EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya

This is hands down one of the most popular hidden-gem Japanese izakayas in San Diego, famous for its tonkatsu—so make sure you book a table via their app in advance! We got turned away once before because the place was fully packed. Specializing in Osaka-style fare, the restaurant is decorated with all the cozy, bustling vibes of a Kansai izakaya. The signature tonkatsu dishes are a must-order. We were worried the Deluxe Katsu Platter wouldn’t be enough for two people—it comes with scallops, shrimp, and black pork, a nice variety but with modest portions—so we opted for two separate plates instead: one lean pork cutlet and one fried shrimp 🍤, plus an extra miso soup and rice 🍚. The pork cutlet had a light, crispy panko crust that crunched satisfyingly with every bite, and it was neither greasy nor dry. However, it had a strong porky flavor, and wasn’t as flavorful as we’d expected. The three-piece fried shrimp was a decent deal at $25—each shrimp is cut in half—but the batter was a bit soft, not crispy enough to pop in one bite, so you’ll need to chew a few times. The overall atmosphere is that of a warm, cozy Japanese bistro, with indoor seating, a bar counter, and an outdoor patio to choose from. The outdoor area has fire pits, and the tables and chairs are spaced out nicely so you don’t feel cramped. The staff are friendly and professional, happy to recommend dishes, and the food comes out at a reasonable pace. The total bill came to $72 for one pork cutlet and three fried shrimp—not the best value for money. On the bright side, parking right outside the restaurant is super convenient!

I ordered the pork cutlet combo and chose the fillet, and it was really good — crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re open for both lunch and dinner, which is convenient. With tip, it came out to about ¥5,000. You pay what you need to pay to enjoy good Japanese food in the States, and this place is worth it.

This neighborhood gem is the best Japanese restaurant in San Diego. I’ve been hitting Ee Nami for five years now, and at this point, Chef Jumon might as well start charging me rent. The Osaka-raised restaurateur has built something that shouldn’t exist in San Diego - an actual izakaya that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be an actual izakaya. Jumon was raised in restaurants, and it shows. The man understands that comfort food transcends translation. His pork tonkatsu is the main event here: thick cuts of pork wrapped in clouds of artisan panko, fried until the coating shatters at first bite while the meat stays impossibly tender. The katsu curry looks like something Miyazaki animated after a dream - deeply savory, warming, with just enough heat to remind you it’s there. You take a bite and suddenly you’re nostalgic for a childhood you never had in Osaka. But focusing only on the pork would be criminal negligence. The sashimi rotation stays fresh, the small plates range from crispy cucumbers that somehow justify their existence to salads with tons of character and bite to Hokkaido scallops that make you reconsider your relationship with seafood. The rice bowls have become my cold-day emotional support system; portable comfort that travels the three blocks back to my place without losing its soul. What keeps me coming back (besides proximity to Barrio Danos) is that Jumon treats the menu like a living document. New specials materialize, sake selections rotate, and they’re constantly tweaking the space to feel more lived-in and throwing great community events that you need to follow their Instagram for. The staff and service has that rare quality of actually seeming happy to be there - most have been around for years, which in restaurant years is basically geological time. After five years, Ee Nami has become less of a restaurant and more of an inevitability for me; I always bring friends here when they’re visiting town. It’s the rare place that delivers on the promise of transported authenticity without the theatrical exhaustion. Jumon built a proper izakaya in San Diego, and somehow made it feel like it was always supposed to be here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Kanpai!!

Rare. Authentic tonkatsu in the area. Tonkatsu is the reason to be at EE Nami. Miso is just average though. Grounded sesame seeds is missing. No refill of rice and shredded cabbage. Average $30-35+/pax. Uniqueness: 9 Value: 7 Experience: 8

An amazing experience! Food, service, and fun. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had not been to an Izakaya-style restaurant. We sat on the patio, a warm, inviting space with lots of tables and heat lamps. The service and sake selection were top-notch. I was with my friend Sakeman, a sake distributor, who claimed this was one of the best Izakaya restaurants he had visited. He did most of the ordering, and everything we ate was fantastic. Fresh, flavorful, interesting, and just so good. The owner was amazing. He came out several times to check on us and joined us for some fun toasts. Highly recommended for a different Japanese dinner than your run-of-the-mill sushi stops.

I recently dined at EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya, and it was a fantastic experience if you enjoy authentic Japanese comfort food. This place specializes in tonkatsu, the classic Japanese breaded pork cutlet, along with a variety of izakaya-style small plates. The tonkatsu was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, served with fresh cabbage, rice, and rich sauce. Everything tasted carefully prepared and very authentic. The restaurant itself has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great spot for both casual dinners and small gatherings. The service was friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt welcoming. If you're in San Diego and craving real Japanese flavors—especially great katsu—EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya is definitely worth visiting.

If you’re a fan of authentic Japanese comfort food, look no further than EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya. Their katsu is truly a standout — perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite had the ideal balance of crunch and flavor, with the breading light and not overly greasy. The premium kurobuta pork loin katsu curry was fried to golden perfection and served with a heaping portion of fluffy white rice. Along with the shrimp katsu coupled with fresh shredded cabbage salad, and a rich, tangy sauce that tied it all together beautifully. Portions were generous, and presentation was clean and inviting. Service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere felt cozy and perfect setting for enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you’re a katsu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya delivers a truly satisfying experience. What really sets this place apart is the owner, Jumon. You can truly feel the passion and care he puts into every dish and every customer experience. His warm and welcoming attitude makes you feel right at home. Thank you, Jumon, for making every visit memorable! A must-visit for katsu lovers!

Wow, wow, wow. Very impressed with this place. Everything was good. Service was spot on. We waited about twenty minutes which was justified given we did not have an appointment. Prices are boogie, so likely a place to go infrequently but really if you want to celebrate. Parking is abundant. The feel of everything was top notch.

EE NAMI came highly recommended by a good friend...turns out my friend has excellent taste buds! Truly delicious tonkatsu! We ordered most of their tonkatsu items: -loin katsu $24 -fillet katsu $26 -deluxe katsu $28 Definitely felt that loin was better than filet. Loin is fatter so you can get extra flavor for sure. Highly recommend that you eat quickly! Tonkatsu can get a bit soggy if you let it wait for too long. Surprisingly, from the deluxe katsu, the scallops were quite good! There is seating inside and outside, and staff is friendly. Parking in the plaza. I'll be back ASAP!

Definitely try their tonkatsu dishes with a side of curry! While the lines here can be crazy, the wait was worth it! Service was prompt and food came out quickly after ordering. I got the Pork Loin Tonkatsu Combo with a side of curry and wow was it amazing. Really tasty and reminded me when I went to Japan and had their curry dishes.

the katsu is amazing - super crispy, crunchy, and juicy! the katsu sando (lunch only) was a favorite, the milk bread was absolutely perfect with the chicken katsu. the curry katsu was very delicious and umami! the shrimp katsu was good and the shrimps were very large and fresh. the deluxe katsu has a bit of everything, the scallop katsu was unexpectedly one of my favorites! next time, i will probably only get the curry katsu and katsu sando. the portions are a bit small in my opinion, but it's worth it for the craftmanship in these dishes. service was top notch and our server was very attentive. there is a small indoor seating area and a larger outdoor patio. would definitely recommend!!

