Small restaurant with friendly staff. Food was average and portions were enough for 1 meal, but lack compared to the portions of Hawaiian bbq chains or curry places.
Elizabeth L.
Urban Ka-re House is one of the newer additions to the Greenhouse Marketplace. It is located closer to the edge, so you would have to park and walk across the street, and it can get a bit inconvenient because it is where all the cars enter the plaza. It is one of those pay first, sit down and wait for your food, pick up your own food kind of places. The girl working was not friendly or welcoming at all, it was obvious that she did not want to be there. It was my first time and I was a bit indecisive, the girl was impatient and I felt a bit rushed. I opted for the grilled chicken udon with an egg. For what you get, it was a bit pricey - they charge for all toppings, so unless you are willing to pay for multiple toppings, your food may be a bit boring and plain. Portions were small and my udon was pretty plain, while the soup base was a bit on the saltier side.
Mira C.
This review is based off take-out that my boyfriend got trying this place out for the first time. We're big fans of Coco Ichibanya in OC and honestly this comes really close. We got the mild because I have a lower spice tolerance, but definitely felt like I could handle the medium! Mild is not spicy at all in my option. The only downside for me was that the curry here is not at thick and has more of a soupy consistency. Rice was cooked well and I really enjoyed that the entire dish was freshly made because it was really hot when I picked it up! Excited to try more here some time!
Juicke C.
I was craving for curry katsu. Luckily there was one nearby. I have been to their east Dublin site on several occasions. My gps steered me to this strip mall where I have been many times years ago. I didn't realized the location as I parked near the center of the parking lot and cannot see their signage. So I took a stroll around in the hot afternoon. Without much luck, I headed back to my car but decided to look at one corner I neglected to see in the first place. Next to a nail salon was the place. It was hit inside as well as out. The counter person reminded me of an old Snapple commercial where the person was hidden behind a tall counter.I had ordered a curry chicken katsu with a bottle of unsweetened green tea. There was absolutely no diner in the restaurant. I chose to sit by the window and door which was a bad idea as the heat was radiating through the glass. A cup of ice for the green tea brought some relief. Now the main attraction, the curry chicken katsu served over a scoop of white rice and pickled radish. The curry on a separate contain, a very nice tough as I didn't want my crispy katsu to get soggy. The curry was on point, not too salty yet heavy curry with sliced carrots. Dipping a slice of katsu in the curry followed by a spoon of rice was more than satisfying. I was glad I made the visit and if you are into curry and katsu, check this place out.
Joyce Z.
Always love finding spots so close to me and this one is less than a 5-minute drive at the Greenhouse Shopping Center. Since I do not fry things myself, I almost always get katsu sandos when I see them on the menu. Trying both, the pork katsu sando edged out the chicken katsu one even though both were served in between soft shokupan bread with cabbage. Unlike Indian curries which tends to be more pungent, the Japanese curry is more subdued with a hint of sweetness that complemented the chicken teriyaki very well. Since you can have unlimited topping for an additional charge, we went for the gyoza which came with 3.
Susan T.
Omgggg !! I did not think that I would like this place but after trying it ohhh boyyyy was I wrong !! This place is amazing ! I had the grilled beef curry and honestly, it's soooooooo goood ! Highly recommended to those who likes spicy food and curry !!!
Mai N.
All of the fried items were fried HARD. When I think of Japanese food, I appreciate their style of cooking food. Like a delicate tempura. So I was surprised when I found everything to have been over fried and dry. My chicken Katsu consisted of one small flat piece of chicken with too much rice. Like a third of a chicken breast. Then the curry sauce was harsh. Like how horseradish is harsh. Not saying it tasted like horseradish. I'm not sure what the ingredient/seasoning was. Overall, I only enjoyed the Tonkatsu Sando once I got over the coconut shavings on top.
Jessica K.
