Wako Donkatsu

Asian restaurant · Koreatown

Wako Donkatsu

Asian restaurant · Koreatown

4

3377 Wilshire Blvd #112, Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Wako Donkatsu by null
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Wako Donkatsu by null
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Highlights

Informal eatery specializing in Korean-style breaded pork & chicken cutlets with sesame-seed sauces.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

3377 Wilshire Blvd #112, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Get directions

wakodonkatsu.com
@wakodonkatsu

$$$$$$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

3377 Wilshire Blvd #112, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Get directions

+1 213 381 9256
wakodonkatsu.com
@wakodonkatsu

$$$$$$ · Menu

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delivery
takeout
dine in
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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@eater

"Koreatown's Wilshire Boulevard outlet of donkatsu specialist Wako, closed after more than a decade of service." - Eater Staff

10 Recent Restaurant Closures to Know in Los Angeles - Eater LA
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@eater

"The Korean style of the dish has been popularized in Los Angeles at restaurants including Wako Donkasu, which has solidified itself as a long-standing favorite, even garnering acclaim from the late critic Jonathan Gold." - Rebecca Roland

Koreatown’s Lasung Sells Hundreds of Jumbo Korean-Style Fried Pork Cutlets a Day - Eater LA
View Postcard for Wako Donkasu
@infatuation

"Wako Donkasu has two locations, but one specialty: A Korean take on Japanese tonkatsu. That means you’ll find breaded cutlets (there are a few options, but the pork is the best), served with shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, and a tangy sauce. Call (213) 381-9256 for takeout from their Wilshire location, or click here for delivery." - brant cox, kat hong

Koreatown Takeout & Delivery Guide
View Postcard for Wako Donkasu
@infatuation

"Wako Donkatsu is a Koreatown institution with a clear specialty: a Korean take on Japanese tonkatsu. That means you’ll find breaded cutlets (there are a few options, but the pork is the best), served with shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, and a tangy sauce. The real difference here (besides the kimchi on the table) is that once you’ve ordered, they’ll bring out a small mortar and pestle with sesame seeds at the bottom, which you grind down before that tonkatsu sauce gets poured in, giving it a nutty flavor. The huge cutlets of pork are juicy and crunchy, and even if you only plan on eating half, you’ll still leave feeling sufficiently stuffed." - Jess Basser Sanders

Wako Donkatsu - Review - Koreatown - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
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A. Ko

Google
Fortunately I made it to this Wako Donkatsu location before they officially close on October 12 due to parking issues. Beginning October 13 they will only operate from their Olympic Blvd location. I’m glad I was able to finally make it to this location as I have had this on my restaurant bucket list for a while. The food did not disappoint. Nice crispy fry on our fish and chicken was perfect! Not oily, not thick batter and instead light and airy. The chicken katsu curry was delicious. I was afraid the curry would be salty but it wasn’t and I cleaned the plate! I also ordered French fries since I can’t help myself! 🤭 I’ll have to make it to the Olympic Blvd location which I believe will be just as fantastic! Good job Wako and I hope consolidating into one restaurant helps you continue serving great food!

D Bui (SaavyShopper)

Google
Wako Donkasu is an absolute treasure in the culinary landscape! This hidden gem offers a truly exceptional dining experience that is second to none. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant, from the décor to the service, is truly remarkable. Now, let's talk about the food – it's simply outstanding! The Donkasu, their signature dish, is a crispy and perfectly breaded cutlet that is cooked to golden perfection. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture that leaves you craving more. But it's not just the Donkasu that shines at Wako. Their extensive menu features a variety of delicious dishes, from savory katsu to flavorful bowls of rice and noodles. There's something for everyone, and each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. The staff at Wako Donkasu are friendly, attentive, and passionate about providing top-notch service. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you are always made to feel welcome and valued. In summary, Wako Donkasu is a culinary gem that deserves all the praise it receives. With its exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and stellar service, it's no wonder why this restaurant has earned a five-star rating. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Wako Donkasu.

Katie Ngo

Google
This is the best chicken katsu place I had ever had. The waiters were attentive, and the food came out pretty quickly. Everything was made fresh and (as a slow eater) the katsu was perfectly crisp!

Cyprian Bergonia

Google
Hands down the best Donkatsu (pork cutlet) in los Angeles. The tonkatsu is breaded perfectly. It's not greasy and the pork is moist and tender. It comes with a delicious sesame sauce and cabbage salad, miso soup. The rice was amazing and soft. Everything goes well together and it's peaceful inside the restaurant.

