Tonkatsu Ichiban

Wonderful spot for a damn fine Tonkatsu! We weren’t sure if it tasted like a Michelin star but to be honest, who knows and what does that even mean?! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very relaxed and it looks like it hasn’t been renovated much since it’s opening in 1949, which we loved. The all female staff was friendly, however, we were told that the croquettes were sold out only to see that someone who ordered after us received one - weird. Overall we highly recommend coming here!

Wonderful place that is located in an expected spot. Sweet staffs who know what to do very well. I ordered Tonkatsu. The Japanese pork one was tender with no unpleasant smells. Portion is beyond generous at a great value, especially if you come from western countries, it is such a steal price. Wish them to be healthy and busy with customers.

This was a small mom and pop resteraunt we found during our first night at Kyoto. And it set the tone for the rest of our stay. The resteraunt was a small unadorned tucked in a side street. But the food was the best katsu we've ever had. We chose the chicken, local pork and the special pork that was only available during April-May. Never had we had chicken that melts in your mouth. Both pork was no sluch either, very juicy and tender. Highly recommened if you have a chance to eat here.

Food: we had hamburg steak, cream shrimp croquette and seasonal pork katsu (only from April to June). I dont like pork because of the smell if the pig doesnt eat clean food. Also the fat from pork meat is usually thick and chewy and hard to digest. But the pork we had here is from SanEmon brand, it is a big brand in Japan for good pork and it is no joke. I had to admit the pork cutlet is Wow Service: we just randomly walked around from hotel to the Train Museum. In the morning, this place is a bakery ( interesting). It hits the spot for the local vibe and authenticity. We didnt know this one has Michelin star. We didnt see the star at all on the wall :)))))) Tips: - come as early as possible before each serving time ( dinner is from 5pm) because the queue starts quickly and tables are full quickly too - CASH ONLY

Decide on last minute to come here but had a feeling it will be good... Turns out PERFECT! The crispy but light layer on outside but the inside is PERFECTLY juicy and not chewy.. Creamy croquette also didn't lose out! Unfortunately only 1 pcs left when we order but this is also not to be missed out! Massive respect and thanks for the food Arigatou Gozaimas

We arrived around 6pm the restaurant was full but there was no queue, a queue started to form shortly after. Speaking to people behind us in the queue they had been recommended the restaurant by friends who have been previously. We were welcomed openly and seated quickly when space became available. The service was quick and the food was amazing. If you're looking for good quality food in Kyoto I couldn't recommend this restaurant highly enough. They also have a Michelin star so this was the first Michelin star restaurant we have ever eaten at and it did not disappoint nor did it break the bank.

Really yummy tonkatsu here, probably the best I ever had. It has a soft crunch on the outside and really tender pork on the inside. Omelette was also very well made and was meant for my son, but I enjoyed it as well. The croquettes had a nice crunch as well, but didn't enjoy it as much as the main courses.

This is a popular place even amongst the local. We came here because it's very near our hotel. The set lunch is cheap and good at 800yen. The Chicken Katsu Don is very tasty. Chicken is tender. There's salad and miso soup in the set. They give us warm handkerchief to clean.