Muracci's

For Californians with a discerning palate for Japanese cuisine, particularly those in the vibrant Berkeley area, discovering authentic flavors that transport you straight to Japan is a delightful experience. Muracci's stands as a unique gem, specializing in the rich, comforting world of Japanese curry. While not a traditional sushi restaurant, Muracci's has carved out a beloved niche by offering hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Japanese curry dishes that have garnered a loyal following. It's the kind of place that embodies true comfort food, perfect for a chilly day or any time you crave a deeply savory and fulfilling meal.

Muracci's has earned its reputation by focusing on quality and authenticity within its specialized menu. Customers frequently compare their offerings to the beloved curry shops found in Japan, praising the robust flavors and generous portions. Beyond the signature curry, they offer a selection of classic Japanese sides and other entrees, all prepared with care to evoke a genuine taste of Japan. The friendly atmosphere, albeit primarily designed for takeout, and charming personal touches like the customer drawings on display, add to its unique appeal. If you're in Berkeley and seeking a truly satisfying and authentic Japanese curry experience, Muracci's is a definite must-try that promises to hit the spot.

Muracci's Japanese Curry is conveniently located at 2428 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA. This address places it directly on Telegraph Avenue, one of Berkeley's most iconic and bustling streets, known for its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and vibrant university culture. Its proximity to the University of California, Berkeley, makes it an incredibly popular and accessible spot for students, faculty, and local residents alike.

Accessibility to Muracci's is a significant advantage. Telegraph Avenue is well-served by AC Transit bus lines, with numerous bus stops within a very short walk of the restaurant. For those coming from further afield, the Downtown Berkeley BART station is a manageable walk or a quick bus ride away, connecting the restaurant to the wider Bay Area public transportation network. While street parking on Telegraph Avenue can sometimes be metered and competitive, there are public parking garages, such as the Telegraph Channing Garage, located within close proximity, offering more reliable parking options. The restaurant’s setting on a lively, pedestrian-friendly street means it's an easy and convenient stop for anyone exploring the heart of Berkeley on foot, by bike, or via public transit. It's designed primarily for pick-up, fitting perfectly into the on-the-go lifestyle of the area.

Muracci's specializes in authentic Japanese curry and a selection of complementary dishes, focusing on hearty, flavorful meals that are perfect for takeout.

• Japanese Curry Dishes: This is their signature offering, featuring rich, savory curry sauce served with various proteins and rice. Popular options include:
  • Katsu Curry: Deep-fried pork cutlet served with curry sauce.
  • Chicken Katsu Curry: Deep-fried chicken cutlet served with curry sauce.
  • Beef Curry: Tender pieces of beef in curry sauce.
  • Chicken Curry: Grilled chicken pieces in curry sauce.
  • Ebi Fry Curry: Fried prawns served with curry sauce.
  • Salmon (Grilled or Fry) Curry: Grilled or deep-fried salmon served with curry sauce.
  • Tofu & Vegetable Curry / Vegetarian Curry: Options with fried tofu and steamed vegetables, some available with a vegetarian curry sauce (no meat or dairy products).
  • Omelette Curry: Omelette served with curry sauce, with a vegetarian option available.
  • Hamburger Curry: Hamburger served with curry sauce.
  • Customers can often add extra toppings like extra curry sauce, extra rice, various meats, tofu, boiled egg, vegetables, spinach, potatoes, or cheese.
• Meal Sets: Comprehensive meal sets that typically include a main entree, potato salad, green salad, steamed white or brown rice, and miso soup. Options include:
  • Chicken Teriyaki Meal Set
  • Salmon Teriyaki Meal Set / Salmon Shioyaki Meal Set (lightly salted)
  • Tonkatsu Meal Set / Chicken Katsu Meal Set
  • Ebi Fry Meal Set
  • Karaage Meal Set (Fried Chicken)
  • Hamburger Meal Set
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Japanese rice bowls topped with various ingredients:
  • Oyako Don (Chicken with egg)
  • Katsu Don (Pork cutlet with egg)
  • Gyu Don (Sliced beef)
  • Spicy Tofu Don (Tofu with ground beef)
  • Salmon Teriyaki Don / Chicken Teriyaki Don
  • Unagi Don (Grilled Eel)
• Curry Noodle Soups: Hearty noodle soups featuring their signature curry, with choices like:
  • Katsu Curry Ramen (Pork katsu, egg, veggies in curry soup)
  • Spicy Noodle (Ground beef curry over noodles)
  • Beef & Vegetable Curry Hot Noodle Soup
  • Chicken & Vegetable Curry Hot Noodle Soup
  • Tofu & Vegetable Curry Hot Noodle Soup / Vegetarian Curry Noodle Soup
• Sides & Appetizers: Enhancements to your meal, including:
  • Miso Soup (made with fish broth)
  • Japanese Potato Croquettes (praised for authenticity)
  • Fried Gyoza (dumplings)
  • Karaage (fried chicken)
  • Edamame
  • Agedashi Tofu
  • Fukujinzuke (red daikon pickles) and Pickled Cabbage
• Salads: Various fresh salads such as Green Salad, Macaroni Salad, Tofu Salad, and Chicken Salad.
• Beverages: A selection of Japanese teas (Oi Ocha, Jasmine Tea), Calpico, sodas, and sparkling beverages. They also offer a limited selection of Sake and Beer (Sapporo).
• Pick-Up Only / Takeout Focused: Muracci's primarily operates as a pick-up/takeout restaurant, with limited or no dine-in seating. This ensures efficiency for on-the-go meals.
• Online Ordering: Orders can be conveniently placed online through platforms like Snackpass, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
• Catering: Muracci's also offers catering services, requiring a call 3 days in advance.