Lailian Park

Google
I can’t believe they charge for the togo box..i was a regular customer here but i am pretty sure i can’t go anymore I love the combo menu best,and taking out leftover food is inevitable..and i need to pay extra to get my food..it was pretty not reasonable

Iris Chen

Google
Overall a good place for katsu, their specialty is katsu, good size portion. The pictures are New York steak and pork cutlet combo with udon.

Jingyao Chou

Google
It’s tasty but we were expecting JAPANESE KATSU.... and turned out to be Korean style. Meal price is good. But meat is over sponged. If you are expecting JAPANESE トンカツの和幸。This is not the place.

Alan Houck

Google
Visited about 8:30 on a Thursday. Not busy, with prompt and friendly service. I ordered the Curry Donkatsu, a breaded pork cutlet with curry and rice. It also comes with a salad and a bowl of soup. Large portions and excellent flavor, perfect for a comfort food fix. I would definitely revisit.

Justin B.

Yelp
I went to Japan earlier this year and one thing I missed was the Donkatsu in Japan. I've had a huge void in my heart because I couldn't find a place to fulfill my taste buds, until now! Wako's donkatsu is juicy/tender, crunchy, and seasoned very well! Furthermore the combo deal with the soba noodles are a 10/10!. Service was very quick, I was seated instantly. And last but definitely not least, the ambiance really felt like a cute restaurant in Kyoto I went to with the very dim, but wooden theme inside. The valet for parking does take Apple Pay but the plaza itself is worth exploring! Definitely coming back!

Alicia H.

Yelp
food felt very mid... Good service and aesthetic vibes Good location Got the katsu plate and some other plates Felt like the food could taste a little better

Yery J.

Yelp
solid donkatsu place. i've had wako since my childhood and this place never disappoints. i always enjoyed grinding up my own sesame for the sauce. the portions are pretty generous and the cutlets are pretty good! service is friendly and place is pretty spacious. it's not too roudy so it's nice to have conversations over good food too.

Vivian T.

Yelp
Korean style cutlets are something I was not expecting to try here in LA, but I'm glad I tried this delicious style of tonkatsu. The restaurant is nestled on the upper part of the plaza next to Boiling Crab. Walking in, it wasn't busy so we chose our own table. My friends and I got three different types of cutlet entrees which included their combo set with udon and assorted katsu, a chicken cutlet, and a curry katsu. On the side, we were given sesame seeds, katsu sauce, kimchi radish, and marinated jalapenos. You grind the sesame seeds with a wooden pestle and mortar and can add it to your sauce. I thought their katsu sauce was tarte and reminded me of a ketchup. The shredded salad on the side was generous and great to eat in between bites. The best part was the donkasu and the chicken inside was very juicy and not dry! The only thing I did not favor was the miso soup as it tasted a bit off and bland. Overall, the food came out quickly and the service was fast. Their katsu is fantastic and I would recommend this spot if you were looking for something different in K Town.

Paul V.

Yelp
In search of some good tonkatsu, we went to Wako Donkasu to try them out. Being from the Bay Area, I must admit that LA's Koreatown is the pinnacle of Asian food that transcends Korean cuisine. The amount of restaurants here is vast and admittedly non-present in my beloved Bay Area. Wako is situated in a plaza; again adorned with numerous restaurants and shops. It was dinner and we came at Wako where it was not too busy. Remembering the awesome meal I had at Oahu, I opted for the Pork tonkatsu. The tonkatsu sauce is made in the same fashion where you ground your sesame seeds and add the tonkatsu sauce accordingly. The pork was perfectly fried and very tender. The accompanying cabbage was good as well. Is it equal to Tonkatsu Tamafuji in Oahu? Almost there. What fascinates me is the breath of their different tonkatsu selections. From fish to beef and everything in between, they have it in their menu. I reckon that given a chance to come back, I will definitely try out their other selections beyond the traditional pork tonkatsu.

Shania W.

