Gykatsu Iroha

I was in Ikebukuro today looking for something random for lunch, and since I wanted some protein, I stopped by this fried beef steak shop. I ordered the 260g set, which comes with two steak fillets. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first—the place looks quite modest and it’s located in a basement—so I didn’t expect much. But once the food arrived, my impression completely changed. The meat was incredibly tender, almost heavenly. They serve it pretty rare, but you can grill it yourself on the hot stone depending on your preference. I’d recommend about 5–8 seconds on each side—that seemed perfect. Compared to other well-known fried steak shops, the crust here isn’t as crispy. The batter is thinner, which gives it a different texture—but in a good way. One thing I found interesting was the sides: they served fresh grated yam (tororo) that you can dip the meat into, and with a bit of wasabi it’s surprisingly good. There was also a seasoned soft-boiled egg, which was a nice addition. Overall, it’s not the absolute best fried beef steak out there, but if you’re in the area and want a quick, satisfying steak lunch, this place is pretty solid. The staff were also very friendly and provided great hospitality.

I went here to avoid Gyukatsu MOTOMURA as I thought the Gyukatsu there lacked beef flavour and wasn’t worth the queue. However the sides and dishes served here, the design of the hot stone plate & presentation, as well as the wifi name at Iroha being “motomura” made it almost exactly the same. I didn’t have to wait here though. The self serve mugicha was refreshing and I felt more comfortable dining here without the pressure of a long line up behind me. The staff all appeared to be Korean girls but were cheery and friendly. The meat is fatty and soft but still lacks any beef flavour to me. It is a satisfying bite after grilling it to your preference and adding the condiments provided, and the experience itself is fun. I’d pick going to Iroha over Motomura just to avoid line ups for the same taste. I’m not sure I see why it as a brand is so raved about from other tourists besides a jelly-like meat texture.

Great find! Waited in line for about 25 mins. They took my order when I was in the line up, so when I got seated, the food came out in no time. This was my fave gyukatsu on my trip. The meat was truly medium rare and a high quality cut. The wait is worth it!! Would highly recommend to all those hungry from shopping in Ikebukuro :)

Absolutely delicious beef katsu dinner set. I was there earlier around 5:30pm so there wasn’t any wait time. The katsu itself was juicy and cooked to perfection, wish I ordered a bigger portion. Sauces were awesome as well. Finished everything on the table! Yum…

I recently visited a gyukatsu shop in Ikebukuro, conveniently located near the Centurian Hotel, and it was an excellent experience. The shop itself is a bit small, giving it a cozy and intimate atmosphere, but what truly stood out was the warm hospitality. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making the meal even more enjoyable. The gyukatsu was absolutely delicious. perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with flavourful sauces and sides that complemented the beef beautifully. Despite the limited space, the inviting service and high-quality food made the visit memorable. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for tasty gyukatsu in the area.

We ordered 1.5 cutlet which is enough to keep you full. The lady is kind enough to ask us how to cook. The place is a bit compact and may not be suitable for bigger groups.

Food was fantastic, the beef smells completely in your mouth. The meat juice burst out like jellypopper! Good service and excellent quality of food.

Very yummy and satisfying ☺️. There is an english translation in the menu and the staff can also speak some basic english. There’s limited space for seating (bar/counter and four small tables) so best for solo or pairs but their service is quite fast. Came in at 5:45ish and got a table straight away.