Misokatsu Yabaton Yaba-cho Honten

30/12/24 - 4.5 stars One of the oldest and most popular miso katsu chains in Nagoya. Even after coming a bit early, the line was pretty long and we had to wait almost 1hr, but, yes it was certainly worth it for a first try of this Nagoya specialty. Staff are as accommodating and friendly as can be given how busy the place is. The venue has multiple stories but still is a bit cramped. Not too bad though. They also offer free refills on rice and cabbage. Misokatsu Flavour: SS, 9/10. Very rich miso which goes so well with the pork and batter. Can be a little over the top after a while Texture: SS+, 9.5/10. Perfectly crispy Value: S+, 8.5/10. A pretty big katsu and unlimited sides for ~¥1800

3.5 stars Venue: A few minutes walk from the closest subway. Very attractive looking building. A big pig status outside. There is a souvenir corner. Always full. Come before 5 pm to avoid queue (from outside to second floor). People in the queue started reading the menu. There was a lift, but we needed to walk upstairs. Some tables upstairs have better window views. Packed. --- 7/10 Service: busy but efficient. Polite staff. Wait to be seated at the stairs. Seated soon. There was a big jar of green tea, seasonings, pickles, and wet tissues on the table. We were given chilled green tea and the Japanese menu only. Waitpersons will come to take orders at the table. Food served fast. Paid on the ground floor. --- 7.4/10 F&B: Menu with big photos and main ingredients. Normal presentation. Normal portion. Good value. - Deep-fried Shrimp with Rice and Pork Curry Sauce, ¥1790 (incl. tax): served with pickles and potato salad. There are many pork slices in the sweet curry sauce. --- 7/10 - Waraji Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet, ¥1900 (incl tax): including lotus root pickles, miso soup, and rice. Can choose "half and half." That's a homemade Worcester sauce on one half, and red miso sauce will be poured onto the other half jambo deep-fried pork cutlet when served. The sauces were good with rice. Rice was well-cooked. Can refill rice and cabbage. Pork with some fat, but a bit dry and slightly chewy for 2-3 bites --- 7.4/10

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited on a weekday at 7 PM. After a 5-minute wait, we were promptly guided to our seats on the second floor. The interior was decorated with character designs, creating a theme park-like atmosphere, which was very enjoyable. The free services of green tea, cabbage, rice, and miso soup were plentiful and very much appreciated. I ordered the restaurant's specialty, the Waraji Tonkatsu with miso. The sweetness of the pork and the umami of the miso spread in my mouth, and it was very delicious. The roast tonkatsu was large and very filling. I recommend going there with an empty stomach!

We visited on a weekday around 1:30 pm and were seated right away with no wait. Despite a steady lunch crowd, the staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome. Our order of Miso Katsu arrived quickly, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The dish was incredibly flavorful, with tender, juicy meat that made every bite delicious. Highly recommended for a satisfying meal!

Delicious pork katsu together with their special made miso sauce. Brace for the q first in order to enjoy the nice food.

The grilled premium pork cutlet was surprising good for me. It goes really well with the miso sauce toppin.

If you want to experience rude service in Japan, feel free to dine at this tonkatsu restaurant. Not only are the staff rude, but they’ll also make you wait in line forever.

The pork was tender, crispy, and paired perfectly with the rich miso sauce. The queue was long but worth it. Definitely a must-try if you like miso.