This place was on my list for tonkatsu, but I ended up going with the ginger pork (生姜焼き) instead. I think it was a good choice, as my meal was very tasty. The pork was juicy and tender, and the ginger sauce and onions a great match. The volume was good too, and for 1000 yen, it’s hard to beat. It’s a small shop down a small alley, so feels very local. Service was fast and friendly.

+3

A humble small alley restaurant owned by a couple?/partners… and seemed to be frequented by locals! Good sized 1.5 inches thick pork served with piping hot rice. It was a good find while looking for a lunch spot during a rainy morning. We were seated immediately upon opening, but it did take around 25-30mins before the food got served- mainly because it’s cooked from scratch, so you’re sure that the food is served freshly deepfried. You have to expect that the pork loin cut is a bit fatty, especially that it’s thick. Would have loved more pickled veggies or something sour to lessen the grease, but we enjoyed it nonetheless! Arigatou gozaimasu!

+2

Super tiny 6-8 counter seat restaurant. Mostly filled with locals but English menu is available. Husband and wife duo cooking up amazing juicy and fresh Tonkotsu. Amazing prices (~$5/each), big delicious portions.

Stumbled upon this when we were lost in some back alleys. Turned out to be the best Katsu shop. No English, but simple hand gestures is all we needed to order. We got the best/juiciest katsu I had ever dreamed of. If you are in the area, you should definitely stop by!

This was the best meal I had for my entire trip. Even better than the usual tourist attraction restaurants. The cut of the meat was perfect and also cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend anyone who visits Ueno to try this place.