Papi Katsu Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Perth

While the food and drinks at Papi Katsu were absolutely fantastic—truly a standout in Perth—I have to tell you about this bizarre experience I had that keeps coming back to me. I was walking by this tree once, and I swear to God, it looked like it asked me, "You got any spare change?" I mean, I freaked out. I still have mini aneurysms just thinking about it.

Every now and then, this memory of the tree pops into my head, and I start sweating profusely and my heart starts pounding. Then, I get paranoid and start assuming all the trees want some change.

But back to Papi Katsu—the dining experience was genuinely exceptional. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere set the perfect tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable meal. The staff were incredibly attentive and made me feel like a VIP throughout my visit. Their recommendations were spot-on, and each dish that arrived was a masterpiece of flavour and presentation.

The standout was undoubtedly their signature katsu, which was cooked to perfection. The crispiness of the coating contrasted beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside. Every bite was a delight. The side dishes and drinks complemented the main course beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The ambiance of the restaurant, paired with the top-notch service, made for a truly memorable evening. It’s clear that Papi Katsu is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience. If you’re in Perth and looking for a place that combines superb food with outstanding service, Papi Katsu should definitely be at the top of your list.

As for the one-star reviews, let me just say this: the people who left those reviews are not the folks you'd ask for recommendations on anything serious. I know because one of them is my biological dad and we do not see eye to eye when it comes to subject of why do I keep talking about trees when we are out at social events or why must I do some sweet karate moves in front of government officials. They might be the kind of people you’d consult only when you’re wondering what kind of axe to use to chop down a nightmare-fuelled tree that you’ve had a freakish encounter with. Even then, you’d probably just disregard their advice because, let’s face it, they’re not the closest friends but more like acquaintances from college. Their opinions on Papi Katsu are definitely not worth considering if you’re looking for a truly exceptional...

A Hidden Gem for Cocktails & Japanese Bites.

Papi Katsu is an absolute standout in the cocktail and Japanese dining scene. From the moment you step inside, you’re met with an intimate yet lively atmosphere, perfectly blending modern elegance with a touch of Tokyo street-style charm. Whether you’re stopping by for a perfectly crafted drink or a full dining experience, this place delivers on all fronts.

The cocktail menu is nothing short of exceptional. Each drink is a work of art, expertly balanced and full of bold, unique flavours. Whether you prefer something smooth and classic or adventurous and infused with Japanese ingredients like yuzu, shiso, or umeshu, the bartenders here know exactly how to impress. Every sip feels like an experience, not just a drink.

Pairing the cocktails with their Japanese-inspired menu is a must. The katsu, true to the name, is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the sushi and small plates are fresh, well-executed, and perfect for sharing. The attention to detail in the food is evident, and the quality is top-tier.

The service is another highlight—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they serve. The staff takes the time to recommend drinks and dishes based on your preferences, making the experience feel personalised and welcoming.

Whether you’re after a stylish date night, a fun night out with friends, or just a place to enjoy expertly crafted drinks, Papi Katsu is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again....

Not a typical Japanese restaurant! Today's charts music blasting through the speakers making this a very unpleasant place to dine. The receptionist was an disaster, super slow and disinformed.

We chose bar seating thinking we'll be entertained...wrong The bar was sticky and dirty. I asked 2x for it to be wiped. We were placed there with tap water for 15 min!!! Nobody cared. No menu was offered , not asked if we'd like anything. The aircon hurricane blowing down on us making us freezing cold.

We almost walked out.

Ordered Duck and shitake gyoza... underseasoned

Waguy tatare, about 5g per piece for 38$ really, a joke. Couldn't even taste the wagu on top of all that stick deep fried rice.

Nigiri ( can't make any changed to the seafood! So comes as mixed, weird but ok) The seafood was outstanding very much enjoyed it BUT any Japanese would be embarrassed serving that rice. It wasn't seasoned and fell completely apart.

Duck with Mandarin was terrible. Super chewy, and tough. Hated that dish.

Cocktails were nice.

At around 9pm lots of young adults came to bar for drinks turning this place into a pre party place.

Finally the toilets are partially public I assume and therefore absolutely disgusting, the stench is unbearable. So here the thing you can't expect people to pay 280 bucks for a bottle of wine and 295 of a tasting but have toilets that are worst than the dirty streets of Paris. Probably even a topic for the health department. Do not recommend to anyone with...