Rojiura Curry Samurai brings a fresh twist to Japanese curry with its Hokkaido-style soup curry—a lighter, more flavorful version that stands apart from the usual roux-based styles. Made without flour, oil, or chemical seasonings, the broth blends vegetables, chicken, pork bones, dried fish, and bonito flakes to highlight the natural umami of every ingredient.

When ordering, you’ll customize your bowl step by step: choose your curry flavor, select a soup base (basic, soy milk, coconut milk, or soy milk with hazelnuts), pick a spice level (0–10), and decide on your rice portion. Add toppings if you’d like, and enjoy a meal that’s tailored to your taste and dietary needs.

About a 6–7 minute walk from either the East or West Exit (North side) of Shimokitazawa Station, this “hidden gem” is a well-loved local favorite—so much so that it ranked second in the 2024 “Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots” list. Expect a bit of a wait, but the all-natural, nutritious flavors are well worth it.

Just a 5-minute walk from the East or South-West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station, Magic Spice stands out with its vibrant, Southeast Asian-inspired building—and the curry is just as bold as the décor.

This iconic soup curry shop invites you to start by picking your main flavor—chicken, beef, pork belly, hamburger patty, seafood, and more—then choose your spice level. With names like Awakening, Dream, Hell, Nirvana, Paradise, Sky, and Void, the spice levels are no joke. If you’re new to Magic Spice and enjoy heat, Nirvana is a solid starting point.

The ingredients are as imaginative as the names, with toppings like maitake mushrooms, Hokkaido coral mushrooms, seasonal veggies, tofu, and even mini hamburger patties. Layered, flavorful, and unlike anything else, this is a must-visit for curry fans and a standout in Shimokitazawa’s soup curry scene.

If you're a coffee lover, chances are you've heard of Ogawa Coffee—a celebrated Kyoto brand that’s been brewing excellence since 1952. Blending the elegance of Kyoto with Western coffee culture and sustainable practices, each cup is crafted with care and conscience. It’s a perfect fit for Shimokitazawa’s laid-back, indie vibe.

Located on the first floor of Reload (opened in 2021), Ogawa Coffee Laboratory offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The menu is set up like a flavor spectrum, letting you choose your brew based on acidity, smoothness, richness, and more. Not sure where to start? Chat with a barista—if you speak some Japanese, they’ll gladly guide you to your ideal cup.

Beyond sipping, you can also shop for beans, brewing gear, and accessories—or take part in an interactive coffee-making session. For an added fee, select your own beans and roasting method, and dive into the brewing process yourself. It’s no surprise this spot topped the 2024 “Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots” list!

Just a 4–5 minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s South-West Exit, tucked along the charming alleyways, you’ll find Café Trois Chambres. Look for the classic dark wooden sign, then head up to the second floor where a warm amber glow and vintage décor await—like stepping into a cozy corner of the past.

The highlight here is their flannel pour-over coffee, brewed with care for a deep, complex flavor. Try their blended coffee made from two distinct beans if you’re after something more layered. Not a coffee fan? Their lemon tea is refreshingly aromatic, and the smooth, creamy cheesecake is a must. It’s the perfect spot to spend a relaxed afternoon soaking in Shimokitazawa’s nostalgic elegance.

Flipper’s is a must-visit for anyone exploring Shimokitazawa—ranked third on the 2024 “Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots” list and beloved for its photogenic, melt-in-your-mouth soufflé pancakes. Since opening in 2016, its fame has spread with branches in Shibuya, Kichijoji, Umeda, and even Taipei.

Their signature Miraculous Pancakes are a fluffy delight, with Shimokitazawa-exclusive flavors like white chocolate strawberry, blueberry pistachio, and strawberry chocolate. Savory options, including bacon pancakes and eggs Benedict, also make it a great brunch stop. Just a 2–3 minute walk from either the East or West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station—come hungry and expect a bit of a wait!

If you’re hunting for Tokyo’s trendiest treats, Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must—famous for its adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs that are as tasty as they are photogenic.

They offer classic flavors like custard and chocolate, along with seasonal specials such as strawberry cream (January–June) and mango cream (July–September). Each Totoro puff comes with a different decoration based on the filling, making them perfect for snapshots. Due to their delicate design and short shelf life, quantities are limited—so they often sell out fast. If you speak Japanese, calling ahead to reserve is a smart move!

You’ll also find Totoro-shaped cookies here, ideal as souvenirs. The Daita location, about a 7-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s South-West Exit, is the closest shop in the area. To avoid missing out, we highly recommend arriving before opening time—it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike!

Matcha lovers, this one’s for you! Shimokita Chaen Oyama is a specialty tea shop run by the renowned Oyama brothers—both holders of the rare 10th-dan tea master qualification, a title shared by only 15 people in Japan. As masters of their craft, they’re known not only for their traditional brewing skills but also for innovating new ways to enjoy Japanese tea.

Their signature item is the matcha latte, available as a drink or in a shaved ice version. The shaved ice features matcha-infused ice topped with matcha cream, offering a smooth, mellow flavor with no bitterness. The latte blends rich matcha with airy milk foam for a beautifully layered and satisfying drink. In summer, don’t miss their matcha soft serve or matcha shaved ice—both topped with luxurious matcha cream.

