Aruru at Go Shinjuku

Basement curry and dining bar in east Shinjuku serving spice-led Japanese curry plates, snacks and a long drinks list.

Aruru is a small, basement curry and dining bar in east Shinjuku, a few streets away from the main Shinjuku-Sanchome shopping drag, with a menu that mixes proper spice-led Japanese curry plates with a few izakaya-style snacks. The kitchen is run by people who clearly know their curry, and the heat level is taken seriously, with a build-your-own approach for those who want to push the spice.\n\nThe room is dim, lively and a little retro, with a long bar and a few high tables that make it easy to drop in solo or with a friend. The drinks list is broad, covering beer, highballs, sake, wine and a handful of curry-friendly cocktails. Pricing is low to mid-range, and the portions are generous for the price.\n\nFor a Shinjuku night that wants a proper, spice-led curry plate and a few drinks in a casual room, Aruru is a smart pick. Walk in for a quick bite, or settle in for a longer evening at the bar.