Dela Curo Curry

For Californians with a discerning palate for Japanese cuisine, Dela Curo Curry in Berkeley offers a distinctive and intriguing take on a beloved comfort food. This establishment specializes in a unique "black curry," a style rarely found outside of certain regions of Japan. Situated within the vibrant atmosphere of the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe, Dela Curo Curry provides a convenient and intriguing option for a quick yet satisfying meal. While some local reviews indicate a desire for more robust seasoning in certain dishes, the very concept of a specialized black curry, alongside options like katsu and omurice, positions Dela Curo Curry as a unique culinary destination worth exploring for those in the Golden State seeking a different kind of Japanese flavor.

Dela Curo Curry is conveniently located at 920 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA. This address places it uniquely within the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe, a well-known and popular grocery and food hub in Berkeley. This location offers a distinct advantage, as patrons can easily combine a grocery run with a delicious meal.

Accessibility to Dela Curo Curry is straightforward for locals across the California region. Being within Berkeley Bowl West, there is typically ample parking available in the grocery store's dedicated lot, which is a significant convenience in Berkeley. For those relying on public transportation, various AC Transit bus lines serve the area, making it accessible from different parts of Berkeley and the wider East Bay. While not directly next to a BART station, bus connections make it reachable. The location in the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe offers a casual and bustling environment, fitting for a quick and comforting Japanese curry experience.

Dela Curo Curry focuses on a specialized menu centered around its unique Japanese black curry, served with various toppings and preparations. Here's an overview of their services and offerings:

• Dine-In/Cafe Setting: Located within the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe, customers can enjoy their meals in a casual, self-service style dining area shared with other food vendors. This allows for a relaxed and informal meal experience.
• Signature Japanese Black Curry: The core offering is their distinctive "black curry." This style of curry, often associated with Northwestern Japan (like Kanazawa-style), is characterized by its rich, dark color, thicker texture, and deep, savory, and subtly spiced flavor profile, often due to a dark roux-based sauce.
• Variety of Katsu Curry Options: A popular choice for Japanese curry, Dela Curo offers crispy breaded cutlets to accompany their black curry. Options include:
  • Chicken Katsu Curry: Crispy breaded chicken cutlet with Japanese black beef curry and rice.
  • Pork Katsu Curry: Crispy breaded pork cutlet with Japanese black beef curry and rice.
  • Shrimp Katsu Curry: Breaded shrimp with black curry and rice.
• Omu Curry: A comforting Japanese-style omelet served over rice and generously topped with their rich black curry sauce.
• Veggie Curry: A plant-based option featuring their black curry sauce with rice and vegetables, suitable for vegetarians.
• Rice Accompaniment: All curry dishes are served with white rice, which is noted as a perfect vehicle for the thick sauce.
• Shredded Cabbage: Dishes typically come with a side of raw shredded cabbage, which provides a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Takeout/Online Ordering: Dela Curo Curry offers online ordering for store pickup, making it convenient for customers to place their orders ahead of time and pick up a freshly prepared meal.
• Quick Service for a Cafe Setting: While individual preparation takes time, the service within the cafe environment is generally geared towards efficiency for a casual lunch or dinner.

Dela Curo Curry offers several distinct features that make it a unique and noteworthy dining option for Japanese curry enthusiasts in California:

• Unique Japanese Black Curry: The most significant highlight is their specialization in a type of Japanese curry that is "nearly black in color and thicker in texture." This "dark roux-sauce" is a distinct culinary experience, setting it apart from more common Japanese curry varieties found in the U.S. It provides a "deep, umami" flavor profile that aims to offer something new to seasoned curry lovers.
• Location within Berkeley Bowl West Cafe: Being situated inside the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe provides a convenient and bustling environment. This allows diners to enjoy their curry as part of a larger shopping trip or simply as a dedicated visit, benefiting from the cafe's amenities and general lively atmosphere.
• Michelin Guide Mention (from Oakland location, relevant for brand): While the provided reviews for the Berkeley location don't explicitly state it, the Dela Curo brand (with an Oakland location also mentioned in the Michelin Guide) suggests a commitment to quality and a unique culinary approach that has garnered recognition. This can imply a certain standard of food preparation and a distinctive flavor profile.
• Comfort Food Appeal: Despite some critiques, the very nature of Japanese curry, especially a hearty black curry served with rice and katsu, positions it as ultimate comfort food. It's designed to be a "savory deeply" satisfying meal, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
• Specific Dish Offerings: The menu's focus on classic curry combinations like Chicken Katsu Curry, Pork Katsu Curry, Shrimp Katsu Curry, and the traditional Omu Curry (omelet over rice with curry) offers familiar favorites prepared with their unique black curry twist. The Veggie Curry provides a solid option for non-meat eaters.
• Generous Portions (implied): While not explicitly stated in provided reviews, Japanese curry dishes are typically known for their satisfying portions, making them a hearty and filling meal option.

Based on publicly available information, Dela Curo Curry primarily offers its unique Japanese black curry dishes at consistent menu prices rather than running frequent or widely advertised promotions. Their value proposition is centered around providing a distinct culinary experience within the convenient setting of Berkeley Bowl West Cafe.

While there are no specific "happy hour" deals or ongoing discounts mentioned, their menu items are generally priced within an affordable range, making it a good option for a casual and satisfying meal. For any potential seasonal specials, limited-time menu additions, or specific offers that might be available directly at the cafe or through online ordering platforms (like their own website or third-party delivery apps), it is always recommended for California locals to inquire directly at Dela Curo Curry or check their online listings for the most current information.

For those interested in experiencing the unique Japanese black curry at Dela Curo Curry, here's how to connect with them:

Address: 920 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA (inside Berkeley Bowl West Cafe)

While a direct phone number for the Berkeley location specifically isn't consistently provided in public listings, the primary way to interact for orders is often through their website for online pickup orders. The nature of being located within a larger cafe means direct phone inquiries are less common. However, for general inquiries, one might try contacting Berkeley Bowl West directly for cafe-related questions.

Dela Curo Curry generally operates during lunch hours, typically from Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. As these hours are relatively limited and can be subject to change, especially within a cafe setting, it is highly advisable to check their official website or current online ordering platform for the most up-to-date operating hours before planning your visit.

Dela Curo Curry offers a distinctive and accessible dining option that holds appeal for California locals, particularly those in the Berkeley area, for several reasons. Its unique specialization in Japanese "black curry" provides a refreshing departure from more common Japanese dishes. For adventurous foodies and those keen to explore regional Japanese culinary styles, this offers a new and intriguing flavor profile not readily available elsewhere. This commitment to a specific, authentic, and less common style of curry makes it a notable spot for locals seeking unique gastronomic experiences.

Furthermore, its convenient location within the Berkeley Bowl West Cafe is a significant advantage. This allows for easy access and ample parking, a highly valued commodity in the Bay Area. Locals can seamlessly integrate a delicious, comforting curry meal into their grocery shopping routine, making it a practical and efficient dining choice for busy schedules. The casual, self-service setting within the cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere for a quick lunch or early dinner.

While some reviews suggest areas for refinement in seasoning, the core concept of a rich, hearty black curry served with popular additions like katsu and omelets remains appealing for comfort food cravings. For Californians looking for a unique Japanese curry experience in a convenient location, Dela Curo Curry offers an interesting and distinct flavor journey that is worth trying for its novelty and comforting qualities. It presents an opportunity for locals to expand their Japanese culinary horizons right in their own neighborhood.

Dela Curo Curry

920 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA