5 Best Restaurants in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Look for the cute neon bear sign to find what is possibly the neighborhood's best coffee shop, since, aside from some branded merchandise, coffee is the only thing that's sold. It's a tiny, low-key place with a simple design, including old wooden benches that make the place feel as if it's both in the now and from long ago.

Stop by and watch specialty donuts being fried before your eyes. They come in many flavors, and although they're on the "healthy" side, don't worry—they're still donuts. The giant cone outside reminds you that you can also get soft-serve ice cream, and there's coffee, too. Sit outside on the bench and watch the world go by.

Situated near Shimokitazawa Station, Norah's is a great place to do some people-watching while enjoying a coffee (including an Irish coffee if you'd like) and a snack. It also serves tea, wine, and beer.

Off a main shopping street, one of Shimokitazawa's many curry shops has a cute entrance, table seating, and a couple of counter seats so you can watch the cooks at work. Unlike most Japanese curries, those served here tend to be heavy on the vegetables. You can also customize the spices and toppings to make your own curry. 

What's a soup curry? You'll find out here when you choose your curry (a wide variety with vegetables); your soup base (tomato, shrimp, or the base that's used to make many soupy Japanese dishes); your spice level (from 0 to 7); your toppings (perhaps avocados, an egg, or fried mushrooms); and, finally, the amount of rice you'd like.