GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Honten — Restaurant in Kyoto

I have been looking with anticipation at trying out cutlets of Wagyu for 4 days. Unfortunately the experience has been very disappointing.

I had a fantastic tonkatsu in Tokyo a week ago and the most spectacular dinner of wagyu 2 days ago. I've also grown spoilt of finding fantastic small specialized restaurants in Japan where the food is just superb.

Everything made me think a sirloin wagyu cutlet would have tasted amazing and instead it was just blend. The overall experience didn't help improving the satisfaction.

We were left queueing outside the restaurant for 20 mins (and today was quite cold) without any information.

While queueing we counted at least 15 people leaving the restaurant before they started calling us in. At that point they called in all the people they could fit, which luckily meant us.

Our luck continued as we had a seat at the counter. Unfortunately this time I didn't get particularly good vibes from the kitchen. That's ok, the chefs are not there to entertain us. I like less to see almost an industrial process for what I was expecting been a special food experience.

It took a good while for our beers to arrive.

Shortly after our food arrived too.

After dinner I had a short debate with my partner. I remember hearing "the meat can be eaten as it is. If you like it well done, we recommend using the grill" (something that was prepared for us on the table). I also believe I picked up a note of negative judgment toward cooking further what the chef had prepared. My partner remembers instead that there was a clear recommendation to use it.

Regardless, I tried hard to enjoy the meat as it was served and follow all the instructions that were present in a small poster with different ways to enjoy the meat.

The meat arrived cold. Which to me is always a negative start when it comes to cooked meat, with rate exceptions like ham. I didn't want to use the grill as I wanted to try the meat as the chef prepared it but I ended up starting to use it to at least eat warm meat. That helped me making a discovery toward the end.

The taste of this wagyu, supposedly the best meat in the world, was bland, barely noticeable.

The many sauces were uninspiring. If anything they covered the taste of the meat.

I didn't like the strong recommendation to pair the meat with the Onsen Egg.

There was an option to use a salt & pepper seasoning but for my taste the pepper was overwhelming compared to the salt. Starting to get a good but frustrated with an unsatisfying meal, I asked if I could get "just a bit of plain salt". I got answered that they didn't have it but only had the salt & pepper mix.

At that point I had expensive cold tasteless meat with toppings that either I didn't like or didn't add enough flavor. 3 slices from the end of my cutlet I started cooking the meat as I would have normally in an attempt to save at least the last bites. The flavor improved a lot but still it was nowhere near the wagyu I had 2 days before. And being sirloin, this was supposed to be the tastiest part.

Just as things started getting better I first ran out of salt & pepper mix (and due to the previous interaction I didn't want to ask for more), then the flame under the grill started dying.

I am left with an expensive disappointing experience that could have probably been easily improved if someone had checked on us during the dinner to see how things were going. Something particularly useful when the dinner arrives in a non complete status but it requires instead additional...

A Must-Visit for Gyukatsu Lovers – Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Mai

If you’re in Kyoto and looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Mai is an absolute must-visit. Nestled in the heart of the historic Pontocho Alley, this restaurant perfectly blends Kyoto’s rich cultural ambiance with a modern take on traditional Japanese flavors. From the moment you step inside, the serene atmosphere and elegant wooden interiors set the tone for an exceptional meal.

The Star of the Show: Gyukatsu

The highlight here is, of course, the gyukatsu—a deep-fried beef cutlet that redefines indulgence. Unlike tonkatsu, which uses pork, the beef cutlet here is served medium-rare, encased in a light, crispy golden crust. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and the incredibly juicy, tender interior. The restaurant offers different cuts, including premium Wagyu sirloin, ensuring that every guest finds their perfect match.

What makes this experience even more exciting is the personal grilling plate provided at your table. You can sear your gyukatsu to your preferred level of doneness, adding a fun, interactive touch to the meal. This customization ensures that every bite is exactly as you like it—whether you prefer the deep umami of a rare cut or a slightly more cooked, smoky finish.

Perfectly Paired Flavors

Gyukatsu at Katsugyu isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the harmonious balance of flavors. The restaurant offers an assortment of condiments to enhance your meal, including dashi soy sauce, wasabi, sansho pepper salt, and a tangy mustard sauce. Each brings out different layers of taste, making every bite a new experience.

The set meal comes with perfectly steamed Koshihikari rice, finely shredded cabbage, and a warm miso soup, rounding out the flavors with a comforting touch. For those looking for an extra boost of umami, the grated yam (tororo) is a fantastic addition to drizzle over the rice.

An Unforgettable Kyoto Dining Experience

Beyond the food, the experience itself is something to cherish. The friendly and attentive staff make sure that every guest is comfortable and well-informed about the best ways to enjoy their meal. The setting, in the heart of Kyoto’s picturesque alleyways, adds to the charm, making it a great place for a relaxing meal after exploring the city.

Located just a short walk from Sanjo Keihan Station, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Mai is easily accessible and operates daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it a convenient stop for lunch or dinner. Given its popularity, there may be a short wait, but trust me—it’s 100% worth it.

Whether you’re a seasoned gyukatsu lover or trying it for the first time, this restaurant promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The combination of premium beef, masterful frying techniques, and Kyoto’s signature hospitality makes it one of the best gyukatsu spots in Japan.

Final Verdict? A 10/10 experience that deserves a spot on every foodie’s...

It's terrible！！

I've eaten at 京都勝牛 in Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, and this time when I came to Kyoto, I was determined to dine at the flagship store. I was really disappointed; I never expected the flagship store to be so unbelievably bad！！

Several pieces of beef were all fat, the batter was too thick, and the texture of the beef was poor. Even though I ordered the most expensive option, I found that there were too many tendons in the meat. Many pieces were hard to chew and had a very bad texture.

During the meal, two flies were buzzing around, which was extremely annoying.

We arrived during a non-peak time and asked the staff if we could sit at a four-person table since there were available seats and two people were already dining at one. However, the staff said no and directed us to sit at the counter.

If the restaurant has a rule that two people can’t sit at a four-person table, that’s understandable, but then another couple arrived and they were allowed to sit at a four-person table, which I found very confusing.

Two people using one grill made the dining efficiency very low.

Additionally, we ordered a lot of food,besides two sets of meals, we also ordered an extra portion of beef and a korokke, and there was hardly any space on the table. When the server brought the korokke, they didn’t even ask who ordered it, just placed it on the table where there was space, which was...