Matsunoya Nara Ekimae — Restaurant in Nara

I gave all 5 stars bcos the price point versus the categories are on point. At the time of writing, it has two standing food ordering machines. I paid by credit card. If you don’t fancy pork loin, they offer chicken items.

I settled on pork loin with miso sauce + regular sized rice, add on a croquette totalling 770¥. Iirc, they have small, regular and large portion of rice. Tea and water is free. The pork loin is not going to win awards but wow, it’s very good for the price point! It’s crispy outside and juicy enough inside. Miso sauce goes so well with it too. I’m very glad this kind of restaurant offering pocket friendly price exist in this touristy area. Not only it gives the locals an affordable alternative but likewise for tourists like us who seek pocket friendly good Japanese food. Best 770¥ I hv spent in my 3 days in Osaka!

The floor staff are respectful and welcoming. Very surprised to see the staff bringing the food to you after your order is submitted. And they will clear the food tray once you’re done with your meal. The area looks clean and bright too. Thumbs up...

This tonkatsu restaurant is fantastic!!! A great place to grab a good, cheap meal. Only a 2 minute walk from the JR Nara Station.

The staff are very friendly and accommodating.

The tonkatsu is crispy, flaky and flavourful. Each meal is served with rice, cabbage and miso soup. There are different sauces available for your meal.

The restaurant is spacious and very clean. Hand sanitizers are readily available at each table. Take out available.

I will definitely be back soon...

If you are used to Japanese food this might be a good place for you. I had a katsudon, but it was the worst one I've ever had. (Though I've only eaten it outside of my own cooking two times.) The egg was not done, and there was no hot tonkatsu sauce it simmered in. One sip of the miso soup made my stomach hurt, but I can't stand a lot of miso on my best days, so that might just be me. It was cheap though, and it filled my stomach...