Books and Curry

Japan, 630-8288 Nara, Higashisasabokocho, 41
+81 742-24-8231
$$$ cafe
(89 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to Books and Curry, a delightful café nestled in the tranquil backstreets of Nara, Japan. This charming escape offers a unique fusion of literature and culinary delights, serving as a sanctuary for those seeking a calm and cozy environment away from the bustling tourist spots.

At Books and Curry, patrons can indulge in a delightful array of comforting dishes, showcasing the warmth of home-cooked meals. While the precise menu details are undisclosed, the enthusiastic responses from customers highlight exceptional offerings like rich curries and decadent cheesecakes that are crafted with care, inviting you to savor each bite. Imagine enjoying a warm plate of aromatic curry, the spices dancing on your palate, or sinking into the smooth, velvety texture of their famous cheesecake, perfectly complemented by a warm apple juice that beckons you to linger.

The ambiance of Books and Curry enhances your experience, making it the perfect spot to unwind. The café's decor exudes a charming nostalgia, encouraging guests to relax with their favorite read while sipping on a refreshing drink. Jaden McKeever mentions, "Such a calm decor coupled with a delicious meal," illustrating how the café truly embodies its name; bringing a book and losing yourself in the serene atmosphere feels not just welcome but essential.

Real customer testimonials further capture the essence of what makes this gem stand out. Tim Hatfield describes it as, "a delightful little gem," praising the gracious service that bridges language barriers—a sentiment echoed by Jasmine, who appreciated the owner's warm welcome and efforts in communicating effectively. For those who yearn for personal interactions over the commonplace coffee chain experience, this café is a haven.

Jamie Nguyen, a satisfied diner, emphasizes its hidden charm infused within a peaceful neighborhood. Here, the tranquility offers a stark contrast to the crowded tourist spots, allowing you to savor your meal and the company of your companions, or perhaps even dive into a book. Nicolò Machiavelli’s heartwarming encounter with the owner further affirms the friendly vibe of the café—conversations about life, art, and literature flow as easily as the drinks, making your visit feel less like dining and more like being part of a community.

Whether you're a bookworm, a food lover, or simply in search of a peaceful spot to recharge, Books and Curry promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, kindness, and delectable flavors. Don’t miss the chance to explore this enchanting retreat on your next adventure in Nara!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

89 Reviews
Tim Hatfield

16 Sep 2025

What a delightful little gem in the backstreets of Nara! The food was delicious, and the server was very gracious in trying to explain in English and then accepting our attempts at Japanese. Well worth venturing into the side streets for.

Jamie Nguyen

15 Sep 2025

This has been my favorite restaurant in Japan I’ve eaten at. It’s located in a local neighborhood in Nara that is peaceful and away from the crowds. We stumbled upon this hidden gem through google maps and so happy we ate here. The food was amazing, and the owner was so kind. Highly recommend this place to anyone. The environment was tranquil, nostalgic, and comforting.

Jaden McKeever

14 Aug 2025

Such a calm decor coupled with a delicious meal. As the name implies, bring a book and relax during your meal or have a comfortable conversation. Strongly recommend.

Jasmine

11 Aug 2025

A cozy little cafe tucked away in a local neighbourhood. It's very hot today and I wanted a cold drink and dessert. I didn't want to go to any coffee chains as that would be packed with tourists, so I looked around for a kissaten. That's how I found this cafe. I was greeted by the owner upon entering, and found a table under the A/C to cool down. Menu is in Japanese only, but the owner explained the menu items to me in English. The drink and cake set was only 900 yen, and I ordered an iced chai latte along with a slice of lemon cheesecake. Both were really delicious. The iced chai was chilled but not icy cold, just the perfect temperature for me. The lemon cheesecake was nice and dense, but not too sweet. Do come in and have a drink if you are in the area!

Nicolò Machiavelli

09 Aug 2025

I went there with some friends 2 days ago after the recommendation of another local place nearby, and I was delighted: this place is a gem carved out of a storybook. I was warmed by the cozy atmosphere of the cafe and the kindness of the owner, a very gentle man with whom I spent the afternoon talking about books, movies and drawings. The cheesecake was delicious and the hot apple juice (kinda like a brule) was superb. I left the place with a memory I'll treasure forever. Note: it may seems that the apple juice is a bit short, but the pic was taken after I took some sips! The original portion size were plenty!!!

Lucas Monné (Mr_Mounets)

09 Aug 2025

We randomly end up having lunch here and what a gem! We had the best curry of our lives made by the owner who was so kind and nice to us we really recommend it!! Also great price (cash only)

Mu Me

05 Jul 2025

Cozy hidden gem! About a dozen seats with lots of art and children’s books. The owner-chef serving up delicious curry is super nice as well.

Caleb Grimes

17 Jun 2025

Very cute atmosphere and the curry was INCREDIBLE! Recommend to anyone interested in exploring local spots. Owner was so friendly and we loved speaking with him.

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