Yelp
Wako has been on my list for such a long time, and I'm happy I finally stopped by! We came in on a Thursday evening for dinner and were seated immediately. It was a nice environment to catch up with some friends, but I would consider it more on the casual side. I ordered the Chicken Katsu, which was delicious! I loved grinding up my sesame seeds before the entree came out, and the sauce was an excellent pairing to the meat. The chicken was incredibly juicy and well cooked. It was also a very generous portion--I had more than enough to eat. It also came with miso soup and cabbage salad, which were good. If you check in on Yelp, you also get a free potato ball! They also serve barley tea. The service was very quick--they don't necessarily go out of their way to serve you, but we did we got our food promptly. They validate parking for the parking garage under the plaza, but there's still a fee. Overall, I think this is a solid spot to check out if you're ever craving katsu! It won't wow you, but it'll get the job done.

Wonjun S.

Yelp
Solid donkatsu place. I had no complaints! The donkatsu had the perfect texture and the sauce was good. I was happy to be able to break the sesame seeds with a little mallet thing and pour the sauce in after. Service was good, and good interior with lots of space. Everything was good, but not spectacular. It didn't make me feel as though I'd choose this place over every other donkatsu spot.

Alice N.

Yelp
I've been to a different location and enjoyed it so I was excited to try the Wilshire spot. The store is on the casual and quiet side good for couples and families. The establishment was less crowded than expected on a Friday night, given how crowded the surrounding area was. My husband ordered the chicken katsu with udon, and I ordered the pork katsu with curry. The cutlets are on the thicker side, which isn't my preference; however, they were cooked perfectly. The outside was crispy, and the inside was juicy and soft. Each bite had the perfect amount of crispiness and juiciness. The katsus come with radish kimchi and pickled jalapenos, which paired nicely with the cutlets. My husband said the udon was good, nothing special. I enjoyed the flavor profile of the curry. It tasted like the packaged golden curry sauce mix, which I like! Overall, if you're craving katsus, I'd recommend.

John C.

Yelp
Wako has undoubtedly been a culinary cornerstone of my life since childhood, a personal testament to its enduring quality and the cherished memories it continues to foster. The charm of Wako is manifold. Its ambiance, a rhythmic blend of simplicity and warmth, has remained a constant through the years, evoking a sense of familiarity and welcome each time I visit. The staff, ever courteous and attentive, contribute significantly to the overall dining experience, making each visit as memorable as the last. Now, every KTowner knows there are two tonkatsu staples in Koreatown: Koreatown Plaza Tonkatsu and Wako. Both are equally great! At Wako, the tonkatsu is a perfect symphony of crispy, golden-brown breading encasing succulently tender pork, and has been a consistent delight. Accompanied by a side of tangy, house-made sauce, each bite transports me back to my childhood, where flavors were as vivid and comforting as the surroundings. The side dishes, including a delicately seasoned miso soup and a crisp, refreshing cabbage salad, complement the main course beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Over the years, Wako Tonkatsu has not just been a restaurant to me; it has been a journey through flavors that have grown and evolved alongside me. It remains a cherished spot where each visit is not just about enjoying a meal but about reliving precious memories and creating new ones. For anyone seeking an authentic tonkatsu experience in Koreatown, I wholeheartedly recommend Wako - a place that has repeatedly captured both my heart and my taste buds.

Kaitlyn N.

Yelp
Came for lunch on a Sunday! I've heard a lot about Wako Donkatsu, so I wanted to give it a try. FLAVOR (5/5): 1. CHICKEN CUTLET W/ CURRY: I saw a lot about the chicken cutlet in the reviews and to be honest I was skeptical... but after my first bite I was wowed. The chicken was really tender and had a nice crust. They also have you grind sesame seeds for their special sauce and I ordered curry on the side for an extra dip. The portion is very large, so definitely expect some leftovers. SERVICE (5/5): Service was good. They have a call bell you can ring if you need anything. AMBIENCE (3/5): When we came it was pretty quiet, but I imagine on a weekend evening it would be more lively. PARKING (3/5): Parking is garage parking underneath the plaza. Wako validates, but I think I still ended up paying $5. TAKEAWAYS: I liked Wako Donkatsu and would come back again! The flavor and portion sizes are good - definitely get the Chicken Cutlet!

Sharon K.

Yelp
My favorite donkatsu place ever! I love everything about wako from their crispy breading, the salad dressing, rice, soup, and their mini kkak-doo-gi (pickled radish) and pickled jalapenos! Everything, even their rice, is made so well! My go to order is their chicken donktasu curry and the donkatsu udon combo! There is a service bell you can press when you need something. Ambiance is casual and the place is well decorated to fit the donkatsu theme!

Aaron M.

Yelp
Best katsu restaurant in koreatown. I prefer this location over the Olympic location - but they taste the same. As per my last review, the chicken katsu and the cheese katsu are the best things here!

