Ever since I landed in Japan from the US, I have become absolutely obsessed with tonkatsu. I’ve been trying it everywhere, but my visit to Katsu-kichi in Shibuya was an absolute standout experience. Tucked away downstairs, the restaurant feels like stepping back in time. The interior is beautiful, filled with rustic wood, traditional Japanese antiques, and a wonderfully cozy, historic atmosphere that sets the stage for an incredible meal. I ordered their signature Pork Loin Cutlet Set Meal . It was pure perfection. The cutlet is beautifully thick and fried at a lower temperature, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy with a delicate, light golden crunch. The flavor of the pork was so rich, and that melt-in-your-mouth fat ribbon was pure heaven. They also serve unlimited fresh shredded cabbage, rice, and an amazing assortment of traditional pickles that perfectly balanced the richness of the meat. I loved trying the katsu with both their savory house sauce and a pinch of salt to appreciate the quality of the pork. If you are on a quest to find the best tonkatsu in Tokyo like I am, Katsu-kichi in Shibuya is an absolute must-visit. The food, the hospitality, and the unique ambiance make it worth every yen!

NOV 2024 Came here for late dinner and was able to get a seat at the counter with no wait time. Had the tonkatsu set with two fried oysters. The portion size for the rice, cabbage, miso soup and sides were very generous, and for the rice you can choose between plain white or shiso; I had the shiso rice which had a subtle flavor but was a nice change from plain rice. Pork loin was a pretty thick cut and on the leaner side but was tender and not dry at all; and the panko was very crispy, perfectly coated. The oysters were big and also had a thick crispy panko coating; it was very tasty with the tartare sauce. There are plenty of condiments to change up the flavor; two different sauces for the tonkatsu and two types of dressings for the cabbage. There is also salt if you want to enhance the natural taste of the pork and mustard to pair with the fattier cuts. Overall it was a very tasty and satisfying meal, on the pricier side but there is free re-fill of rice, cabbage and sides. Service was good.

+3

The price is very reasonable for the amount and quality of food you will get. Best bag for your buck for Katsu. Although one thing to note is that if you order lion (ロース), the fat is very heavy and I would not recommend it to those who do not like meat fat. I’d recommend getting the fillet (ヒレ). Usually on weekdays you can get a seat without reservation. Although sometimes you do need to wait. If you want a guaranteed seat, you should book in advance. For two people, table T-4 was the most aesthetic for photos and for single person, the counter is definitely the way to go. There’s also tatami seats for 4+ people and those seats are also very nice as long as you can cross your legs.

+3

This traditional Japanese tonkatsu restaurant is a Tabelog Top 100 spot, and for good reason. The staff is friendly, and the decor is authentically Japanese, with great attention to detail. The portions are generous, and the meat quality is excellent. The shrimp tempura is impressively large. The only downside is that the batter is a bit thick. You can also upgrade to flavored rice, which is a nice touch.

+1

A place dedicated for Katsudon with a nice and unique dining atmosphere. This place was packed when we arrived at 730pm but the wait wasn't so bad and the food was worth it. Order the premium pork fillet (rather than the loin) and you'll understand the difference of the premium pork as its jucy and tender inside out. Perfectly fried, their batter is flakier rather than crispier so it's a matter of preference. Cabbage is unlimited, but the miso soup and rice that comes with the set is 1 round only. Notes: Very tourist friendly as staff spoke english. Google maps pin indicates it's in the center of a building, but it's located along the main road with a unique facade. Restaurant is in Basement 1. Lots of waiting chairs at the reception area.

+3