Katsu Jin

Japanese restaurant · South Pasadena

Katsu Jin

Japanese restaurant · South Pasadena

711 Fair Oaks Ave K, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Highlights

Authentic Japanese katsu, tenderloin katsu, flavorful ramen

711 Fair Oaks Ave K, South Pasadena, CA 91030 Get directions

fetail.com

@katsujin_official

$20–30 · Menu

@eater

A New Tonkatsu Restaurant Fries Up Glorious Deep-Fried Cutlets in South Pasadena | Eater LA

"A newish katsu spot has opened in a busy South Pasadena strip mall: Katsu Jin, launched by Kevin Piyarat on January 17, offers a focused menu of pork, chicken, and cheese katsu, a few types of ramen, and izakaya-style snacks. Piyarat—who ran the adjacent Patakan Thai for a decade and says he fell in love with katsu after eating a cold bento on a Shinkansen to Osaka—oversees nearly every dish during this opening phase and refined his technique through home cooking and online videos. The pork katsu comes in thick but tender slices with a gorgeous golden-brown crust, and everything is made in-house, including a tangerine-colored cabbage dressing and a tangy katsu dipping sauce; the miso soup is especially umami-rich from kombu soaked overnight and a special Japanese miso base. Minimalist presentation and decor underscore a dedication to tonkatsu, and a full set (cabbage salad, miso soup, pickles, silken tofu, steamed rice, and choice of katsu) is priced under $20. Ramen is also made on the premises after a minimum eight-hour boil, and Piyarat hopes to add more exotic cuts once he builds a team." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2023/6/20/23767472/katsu-jin-south-pasadena-tonkatsu-ramen-opening

View Postcard for Katsu Jin

Sasha M

Google

If you’re looking for authentic Japanese-style katsu rather than the typical pork cutlet, this place is the best. The price and flavor are excellent, and there’s even free parking. We had the corn ribs as an appetizer—they were absolutely delicious. It’s also convenient that you can view photos of the menu and order ahead on your phone. Overall, the taste, seasoning, and portion sizes are just right. The restaurant is clean, and the overall experience was top-notch. Highly recommended!

Eric Cruz

Google

Great new Japanese Katsu place in South Pas. The corn was superb. The Pork Loin Katsu is top notch. Big wave of Thai run Japanese restaurants worldwide. This ranks high up there. We’re new fans. The only crit is needs better music. Not sure about the video game J-pop.

Enn B

Google

Tried the Spicy Miso Ramen. The broth was rich and the noodles were nice and chewy. Although, the portion seemed a bit smaller end for the price. Please note they use QR codes as a menu. So you have to scan the code and order on your phone. The interior is very cute and clean. The staff are friendly. Overall, a good experience.

David Kwok

Google

If you suspect it is raw, don’t eat it!!! The photos show the part that looked pink and tasted a bit raw. I took a small bite and didn’t eat them and even so, my stomach starts feeling weird. They say it was normal and offer to recook, but it takes another 20 mins. Anyways, I won’t go back agin. Food taste good if not raw, and nice decoration. But be aware if you think it’s raw

Huy Phan

Google

We’ve been looking for a place in the east side/Pasadena side of LA to satisfy our Japanese katsu cravings and came across this restaurant. The restaurant is small but the food was great! Friendly staff, good portions, and an authentic feel to the ambiance and the way the food was made. We had the Gyoza, Katsudon, Pork Loin Katsu, and Strawberry Daifuku and will definitely coming back again until the future! Nice and friendly owners too!

sofi

Google

Amazing, well-prepared dishes, and nice interior. Katsu Jin is great dinner spot, everything is fresh and prepared beautifully. We enjoyed the Chicken Curry Katsu, the sides were refreshing and light! The carrot ginger dressing on the salad was amazing. I also recommend the spicy ramen, it was super flavorful. While the prices are on the higher side, the dishes consistently and execution make up for it! Can’t wait to come back, we suggest making a reservation to ensure seating.

Sharn Kung

Google

Sort of torn on this one. If you're coming for the Katsu I'd give it 5 stars. If you're coming for other stuff then 4. Get the tenderloin katsu. It's very tender and juicy. The regular katsu, while very good, was just a bit dryer. This is not going to compare to high quality katsu you get in Japan, but it's probably up there in taste and quality for LA. The side dishes that come do feel small, not asking for them to be a lot more but you get basically 2-5 pieces which really doesn't leave much to enjoy. Grinding your own sesame is always fun and gives us a pleasant aroma. The black garlic oil ramen has a very strong and unique flavor. You'll either love it or hate it, we loved it. The tonkatsu ramen was on the bland side and wasn't as creamy as it should be. We will pass on that next time. Well be back to try other items in the near future!

Shawn Sheng

Google

Probably the best katsu I have ever had in my life. Super crispy and delicious, paired with amazing sides and incredible rice. The wait was around 30 minutes on a Saturday evening, but was well worth the wait. The curry is a little extra but makes the meal more tasty. They give you sesame seeds to grind up yourself while you wait for the katsu, which is cute and fun.