Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Shijokarasuma
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Shijō Station · 1 min walk (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line)
- Time needed
- 30–50 min
About
Boasting an outstanding reputation, this specialty restaurant is a must-visit in Kyoto for crispy, golden tonkatsu made from premium, thick-cut pork. What sets it apart is the meat's incredible tenderness, paired with a light, non-greasy panko crust and customizable sauces. Expect a cozy, modern interior with welcoming service, where you can enjoy your cutlet alongside unlimited rice, cabbage, and savory miso soup.
What Japanese guides note
Seating is organized along a counter where cooks transfer fried items onto wire racks in sequence, so large parties are routinely split into individual seats. Diners are encouraged to eat each portion immediately while it retains maximum heat before the subsequent items arrive. The location sits on Karasuma-dori just south of the Shijo intersection, positioned between the downtown commercial district and the Bukkō-ji neighborhood.
Details from local sources
- Unlike standard tonkatsu restaurants that serve entire cutlets at once, this shop prepares and serves each fried item individually across the counter in a multi-course sequence. [source]
- The primary pork cutlet is made with loin from Chami-buta brand pigs sourced from Kagoshima Prefecture. [source]
- Set courses conclude with the Kiwami Tamago Katsu, a soft-boiled deep-fried egg prepared with Kyoto's Tamago Dosue brand eggs. [source]
- The kitchen deep-fries all ingredients in a proprietary custom oil blend behind an open counter. [source]
Insider Tip
Avoid the peak lunch rush by arriving 15 minutes before opening, or try their Japanese curry set for a rich, flavorful twist.
Frequently asked
How does the dining and serving process work here?
Unlike traditional shops that plate an entire breaded cutlet at once, Katsuda serves cutlets sequentially across the counter in a course format. Each piece of pork, chicken, vegetable, and soft-boiled egg arrives directly from the fryer onto the customer's personal rack within seconds of cooking.
What variety of cutlets can diners order?
Beyond Kagoshima Chami-buta pork loin, menus feature Wagyu beef cutlets, chicken cutlets, and seafood options like scallop and shrimp. Diners can select combo sets such as the Katsuzanmai Teishoku to sample pork, chicken, beef, and vegetable cutlets within a single sit-down meal.
How is the side curry served with the set meal used?
Set meals include a small bowl of Katsuda's European-style curry alongside rice, seasonal obanzai, and pickles. Diners can dip individual cutlets into the sauce or pour it over a bowl of rice to make katsu curry. Refills of plain white rice are complimentary upon request.
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