About This Spot

Stepping into KoKoLo Donburi - KoKoRo feels like settling into a quiet rhythm of everyday life infused with warmth and familiarity. Nestled in Alameda’s Park Street neighborhood, this spot has the gentle hum of a local eatery where the pace is unhurried and the intentions are simple — good food, honest flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere.

There’s an easygoing charm to the space that invites both solo diners craving a comforting bowl of donburi and groups eager to share crispy tempura and rich, savory curries. Ordering at the front counter sets the tone for a relaxed experience where anticipation builds naturally as you find your seat and soak in the surroundings — a subtle blend of casual conversation, the quiet clatter of dishes, and occasional laughter.

Food here is a thoughtful journey into home-style Japanese cooking, with bowls layered in textures and warmth. The katsu curry, cherished for its satisfying depth, arrives generous and unpretentious, while other offerings like fried oysters or wagyu curry evoke that feeling of a shared meal made with care. The lightly crispy tempuras, the tender karaage, even the house sake and beer each play their part in a laid-back celebration of comforting traditions.

Throughout an evening at KoKoLo, a sense of genuine local connection unfolds — whether it’s the attentive servers helping you navigate the menu, the bartender sharing stories about different sakes, or the murmurs of contentment at neighboring tables. It’s clear that here, value isn’t just about price but about the kind of satisfying, authentic experience that invites you back again and again.

What’s Available Here

  • IconOutdoor seating
  • IconDelivery
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconComfort food
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconDinner
  • IconSeating
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconPaid street parking
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Guest Reviews

Warren Zhu 27 Nov 2025

Been here twice, was good both times. The main draw of this place is the good value, especially with food becoming ever more expensive. The katsu curry served here is about $3 cheaper than I find at most other Japanese places for similar quality and quantity.

B Jung 15 Nov 2025

Tasty food, and great value with friendly service. We'll definitely be going back. For 3 people for dinner, we shared Kaki Fry - Fried Oysters 牡蠣, Mixed Tempura 天婦羅 混在天ぷら, Beef Sukiyaki Don 牛丼湯, Fried Squid. Ika Geso Kara-age 炸鱿, and Yakitori Momo 焼き鳥鶏もも肉 (no photo). We took home leftover ika (squid) and sukiyaki. The fried dishes were well done -- crispy, but not greasy or overcooked. The oysters were juicy, tender and tasty. The ika (squid) which is easy to overcook was crispy outside, but still tender and its kaarage batter was well seasoned. The tempura portion was big including 3 prawns, 2 shiitake mushrooms, 2 tender (but not overcooked) asparagus, sweet onions, and lots of kabocha (Japanese squash) and yams. The sukiyaki was good size with tender tasty beef.

Israel Madera 07 Nov 2025

My daughter and I enjoyed a few drinks on my birthday at KoKoLo. We had some delicious sake, some beer, and a few gyozas. The bartender was an absolute delight to chat with and she educated us on the various sakes as we enjoyed them. It was the perfect setting for birthday celebration on a Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to tasting more of their sakes.

Chenny Ong 18 Oct 2025

My husband and I were craving some katsu and Japanese curry for dinner and this place hits the spot! You order at the front and then find a seat and they will bring over the food. Everything on the menu looked so good so we ended up order quite a bit for us the two of us. We ordered wings, sauce katsu don, wagyu curry don, hamachi kama, and ika geso karaage. My husband is loves wings and this was probably the one of the well battered and fried ones we had. It was sitting on top of a sauce that just blends perfectly with the crispy wings. The ika geso karaage was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was nice and flavorful. The hamachi Kama was perfectly cooked as well. The sauce katsu was good. Typically I would’ve gotten the curry version but wanted to try something new. It was good but I definitely prefer my katsu with Japanese curry more. My husband’s wagyu curry don was great! I really like the flavor of the curry and it worked well with the wagyu beef and rice. You can tell with all of their fried items that they maintain the cooking oil well because you get the nice pure flavor of the food. The service at the place was also great! The lady that took our order also brings the food and water to us and she was very sweet. When she saw us slowing down on munching, she brought over boxes without us asking for it. She even gave us extra curry sauce to take home for our leftover. Overall, I would recommend this place! I definitely want to go back and try more of their other curry and karaage. And of course go back for those wings!

Alan Yao 10 Oct 2025

Nice home style Japanese food. A little on the pricey side but portions are very large. Tendon was delicious, a huge pile of well made light tempura. Katsudon was solid all around, although the breading was fried more to a dark brown than golden brown; could have also been crispier inside, especially compared to other katsudon served in Japan. Sukiyaki udon: udon was excellent, served in a not too salty tsuyu broth with a rich flavor. Sukiyaki itself was okay, but there were some odd flavors from the beef that weren't fully cooked out (typically indicative of not the freshest beef or not enough sake used in cooking) and the beef was rather tough. Would lean more towards the katsudon. Karaage was good for a side but a huge pile. Great to share among many people.

Andrew 09 Oct 2025

Donburi is a traditional Japanese rice meal in a bowl and that is what you get. KoKoLo is very casual but don’t let that fool you. The decor is based on Japanese styling. It is spacious enough with plenty of seating and quiet for conversation. The food is flavorsome and very filling. Pair it with a good beer and you are all set.

Xtina 23 Sep 2025

I can't say enough great things about this Gem. It's all the rage !!! Daniel, the manager was solid. He is always so warm and inviting . He took great care of us during our 2nd visit here and we'll be back again, and again and again. Food Amazing. Tried 3 menu items this far and each meal is Great especially the Curry

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