Found this place on yelp when we were in the area and wanted to dinner before heading back to the OC. Very small restaurant, glad they had outdoor seatings. They had consistency of people waiting outside. Both hubby and I got the original tonkatsu combo. I had to get the combo for some rice otherwise it's just the tonkatsu and cabbage. We also got the chicken Karagge which was juicy, flavor was good and batter was light. As for the tonkatsu, we've had better; it lacked flavor but the breading was perfect. Service here is great! Every staff checked up on us every few minutes. This place is 3.5 stars and we would consider coming here if we were in the area and want tonkatsu

Came here during lunch on a workday at around 11:45AM with some co-workers. It was not packed, so definitely recommend coming around this time, as it filled up pretty quickly at around 12:20PM. Service is absolutely spectacular, super quick and needs were met at all times. The first thing I noticed when stepping into the restaurant was how homely and cozy the feel is. I immediately felt like I was at home, and I was so comfortable just grabbing a seat and ordering. This place is definitely for the locals, people were saying hi to each other even if they were from different parties, and there lots of work groups, friend hangouts, and even solo goers. This place is definitely an all-rounder for people. I got the katsu curry. I thought it was super good, the katsu was delicious, and the breading was done just right -- wasn't too overwhelming. The curry was super yummy and filling, and the rice was perfect. I didn't get to try the tonkotsu sauce, but I definitely will my second time around. The portion sizes are perfect, and I definitely recommend this place for a chill, no-pressure experience.

We had been to EE Nami in the past but visited for the sake tasting and had an incredible experience. The staff was attentive, the sake selection was great and the food was delicious! We started with the takowasa, sashimi, gyu nigiri and pork belly. All were great but my favorites were the gyu nigiri and the sashimi. The tonkatsu was crunchy, moist and light. No one else makes tonkatsu this good in San Diego. Lastly, they have the best cabbage salad. Highly recommend this spot!

Katsu was nice and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you like it on the fattier side, get the loin katsu. The cabbage salad was good but would've been better if it was slightly more citrusy to help balance the fatty katsu. Ambiance was nice and chill, they have indoor and outdoor patio seating. Would definitely come back for more katsu.

Full disclosure, I still haven't dined in at EE Nami Tonkatsu Izakaya but since COVID, we've ordered Door dash from here whenever we are craving katsus and for the first time, I physically went to order takeout in the last visit. The place is quaint, with a few tables inside. Right around opening at 5:30pm, it was already about 2/3 full. I was able to place a to go order with the wait staff and was quoted about 15-20 minutes for the food to be ready. Of course, being an eager beaver I returned just shy of 15 minutes and my order was all set. My favorite is just the original pork loin katsu, I like getting the combo set to get rice and miso soup as well. The katsu is super juicy and the breading not overdone or too thick. Try their shrimp one as well, that one is pretty good and you probably need at least 3 instead of 2 shrimp.

my boyfriend and i came in after i got my nails done next door. I always see a line when I leave the nail salon so I knew I had to try it when they open. They have an outside patio which is perfect if you want to enjoy the day or bring a dog. I ordered the tonkatsu curry plate, my boyfriend ordered the katsudon and we shared the chicken karaage. I recently came back from japan and the food was comparable. Delicious flavors, perfect textures and amazing service. The bill came out to be around $70 which was more than we were expecting but it was worth it

Best tonkatsu in San Diego This restaurant is in our rotation when we miss Japan! They are all good but my faves are the oysters and scallops while hubby's fave is the pork!

They have the best Katzu here. We always get their katzu curry and loin katzu. The pork is super tender and juicy. The inside is super clean and aesthetic and the service is always great. They also have really great appetizer and sake. Highly recommend this place.

TL;DR: Probably the best tonkatsu places in SD but that's about as far as it goes. Friendly and fast service. Pretty pricey Ordered: - Loin Katsu (4/5): good fry but bottom was pretty soggy despite being on a wire rack - Fillet Katsu (3/5): way too lean and thin of a cut to be fried that long - too dry especially compared to the fattier loin - Deluxe set (4/5): nice to try a bunch of different katsu's - scallop was surprisingly good. That said, the portion size of each type was smaller so the value was a missing In the end, it's still pretty good tonkatsu - if I randomly have the craving for it, I'll stop by again but otherwise, not a must-try Cheers, EE NAMI!