Muracci's Japanese Curry has several key features that contribute to its popularity and make it a standout choice for Japanese comfort food in Berkeley.

• Authentic Japanese Curry: The primary highlight is their commitment to authentic Japanese curry. Customers consistently praise the rich, flavorful, and filling curry sauce, often noting its similarity to curry found in Japan, even comparing it favorably to chains like CoCo Ichibanya.
• High-Quality Ingredients & Taste: Despite being a more casual, takeout-focused spot, the food quality is high. Ingredients taste fresh, and dishes like the potato croquettes are highlighted for their authentic taste. The generous amount of meat in the curry is also a plus.
• Generous Portions: Meals are described as "filling" and "good size," ensuring a satisfying experience and often providing excellent value for money.
• Variety of Curry Options: Muracci's offers a wide range of curry variations, from classic beef and chicken to various katsu (pork, chicken, salmon, prawn), seafood, and even vegetarian/vegan options, catering to diverse preferences.
• Beyond Curry: While specializing in curry, their menu also includes satisfying meal sets (teriyaki, katsu, karaage), donburi bowls, and curry noodle soups, providing a broader Japanese comfort food experience.
• Unique Decor & Community Touch: The "super cute decor method" of displaying customer drawings adds a charming and personal touch to the shop, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere for those picking up orders.
• Efficient & Friendly Service: Despite being a busy spot, the staff are noted for being "super nice and helpful," and orders are generally prepared efficiently.
• Perfect for Cold Weather: The hearty and warm nature of Japanese curry makes it a highly recommended choice for "cold weather" or any time you need a comforting, warming meal.
• Takeout/Pick-Up Focused: The primary focus on takeout makes it incredibly convenient for those on the go or looking to enjoy their meal elsewhere, fitting the fast-paced nature of the Telegraph Ave area.

Muracci's Japanese Curry primarily offers value through its consistently affordable pricing and generous portions, though they also have specific deals.

• Affordable Pricing: The restaurant is frequently praised for offering "very good food" at "very affordable prices." This inherent value proposition, especially for the quality and generous portions, acts as a continuous draw for customers, making it a budget-friendly option for Japanese comfort food.
• 50% Off Fried Gyoza Promotion: According to their online menu (via Snackpass), they offer a "50% Off Fried Gyoza" promotion, limited to one per cart. This is a specific and enticing deal for customers.
• Meal Sets for Value: Their "Meal Sets" are designed to be comprehensive and provide a complete meal with a main entree, sides, rice, and soup, offering excellent value for a satisfying experience.
• Online Ordering Discounts (Platform Specific): By partnering with various online ordering and delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Snackpass, customers may occasionally benefit from platform-specific promotions (e.g., first-time order discounts, free delivery for subscribers, loyalty points) that can reduce the overall cost.

For the most current and specific promotions, including any daily specials or limited-time offers, it's always best to check their official website or their listings on the aforementioned online ordering platforms.

To savor the delicious and authentic Japanese curry at Muracci's, here’s how you can reach them:

Address: 2428 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA

Phone: (510) 845-1101

Mobile Phone: +1 510-845-1101

Website: muraccis.com (check for Berkeley specific menu and hours)

Online Ordering Platforms: Available on Snackpass, DoorDash, Uber Eats

Hours of Operation: (Based on available data, hours may vary slightly. It is primarily pick-up/takeout focused.)

• Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Some sources indicate longer hours for delivery platforms)
• Sunday: Closed (Please confirm with the restaurant directly)

Given its primary focus on pick-up, calling ahead for larger orders or checking online platforms for the most current hours and ordering options is highly recommended.

For Californians in Berkeley, Muracci's Japanese Curry is exceptionally suitable and quickly becomes a local favorite due to its unique specialization and consistent delivery of comfort and quality. Its focus on authentic, hearty, and incredibly tasty Japanese curry resonates deeply with locals seeking a fulfilling and flavorful meal, especially during colder weather or when a rich, savory dish is desired. The generous portions ensure excellent value, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on the depth of flavor or quality of ingredients.

The restaurant's convenient location on Telegraph Avenue makes it easily accessible for students and residents, whether walking, biking, or using public transport. Its efficient, pick-up-only model perfectly suits the on-the-go lifestyle of the Berkeley community, allowing for a quick and easy acquisition of a delicious meal. The charming personal touches, like the displayed customer drawings, add a warm, community-oriented feel to the place. Muracci's offers a focused yet comprehensive menu of Japanese comfort food classics, providing a genuine taste of Japan right in the heart of Berkeley. For anyone craving authentic Japanese curry that's both satisfying and affordable, Muracci's is a cherished local spot that consistently hits all the right notes.

Muracci's

2428 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA