A reliable, customizable Japanese curry restaurant with fast service and strong katsu and omelette dishes, but central-London pricing, queues, tight seating, and occasional serious service complaints temper the appeal.
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya London delivers solid food quality anchored by standout dishes like katsu and omelette curry with adjustable spice levels, supported by attentive service and reliable execution. The compact Covent Garden location suits quick pre-theatre dining, though space constraints and premium pricing prevent a stronger showing. Consistency remains good overall despite occasional preparation lapses across the chain.
This is a compact, lively Japanese curry house in the Covent Garden/Leicester Square orbit, and the room often earns its queue. Diners describe a cozy Japan-inspired setting, quick seating, and food that arrives with impressive speed; one summed up the appeal as a little piece of Japan in central London. The catch is physical: tables are small, the room can feel crowded, and peak visits may mean waiting outside. The cooking is classic, customizable Japanese comfort food rather than experimental cuisine. Katsu, omelette curry, creamy mushroom combinations, adjustable spice, rice portions, and a wide topping roster give repeat visitors plenty to revisit. Most diners find the curry flavorful and satisfying, with strong nostalgia for the Japan branches, although a minority report dry chicken, watery sauce, uneven spice execution, or prices that feel steep for a rice-and-curry format. Service is usually brisk and friendly, but the specific complaint pattern around rude interactions and hurried table clearing is serious enough to keep expectations realistic. Families have genuinely workable choices: the current menu includes familiar chicken, pork, beef, cheese, omelette, fried chicken, vegetable, naan, and ice-cream options, plus adjustable spice and rice portions. Reviews specifically mention children enjoying the katsu curry. It is a good family stop if everyone likes curry, but the small tables, queues, and higher London prices may be tiring with young children or a large group.
Area vibe: Touristy West End district known for theatres, shopping, and casual dining.
Safety: Generally safe with high footfall and good lighting, though busy and pickpocketing can occur in peak tourist times.
What's nearby: Minutes from Covent Garden piazza, the Strand, numerous theatres, Leicester Square and major transport hubs.