Not many tonkatsu options in San Diego but so glad to have stumbled upon ee nami! It's a small spot and there is often a short wait but it is worth it. There was a limited menu but had all the staples. I got the katsu loin and made it a combo to add soup and rice. The katsu is flaky and juicy. Tastes very authentic

Underrated katsu restaurant in SD! Came here for lunch with a friend and we really enjoyed the weather sitting on their outdoor patio. I ordered katsu curry and my friend ordered the deluxe katsu. Both were delicious and filling! Flavor and texture were both great. The servers were nice and friendly. It is a little bit on the pricier side but was worth the visit.

cozy & comforting environment the service was so sweet and quick. the restaurant is also modern yet comfortable. was craving some japanese curry and this place was yummy! the katsu had a light and crispy coating, did not feel heavy at all. the curry was very filling and meatier than typical curry. the katsu sando (6) was great as well. the katsu was juicy & tender, incredibly flavorful! the tonkatsu sauce was a good compliment to the sando. would definitely share this with someone else! would return :)

Food 4.5/5 Delicious breaded katsu, curry was decent & thick, and the tonkatsu sauce was a wow - one of the best I've had. Service and Ambiance 4 / 5 Witnessed a one waitress circus show, she greeted, seated, and waited all the tables during our lunch. So ofcourse you have to naturally wait for longer than you would like to get attention for service at times.

Dinner at EE Nami was quite enjoyable. The portion size was good and tasted great. It came with some pickled vegetables and shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing. I had the Tonkatsu loin and opted for the combo which comes with rice and miso soup. It was my first time here so I was perusing the menu for a bit but the staff was patient with me. It's a small restaurant but you can make reservations by calling them. There's plenty of parking spots in the large lot.

Not the best I've had, but as far as pork cutlet katsu goes, this place is the best that SD has to offer. The fillet katsu is a classic, with thin but crispy deep fried batter coating a nice decently juicy cut of pork. There is thinly sliced cabbage on the side that comes with tangy dressing, and some rice. Cutlet katsu is the way to go when coming here. I've also ordered squid karage as an appetizer, but it was a bit of a letdown. The pricing is on the expensive side, the batter is much thicker, and there's a lot less squid than what the picture suggests. This place can get crowded and you'll often have to sit outside, and there'll often be a bit of a wait between ordering and the food arriving. There are heat lamps outside, but some seats will be warmer than others if you plan on coming here for dinner in the winters.

I love tonkatsu so I was excited to try this place! We came on a Sunday around 12:30pm and put our names down. We waited around 30-40 mins and the food took around another 15-20 mins to come out. Indoor space is really limited, just 4 tables, but there is a larger outdoor patio. I ordered the katsu curry and my sister got the katsudon. The katsu was just delicious, tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The perfect combination! The curry was tasty and flavorful too and paired well with the katsu. Their katsu curry did not disappoint and I would love to come back again for it! Overall, we waited almost an hour to be seated and have the food come out but I'd say it's worth it as the quality and taste is amazing.

Came on a Sunday around 12:30PM and put our names down. We waited half an hour for a party of 2 to be seated and the food took a while to be prepared but it was so worth it! The katsu just hits different and is so tender and thick. The katsudon was yummy too but not as crispy as I'd like it to be. Next time I'll definitely come back to try the pork loin!

This is such a cute spot for dinner whether it's with friends, family or even date night! At their peak hours, there's definitely a wait but you can put your name on the list. But you'll have to physically wait there. Luckily there's a good amount of shops in the area to take a look around. Their tonkatsu is light and airy, I love their cabbage salad and their sauce! Drown your food in it!!! Don't forgot the pickles and mustard on the side. Def would come again.

EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya in Clairemont offers delicious Tonkatsu pork deep fried with a nice crunchy outer layer. As it was my first time here at what used to be Ramen Yamadaya back in the day, I opted to try their deluxe which consisted of kurobuta pork fillet (small), 1 shrimp, 3 scallops. I also upgraded for the miso and rice. My friend opted for the Katsu Curry which looked amazing with its generous amount of curry and one big deep fried loin and rice. The deluxe was a good set as it included a small fillet, 1 deep fried shrimp and 3 scallops. All were pretty tasty and all crunchy. I would recommend this to any first timer as it offers a variety. Because this restaurant is small it sits about 20 or so patrons so many times you will have to wait outside. Service was excellent and the staff is very friendly. Parking is plentiful and right off Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Some of the best Tonkatsu in San Diego and even Socal. Most restaurants serve Tonkatsu in some form but very few are dedicated to the craft and it definitely shows. The restaurant is actually pretty small but the patio outside is quite nice with heat lamps. Getting your food can take some time because they're made fresh-to-order so I would recommend ordering small plates in-between if you're hungry. Recommendations: Any katsu but especially the Hokkaido scallops and oysters (seasonal), Gyu Tataki, dashi-maki

Very big fan of this restaurant. High quality food, and though a little pricey, I'd say the quality is definitely worth it. The katsu is great- crunchy breading and delicious pork without being too fatty. I like the beef tongue appetizer as well, even though it can be a little hard to chew. And I also really like the kimchi tofu, which is a surprising menu favorite. The restaurant is small, with a few tables inside and outside, but I like the quiet cozy vibe, and service is usually fast and friendly while still leaving you alone.

Really good katsu loin! If you're looking for a tender and more fatty cut, I recommend. It also pairs with a refreshing finely chopped salad. I got the combo which comes with a rather large bowl of rice and a miso soup. The yuzu soda was a nice refresher that was not too strong in alcohol. My group was very impressed with the quality of the katsu. Definitely way better than what you can find at coco ichibanya.

Best katsu in all of SD. Juicy pork meat coated in fluffy, crispy panko fried to golden perfection. The agadashi tofu here is mind blowing, and the umami and softness of the beef tongue was out of this world. EE Nami consistently delivers delicious lightly fried katsu for a great cost!

Limited indoor seating with some outdoor seating. This is a small and cute restaurant tucked away in the middle of a very large plaza. The staff are all very nice. This is easily one of my favorite places for tonkatsu and curry. I highly recommend giving it a try.

[Food] Lunch Menu - Pork Loin ($20.50): Love how tender and fatty this was! I didn't regret getting this at all. In fact I was actually going to get the Deluxe Katsu, but I'm so relieved I didn't. I was craving more of a fatty cut so the loin was perfect! I opted for just the entree instead of the combo since I know I won't be able to finish the rice. The salad was finely chopped and I adored the dressing! - Ponzu Radish Sauce ($1.50): I ordered this to pair with my salad and pork loin, and it was so good! I like this sauce more than the sauce they give you with the Deluxe Katsu. - Deluxe Katsu ($27.50) Combo (+$3): Tonkatsu this time around was a bit dry but the sauce helps moisten it up. Good variety of Kurabuta pork katsu and seafood (shrimp & scallop). Combo comes with rice & miso soup. [Service] - Fast, attentive, friendly [Ambiance] - Had inside and outdoor seating although a bit on the small side so plan accordingly as they do get busy during peak hours [Overall] - Will always come back when I'm in the area!

Warm and friendly service with delicious and authentic food. I got the pork katsu curry. Katsu was nice and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Curry was flavorful and just the right consistency. Definitely coming back.

Went with my sister for a late dinner. We called and they said as long as you arrive before 9:30pm they could accommodate us. Parking was easy and in a lot with lots of other eateries. The main dining area is small, 4 tables, but the courtyard had another 4 tables. We ordered squid offals (intestines) to start which the server did caution as very popular with some guests, but not for everyone. The smell isn't strong, but the taste is very fishy, strong and slimey. I just had one small piece, but my sister enjoyed the rest. For main entrees I ordered the deluxe tonkatsu combo and my sister got the katsu curry. The combo came with a pork filet, 3 scallops, one shrimp and cabbage salad. Everything was very well fried and the pork was crazy tender. I thought the cabbage salad was a little bland. My sister's curry sauce was housemade and had good flavor. Overall great food and service. I would go again.