Rose L.

Yelp
This katsu is fried absolutely perfectly, with the chicken perfectly cooked. How?? We also tried the combo with the udon. The udon was okay, not enough flavor to me, but that's not why you go here. The sauce they have to dip the katsu in is EVERYTHING. I would like to bathe in it.

Zephaniah E.

Yelp
So good Vibe inside super homey, feels like something unique to LA The Pork Tender Loin Black Tiger Shrimp was so crispy on the outside and super tender buttery on the inside. I love the sides they offer as well and grinding the seeds for the sauce was a fun experience. Would come again if I didn't hate driving around here so much

Wykim04 ..

Yelp
I visit here regularly for Chicken Curry katsu because it is simply delicious. Their curry is amazing :)

Rumany P.

Yelp
Yummmm. The chicken katsu gets 5 stars every day. Always perfectly crispy. I love that they use the tray to keep it from getting soggy. And the grinding bowl for the sesame is entertaining. The cheese katsu and the pork katsu aren't good but not great. Maybe 3.5-4 stars for those items. Parking is free with validation during the weekdays and it costs $5 on nights and weekends.

Ethan H.

Yelp
Wako is a hidden gem in Ktown that is an absolute must-try! The food is a solid 10/10 and the new drink menu blew us away as well! We started off the night by ordering the fruit soju and the honeycomb makgeolli. The soju had been soaked in fresh fruit and was refreshing and delicious. However the real star of the night was the honeycomb makgeolli! Each cup came with a giant piece of honeycomb, which slowly melted into the makgeolli, imbuing it with a sweet and creamy flavor. It was definitely a unique drink I've never seen before and great value as well. For entrees, we ordered the pork katsu and udon combo, as well as a katsu and soba combo. The katsu was perfectly fried and juicy, and paired very well with the delicious katsu sauce and freshly-ground sesame seeds. The udon had a great qq texture and the soup complemented the fried items nicely. The soba had a cool presentation as well and came with a refreshing broth. You really can't go wrong at Wako, and would 1000% recommend trying their unique drinks, especially the honeycomb makgeolli!!

CHRIS Y.

Yelp
I'm writing another review of this restaurant because their katsu's are unlike any other katsu's in ktown. So tasty and delicious! We were introduced to their NEW MENU items which starts today 7/26! Amazing Amazing & Amazing!! To mention few of their new items, includes: 1) FLYING Soba Noidles! 2) ICE Cold Lime Soba/Udon Noodles w/ cold broth (to beat the HEAT) 3) Smoked Donkatsu ( Wow! ) 4) Mix or match beer ice cold beer buckets! (So cheap) 5) Fruit Soju (comes in a cute round clear canister with fresh fruits in them) 6) Makgolli with Raw Honeycomb And lots more...!!! Some pictures are attached so you can see. Extended hours! You all come and have a blast!!! Wako forever!!!

Andy B.

Yelp
Our favorite tomato place in LA. I don't know why there's always a long line for boiling crab next door. Theres parking under the building. Get the curry on the side AND tonkatsu sauce. Game changer.

Kaitlyn L.

Yelp
This place was really empty when walking in which I am so surprised with because the food was so yummy! The service was really polite and didn't bother you while eating unless you needed it. The food was really great! Ny favorite was the cheese cutlet but definitely get it with the curry on the side. Underrated place; come try!

Dee T.

Yelp
Service was pretty fast and the food was pretty good. There are large portion sizes . . We had the curry katsu, chicken and pork katsu and combo set . . All were delicious!!! There is a funny smell as soon as you enter but it seems to be only by the entrance . . Service could have been friendlier but at least it was efficient . .

Hiromi R.

Yelp
I'm a fan! A few Yelp Elite'ers that I follow wrote about this place, so I've been wanting to check it out. It was worth the drive from Pasadena and I will definitely be back! What I liked: - parking in the back! This area can get tricky with street parking, so the fact that it had a dedicated lot made it SO much easier to visit - service was friendly, respectful and fast! Everyone here was very friendly and we were seated right away - pork cutlet was DELICIOUS! Being Japanese, Im a bit picky with my tonkatsu, but this place was right on! The pork cutlet was tender, nicely crisp and flavorful - pork cutlet sandwich was good! Wish the bread was slightly warmer, but I still enjoyed it - you can ask for more sauce! What I wish differently: - sauce was a bit too sweet in my opinion, but not overly sweet. - I wish the combo came with white rice, but it comes with rice if you don't get the combo Price was acceptable, and well worth it.

