Dela Curo Curry

"Japanese black curry shop Dela Curo Curry’s Swan Market location has closed permanently, the restaurant announced on Instagram in late May. The good news is that chef Chikara Ono is now serving his trademark pork katsu curries and fluffy fruit sandwiches from a new location at Berkeley Bowl West, at 920 Heinz Avenue." - Paolo Bicchieri

"Do you recall the last time you had a meal so good that you inhaled it faster than a kid with a helium balloon, and then licked the plate sparkling clean until there was no trace of a single crumb? If not, go to Dela Curo. The closet-sized stall at Old Oakland’s Swan’s Market turns out heavenly plates overflowing with Japanese black curry, a darker, less-starchy version than the curry many of us know so well. Order one with tonkatsu or silky omelette, prop yourself up on one of the stools overlooking the kitchen, and watch as things are fried, folded, and scooped in front of you before enthusiastically eating up your own massive plate." - Lani Conway, Julia Chen 1

"Located in Swan's Market in downtown Oakland, this order-at-the-counter style of spot is brought to diners by Chikara Ono. Decked with glass and bamboo accents, as well as—you guessed it—a counter with partial views of the kitchen, your eyes will be solely focused on the plates in front of you. They are massive in portion and bold in presentation.The menu specializes in Japanese curry, but this version is nearly black in color and thicker in texture, thanks largely to a dark roux-sauce typically seen in Northwestern Japan. These curries may be prepared with fried chicken, tonkatsu or even with a tender omelet in the case of omu. All arrive with rice, which is a perfect vehicle for the sauce. Pickled vegetables add yet another layer of flavor and texture." - Michelin Inspector

"Located in Swan's Market in downtown Oakland, this order-at-the-counter style of spot is brought to diners by Chikara Ono." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Do you recall the last time you had a meal so good that you inhaled it faster than a kid with a helium balloon, and then licked the plate sparkling clean until there was no trace of a single crumb? If not, go to Dela Curo. The closet-sized stall at Old Oakland’s Swan’s Market turns out heavenly plates overflowing with Japanese black curry, a darker, less-starchy version than the curry many of us know so well. Order one with tonkatsu or silky omelette, prop yourself up on one of the stools overlooking the kitchen, and watch as things are fried, folded, and scooped in front of you before enthusiastically eating up your own massive plate." - Lani Conway