One of my friends was graduating and his family was coming up from Hawaii to celebrate. They didn't know the area and let me choose a restaurant. I gave them two options and this was the option that the graduate chose! I couldn't wait as I've been wanting to check this restaurant out. It's located in between Barrio Danas and salons on Clairemont Mesa Blvd in Clairemont. There's a parking lot with ample stalls. I ordered the Loin Katsu which came with miso soup. The miso soup was VERY good. A bit too salty but the little bread chunks in it was delicious! The pork tonkatsu, in my opinion, was kind of dry. It was very thick and coated in tempura breading very well but maybe too well as I felt it was a bit over cooked. The tonkatsu sauce barely helped with the dryness but gave it really good flavor. We also ordered the Agedashi Tofu and Hamachi (yellowtail) Carpaccio (a special when we went). The agedashi tofu was soooo good. The dashi really soaked into the tofu, giving it a nice flavor. The hamachi carpaccio exceeded my expectations for a tonkatsu restaurant! Very fresh and the flavor was out of the world. Drool. Overall, a great restaurant for tonkatsu and other small Japanese bites as everything was very fresh! Be prepared to spend quite a bit as tonkatsu can get very pricey.

Great place if you're looking for fried food coated in a light layer of panko without feeling the grease. Ordered the deluxe platter which comes with shrimp, scallops and pork loin. The pork loin was juicy, flavorful and tender. Shrimp was fresh and flavorful. Scallops were the highlight: tender, juicy, sweet. Loved the tartar sauce that came with it. This was a very filling portion and costed $27 for the whole thing. Service was relatively fast, server was friendly. Would come back again to treat myself.

Food was so tasty and so fine - top flight sushi and such Really cool menu from nigiri to Tonkatsu and lots in between ...spicy cucumbers ! Service was just OK our dinner was almost RUINED by RUDE hostess who rushed us out....Stopping by every 10 mins to remind us like we couldn't tell time Really soured the delicious experience! Too bad she's gotta learn her manner towards paying customers regardless if they're waiting on a rez. The ambiance was suspect as they had adapted an outdoor breezeway to patio Not too bad but tripped over concrete slab trying to make my way to bathroom (wow!) and the bathroom area itself reeked of former janky massage spa so who knows what used to be there Ha

This place was SO good!! I was craving katsu curry, and was pleasantly surprised to find this place - it feels rather small, but the ambiance is cute. They have an outdoor patio, bar area, and a few indoor tables; the decor coupled with the chef (and many guests) speaking Japanese makes the restaurant feel quaint and authentic. Anyways, we came here on a Friday night and there were a lot of empty tables. Service was also very fast - our food came out maybe 5 min after we ordered it! We got the katsu curry, niku miso eggplant, and gyu-tataki, all of which were AMAZING!!! The niku miso eggplant was yummy but definitely needed some rice to accompany it. The flavor was very light, not too spicy, and the eggplant had a great texture. It's also a little hard to eat with chopsticks... The gyu-tataki was REALLY FLAVORFUL! The sear was a little light for us, but that was expected from the menu description. So, so good though! But the star of the show was definitely the katsu curry. That katsu was perfect - flavorful, crispy, tender, and overall wonderful. The curry too had a nice flavor, not spicy at all and very heartwarming. It was a good portion for the price too, and I left feeling satisfied but not extremely full. 10/10 would come back!!!