My daughter wanted udon, and this was the closest spot to us. Service was mid. Went in, no one at the counter. We were looking at the menu when he asked if we were ready, we were not. So he walked away. I wonder if he was the only one working or something because it took a few minutes for him to come back. Took our order, we sat down. We had to ask for water. Food was brought out to us, everything was good. Nothing great, but good. The broth was a little lacking, but it was fine. Mac salad was okay, was a little thin on the mayo mix, but it's fine. I would probably give 3.5 stars if I could. But I always round up, unless they did something to offend me. Which, well. Doesn't happen. lol
Justin L.
If I'm being honest, this wasn't it... There are a few things: 1.) Location: Google Maps and Maps (Apple) pin different locations for some reason. It's a big plaza so had to driving around to find the location. Driving around is fine, but it's inconvenient when their restaurant sign is difficult to see from afar. 2.) Presentation: Looks nothing like the beautiful pictures displayed on the ordering screen (I honestly think they took pictures from online, no flame...) 3.) Taste: Was not it, sorry :/ We had the Tonkatsu Omelette Curry w/ rice and Tonkatsu Udon Curry w/ egg. I just came back from Japan, and I can tell you that the taste, quality, and presentation of the dish would be a disgrace to the Japanese culture. I know that sounds harsh but this is my honest feedback. The omelette was over cooked, curry tasted slightly off, and udon incorporate well with the curry. I'm giving this place 2-stars (when it really should be 1-star...) because I believe they have an opportunity to improve their dishes and service. Pros: Interior design is nice and there is plenty of parking in the plaza.
Emily T.
First time here and after reading the other reviews, I knew that I had to get the curry! Upon walking in the store looks clean and modern with neon signs. It wasn't busy at all either; seems like people order to-go more than dine-in. We ordered a grilled chicken curry (medium spice) and a chicken katsu sando with fries and a drink. For the grilled chicken curry, the chicken wasn't dry and had a nice char! The curry was flavorful, but the carrots were a little too soft for my liking. For the chicken katsu sando, I really liked this! The bread was kinda sweet and the chicken was crispy. I liked dipping it into the curry from the other order. The fries were SO bottom tier, it seemed like it needed to be fried a little longer because the exterior wasn't crunchy. Overall, the food was good but nothing mind blowing. The prices are okay as well.
Great Japanese curry shop! Lots of food combinations possible and some nice beer as well.
Jennifer H.
Got take out here and I was quite satisfied with the food here. I've already tried the location in Dublin so I knew what there food tasted like. This location seems to be better. The chicken katsu sando had a larger katsu piece than the other location. I appreciated this as the price is the same, but getting slightly different things. Another favorite item is the grilled beef curry rice (medium spice). The different spice levels are great for me and I appreciate that the flavor can still be tasted vs getting overpowered by the spicy flavor. Highly recommend this place
Irena S.
Came here on a weeknight for dinner, dine-in. My order: chicken katsu udon, $12.99 Pro: - Easy parking available in Greenhouse parking lot - Fast & Casual - really good comfort food! - Convenient - Honestly pretty tasty - tastes exactly like what you think it would. Almost reminds me of a fusion Japanese + hawaiian bbq vibe - The staff let me and my friend sit there for almost 2 hrs - adjustable spice levels - Order first then seat yourself (honestly I love this model of restaurants) Cons: - The music was oddly fluctuating in volume like really loud then none at all Honestly - a pretty affordable option for when you feel like you could make this at home but really don't feel like it and know deep down the restaurant can do it better. Honestly the curry is fire, and I loved how they cooked their eggs!
Erin Lennon
Like Chipotle but for curry and not excessive - you can customize what your main dish will be, kind of sauce you want, what sides you want, and what kind of starch you want. Clean aesthetic, quick, friendly service. Small, but not crowded for dinner. Seems to take a good amount of to go orders too. Would come back!
April Y.
This is one of my go-to restaurants on a weeknight when I feel too lazy to cook. I bring a book to read, get some Happy Lemon around the corner, then dig into spicy curry with impossible burger patties. I have yet to try the "bomb" spice level - but it's on my list. My other go-to order is the katsu sando with fries. Both the pork and chicken versions are delicious. FYI - they make food to order, so the place isn't "fast" food in the traditional sense. But it's totally worth it because the food is fresh! FYI: For folks who are just starting to get comfortable eating indoors during the pandemic, they usually keep the door open so there's plenty of ventilation. Or if you're more of the to-go pickup type, the online ordering system is a cinch, too.
Small restaurant with friendly staff. Food was average and portions were enough for 1 meal, but lack compared to the portions of Hawaiian bbq chains or curry places.
Urban Ka-re House is one of the newer additions to the Greenhouse Marketplace. It is located closer to the edge, so you would have to park and walk across the street, and it can get a bit inconvenient because it is where all the cars enter the plaza. It is one of those pay first, sit down and wait for your food, pick up your own food kind of places. The girl working was not friendly or welcoming at all, it was obvious that she did not want to be there. It was my first time and I was a bit indecisive, the girl was impatient and I felt a bit rushed. I opted for the grilled chicken udon with an egg. For what you get, it was a bit pricey - they charge for all toppings, so unless you are willing to pay for multiple toppings, your food may be a bit boring and plain. Portions were small and my udon was pretty plain, while the soup base was a bit on the saltier side.
This review is based off take-out that my boyfriend got trying this place out for the first time. We're big fans of Coco Ichibanya in OC and honestly this comes really close. We got the mild because I have a lower spice tolerance, but definitely felt like I could handle the medium! Mild is not spicy at all in my option. The only downside for me was that the curry here is not at thick and has more of a soupy consistency. Rice was cooked well and I really enjoyed that the entire dish was freshly made because it was really hot when I picked it up! Excited to try more here some time!
I was craving for curry katsu. Luckily there was one nearby. I have been to their east Dublin site on several occasions. My gps steered me to this strip mall where I have been many times years ago. I didn't realized the location as I parked near the center of the parking lot and cannot see their signage. So I took a stroll around in the hot afternoon. Without much luck, I headed back to my car but decided to look at one corner I neglected to see in the first place. Next to a nail salon was the place. It was hit inside as well as out. The counter person reminded me of an old Snapple commercial where the person was hidden behind a tall counter.I had ordered a curry chicken katsu with a bottle of unsweetened green tea. There was absolutely no diner in the restaurant. I chose to sit by the window and door which was a bad idea as the heat was radiating through the glass. A cup of ice for the green tea brought some relief. Now the main attraction, the curry chicken katsu served over a scoop of white rice and pickled radish. The curry on a separate contain, a very nice tough as I didn't want my crispy katsu to get soggy. The curry was on point, not too salty yet heavy curry with sliced carrots. Dipping a slice of katsu in the curry followed by a spoon of rice was more than satisfying. I was glad I made the visit and if you are into curry and katsu, check this place out.
Always love finding spots so close to me and this one is less than a 5-minute drive at the Greenhouse Shopping Center. Since I do not fry things myself, I almost always get katsu sandos when I see them on the menu. Trying both, the pork katsu sando edged out the chicken katsu one even though both were served in between soft shokupan bread with cabbage. Unlike Indian curries which tends to be more pungent, the Japanese curry is more subdued with a hint of sweetness that complemented the chicken teriyaki very well. Since you can have unlimited topping for an additional charge, we went for the gyoza which came with 3.
Omgggg !! I did not think that I would like this place but after trying it ohhh boyyyy was I wrong !! This place is amazing ! I had the grilled beef curry and honestly, it's soooooooo goood ! Highly recommended to those who likes spicy food and curry !!!
All of the fried items were fried HARD. When I think of Japanese food, I appreciate their style of cooking food. Like a delicate tempura. So I was surprised when I found everything to have been over fried and dry. My chicken Katsu consisted of one small flat piece of chicken with too much rice. Like a third of a chicken breast. Then the curry sauce was harsh. Like how horseradish is harsh. Not saying it tasted like horseradish. I'm not sure what the ingredient/seasoning was. Overall, I only enjoyed the Tonkatsu Sando once I got over the coconut shavings on top.
