Yabaton — Restaurant in Nagoya

Went specifically to Nagoya for this dish - who doesn't love crispy breaded pork cutlets?

Looking through the comments, yeah, it is a bit hard to find - this restaurant is situated in the 9th floor of the Meitetsu Department Store which is right opposite from the JR Nagoya station. It was literally luck that we found it so easily.

Coming out from JR Nagoya, follow the signs for the Meitetsu Bus Center - it is in the same building as the Meitetsu Department store - I've included a picture of "Sumibiyakiniku Sugimoto" which there is an exit directly opposite - the building you see is the Department store. Go to the lifts and find the 9th floor and walk around until you see Misokatsu or the word "Yabaton."

Queues were long but it moves very quickly - get in line. A waiter comes out and passes you the menu. Google translate via your phone camera (either via Google Lens or the camera function on Google Translate.) Point at what you want and indicate how many of the dish you would like - the order is taken via phone and the waiter will give you a number card (see image.) Once you get to the front of the queue, hand in the card to the waiter who will guide you to your seat. Food comes very quickly after.

One thing I have learnt to appreciate is that the chefs will tailor the portion of the meal based on gender (this is usually by giving the men a slightly larger portion of meat, shredded cabbage, and rice, vs the ladies.) This is in no way sexist, it is meant to reduce food wastage and in Japan, it is common for ladies to eat less than the men. That said, if you're ever still hungry and have walloped your portion of rice and you still have meat left, just call out "Sumimasen! (pronounced Sue-me-mah-sehn) and lift up your empty rice bowl - someone will come and replenish it.

A large jug of cold green tea sits on the table for you to refill your cup and do try out the pickled red onions and yellow mustard with your meal. The pickles are meant as a palate cleanser in between bites (much like the pickled ginger in your prepacked sushi) and the mustard gives the breaded pork cutlets a nice bite.

5 stars and highly recommend - the 1 hour shinkansen (bullet train) ride was worth it. Definitely...

This is recommended in many blogs so I have to try.

Food: The star of the show at Misokatsu Yabaton is undoubtedly their signature misokatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet bathed in a rich miso-based sauce. The moment you take your first bite, you're transported to a world of savory goodness. The pork cutlet is perfectly tender on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside. The miso sauce adds a burst of umami flavor that complements the meat beautifully. Their menu also includes various miso-based dishes, each prepared with the same dedication to quality and taste. It's a culinary journey that leaves your taste buds singing with joy.

Service: The service at Misokatsu Yabaton is impeccable. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are more than happy to help you navigate the choices and offer recommendations. Whether it's refilling your tea or providing extra sauce, they anticipate your needs, making you feel truly pampered throughout your meal. The speed of service is just right, allowing you to savor your meal without feeling rushed.

Atmosphere: The restaurant's atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between cozy and authentic. The traditional Japanese decor, with wooden accents and paper lanterns, creates a warm and inviting ambiance. It's an excellent place to experience Japanese comfort food in a relaxed setting.

In conclusion, Misokatsu Yabaton in Nagoya is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Japanese dining experience. From the delectable misokatsu to the outstanding service and charming atmosphere, this restaurant...

I went there during the dinner time on Sunday with colleagues. We had to wait for 20 min and, not gonna lie, the service was fast. It may sound too critical, but we didn’t enjoy that waiter would approach us every five minutes during the meal to either remove plates or refill water. Obviously, they want us to finish meal faster so the next customer comes in. In general, no much おもてなし(service for customers), but 早食い (fast food). Please, leave us some privacy. At the same time it’s understandable that the shop is busy, but don’t be too obvious. Don’t come when no needed: for example, the waiter approached my colleague with the water refill , but his glass was yet glass full. I ordered miso katsu. The katsu itself was okay. I honestly had better the texture and structure wise. Fat was balanced well meaning restaurant is playing fair with products. The miso sauce was a bit salty for my personal taste, but besides that it was good. I would refer to it as 和カツ. I I really enjoyed miso soup due to it having distinct intriguing smoky flavor and pickles that were very mild and went well with rice. I’m overall, the experience was worthy but I would pay less according to...