Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store

October 16, 2025

I had the most delicious tonkatsu here! The sesame seeds you grind yourself and mix with the sauce match perfectly with the tender and juicy pork. The miso soup was very tasty, and the rice with mixed grains was also nice. The finely shredded cabbage was fresh and crunchy, too. Everything was well-balanced and so satisfying. The staff were very kind and friendly, and the warm atmosphere of the restaurant made me feel comfortable. I would love to come back again! 🍴✨

September 26, 2025

Excellent lunch experience throughout. The store is tucked behind the malls main corridor, but easy to find and reach. I had a slight wait at 2:30PM, so I can imagine the wait being longer during prime hours. The staff was welcoming and never rushed throughout the meal. They have English menu options as well and offer a large variety of tempura dishes, the centerpieces being the tonkatsu and prawn. I opted for a meal, which included rice, miso soup and a shredded cabbage. Also had a croquette, which tasted lovely. To start you grind your own (toasted) sesame and add one of three sauces, which forms the tomkatsus dipping sauce. The meal was excellent, lightly battered and fried to the right degree without being too light or dark. Overall a nice rounded experience that I can definitely recommend.

October 28, 2025

They have a few branches. This ended up being our favorite meal in Kyoto and the best thing was that we didn’t have to queue up. We got seated right away. I was a bit overwhelmed by their menu selection as it was quite extensive. We decided to order a couple of their recommended set menu items which included unlimited refills on rice, cabbage and miso soup. I got the 80g pork tenderloin cutlet and almost regretted not ordering the 120g but I was getting full. The portion is generous. The pork was so tender. They offered 3 flavors of their tonkatsu sauce; original, spicy and yuzu. You add one to grind up sesame seeds that you grind yourself and the yuzu sauce onto your cabbage as a salad dressing. Our favorite was the yuzu flavor and we wish we could have bought their bottled version home. We also ordered their Kinka pork rib eye. It’s only offered as 160g and good thing because it was just as tender and juicy with a bit more fat in it. Highly recommended for tonkatsu. On an end note, I disliked their complimentary tea. It smelled and tasted like an ash tray. Like if you took burned cigarette butts and put in a bottle of water to steep.

August 31, 2025

I cannot fault anything about this little gem. Recommend to come early as there is a queue at peak times. Last time we were here we waited for about 40 mins for dinner. This time we went for lunch and there was no queue and was seated straight away. One of the best tonkatsu I’ve ever had. I’m not a fan of pork but I will make an exception for this. There are various cuts and sizes to chose from (lean / fattier) and their speciality is a pestle and mortar situation of sesame seeds which you grind and then place in your chosen tonkatsu sauce (spicy / non spicy). There is also a ponzu sauce which you can place over your cabbage salad - very refreshing. The panko on each item is absolute perfection, the cuts of pork are top quality. It’s melt in your mouth texture and crunch at the same time. We ordered some additional side dishes - the jumbo prawn was delicious! Sweet and juicy and so were the scallops. The croquette was also as divine. We like to try a few options, but I do admit it does get a bit decadent. I would always go back to this place if I would back in Kyoto - amazing little gem. Loved it!

October 6, 2025

The Sanjo flagship of Katsukura embodies the Kyoto approach to refinement and detail. Here, tonkatsu is not just food but a curated experience. The pork is selected with care, the breading light and crisp, and the accompaniments—miso soup, rice, and seasonal pickles—are elevated to near ceremonial status. The main store has a serene atmosphere, reflecting Kyoto’s aesthetic of understated elegance. Service is attentive without intrusion, making it feel special whether you are a local or a traveler. Dining here reveals why Katsukura is revered: it translates everyday comfort into something nearly artisanal, an edible portrait of Kyoto’s understated sophistication.