Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Sanjo Kawaramachi — Restaurant in Kyoto

You won’t regret coming here! Suprisingly the best meal on our trip, and we have eaten gyukatsu and tonkatsu at multiple places.

Tried the wagyu full course set meal as it’s been a while since we had some wagyu - delicious, smooth and melted away as advertised. Worth trying if you want to get it at a legit place where you can savour, not just on a stick at a tourist market.

Also had Set Meal B with katsu pork, chicken, veggies and egg. All delicious and expertly fried. I liked the mushrooms and pork most, but my partner loved the egg at the end (mix into curry, then top on the rice). Excellent curry sauce - it was great mixing a bit into the katsu sauce, and also on its own with the rice!

Loved the ambience - we were seated on the end and could watch the team interact and cook. They were extremely attentive and monitored the guests, frying the next piece in succession. They also provided suggestions of how to eat each piece so you could try their experience, but did not pressure you to do so.

The staff were great and I noticed they were kind and non-judgemental when others requested multiple bowls of rice, just smiling and nodding sincerely. Water was refilled without asking. The possible owner (maybe? He seemed older and had a wise beard!) oversaw the staff and was meticulous with cleaning and was very observant, ensuring each guest had a fantastic experience. The rest of the staff were younger but very professional and each seemed to speak English and Japanese. When there was a moment of downtime they quietly joked with each other, which was nice to see - great teamwork and not a stressful type of kitchen.

We waited about 30min in cold February and it was worth it! Although they asked us to write a review afterward, I would have done it anyway because it was such a great experience...

I’m so happy we checked this restaurant out. We were really wanting to try gyukatsu while in Japan and everytime we tried in Tokyo, we could never get a seat. The universe was just leading us straight to the noren of this lil gem. The gyukatsu was everything we imagined and more. The pork katsu was the best I’ve ever had in my life. The variety of vegetable katsu were also delicious. It’s served as a meal set (you choose which combo you want) and they time it perfectly to bring the next round of veggies/protein as you eat through the course. They’ll recommend what kind of seasoning (salt, lemon, wasabi, tartar, curry, etc) they think pairs the best with the item. You even start your meal off by grinding your own sesame seeds to mix with their katsu sauce.

The meats may seem small in portion size, but everything is so filling, that it won’t disappoint. You’ll only wish you had more space to order more.

The restaurant is the ground level of a multi story building with seating just being a few seats (maybe 15~20) around their kitchen bar, so it might be difficult for larger groups. We came on a Tuesday night a couple hours before close and were seated right away. We were even the only customers in at one point and the last to leave with them still having another hour before close.

Highly recommend this place. The staff were all so friendly and sweet. Definitely coming back before we depart. I would recommend everyone to go check...

We visited Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Sanjo Kawaramachi and ordered Set C, and it was nothing short of incredible.

The meal began with small starters that set the tone—beautifully presented, light, and flavorful. Then came the star of the show: the tonkatsu itself. Each cutlet in Set C was perfectly fried to a golden crisp, light and airy without being greasy, and the pork inside was unbelievably tender. What stood out most was the balance—the crunch of the coating, the juiciness of the meat, and the subtle depth of flavor that only great technique can achieve.

Set C also included a wonderful variety of side dishes and accompaniments. The shredded cabbage was refreshingly crisp, the rice fluffy and endlessly refillable, and the miso soup warming and rich. The dipping sauces added a fun, interactive touch—we especially loved the freshly ground sesame sauce, which elevated each bite. The final curry-and-egg flourish tied the whole meal together with comfort and richness.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with soft jazz in the background and staff who made the experience feel personal and inviting. Every detail, from presentation to service, reflected the kind of care that makes dining in Kyoto so memorable.

In short, Set C was a perfect balance of flavor, variety, and experience. Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuda Sanjo Kawaramachi is an absolute must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy tonkatsu at its...