Alpenjiro Honten: Charcoal-Grilled Soup Curry

Alpenjiro Honten (アルペンジロー 本店) offers a distinctive take on soup curry, combining it with generously portioned, charcoal-grilled steaks. The experience is styled after a mountain lodge, where large cuts of meat like chicken, pork, or beef arrive sizzling on a hot skillet. The rice is served in a red *hangō*, a traditional Japanese mess tin, which guests shake and plate themselves. The spice levels are playfully named after mountains, from mild to the fiery 'Tengoku' (Heaven).

Guests consistently praise the quality and char-grilled flavour of the meats, with the Jiro chicken, Yamayuri pork, and limited-edition hamburger patty earning frequent mentions. The deep, broth-forward soup is another highlight, though it differs from the thicker, more conventional Hokkaido style. The unique presentation and rustic atmosphere are key parts of the appeal. Reviewers in 2024–2026 noted the Alpenjiro Chicken for ¥1,500–¥1,800 and the Yamayuri Pork for ¥1,750–¥1,850.

However, some diners find the soup too thin, sweet, or slightly bitter for their liking, and a few note that the advertised spice levels can be milder than expected. Occasional service mistakes or inconsistencies in portion size have also been reported. A typical lunch costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999, while dinner is around ¥2,000 to ¥2,999. For those seeking a memorable, meat-focused meal, it offers good value, but less so for patrons wanting a very spicy or traditional curry.

• Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Bandobashi Station or a 6-minute walk from Isezaki-Chojamachi Station (both on the Yokohama City Subway Blue Line). It is a 15-minute walk from Kannai Station (JR Negishi Line).
• Booking: Walk-ins are standard, and you should write your name on the list at the entrance. Reservations are generally not taken, except for a few limited slots at 11:00 and 17:00 available for online booking. Expect to queue for 20–45 minutes during peak hours.
• Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money (including transport cards like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay, etc.) are all accepted.
• Seating: There are 26 seats, including 10 at the counter and 16 at tables. There are no private rooms.
• Children: Children of all ages are welcome, and strollers are permitted.
• Pets: Dogs are allowed at the outdoor terrace seating.
• Smoking: The entire premises, including the terrace and entrance, are non-smoking.
• Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but several paid parking lots are available nearby.
• Dress Code: There is no specific dress code.