Jonathan Y.

Yelp
service might be a bit slow at times but the food always slaps I recommend normal katsu over curry katsu

Isabelle S.

Yelp
Came in for lunch with my family. We ordered combo meals with udon and soba. The food was very good. My main complaint was the time it took for the food to come out. For them not being very packed at the time, our food took very long to come out. They all came out separately, and people who came alone seemed to get served before us even though we had got there before them. The service was pretty disappointing but I'm hoping it was a one time thing since I really loved the food. I'll be back to give them another try

Thom M.

Yelp
Donkatsu is so good. Not greasy! Love it with a side of curry! Much much better than those TikTok spots with oversized greasy portions!!

Cindy C.

Yelp
Love that they serve barley tea and they give you a tiny mortar and pestle so you can grind your sesame seeds for the sauce. I order the chicken cutlet and pork cutlet and always notice that the chicken cutlet is twice as big as the pork. Portions are huge, the breading is light and crispy, and the meat inside is juicy. It comes with miso soup, a shredded cabbage salad with yummy dressing, radishes, jalapeños and white rice. The price has gotten more expensive but it's so worth it.

Emma F.

Yelp
Arguably the best katsu place in LA! I love that you start by grinding your own sesame seeds, the fragrance is so fresh and adds additional layer of flavor. I ordered the chicken katsu and it came out so quickly. The servings were huge. The chicken was beautifully breaded and fried and so juicy inside! It also comes with veggies and soup. Definitely a great deal for the price. Service was very fast. I love this place and always appreciate a spot with a simple menu but does it well. Defintely recommend this place if you like katsu.

Chris L.

Yelp
This place has been one of my favorite finds in K-town LA. Wako specializes in Japanese tonkatsu, and they definitely excel at it. We came on a Friday night and there were still a fair number of tables open. Street parking is as difficult as K-town gets, especially on weekend evenings. However, there is a nearby H-mart parking structure. I highly recommend the curry katsu. The pork katsu had a perfect crunch with a juicy inside, and the curry sauce was delicious. The portion size also looks so much larger than it appears on the menu. I spent an extra $6 for the combo which comes with your choice of udon or soba noodles as well as some tempura. Service was excellent, and I loved the barley tea that came with our food.

Elizabeth C.

Yelp
- one of my favorite spots in la - usually pretty easy to get seated - service isn't the fastest, but they have a little buzzer at each table - in the heart of ktown, so convenient to go and get dessert afterwards - while waiting for your food, they give you a bowl of sesame seeds to grind to which they'll add tonkatsu sauce to later which is nice to keep you busy while waiting - cheese tonkatsu (4.5/5): pork cutlet stuffed with a melty mix of cheeses, comes with rice, miso soup, cabbage salad, and some pickled vegetables. my go-to order as an avid cheese lover! well fried and super crispy exterior, and the cheese always gives a really good stretch. the cabbage salad and miso soup are nice to refresh your palate, as the dish is pretty heavy. the portion is HUGE, you can definitely save half for a second meal, so i think it's worth the price - they also have a cutlet and udon combo that's pretty worth too

Anny O.

Yelp
Chicken tonkatsu is decent but not the best. I do like how the breading layer is thin and there is a lot of meat. I didn't really like the sauce tho. I wish there was another option for their dipping sauce. I prefer coco ichibanya for their tonkatsu. There is a free back parking lot which is nice in ktown.

Haley H.

Yelp
Came here Wednesday night for dinner and it was super empty, only 1-2 other parties in the entire restaurant. We came for the cheese cutlet and it did not disappoint! That was definitely the best thing on the menu. We also had pork cutlets were classic and soba was just okay

Jennine K.

Yelp
If you're craving cutlet, this is the place to go! Tons of different cutlet options and the serving size is huge! Each comes with soup and salad. The service was prompt for our large group, and the chicken katsu was perfectly crispy and tender.

Melanie T.

Yelp
This place is famous for their katsu and the katsu is quite delicious. It has the right amount of crunch and when you order the set, it does come with a lot of food. They give you sesame seeds for you to grind to add to the katsu sauce. The set comes with salad and a choice of noodles with some side veggie dishes. If I were to come back, I would only order the katsu option. I ordered soba noodles with my set and it was not to my liking. There's a sauce to dip it in but if you don't dip it enough, then it gets plain. My friend told me to not Pour the sauce over it. The texture and taste of the soba was not something I would order again. But the katsu was tasty. There's a small parking lot around the corner. It can be a little tight making reverse driving quite difficult so be careful.

