various flavors like thick-cut, salted, and scallion salt. To balance out the rich flavors, you can also enjoy side dishes like potato salad and grilled vegetables, along with a refreshing shochu soda.

Menus are multilingual and The staff will assist in simple English, and though the grills are small, they'll cut the meat into manageable pieces and help with cooking. It's a top pick on the 2024 "Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots" list, ranking fourth and is the only yakiniku spot on the list! It's just a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Shimokitazawa Station, making it a convenient stop before or after your train journey.

Brooklyn Roasting Company, originally from Brooklyn, New York, has expanded with locations in Tokyo and Osaka. The Shimokitazawa branch ranks fifth on the 2024 "Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots" list. It's conveniently located in the "MIKAN Shimokitazawa" shopping arcade under the elevated railway tracks, just a 2-minute walk from the station. While you're there, you can also easily explore the surrounding streets of Shimokitazawa.

The café is known for its American-style breakfast, but they also offer popular dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads, along with great coffee. You can enjoy an American breakfast plate with iced coffee in the morning, have pasta for lunch, or savor tiramisu for an afternoon treat. Despite having plenty of seating, the place is always packed. They also sell coffee beans, mugs, and other merchandise. With its industrial chic decor, it's a great spot if you love casual, American-style eateries!

This burger joint is run by the quirky bookstore chain Village Vanguard, which has locations throughout Japan. However, there are only ten Village Vanguard Diner burger restaurants across the country, and the Shimokitazawa one is just a 1-minute walk from the West Exit of the station. While they serve classic burgers, these aren't your typical fast-food fare. They use premium Wagyu beef to make high-quality patties, with the Wagyu Avocado Burger as their standout item (pictured above, right). The creamy avocado blends perfectly with the juicy beef patty, complemented by a tasty bun and fresh vegetables — ideal for avocado lovers and Wagyu enthusiasts alike!

A favorite among burger aficionados both locally and internationally, the restaurant attracts customers from around the globe. If you're not a fan of avocado or beef, they also offer options like teriyaki chicken burgers, bacon and egg burgers, as well as dishes like taco rice, hamburger steak rice, and pancakes. Their side dishes like waffle fries and potato wedges are also a hit. Though the prices are higher than fast-food chains, it's definitely worth a visit!

Shimokitazawa is a hotspot for trendy bars, and here's one you won't want to miss! Reopened in 2021, this retro-style bar is just a minute's walk from Shimokitazawa Station. The name "Nikaino Wine Sakaba" translates to "Second Floor Wine Bar," hinting at its location in a fun way. As you climb the stairs and enter, you'll find a cozy bar counter and a window-side table for four. The simple decor adds to the relaxed vibe.

The menu features a wide range of drinks, including fine wines from Europe and various Japanese spirits, shochu, plum wine, and sparkling wines. If you're not a big drinker, try some fruit-infused options like their signature "Shimokita Wine Sour," available in flavors like lemon, blackcurrant, plum, and strawberry. For those who enjoy cocktails, there are plenty of options to explore.

The food menu is full of European-inspired dishes like cheese-baked broccoli, Spanish garlic shrimp, and porcini mushroom risotto. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or just some tasty bites to accompany your drinks, you're covered. Plus, the logo on their drink glasses is super-cute, and the colorful cocktails make for great photo ops!

Kamakurayama Kometen is a Japanese rice ball store run by a rice producer, using high-quality Azumino Koshihikari rice, and sometimes even the royal-grade Kanazaki rice. Their Shimokitazawa location is a collaboration with the Japanese lifestyle shop Unagi no Nedoko and opened in June 2024 as part of the Mikan Shimokita station facility. It's the first of their stores to offer dine-in seating.

The rice balls are freshly made and come in over 15 different varieties, including popular options like red salmon, Kishu Minamitaka plums, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and kombu (seaweed). They also offer pork miso soup and side dishes to complement your meal. The store's ordering tablet has a multilingual interface with pictures, making it easy for overseas customers. After your meal, you can browse the shop's merchandise. It's a great spot to enjoy authentic Japanese food while soaking up the trendy Shimokitazawa atmosphere!

When planning your Shimokitazawa itinerary, follow this food guide to find great spots for coffee and meals. Start by lining up for some delicious curry, then spend your afternoon enjoying a coffee and people-watching, immersing yourself in scenes reminiscent of a Japanese drama. Shimokitazawa also boasts many second-hand vintage shops and new shopping facilities. Be sure to explore and take a leisurely stroll before or after your meals to fully appreciate the retro and trendy charm of Shimokitazawa!

*Ranking information reference: Foreign Popular Dining Spot Ranking [Shimokitazawa Edition] https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000513.000024246.html