We came here for lunch without a reservation. We were seated in the courtyard under the sun. It was quite hot but we had no choice. We sat and ordered our food. The table next to us left and we asked if we could move to that table. The waitress refused. Later on, a waiter came out and told us to wait for the other table after the customers at that table were done. We waited and was able to move to a shady spot. I just got back from Japan and I had good tomkatsu multiple times while I was there. My Japanese co-worker recommended this place so I had to try it. Unfortunately it's just average IMO. You have to pay additional fee if you want rice (In Japan, they offer unlimited rice and salad without additional charge). The meat was a bit chewy. My son couldn't even bite into him tomkatsu sando because it was chewy. The price is on the higher end. I don't think the food quality is worth the price.

I ordered the chicken katsu curry and the katsu sandwiches. The service was amazing and they always checked up on my friends and I while we were eating. 1) Katsu Sandwiches: The bread was super soft and the breading was so crispy. The one downside is that it can be dry if you're eating a lot of it. Something that my friends did was order curry on the side so we could dip the sandwiches. 2) The chicken katsu curry was so filling! It was really crispy and curry was a really nice consistency. We ordered 1 order of katsu sandwiches and 2 katsu curries and it was enough to feed three people! It's a nice spot to grab dinner and hang out!

Original visit was when they first opened during the pandemic. Decided to revisit them in house this time. I would say to make a reservation. They do allow walk ins however it was a 20 minute wait and I felt staff were put off by the fact that we had not made a reservation (even though it was just for two people). The prices are really, really high. Around $20 an entree and everyone at the table must order something per their rules. The sign outside says they do not have restrooms however they did have one in the back I saw customers using but not sure if that was allowed or not. They have a small amount of inside seating and about 4-5 tables outside. They had umbrellas which was nice. Flies were a huge problem. They had spinner fans on the tables to keep the flies away, but they were still a big issue. Food I tried: Pork in curry was large and juicy. Curry reminds me of the gorilla curry in Japan, I wasn't really a fan. Katsu sando was just ok. Felt over cooked. Karaage was also overcooked and string, 5 semi large pieces for $16 is very expensive. Rice - a okay Miso - wasn't really a fan. Follow them on Instagram as they usually have some specials/events going on. Not sure why Yelp says they have cocktails. They have beer and sake but no cocktails.

Located in the same shopping center as Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot & Barrio Donas. It is a small restaurant, friendly customer service, & food came out quick. At 9p & later, they only serve their Tonkatsu menu, so if you are looking for their steaks, come earlier. Katsu Curry: Flavorful curry sauce, generous portion of filet. Katsu-Don: The dashi broth made my filet's breading very soggy. I got chunks of just straight fat that is was hard to eat.

Finally got to try out this place! I would recommend making a reservation if you plan on coming here. I came at opening and the wait was a little over an hour. I ordered the filet katsu combo which came with Kurobuta pork loin, rice and miso soup. The tonkatsu was cooked perfectly! Crispy and the meat wasn't dried out. The hot mustard that came with it pair very well along with the sauce provided on the table. I also tried the gyu nigiri, which came in 2 pieces of USDA prime short rib lightly seared over rice. It was pretty good. Next time I would love to try their katsu sandwiches which is only available for take out. They also offer sashimi omakase and they have a good variety of appetizers and rice dishes on their menu. Overall, I would def come back to this place with a reservation!

Goto place for delicious tonkatsu curry! Service is very good, prices are relatively high but the curry is worth the price! There is a cute outdoor patio with heatlamps, overall the restaurant gives an authentic izakaya vibe!

The food was prepared well and the technique was shown. The server that assisted me was knowledge on the choices of entrees. I was confident with the pork fillet choice and i dowsed my katsu with their excellent sauce ( black tea pot in front of you is where the n sauce of the gods is stored )

yummy katsu, deluxe set was enough for me being super hungry service was so good and i love the lighting and the vibes. quiet and nice for convo!

This place is special. An elevated tonkatsu joint. Each dish stood out. I haven't had such good katsu since I lived in NYC. I appreciated the katsu sauce and the hot mustard. The side of Japanese pickles was nice. The breading was light. The scallops were bomb. The kurobata pork was perfect. The service was fantastic - the waitress we had was so sweet and attentive. Parking was plentiful. I'll for sure be back.