My daughter wanted udon, and this was the closest spot to us. Service was mid. Went in, no one at the counter. We were looking at the menu when he asked if we were ready, we were not. So he walked away. I wonder if he was the only one working or something because it took a few minutes for him to come back. Took our order, we sat down. We had to ask for water. Food was brought out to us, everything was good. Nothing great, but good. The broth was a little lacking, but it was fine. Mac salad was okay, was a little thin on the mayo mix, but it's fine. I would probably give 3.5 stars if I could. But I always round up, unless they did something to offend me. Which, well. Doesn't happen. lol
If I'm being honest, this wasn't it... There are a few things: 1.) Location: Google Maps and Maps (Apple) pin different locations for some reason. It's a big plaza so had to driving around to find the location. Driving around is fine, but it's inconvenient when their restaurant sign is difficult to see from afar. 2.) Presentation: Looks nothing like the beautiful pictures displayed on the ordering screen (I honestly think they took pictures from online, no flame...) 3.) Taste: Was not it, sorry :/ We had the Tonkatsu Omelette Curry w/ rice and Tonkatsu Udon Curry w/ egg. I just came back from Japan, and I can tell you that the taste, quality, and presentation of the dish would be a disgrace to the Japanese culture. I know that sounds harsh but this is my honest feedback. The omelette was over cooked, curry tasted slightly off, and udon incorporate well with the curry. I'm giving this place 2-stars (when it really should be 1-star...) because I believe they have an opportunity to improve their dishes and service. Pros: Interior design is nice and there is plenty of parking in the plaza.
First time here and after reading the other reviews, I knew that I had to get the curry! Upon walking in the store looks clean and modern with neon signs. It wasn't busy at all either; seems like people order to-go more than dine-in. We ordered a grilled chicken curry (medium spice) and a chicken katsu sando with fries and a drink. For the grilled chicken curry, the chicken wasn't dry and had a nice char! The curry was flavorful, but the carrots were a little too soft for my liking. For the chicken katsu sando, I really liked this! The bread was kinda sweet and the chicken was crispy. I liked dipping it into the curry from the other order. The fries were SO bottom tier, it seemed like it needed to be fried a little longer because the exterior wasn't crunchy. Overall, the food was good but nothing mind blowing. The prices are okay as well.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great Japanese curry shop! Lots of food combinations possible and some nice beer as well.
Got take out here and I was quite satisfied with the food here. I've already tried the location in Dublin so I knew what there food tasted like. This location seems to be better. The chicken katsu sando had a larger katsu piece than the other location. I appreciated this as the price is the same, but getting slightly different things. Another favorite item is the grilled beef curry rice (medium spice). The different spice levels are great for me and I appreciate that the flavor can still be tasted vs getting overpowered by the spicy flavor. Highly recommend this place
Came here on a weeknight for dinner, dine-in. My order: chicken katsu udon, $12.99 Pro: - Easy parking available in Greenhouse parking lot - Fast & Casual - really good comfort food! - Convenient - Honestly pretty tasty - tastes exactly like what you think it would. Almost reminds me of a fusion Japanese + hawaiian bbq vibe - The staff let me and my friend sit there for almost 2 hrs - adjustable spice levels - Order first then seat yourself (honestly I love this model of restaurants) Cons: - The music was oddly fluctuating in volume like really loud then none at all Honestly - a pretty affordable option for when you feel like you could make this at home but really don't feel like it and know deep down the restaurant can do it better. Honestly the curry is fire, and I loved how they cooked their eggs!
Like Chipotle but for curry and not excessive - you can customize what your main dish will be, kind of sauce you want, what sides you want, and what kind of starch you want. Clean aesthetic, quick, friendly service. Small, but not crowded for dinner. Seems to take a good amount of to go orders too. Would come back!
This is one of my go-to restaurants on a weeknight when I feel too lazy to cook. I bring a book to read, get some Happy Lemon around the corner, then dig into spicy curry with impossible burger patties. I have yet to try the "bomb" spice level - but it's on my list. My other go-to order is the katsu sando with fries. Both the pork and chicken versions are delicious. FYI - they make food to order, so the place isn't "fast" food in the traditional sense. But it's totally worth it because the food is fresh! FYI: For folks who are just starting to get comfortable eating indoors during the pandemic, they usually keep the door open so there's plenty of ventilation. Or if you're more of the to-go pickup type, the online ordering system is a cinch, too.