Sangwook H.

Yelp
I to-go'd don katsu and it was exactly what I wanted. The katsu is crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. The sauce is great and they give you plenty. I also like the radish kimchi and jalapeño they include. The service is quick and efficient and there are plenty of seating with a gentle dining experience.

Grace J.

Yelp
Wako is a classic in Koreatown for donkkaseu (Korean pork cutlet). There are two locations- one on Wilshire located in the same complex as Boiling Crab and a second one on Olympic as a stand-alone restaurant. I went to the Wilshire location where metered street parking is available but hard to find. Parking is available in the lot for $5 with validation for up to 3 hours and $1.50 for each additional 30 minutes. If you are just picking up your food, up to 30 minutes is free. Note from 3pm-12am signs say valet only and that's because the parking lot gets packed during the evening hours. If you order any of the cutlets, they start you off with a bowl of sesame seeds that you can grind to your heart's content for that nice nutty umami before they pour in the cutlet dipping sauce. I opt for the chicken cutlet instead of the pork cutlet since they make their chicken one so juicy and the portions are big. It comes with a small salad, bowl of rice, miso soup, and side of radish kimchi with pickled peppers. I always have leftovers of the chicken cutlet to take home for a nice snack the next day. Their chicken cutlet is always consistent, tasty, and comforting which is what always keeps me coming back. Until next time, cheers!

Aniki Y.

Yelp
This is my favorite donkatsu place in the area! I would say their donkatsu is the best compare to the others.

Alicia L.

Yelp
Had a random craving for curry and found this place since I was in the ktown area. Great flavors and service overall but felt like the portions were small for the prices. I ordered the steak cutlet and everything tasted delicious from the texture of the steak, to the side salad, to the katsu sauce. However, I found the slices of steak to be very thin, and not exactly filling. I would not say I eat a lot but this was less than I was hoping for.

Giselle A.

Yelp
My new favorite katsu place. The service is 10/10. Staff is super friendly. Their chicken katsu was so crispy and juicy. Not dry at all. Their sesame sauce is 10/10. Can't wait to go back m. Nom nom.

Allison P.

Yelp
One of my favorite katsu places in LA -- they have two locations near Koreatown, and the interior is very clean. I ordered a chicken katsu cutlet, and it came with a fresh cabbage salad, miso soup (a bit on the salty side), and pickled vegetables. The salad was surprisingly good and very refreshing, and the chicken katsu was flavorful and crispy. Don't forget to grind the sesame seeds into the sauce to pair with the katsu! I always have leftover to take home, which makes it worth it.

Geneva Marcy G.

Yelp
Been craving some katsu ever since I moved to the area, wanted to give this place a try. This hidden gem was located in a plaza. At the time being, the restaurant was pretty empty. I got seated promptly and the menu had a lot to pick from. I ended up getting the chicken katsu combo with soba noodles. They dropped off some cold tea and sesame seeds to crush for your katsu sauce. First impressions, the portions were huge! Ended up taking some katsu to go. They also had a check in offer for a potato croquette, which was a nice plus. The katsu had a nice crunch to it, but not too overly breaded. Not the best katsu I've had, but good to fulfill my cravings. The overall restaurant was very laidback with a homey feel. Took off one star due to service. Even though I was practically the only customer there, I still had to get up to get my check...not a big deal honestly. All in all, enjoyed my meal! :)

Miguel B.

Yelp
I came in Saturday afternoon and there was one server who provided decent service. The room itself seemed calm, there was a TV screen in the back of the room showing a UFC match. I wanted to post a review on the quality and size of the food, it was amazing. I attached a photo of the Spicy Ramen I ordered with my hand and it was massive! I could only finish half and saved the rest for nearly a second bowl of ramen. My friend ordered the a chicken cutlet which came with rice and Miso Soup and it overall was a great meal and acceptable price for the food and portion provided

Stephanie C.