Second time here and neither disappointed! First visit I ordered the loin katsu with the garlic app. I wasn't ready for how big the loin portion was going to be. The crisp was perfect and the slaw was just right to help balance out the fried loin. The garlic was ok. For some reason I was expecting it to taste more of a stronger taste, but it was a softer garlic flavor. For the second visit I ordered the curry plate and it also did not disappoint. The curry is a bit spicy, but I love that. The pork loin on this plate was a bit smaller than the regular loin katsu (not sure if that was intentional or just bc the actual meat happened to be a smaller size). But the curry..... It was good. Flavor and savory. You don't need to add the loin katsu sauce to the curry, but I added just to try. Tastes good with or without the sauce. Also ordered the edamame. They don't have a spicy option and wished there was that option as the edamame was just ok. Service as usual was good (staff is super nice and accommodating). The place is decorated like a traditional Japanese restaurant which is an ambiance on its own. Definitely coming back for my loin katsu and see what other item I decide to try out.

If you are looking for some good Japanese tonkatsu, this is the place to get it. Their crispy panko coating is light and not heavily battered like your typical batter; and their pork loin was moist and thick, good with the cabbage. One ding is that their dish doesn't come with rice and is an extra $3 charge for soup and rice, which makes it an even more expensive plate of food. Worth $25 for a lunch combo? Not really. The Katsu Sando is simple and good, but again, the price seemed a bit steep for $19. Overall the food tastes authentic, like what we ate in Japan. I would like to return and try items on their dinner menu one day.

Ordered the tonkatsu set with cabbage salad, miso soup and rice as well as the curry katsu. I thought they were pretty good and will satisfy one's craving although the meat was quite dry. Also had the plum wine soda but it tasted too watery. Service was very friendly. There were lots of parking in the plaza and i like their outdoor seating

They serve the best deep fried stuff, not only their Tonkatsu are good but also their other fried items like croquettes, Karaage are amazing! My husband ordered fillet Tonkatsu which was very soft, tender and juicy. Although inside is very juicy, outside was very crispy and light. It didn't give me the feeling of greasiness at all. My croquettes got potato and egg inside, it was perfectly fried. My personal favorite was their karaage, probably they were marinated for quite a while, so it's got nice taste to it, so you don't need any thing besides splash of lemon. I can't wait to come back to try other items!

I got the Japanese Cury and Deluxe Katsu Food: 10/10! Very good and perfectly fried katsu. When I went, they didn't have their full menu for some reason and only had katsu but regardless the food was delicious. Everything from the sauce to even the salad was delicious! Service: The service was alright. They weren't welcoming but they weren't rude either. It did feel as if they were rushing everyone there to eat quick even though there wasn't a wait at the time I went (which was right when they open) Ambience: Clean and cute place! Overall, the food was amazing BUT that price tag for the portion that you are getting is not worth it one bit :( I would only go for some kind of occasion but it is definitely a splurge. My entire meal for only 2 main course item was $60+...that is insane given the fact that we were not full whatsoever by the end of it all.

We waited about 20 min to get seated. Really good and comparable to what we had tried in Hawaii. The kakuni (pork belly) was a nice appetizer. It's small but shareable because it's heavy. The salmon karaage wasn't the karaage. I had pictured in my head but still good. Highly recommend eating the katsu with the mustard! It cuts the fattiness.

Food: The katsu is very properly fried. I love how light the batter is around the meat. Deluxe katsu includes a pork katsu, a shrimp katsu, and three scallop katsu. My favorite is the scallop, which is very juicy and tender. Service: we also ordered chicken karage but the waiter/waitress totally forgot. The restaurant got busy around dinner time and they actually asked us to leave when we finished food and wanted to chat a little more. Why not just set up a time limitation rule in the first place? Ambiance: we were seated outdoor. The table is small, and barely holds the food for two people.