Located inside the Reload shopping complex, just a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s East Exit, this spot is a must-visit for any true matcha enthusiast!

Located on the second floor of the Shimokitazawa Ekiue commercial complex, cafe Noce opened in April 2023 and quickly became a cozy go-to for light, affordable bites. Initially serving handmade paninis, French toast, desserts, coffee, and tea, the café expanded its menu in November to include iron skillet pasta and homemade burgers. By June 2024, they introduced refreshing shaved ice options—like strawberry condensed milk and matcha condensed milk—perfect for summer days.

The paninis pair wonderfully with an old-school ice cream soda, offering that easygoing Shimokitazawa charm. With most items priced around 1,000 yen, cafe Noce is a budget-friendly find in a city where café treats often come with a hefty price tag.

Osaka Yakiniku Futago is a popular chain known for its laid-back izakaya-style vibe and mini tabletop grills—perfect for small groups or solo diners. With over 30 menu items, you’ll find favorites like thick-cut Berkshire Pork belly, “manga-style” oversized sirloin steaks, and beef tongue in various styles, including salted and scallion salt.

To balance the rich flavors, pair your meal with grilled veggies, potato salad, or a crisp shochu soda. Menus are multilingual, and staff offer simple English support—plus, they’ll cut and help cook your meat if needed. Ranked 4th on the 2024 “Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots” list (and the only yakiniku spot featured!), it’s a must-try just 2 minutes from the East Exit of Shimokitazawa Station.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn Roasting Company has made a name for itself in Japan with locations in Tokyo and Osaka. The Shimokitazawa branch, ranked fifth on the 2024 “Shimokitazawa Foreign Tourist Hot Spots” list, is located just a 2-minute walk from the station in the MIKAN Shimokitazawa shopping arcade beneath the elevated train tracks—making it a convenient stop while exploring the area.

Known for its American-style breakfasts, the café also serves up favorites like pasta, pizza, salads, and, of course, quality coffee. Start your day with a breakfast plate and iced coffee, drop in for lunch, or treat yourself to their tiramisu in the afternoon. The industrial chic vibe and spacious seating make it a popular hangout, and you can also shop for beans, mugs, and branded merch while you’re there. It’s the perfect spot for fans of casual, American-style cafés with a Tokyo twist.

Run by the quirky bookstore chain Village Vanguard, Village Vanguard Diner is a hidden gem burger joint with only ten locations across Japan—and the Shimokitazawa branch is just a 1-minute walk from the West Exit of the station.

These aren’t your average burgers. Made with premium Wagyu beef, their patties are juicy and flavorful, with the Wagyu Avocado Burger (pictured above, right) stealing the spotlight. The rich avocado, tender beef, fresh veggies, and soft bun make it a must-try for burger and Wagyu lovers alike.

Popular with locals and international visitors, the menu also features teriyaki chicken burgers, bacon and egg burgers, taco rice, hamburger steak rice, pancakes, and crowd-favorite sides like waffle fries and potato wedges. Prices are higher than your typical fast-food spot, but the quality and flavor make it more than worth it.

Shimokitazawa is known for its stylish bar scene, and Nikaino Wine Sakaba is one spot you won’t want to miss. Reopened in 2021 and located just a minute from Shimokitazawa Station, this cozy second-floor bar features a relaxed retro vibe, with a compact counter and a window-side table for four.

The drink menu is broad and approachable, offering everything from European wines and Japanese shochu to sparkling wines and fruity cocktails. For something light and fun, try their Shimokita Wine Sour, available in flavors like lemon, blackcurrant, plum, and strawberry.

The food leans European, with comforting small plates like cheese-baked broccoli, Spanish garlic shrimp, and porcini risotto—great for pairing or sharing. Add in their charming glassware and vibrant drinks, and you’ve got a photogenic, feel-good night out in Shimokitazawa.

Kamakurayama Kometen is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese comfort food. Run by a rice producer, this rice ball specialty shop uses premium Azumino Koshihikari rice—and occasionally the royal-grade Kanazaki rice—for unbeatable freshness and flavor. The Shimokitazawa branch, opened in June 2024 inside Mikan Shimokita, is its first location with dine-in seating and is a collaboration with lifestyle brand Unagi no Nedoko.

The shop offers over 15 types of freshly made onigiri, including red salmon, Kishu Minamitaka plum, mentaiko, and kombu, all paired perfectly with pork miso soup and traditional sides. Ordering is a breeze thanks to the multilingual touchscreen with images—ideal for international visitors. After your meal, browse the curated merchandise for a unique souvenir. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy high-quality Japanese fare in the heart of Shimokitazawa’s cool, laid-back scene.

When planning your Shimokitazawa itinerary, let this food guide lead the way to some of the area’s best coffee and meal spots. Start your day with a flavorful bowl of curry, then spend the afternoon sipping coffee and people-watching—soaking in a vibe that feels straight out of a Japanese drama.

Between meals, take time to wander through Shimokitazawa’s retro alleyways, lined with vintage stores and stylish new shopping complexes. A relaxed stroll before or after eating is the perfect way to experience the neighborhood’s unique blend of old-school charm and modern trendiness.

*Ranking information reference: Foreign Popular Dining Spot Ranking [Shimokitazawa Edition]