Yelp
If you're looking for a Katsu, this spot will certainly satisfy your craving. Tucked away in the plaza, Wako feels a bit overshadowed by its popular neighbor, Boiling Crab. But fortunately it also means you can go in at any time and get seated right away. With every katsu, you start off with a little bowl of sesame seeds to grind up yourself before the server pours katsu sauce in. I ordered the Cheese Katsu for $18, which is filled with pork and cheese. So much fun to eat! The battery is crispy and the pork & cheese combo really elevates it. Portions are big so it's worth it for the price. I personally didn't care much for the sides; i have had better miso soups than here. They give you a little bit of pickled veggies like Korean radish and it was a bit soft (not crunchy?). Just something to keep in mind. The salad was also delicious but dressing was a bit heavy - ask for it on the side if you prefer having it light. I would come back here and try other entrees they have on the menu, like their combos or Katsu with curry!

Sarah S.

Yelp
Though I didn't go to Wako Donkasu specifically for this reason, it doesn't hurt that Jonathan Gold went here many years ago and wrote a fantastic review. It's a fun read: https://www.laweekly.com/jonathan-gold-reviews-wako-donkasu/ The portions here are HUGE. Blimey! There was no way I could finish my dish at the restaurant. I brought my leftovers home and it made two additional meals. Goodness gracious, so much food and I'm not mad at it because it was just delicious. You may be familiar with tonkatsu, but whatchu know about the Korean version? It's made fun with a mortar and pestle to grind up a bit of sesame to go with your sauce. And of course you'll get some kimchi. I had the pork and the cheese cutlet so I got a good go at a couple of options. Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside in all the right ways. Or with the cheese, soft and stretchy in all the right ways! I can't even pick which between them I liked better because they were both so darn good. Loved it! Service was very attentive and on top of everything for us, as well. There's no way I won't be back. I'm all about this. Be sure to check in on Yelp for a free pop!

Mike K.

Yelp
We've been here on several occasions and it's always the same great service and food all around. If you like katsu you will really enjoy this place and we always enjoy grinding the sesame seeds to make our katsu sauce.

J K.

Yelp
It is quick and easy. To go is convenient. I like donkassu and fish one. Vombo is heavy. One in the wilshire is good to try it!

Audrey I.

Yelp
Wako's donkasu is the paragon of Japanese donkasu (or breaded pork cutlet). Whenever I'm in a hankering for some good donkasu, I always look to Wako to help me out. I find that often donkasu breading can either be a bit too dense with crispier exteriors or a bit soggy if the outer shell is conservatively breaded. However, Wako manages to strike that perfect juicy-crispy balance with each cutlet, so it's no wonder why they've been beloved by Los Angelenos for decades. If you and another person have decent appetites, I suggest ordering a combination meal to share! It'll be more than enough food, trust me. The combination comes with salad, a thick slab of donkasu, a potato croquette, and a tempura-esque shrimp along with a hefty portion of either soba or udon. I've tried all of their noodle options, and the COLD soba is the most impressive! On a separate note, the service is always attentive, and the ambiance is casual. The bathroom isn't super clean, but such is the standard in LA. P.S. what's especially unique about this place is that they hand you a mortar and pestle to grind the sesame seeds to your liking prior to adding the donkasu sauce to mix in. I'd imagine kids having a fun time with that instead of twiddling their thumbs before the food arrives.

Jason A.

Yelp
Pretty decent katsu in LA. I got the combo which is really worth it, and the udon balances the katsu pretty well. I've had juicier katsu before though. The service was great and there is lot of seating inside

Cindy Y.

Yelp
Came here on a Monday night and the staff sat us down immediately. Was craving a tonkatsu meal so I thought I'd give this place a try. Interior was nice, had a Japanese and Korean vibe/style to it. Slightly dim lighting. They'll give you sesame seeds for you to grind to powder in a sauce bowl for you to mix with tonkatsu sauce. Interesting how they were Korean owned but served Japanese dishes! Was delicious regardless. I ordered the cheesy pork cutlet that came as a set with cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, and pickled vegetables. Was a great meal for when I was hungry. I liked the cheese and pork combination, however, I thought they put in too much cheese it was a little overwhelming. But it was okay because I could easily take out the excess cheese. Would definitely be willing to try curry tonkatsu next time!

Kelvin W.

Yelp
There's two locations that are both in Ktown, so double check the location or you and your friends will get up at different locations (not personal experience :D) For this specific locations there's a parking lot a little over, the sign is yellow but is hard to see especially at night. The food here is really good, you really can't go wrong with any of the Katsu items, but I personally like the chicken and curry. There's a bunch of combos as well where you can get katsu with udon or soba. The portions are huge and you can always add curry or rice as well.